Guidebook for
Food Scene
Open all day for pasta and mains, wood fired pizza starts cooking at 5.30 until around 8.30... or until they sell out!
Simple, mouth watering, filling, and brilliantly reasonable in price. Their pizza, ravioli and gnocci are all worth mentioning. Complete with limoncello.
Roughly a 10 minute drive or 40 minute walk from the house.
12 locals recommend
Pizzeria Mediterranea bar ristorante
NN-226Open all day for pasta and mains, wood fired pizza starts cooking at 5.30 until around 8.30... or until they sell out!
Simple, mouth watering, filling, and brilliantly reasonable in price. Their pizza, ravioli and gnocci are all worth mentioning. Complete with limoncello.
Roughly a 10 minute drive or 40 minute walk from the house.
Great range on the menu- from dahl to chili-con-carne through cerviche and hamburgers. Their bacon is salty and local, their bread as fresh as a daisy and they have a range of beers, which is unusual in Nicaragua! Sunday BBQ.
Cute spot and great location in the center of Balgue town center- you can't miss it!
15 minutes by foot from the house.
Reliable delivery service to the house if you don't want to leave
13 locals recommend
Café Campestre
Great range on the menu- from dahl to chili-con-carne through cerviche and hamburgers. Their bacon is salty and local, their bread as fresh as a daisy and they have a range of beers, which is unusual in Nicaragua! Sunday BBQ.
Cute spot and great location in the center of Balgue town center- you can't miss it!
15 minutes by foot from the house.
Reliable delivery service to the house if you don't want to leave
Drinks & Nightlife
It's a cool vibe, with friendly staff and owners serving cold beers, local rum. It boasts a fun simple, clean menu for lunch and light dinner and an artistic twist. Be sure to inspect their rock art and street watch on the second floor balcony.
7 locals recommend
Cafe Restaurant Clandestino
It's a cool vibe, with friendly staff and owners serving cold beers, local rum. It boasts a fun simple, clean menu for lunch and light dinner and an artistic twist. Be sure to inspect their rock art and street watch on the second floor balcony.
El Bamboo is an Argentinian grill and bar open Mondays-Saturdays until 10:00pm (last food orders taken around 9:00pm). Closed on Sundays. Located in the middle of Balgüe, a 20-minute walk from the house. Also offers vegetarian options and many mixed beverages to choose from.
8 locals recommend
El bamboo
El Bamboo is an Argentinian grill and bar open Mondays-Saturdays until 10:00pm (last food orders taken around 9:00pm). Closed on Sundays. Located in the middle of Balgüe, a 20-minute walk from the house. Also offers vegetarian options and many mixed beverages to choose from.
Parks & Nature
We live at the base of it, you can easily explore some trails right from your front door. This house is based on a farming route of interconnected paths that flow through coffee and livestock, corn and rice fields.
The house is just minutes/meters from the official trail head to the crater lagoon summit in Balgue, which starts at Finca Magdalena- the next door neighbours. 4hr return Mirador 8hr return lagoon (guide required.)
Get your sturdy boots on and go explore the volcanic roads!
24 locals recommend
Maderas
We live at the base of it, you can easily explore some trails right from your front door. This house is based on a farming route of interconnected paths that flow through coffee and livestock, corn and rice fields.
The house is just minutes/meters from the official trail head to the crater lagoon summit in Balgue, which starts at Finca Magdalena- the next door neighbours. 4hr return Mirador 8hr return lagoon (guide required.)
Get your sturdy boots on and go explore the volcanic roads!
If you're looking for a short hike, try the trail to the 50-meter waterfall above the town of San Ramón. From the main road, you can drive up the gravel road (motorcycle or 4x4 vehicle recommended) to the halfway point, then continue on foot for a 1-hour hike up to the waterfall. Can also wade in the water (knee- to waist-deep). NO guide required!
7 locals recommend
San Ramon
If you're looking for a short hike, try the trail to the 50-meter waterfall above the town of San Ramón. From the main road, you can drive up the gravel road (motorcycle or 4x4 vehicle recommended) to the halfway point, then continue on foot for a 1-hour hike up to the waterfall. Can also wade in the water (knee- to waist-deep). NO guide required!
Punta Jesús María
A sandy beach area jutting out into the freshwater lake.
Long stretch of uncrowded sandy beach area. Take a dip in the freshwater lake, then have a snack or smoothie at one of the several small restaurants just across the street from the beach.
Santa Cruz
Long stretch of uncrowded sandy beach area. Take a dip in the freshwater lake, then have a snack or smoothie at one of the several small restaurants just across the street from the beach.
Long stretch of uncrowded sandy beach area. Great spot to enjoy the breeze and the freshwater lake. You can get refreshments at any of the various hotels and restaurants right on the beach area.
Santo Domingo station
Carretera El Quino a Santa CruzLong stretch of uncrowded sandy beach area. Great spot to enjoy the breeze and the freshwater lake. You can get refreshments at any of the various hotels and restaurants right on the beach area.
Embark from the house to take a guided hike to the "hidden" waterfall of Las Cuchillas, a secluded town high up on the volcano slope. The waterfall is the source of drinking water for the town, so there is a small pool provided for swimming. Hike is about 5 hours round trip from the house.
Las Cuchillas
Embark from the house to take a guided hike to the "hidden" waterfall of Las Cuchillas, a secluded town high up on the volcano slope. The waterfall is the source of drinking water for the town, so there is a small pool provided for swimming. Hike is about 5 hours round trip from the house.
Finca Magdalena is a local-run hostel, restaurant, and farming cooperative just 10 minutes' walk from the house. A neat place to relax or walk around the old hacienda and coffee harvesting areas. Also the entrance point for hiking up the Maderas volcano (guide required) or walking to see nearby petroglyph rock carvings.
7 locals recommend
Hostel Finca Magdalena
Finca Magdalena is a local-run hostel, restaurant, and farming cooperative just 10 minutes' walk from the house. A neat place to relax or walk around the old hacienda and coffee harvesting areas. Also the entrance point for hiking up the Maderas volcano (guide required) or walking to see nearby petroglyph rock carvings.
Hike to the crater of the active Concepción volcano (guide required). The full hike is about 10 hours round-trip from the house, departing at 5:00am to take a short bus ride across the isthmus to the trail entrance. We can organize a hike for you that includes a bilingual guide, all transport and entrance fees, and packed lunches
10 locals recommend
Concepción
Hike to the crater of the active Concepción volcano (guide required). The full hike is about 10 hours round-trip from the house, departing at 5:00am to take a short bus ride across the isthmus to the trail entrance. We can organize a hike for you that includes a bilingual guide, all transport and entrance fees, and packed lunches
Getting Around
All your transport needs, from comfortable 4x4 taxis that offer tours and combos, all with reliable and trusted drivers through ATV rentals (access all areas on the fun, robust quad bikes) to motorbikes and scooters. All can be delivered to/collected from the houses.
You can even wander down there and pick yourself up a bicycle for $5 per day.
See the island in your style...
Hospedaje Así Es Mi Tierra
NN-226All your transport needs, from comfortable 4x4 taxis that offer tours and combos, all with reliable and trusted drivers through ATV rentals (access all areas on the fun, robust quad bikes) to motorbikes and scooters. All can be delivered to/collected from the houses.
You can even wander down there and pick yourself up a bicycle for $5 per day.
See the island in your style...
Gas station located on the main road at the entrance into town. One of two gas stations on the island (the other is in Moyogalpa). Good place to fill up your tank if you're returning a scooter/motorcycle/ATV rental in Balgüe or on the isthmus.
9 locals recommend
Altagracia
Gas station located on the main road at the entrance into town. One of two gas stations on the island (the other is in Moyogalpa). Good place to fill up your tank if you're returning a scooter/motorcycle/ATV rental in Balgüe or on the isthmus.
Port for ferries/lanchas between Ometepe and San Jorge. This port is further from the house but is in a town with ATMs, restaurants, small shops, etc. (The other port is in San José del Sur.) ALSO: Gas station located in the center of town about 2 blocks uphill of the ferry port. One of two gas stations on the island (the other is in Altagracia).
10 locals recommend
Moyogalpa
Port for ferries/lanchas between Ometepe and San Jorge. This port is further from the house but is in a town with ATMs, restaurants, small shops, etc. (The other port is in San José del Sur.) ALSO: Gas station located in the center of town about 2 blocks uphill of the ferry port. One of two gas stations on the island (the other is in Altagracia).
Port for ferries/lanchas between Ometepe and San Jorge. This port is closer to the house but has no town/facilities. The other port is in Moyogalpa.
8 locals recommend
San José del Sur
Port for ferries/lanchas between Ometepe and San Jorge. This port is closer to the house but has no town/facilities. The other port is in Moyogalpa.
Entertainment & Activities
Because this is my favorite way to see the island, from the water- a close-up, looking in, disturbing nothing as you float through with 360degree views towards the istian river. Once inside the magical river system its like being in another world.
Their equipment is great and so are their bi-lingual guides.
They have a great bar with views to the sunset across the lake and menu-highlights include freshly caught lake fish and hummus.
Caballito's Mar
Al CaballitoBecause this is my favorite way to see the island, from the water- a close-up, looking in, disturbing nothing as you float through with 360degree views towards the istian river. Once inside the magical river system its like being in another world.
Their equipment is great and so are their bi-lingual guides.
They have a great bar with views to the sunset across the lake and menu-highlights include freshly caught lake fish and hummus.
This is a lovely trail to do with the family as its a more relaxed hike with little incline or slope. Read about the myth and legend surrounding the witch and her son. Small entry fee. Also offer a a expirence of adrenalin with the Chico Largo zipline.
Charco Verde station
This is a lovely trail to do with the family as its a more relaxed hike with little incline or slope. Read about the myth and legend surrounding the witch and her son. Small entry fee. Also offer a a expirence of adrenalin with the Chico Largo zipline.
Arts & Culture
It is the oldest haienda around, and a co-operative of around 40 families that formed after the overthrowing of the dictating Samoza family that used to be the sole owner o.
It starts in the dry tropical forest, grows rice, beans, corn, and produces milk and - most famously, coffee. You can ask at the farm's cafe/reception for info anout the place. They have lunch and drinks.
From the farmhouse below you can hike to the mirador, a 4 hour round trip (on average), a lookout point that sees the lake across the Eastern side of Conception. Here you pass into the rain-forest and have the chance of seeing many animals and monkeys.
Any higher into the cloud forest requires a guide.
Finca Magdalena station
It is the oldest haienda around, and a co-operative of around 40 families that formed after the overthrowing of the dictating Samoza family that used to be the sole owner o.
It starts in the dry tropical forest, grows rice, beans, corn, and produces milk and - most famously, coffee. You can ask at the farm's cafe/reception for info anout the place. They have lunch and drinks.
From the farmhouse below you can hike to the mirador, a 4 hour round trip (on average), a lookout point that sees the lake across the Eastern side of Conception. Here you pass into the rain-forest and have the chance of seeing many animals and monkeys.
Any higher into the cloud forest requires a guide.
El Ceibo is a major Museum in the Ometepe island, The museum requires multilateral support to increase the exhibition area as well as scientific research on many pieces, to enhance information about the articles and to support scientific studies of the important archaeological area. Located 35min by scooters from house.
18 locals recommend
Hotel Museos El Ceibo
El Ceibo is a major Museum in the Ometepe island, The museum requires multilateral support to increase the exhibition area as well as scientific research on many pieces, to enhance information about the articles and to support scientific studies of the important archaeological area. Located 35min by scooters from house.
Finca El Porvenir is a local-run hostel and farming cooperative just 25 minutes' walk from the house. A neat place to relax or walk around the old hacienda and coffee harvesting areas. Also the entrance point for hiking up the Maderas volcano (guide required) or walking to see nearby petroglyph rock carvings.
7 locals recommend
Hotel Finca El Porvenir
Ometepe, cerro Maderas Hotel Finca El PorvenirFinca El Porvenir is a local-run hostel and farming cooperative just 25 minutes' walk from the house. A neat place to relax or walk around the old hacienda and coffee harvesting areas. Also the entrance point for hiking up the Maderas volcano (guide required) or walking to see nearby petroglyph rock carvings.
Sightseeing
A beautiful place to get off of the beaten track and even catch the sun rise in the east.
7 locals recommend
Punta Gorda
A beautiful place to get off of the beaten track and even catch the sun rise in the east.
A crystal-clear natural swimming pool area, of water running from an underground stream. Plenty of lawn chairs, benches, shady spots, and even a rope to swing and jump in "Tarzan style." Also offers food and drinks in a restaurant area.
14 locals recommend
Ojo de Agua station
Carretera El Quino a Santa CruzA crystal-clear natural swimming pool area, of water running from an underground stream. Plenty of lawn chairs, benches, shady spots, and even a rope to swing and jump in "Tarzan style." Also offers food and drinks in a restaurant area.
Embark on a guided 3-hour kayaking tour at Caballito de Mar in Mérida, journeying on the calm lake up to the Istiam River. Guide included who points out various species of birds, turtles, monkeys, etc. Caballito de Mar also includes a restaurant and tranquil, sandy beach area.
6 locals recommend
Restaurante Caballito
Al CaballitoEmbark on a guided 3-hour kayaking tour at Caballito de Mar in Mérida, journeying on the calm lake up to the Istiam River. Guide included who points out various species of birds, turtles, monkeys, etc. Caballito de Mar also includes a restaurant and tranquil, sandy beach area.