"Ometepe- A PLACE LIKE NO OTHER " a Isla de Ometepe Travel Page by NoBorders81

Imagine an island that has two volcanos, a dense jungle and is surrounded by nothing but fresh water. Look no further then the Isla de Ometepe located in the middle of Lago de Nicaragua (Nicaragua).

The lake is the only place in the world where fresh water sharks roam. It is also surrounded by two majestic volcanos Concepcion and Maderas. Concepcion is still very much active and could erupt at any given time. On the otherhand, Maderas is inactive volcano but has a gigantic lake in its crater that you can swim in (Trust me it is VERY COLD!).

The people are also different then main land Nicaraguans (Nicas). They did not have to deal with the civil war of mainland Nicaragua in the 80's so basicially it is a country within a country.

When told to leave because Concepcion was going to erupt they said they would rather stay and die on their island! However, I found both Nicas and the people of Ometepe to be a very warm inviting people.

A grand view of Volcan Concepcion from Finca de Magdalena. Concepcion at 1610 meters high is the taller of the two volcanos.

Pre-Columbian petroglyphs likes these are scattered all over the island.

A view of Ometepe and Lake Nicaragua half way up Volcan Maderas. The hike to the up to the top and back should take from 3-4 hours. Make sure to wear mud boots as it is very muddy up to the top. Also listen and watch for holwer monkeys on the way as you go from a coffee plantation to the jungle.