Isla Omotepe is a pretty unique place formed by two volcanoes and rising on Lake Nicaragua. Why did I even hesitate going there? Right, because I was afraid to be stuck on the island without accommodation. Well, I’m glad I made the trip—it’s awesome here.
From San Juan del Sur, I took a collectivo back to Rivas, another collectivo to San Jorge and I arrived right on time to take the 10:30 a.m. boat. It was very windy and the trip was a bit rough but we made it. I found a hostel easily and, funny enough, I noticed that there weren’t as many backpackers as I had expected. Most places weren’t full.
It was already midday when I got there but I wanted to explore the island—no way I was going to stroll the main street over and over again. I picked Punta Jesús María (what a name!) is the most western point of the island, a four-kilometre-long hike on a paved road. I passed horses, dogs, chickens, cows and pigs. I walked by huge plantain fincas and crossed a military zone that offered a great view on Volcán Concepción. Eventually, I leave the road and followed a dirt path. There didn’t seem to be much other than a small beach… but when I turned around, I realized how beautiful the scenery was: the dark volcanic sand contrasting with the lush vegetation and the volcano looming in the background.
Definitely worth the sweaty hike.
I think I’m going to like this place.
I love this place! I especially like the picture with the volcano: the clouds overhead make it seem like it’s in eruption and the contrast between the sky and the dark sand is eye-catching. Not to mention this strange separation of water – what is that?
I’m just wondering, what exactly is a chicken bus? Why is it called a chicken bus – do the locals transport live animals on these buses?
Gringos call these old US schoolbuses “chicken buses” because locals take them to go to the market and you often have to share the bus with… well, chickens! These buses are super cheap but super slow as there are no bus stop, they constantly pick up passengers and their stuff along the way.
This is my favourite place you have been to so far on your trip. Love the idea of it being formed by two volcanoes.
Yeah, me too, along with Granada. It’s so unique!
It really looks like an island at the end of the world!
It feels like that too!