"Traditional Life on Isla de Ometepe" Top 5 Page for this destination Isla de Ometepe Local Custom Tip by mircaskirca

Cycling and walking on Ometepe is a great way to explore the island and experience the rural life, in particular the southeastern part, which is mostly unpaved, rutted and muddy. Cars are not frequent and you’ll be on the road with horseback riders, cattle herders, walkers and bikers. It is not unusual to see the whole family riding on the same bike. Passing through the little villages gives an opportunity to observe life of the local people. In rural parts of Ometepe, you’ll see laundry being done on the banks of the river or in a stream, a common meeting place for the village women, and children having fun in the water. I guess their mothers and grandmothers did the same.

Houses are still made of wood, in traditional way, although more and more people have started using concrete to build stronger homes. People make their living mostly by fishing and farming. There are still many traditional family farms on the island. The rich volcanic soil means agriculture here has always been organic, providing abundant crops of avocados, mangoes, maiz, beans, bananas and coffee. The island's inhabitants are very kind people and they might invite you in their homes. And if you want to learn about traditional fishing, tours in a wooden canoe can be organized with local fishermen.