Adventures on Ometepe

The lush jungle of Ometepe island lends itself beautifully to adventure. The twin volcanos on the island offer numerous hikes. The beaches offer the opportunity to sunbathe and kayak. The small towns lend a little cultural charm. All this combined make Ometepe Island one of the most versatile places to spend part of your Nica vacation.

Elvis and I explored both by land and by sea. As a cyclist I am not so great to our driver took Elvis and I to the crest of a hill where the riding was basically an easy glide down. Though we rode on the streets which could have easily been driven (a support van followed close behind) it offered a unique perspective as I watched oxen being herded across the road and villages come to life.

 

 

Elvis picked mangos from the tree and we indulged in the simple pleasure of fresh fruit before heading back the way we came for and afternoon of kayaking. 

The wind was not in our favor so the trip across the lake was done in a speedboat so that we could enter our kayaks in the protected waters of the mangrove. It was a lovely afternoon of paddling, warm but quite still and then the tinkling rain came. I hadn't anticipated the amount of wildlife we would see (at least before the rain!)

 

Any of these activities can have a more relaxed or more adventurous pace. The benefit of traveling with a guide who has been with you already for a few days is that he can gauge what you are up for and tailor the day to your interest and ability.