Where to Stay in Ometepe – 5 TOP Areas for Your Holiday
Ometepe is an island made up of 2 volcanoes that rise out of Lake Nicaragua – sounds incredible, right? The island is truly stunning, with its lush nature, well-preserved petroglyphs, and lovely beaches, so it’s no surprise people start planning their trips and wondering where to stay in Ometepe.
I’ve compared all the different areas on Ometepe Island (Ometepe for short) and made the list of the 5 top spots for staying on the island. Besides highlighting the best areas, I also handpicked the top Ometepe island hotels in each of the recommended areas for every budget.
The best place to stay in Ometepe is Moyogalpa, the island’s largest village and most popular tourist spot. But there are plenty of other spots worth your attention as well.
When you choose the perfect spot for your stay, make sure you don’t wait too long to reserve your accommodation. In such a secluded destination, places sell out super fast!
Are you ready? Let’s start!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you need to book now, here’s a list of the best Ometepe hotels, all situated in Moyogalpa:
budget hotel
Best affordable accommodation in the center
Here’s a map of the 5 best areas of Ometepe that I’ll be discussing in this post:
1. Moyogalpa – where to stay in Ometepe for the first time
Moyogalpa, located in the Northwest of Ometepe, is one of the oldest towns in Nicaragua and the main gateway to Ometepe Island, hosting the main ferry port. This is the most touristy place on the whole island: here, you’ll find the largest number of accommodation options and restaurants, making it the perfect spot to stay in Ometepe for the first time.
The town itself doesn’t have anything really special to offer but is the best base for exploring the rest of the island. There are some guided tours you can book, but exploring the island on your own is much more fun! That’s why I recommend renting a scooter, a motorbike, or even an ATV and immersing yourself in all Ometepe has to offer.
NOTE: Ometepe has limited public transportation; there are buses operating between Moyogalpa and Altagracia, as well as some other villages on the island. However, there’s no website or app that can help you plan your trip, and most buses don’t operate on Sundays – another reason why you should have access to your transport, like a scooter or rental car.
If you’re staying in Moyogalpa, I suggest you check out the stunning natural landscapes nearby. Your first stop should be the Concepción Volcano (map). You can hike up to the top of Concepción, but keep in mind that this is a difficult 10-hour hike and requires a high degree of physical fitness.
FUN FACT: As I mentioned, the island of Ometepe is comprised of 2 volcanoes – the active Concepción Volcano and the dormant Maderas Volcano. These 2 volcanoes are connected by a thin and flat isthmus that gives the island a distinct hourglass shape.
Another cool spot to visit from Ometepe is Punta Jesús María (map) – the Westernmost tip of the island – and you can always enjoy a meal at one of the numerous restaurants in the village. You should also definitely pay a visit to the Charco Verde Lake (map) and the surrounding Charco Verde Park & Butterfly Aviary (map).
Moyogalpa is the most convenient and budget-friendly place to stay on Ometepe… check out its great hotels below (and make sure you book them some months in advance to secure a spot there).NOTE: if you can’t decide where to stay on Ometepe, you also have the option of splitting your stay between 2 different areas. So, if you’re catching the ferry from San Jorge on the mainland to the ferry port in Moyogalpa, you can spend the first few days of your trip in Moyogalpa, then continue your stay in one of the other areas recommended here.
Luxury hotel
Hospedaje Soma Ometepe Hotel has all the comforts you need for your stay on Ometepe! Enjoy the restaurant serving delicious food, an outdoor swimming pool where to relax, and a bar for amazing cocktails! Booking a room here will give you access to a continental or à la carte breakfast, free parking, and free wifi! Guests particularly love the service!
Other accommodation options in Moyogalpa
Mid-Range
Enjoy your spacious private room with a patio and access to free WiFi and a fantastic continental breakfast
Budget
A hostel in a great location, offering clean guest rooms or beds in a dorm and views of the volcano
Airbnb
Stay in a private room at a shared property that features an outdoor pool and provides free parking
Things to do in Moyogalpa
- Challenge yourself and hike up to the Concepción Volcano
- Bring the family to Parque Municipal De Moyogalpa (map)
- Visit the Westernmost point of the island, Punta Jesús María
- Treat yourself to a delicious meal at El Picante Mexican Restaurant (map)
- Go for a swim in Charco Verde, Ometepe
- See the stunning nature at the Charco Verde Park & Butterfly Aviary
2. Balgue – where to stay in Ometepe for nature
Balgue is a small and quiet village located on the Southeast part of the island, North of the Maderas Volcano and a 50-min drive Southeast of Moyogalpa. With only three restaurants, a handful of hostels, and a couple of small tiendas (tiny convenience stores), Balgue is Moyogalpa’s quiet counterpart.
This remote part of Isla Ometepe is actually a long-known destination for Central American backpackers and one of Nicaragua’s prime destinations for ecotourism. Balgue residents strive for a life in total harmony with nature: here, you’ll find many farming projects dedicated to permaculture or environmental education, eco-hotels, communities using regenerative technologies, growing organic vegetables, and so on!
But apart from this healthy and laid-back lifestyle, this charming town offers the most scenic views of the Concepción volcano and gorgeous sunsets, with howler monkeys and bird sounds in the background (coming from the forest of the Maderas volcano).
TIP: If you decide to explore the forest, be on the lookout for capuchin monkeys (as well as howler monkeys). Both of these species are very intelligent and are known to interact with tourists – be at the ready!
Anyways, the things you can do here are countless, from hiking up the Maderas volcano (map) – the hike is less steep and a bit shorter than hiking Concepcion – and swimming in the Cascada de San Ramón waterfall (map) to exploring the intriguing pre-Columbian petroglyphs dispersed all over the city. If you love nature, this is your spot! And if you want to explore more volcanoes, green jungles, and forests, I suggest you extend your trip to Costa Rica!
Luxury hotel
This eco-lodge in the middle of the tropical forest is the place to stay on Ometepe Island if you are searching for luxury and comfort! Offering an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and free WiFi, you’ll have everything you need for an amazing holiday. Guests particularly love the bungalows with wooden furniture, a mosquito net, and big private bathrooms!
Other accommodation options in Balgue
Mid-Range
Enjoy your rustic room in Balgue with private outdoor showers and an on-site honesty bar for cocktails
Budget
These amazing apartments in Ometepe come with a private patio with lake views and fully equipped kitchens
Airbnb
A 2-bedroom house boasting a well-stocked kitchen, a bathroom overlooking the volcano, and even an outdoor shower
Things to do in Balgue
- Have an amazing hiking experience on the Maderas Volcano
- Go for a swim below the Cascada de San Ramón waterfall
- Find pre-Columbian petroglyphs dispersed all over Balgue town
- Book a chocolate tour at El Pital Ometepe, Chocolate Paradise
- Enjoy the most scenic views of the Concepción volcano
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3. Altagracia – the best area in Ometepe for culture
The municipality of Altagracia, on the Northeast of the island, is the 2nd largest village on the island, situated about a 30-min drive West of Moyogalpa. Here, you’ll find the perfect balance between cultural attractions and natural landscapes in the close surroundings and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
In Altagracia, there’s a park – Parque Central (map) – surrounded by several colonial houses and the church of San Diego (map), where you can see the famous petroglyphs. The petroglyphs are rock carvings that represent the gods worshiped by the tribes that used to populate the island – definitely worth your time and attention.
If you’re enchanted by history, near the central park, you can also visit a super interesting archaeological museum, Museo Altagracia (map), featuring a collection of pre-Columbian crafts found on the island, like pieces of statuary, utilitarian artifacts, and so on.
TIP: Always have some cash on you in Ometepe! Many shops and restaurants on the island don’t take card payments, so you should definitely have cash on you!
As I said before, Altagracia is also the perfect base to explore stunning natural attractions! My suggestions? Try surfing at Santo Domingo Beach (map), and check out the natural waterhole at the Ojo de Agua Natural Reserve (map), one of the most magical places in Nicaragua!
Luxury hotel
Even though this is a 3-star hotel, it’s the most upscale property in Altagracia. Situated right on the beachfront, the hotel also features a garden with hammocks where you can relax, individually decorated rooms, and 2 on-site restaurants.
Other accommodation options in Altagracia
Mid-Range
A top-rated hotel with a private beach area, an on-site restaurant, and air-conditioned rooms with a private terrace
Budget
Stay in a private room with access to a delicious breakfast and a cool bar in Ometepe
Airbnb
A spacious holiday home with 3 bedrooms that can accommodate up to 7 guests and features a private pool
Things to do in Altagracia
- Take a walk in Altagracia Central Park
- Visit the ancient Iglesia San Diego de Alcalá to see beautiful petroglyphs
- Check out pre-Columbian crafts in the archaeological Museo Altagracia
- Surf at Santo Domingo Beach
- Visit the natural water hole Ojo de Agua
4. Merida – the best place in Ometepe for families
Merida, located on the Southern side of the volcano Maderas and an hour’s drive South of Moyogalpo, is a quiet and rural community where locals live a life of fishing and farming. This area has a super laid-back vibe, perfect for a tranquil getaway with the family or your significant other!
Since it lies close to the volcano, Merida is the most biologically diverse area of the island, offering countless endemic plants, rich wildlife, and many activities.
Join a kayak trip to the stunning Rio Istián (it departs from this point) on the isthmus of Ometepe, hike up to the Finca Linda Vista (map) observation deck, and check out the petroglyphs at Emergidos El Guineo (map).
The only ‘downside’ of the area is that it is pretty humid, and if you want to reach Moyogalpa, there is just one bus per day, which takes around 3 hours, so it’s best to rent a car if you’re staying here.
TIP: If you’re planning a visit to Ometepe, book your stay during the dry season between November and April. That way, you’ll avoid the rainy days and escape the extra humidity.
But in Merida, you won’t have any problems finding accommodations, from rustic beachside dorms and cabins to beach resorts and eco-hotels… let’s check them out:e dorms and cabins to beach resorts and eco-hotels… let’s check them out:
Luxury hotel
This is an incredible hotel if you search for luxury and comfort! As a guest here, you will have access to a year-round outdoor pool and terrace, as well as an on-site restaurant serving delicious local food. In your room, you can enjoy a private seating area to relax after a busy day with views of the lake or garden.
Other accommodation options in Merida
Mid-Range
Sleep in comfy rooms with access to free breakfast and free Wi-Fi and dine at the on-site restaurant
Budget
Offering both private rooms and dormitory beds, this Ometepe hostel also has a private beach and a restaurant
Airbnb
This cozy little bungalow has a lovely veranda with rocking chairs and a hammock overlooking a large garden
Things to do in Merida
- Take a kayak trip to Rio Istián
- Enjoy the view from the Finca Linda Vista observation point
- See the petroglyphs at Emergidos El Guineo
- Treat yourself to a delicious seafood meal at Playa Mangos (map)
- Climb up to the Maderas volcano and see its crater lagoon
5. Santa Cruz – best place to stay in Ometepe for the beach
If you want to spend your Ometepe holiday relaxing on the beach, you should book a stay in Santa Cruz! Situated on the island’s Eastern coast and a 45-min drive Southeast of Moyogalpa, this quaint village is the perfect spot for a beach escape.
Santa Cruz Beach (map) is the most popular beach in the area and one of the best beaches on the entire island. There are also several bars and restaurants along the beach, so you can always grab a quick drink or a meal.
TIP: Always carry a flashlight or an electric torch when exploring Ometepe. Streetlights are not widely available on the island, so if you’re going anywhere at nighttime, you’ll need something to light your way. Of course, you can use your phone, but I wouldn’t advise it – phone snatchings are not uncommon. The upside of poor street lighting though is that you’ll see the fireflies light up the sky!
Besides enjoying the beach, there’s not too much to do in the Santa Cruz area, so I suggest renting a car or a scooter and taking a day trip to Santo Domingo. Here, you can go swimming at Santo Domingo Beach (map) or just relax and enjoy the view of the volcanoes.
NOTE: There are no luxury accommodations in Santa Cruz; if you want something a bit more upscale, book your stay in nearby Balgue and commute to Santa Cruz – it’s just a 6-minute drive to the beach.
Other accommodation options in Santa Cruz
Mid-range
A lovely hotel with an on-site restaurant, a tour desk, and free parking, plus complimentary Wi-Fi
Budget
At this hostel, you can stay in private rooms with dedicated bathrooms or get a bed in a mixed dormitory
Airbnb
A cozy bungalow nestled in the forest with a huge porch and a garden featuring a Queen-sized bed and Wi-Fi
Things to do in Santa Cruz
- Spend your days relaxing on Santa Cruz Beach
- Grab a drink at Tiki Ometepe (map)
- Take a day trip to Santo Domingo and swim at Santo Domingo Beach
- Sign up for a kitesurfing lesson at Kitesurf Ometepe (map)
FAQs about where to stay in Ometepe
📍Which is the best area where to stay in Ometepe?
The best area to stay in Ometepe island, Nicaragua, is Moyogalpa, the largest village on the island. You can stay either in Hotel Victoria or the more affordable Hospedaje Soma Ometepe.
👪 Where to stay in Ometepe with the family?
The best place to stay in Ometepe with the family is Merida, surrounded by lush nature and varied wildlife. Hotel La Omaja and Finca Montania Sagrada are both great options for staying in Merida.
🧳 Why visit Ometepe Island?
Ometepe is known for its incredible nature, beautiful landscapes, 2 volcanoes, rich archeological background, and relaxing beaches.
🛏️ Which are the best hotels to stay in Ometepe?
The best places to stay in Ometepe, according to guest reviews, are Hotel Victoria in Moyogalpa and the eco-lodge Totoco Eco-Project in Balgue, both offering many amazing amenities.
⛴️ How to get to Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua?
The best way to get to Ometepe is by taking a ferry from the mainland town of San Jorge to the ferry port in Mayogalpa – see the schedule here.
🛵 How to get around Ometepe?
The ultimate way to get around Ometepe is with a scooter or an ATV. Other options include renting a car or using public transportation, although it’s not super reliable.
📅 How long to stay on Ometepe?
I recommend staying on Ometepe for at least 3 to 4 days. This will give you enough time to explore much of the island, hike one of the volcanoes, and spend a relaxing day on the beach.
🏊 Can you swim in Ometepe?
Yes, you can swim on the designated beaches in Ometepe, such as Santa Cruz Beach and Santo Domingo Beach.
🐊 Are there crocodiles in Ometepe?
Yes, there are some crocodiles in Ometepe, so it’s a good idea to be on the lookout when kayaking on the lake or swimming further away from the shore.
Final words on the best places to stay in Ometepe
Here we are at the end of this extensive guide on where to stay in Ometepe! Hopefully, this was useful and helped you make a decision!
But if you are still not sure about where to stay in Ometepe, these are my 2 favorite Isla de Ometepe hotels located in Moyogalpa:
- Hotel Victoria – an amazing luxurious hotel with access to a pool, an on-site restaurant, and free Wi-Fi
- Hospedaje Soma Ometepe – enjoy your room with access to free WiFi and an amazing continental breakfast
As soon as you pick a spot for your stay, hurry up and book a room! Accommodation options on the island are quite limited, and the good ones are quick to sell out!
If you have any more questions about Ometepe or where to stay, leave me a comment below – I’ll be more than happy to get back to you!
Have an amazing trip,
Hristina
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