The second part of our trip brings us to the small piece of paradise called the Island of Ometepe. Its name means “two mountains” in Nahuatl (Aztec). Indeed, two large volcanoes are on each side. One, Conception, is very active and the other, Maderas is not active anymore. A small embarcation takes over the treacherous waters of Lake Nicaragua which can get very windy. The ride was very bumpy.
The volcano Conception is quite a sight.
We arrive at sunset.
On our first night, we try a dish called Indio Viejo which is kind of stew made with corn.
On the next day, we rent a scooter to explore the island which is about 30 km long.
We go explore an ecological reserve, Charco Verde. It’s gorgeous.
The reserve protects a colony of howler monkeys.
After the hike, we are quite hungry so we head out to a restaurant which was possibly our best food experience in Nicaragua, it was a place called Cafe Campestre. The service was very slow but the food was fresh and very tasty.
The desert was various chocolate cookies with ginger, coffee and various other spices.
After lunch, we decide to do another hike on the Maderas volcano which takes us inside the tropical forest and we get wonderful views of the island.
We finish the day on the beach of Santo Domingo.
The following day, we go visit a wonderful little museum called Museo El Ceibo. It contains a large collection of Precolombian art from the Nahuatl civilization (related to the Aztecs)
For the rest of the day, we explore various parts of the island.
We finish the day at a place called the Ojo de Agua which is a natural thermal water pool. A bit packed with tourists but quite relaxing.
Finally, we have to return to civilization and must to return to the mainland. We will miss Ometepe!
Next up, the venerable city of León!
