Isla de Ometepe

Here in Nicaragua, we recently visited the largest island within a fresh water lake! Isla de Ometepe is an island within Lake Nicaragua (or Cocibolca). This island is really quite remarkable because it has basically been formed by two volcanoes that protrude from the lake. Volcan de Concepcion and the slightly smaller Volcan de Maderas form two sides of the island that is only connecting by a small piece of land. Originally they were two separate islands before one volcano erupted and joined them together. It is possible to hike up both volcanoes, but after our last summit in El Salvador we weren't feeling too eager to climb another. Instead we opted for the best beach on the island.

Playa Santo Domingo is on the strip of land between the two volcanoes and offers a long 4 kilometer stretch of gray sand. During our walks along the beach we hardly saw a soul! It was a pretty relaxing time since we stayed in a little guest house outside of the "town". Each night offered great breezes off the lake as we lounged in hammocks reading and listening to the thunderstorms and insects chirping.

One day we ventured to a little swimming hole (3.5 kilometer walk) just outside of the town. This little place is called El Ojo del Agua, where we swam in the cool water collected from a flowing stream. We had to tromp through an orchard of plantain trees to get to the swimming spot, but it was worth it. After the long walk we really appreciated the refreshing swim. This impressive island really offers a lot of opportunity for relaxation and we took advantage of it!