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Trip Report

Ometepe, Nicaragua. Living in harmony with the four elements.

Ometepe island, a wonderful destination to enjoy and relax

  • Maderas+ 3
  • Maderas
  • Maderas
  • Ometepe, Nicaragua.  Living in harmony with the four elements.
harryp
About Me:open-hearted, adventurous, nature enthusiast person from Hampshire read more

North AmericaNicaragua1 day / April 2022

Highs & Lows

Hiking Maderas volcano

Hiking back down from Maderas volcano

Itinerary Overview

Ometepe island, in the middle of the enormous Lago Cocibolca, hosts both an active and dormant volcano, petroglyph, and even monkeys. This island is shrouded in mystery, natural beauty, and wonder.

I spent a total of three weeks on the island, predominantly based in the Santa Cruz area bordering the Maderas volcano.  It’s an area very much in touch with the spiritual, connection with the elements and natural beauty. 

We are great admirers of the natural world and keen practices of meditation, breath work and yoga alongside hiking and gardening, that's why this trip was so amazing 

  • Day trip: Maderas
    To swim in a lake, in the crater of a volcano, onan island, in the middle of a lake..
  • Day trip: El Pital Ometepe, Chocolate Paradise
    Smoothies and Yoga!
Maderas - To swim in a lake, in the crater of a volcano, onan island, in the middle of a lake..
1

Maderas To swim in a lake, in the crater of a volcano, onan island, in the middle of a lake..

Maderas - To swim in a lake, in the crater of a volcano, onan island, in the middle of a lake.. - null
Maderas - To swim in a lake, in the crater of a volcano, onan island, in the middle of a lake.. - null
Maderas - To swim in a lake, in the crater of a volcano, onan island, in the middle of a lake.. - null

Starting at 6 o’clock in the morning we embarked on our journey up the volcano, That began with a steady but manageable incline, but gradually became both more steep and treacherous; as the air became damp and the dirt turned to slippery mud. After a grueling 3 hours that sometimes felt like a rock climb than a hike, we arrived at the outer rim of the crater, but could see nothing - due to the clouds. 
 

As we ended our descent into the crater, the lake was almost completely covered in mist, but within 20-30 minutes it cleared to reveal a cauldron of lush green trees surrounding an extremely muddy lake. It’s not necessarily advised to swim in it, as the mud is so thick and is around 1m high… but I thought it was worth it just to say I had!! 

And as for the trek down. The less said the better. It’s tough, really tough. So take care, take it slow and definitely, definitely take a shower at the end. 

El Pital Ometepe, Chocolate Paradise - Smoothies and Yoga!
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El Pital Ometepe, Chocolate Paradise Smoothies and Yoga!

El Pital Ometepe, Chocolate Paradise - Smoothies and Yoga! - null
El Pital Ometepe, Chocolate Paradise - Smoothies and Yoga! - null
El Pital Ometepe, Chocolate Paradise - Smoothies and Yoga! - null

El Pital is a fantastic hostel worth either staying at our visiting. I visited several times and enjoyed it more and more each time. 
 

The best part about El Pital was yoga with Ryan every weekday morning at 9am. His sessions are challenging but welcome anyone from beginner to advanced. He is not only a fantastic instructor but an even better person and although his sessions are free, tipping is optional.

 

El Pital is a perfect place to relax, the food and drinks are delicious, the views are spectacular and there are often activities and live music to indulge in. 

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    I spent 3 weeks there as I was volunteering at a hostel, but I’d recommend 1 week or less being enough.
  • Anything go wrong during the trip?

    no
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    Cafe Campastre in Santa Cruz. I’d recommend any of the curries, they’re some of the best I’ve had anywhere in the world.
  • Packing tips?

    Pack hiking shoes for the trek!
  • Transportation Tips?

    Rent a scooter or motorbike! Other than the unreliable chicken bus it’s the only way to get around.
  • Any surprises?

    How big the island was and with everything so spread out this makes it very difficult to get from place to place.
  • Booking details?

    Book a few days in advance if possible.