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Ometepe
Island |
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Ometepe
Island |
| This incredible island formed by two
volcanoes is located on Lake Nicaragua. The Concepción volcano rises to 4,430 feet (1,610
mts.) above sea level and the Maderas volcano 3,833 feet (1,394 mts). Moyogalpa the main
city and port is 25 miles (43 km) south of Granada. You can reach Ometepe via the port of
San Jorge in Rivas, near the border with Costa Rica, where you can take a scheduled ship
for a 1-hour ride to the island. A new ferry service with capacity for cars as well as
passengers is also available. From the moment you arrive to Ometepe you realize that you
are in a different world; unique in its kind. The presence of the Volcanoes is constant as
life circles around this two colossus of nature. The Concepción is a dormant volcano and the Maderas is extinct covered by a deep cloud forest and a lagoon on the top of the crater. The island was a ceremonial place for ancient Indian culture. Proof of that are the many petroglyphs and stone idols are found in different archaeological sites and in the Altagracia town as well. Sightseeing tour around the Volcanoes: Punta la Paloma, (Pigeons point) is a beautiful peninsula covered with trees, allowing the visitor a cool shadow all day. The view is incredible. It is a few minutes from Moyogalpa. Santo Domingo Beach, a narrow strip of white sand beach between the two volcanoes. There are local restaurants. Nearby there is a cool and crystal natural spring water creek. Altagracia, an old Indian settlement that evolved into a small sleepy town. The old Spanish church with its collections of Indian stone idols is a good photographic spot. The local museum: with a collection of old Indian pottery and other findings. Maderas Volcano Climbing, only for those with good physical conditions. The ascent climb takes 5 to 6 hr. but reaching the top with the small lagoon is worth the effort. The best time of the year for this climb is December to April. During the rainy season it gets much more difficult. Nature observations: along the tour you will be able to see monkeys and birds. |
