Ometepe

Ometepe is an island located in Lake Nicaragua in southwestern Nicaragua. It is the largest freshwater island in Central America and a notable destination for nature lovers and scholars. The name is commonly linked to the Nahuatl ome ("two") and tepētl ("mountain"), referring to the island’s twin volcanic summits.

Ometepe is formed by two volcanoes: Concepción, an active stratovolcano reaching about 1,610 meters, and Maderas, a dormant volcano at about 1,394 meters. They are joined by a narrow isthmus, creating a distinctive isthmian spine across the lake. The interior hosts tropical forests, cloud forest on Maderas, lava fields, caves, and shore beaches.

Climate is tropical with a distinct wet season and dry season. The island’s habitats range from dry scrub to humid rainforest and cloud forest, supporting a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as plant diversity and seasonal streams.

Two main towns, Moyogalpa and Altagracia, serve as gateways for visitors. The economy combines agriculture (coffee, cacao, corn, plantains), fishing, and tourism, which centers on hiking, kayaking, and exploring the volcanoes and lake scenery.

Ferries operate from the mainland port of San Jorge to Moyogalpa, the island’s principal entry point. Roads link Moyogalpa and Altagracia, enabling travel across the isthmus to explore the east coast and other sites on the island.

Ometepe sits in a lake rich with pre-Columbian heritage; nearby Zapatera Island is known for its petroglyphs and ceremonial remains, reflecting the broader archaeological significance of the Lake Nicaragua region.