Ometepe Island holidays
Ometepe Island holidays at a glance
Ometepe is one of Nicaragua’s most iconic natural attractions. Sitting within Lake Nicaragua, we think of it as the largest freshwater island in the world, and it’s instantly recognisable thanks to the twin volcanic peaks that dominate the skyline.
Life on the island moves at a slower pace than elsewhere in Nicaragua. Visitors come here to enjoy the scenery, experience rural island life and take in the natural landscapes around them.
The two volcanoes create a spectacular backdrop across the island and shape much of its identity. Combined with the vast lake setting, we think they make Ometepe one of the most photogenic destinations in the country.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Ometepe Island
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
The combination of volcanoes, lake scenery and relaxed island life makes Ometepe unlike anywhere else in Central America.
When to visit Ometepe Island
You can visit Ometepe throughout the year as part of a wider Nicaragua itinerary – we see it as one of the country’s key year-round destinations. We’d usually recommend these months if you want to explore the island and enjoy its outdoor attractions. Rainfall brings out lush vegetation and vibrant scenery across the island. The mix of lake scenery, volcanoes and island life makes Ometepe rewarding whenever you visit.
Warm and sunny days with an increased chance of showers towards the end of May.
The wet season begins and humidity increases. However at the start of the season showers fall mainly in the afternoon. As the wet season progresses there is an increased chance of tropical storms.
Top Things to do in Ometepe Island
Ometepe’s appeal lies in its dramatic landscapes, peaceful atmosphere and outdoor opportunities. We love how the island invites you to slow down and properly immerse yourself in nature.
Hike along a jungle trail to the top of one of Ometepe island’s two volcanoes.
Walk to San Ramón waterfall on the slopes of Maderas volcano, admiring the natural landscape and views out over Lake Nicaragua.
Accommodation in Ometepe Island
Accommodation on Ometepe is all about enjoying the island’s natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.
Many of our travellers choose to stay for several nights, giving themselves time to properly appreciate the scenery and the relaxed pace of life that make the island so special.
Simple beachfront hotel in a remote natural setting, offering a base for exploring the wildlife-rich forests and mangroves of Charco Verde Nature Reserve.
Secluded hotel with comfortable cabins and a beautiful setting on Lake Nicaragua; an original and still one of the best of Ometepe island’s simple hotels.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Ometepe Island
Group Ometepe Island Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Alción: Central America Discovery
Places visited: Panama City · Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands · Caribbean coast · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Ometepe Island · Granada · Leon · Gulf of Fonseca and Eastern El Salvador · Suchitoto · Copan · Antigua and the highlands
22 days from £4,174
Cotinga: Off the beaten track Nicaragua
Places visited: Granada · Ometepe Island · Rio San Juan · Corn Islands · Leon
18 days from £3,737
Tailor-Made Ometepe Island Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Self-drive Nicaragua: Adventures by road
Places visited: Matagalpa and the north · Leon · Granada · Ometepe Island · Pacific coast
14 days from £2,350
Signature Nicaragua: Fire, water and revolution
Places visited: Rio San Juan · Granada · Ometepe Island · Pacific coast · Leon
13 days from £3,075
Signature: Best of Costa Rica and Nicaragua
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Arenal and the north · Rio San Juan · Granada · Ometepe Island
12 days from £3,100
Undiscovered El Salvador and Nicaragua
Places visited: San Salvador · Ruta de las Flores · Suchitoto · Gulf of Fonseca and Eastern El Salvador · Leon · Ometepe Island · Granada · Rio San Juan
19 days from £4,700
FAQs about visiting Ometepe Island
Ometepe Island is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When To Go
The island has a typical tropical climate with high temperatures all year round at low altitude. May – Nov is rainy season, but the countryside looks its best at this time. It can be windy Nov – Feb. Hurricanes possible Jun – Nov.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- Language
Spanish.
- Getting Local Currency
- Time Difference
GMT -6 hours.
- Combines With
A visit to colonial Granada on the lakeshore; a boat adventure down the tropical San Juan river to the west of the lake.
- Getting There
There are boat connections from Granada and San Carlos, or a 1 hour public ferry from San Jorge to Moyogalpa.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.