Cycling the Island of Ometepe in Nicaragua

Prepare to be amazed by the volcanic island of Ometepe, which sits on Lake Nicaragua. The most popular routes to arrive on the island involve taking a boat from San Jorge to Moyogalpa, or Granada to Alta Gracia. Both Moyogalpa and Alta Gracia have a variety of accommodations and bike rental options, and it is best to find the machine you want and check its functionality before setting off on your ride.

Moyogalpa is a great base to start your trip, and it is possible to make a one-day ride around the base of the Concepcion volcano, or a longer two-day ride that makes a loop around the Maderas volcano as well.

Although the ride is not particularly long, there are some stiff climbs involved which raise the difficulty level. Head northeast out of Moyogalpa and follow the road through the forest, listening for the calls of howler and capuchin monkeys.

The first major attraction on the route is the Ojo de Agua. The natural spring pool is crystal clear, and provides a perfect respite from the heat of the day. Another important stop is the petroglyphs, the best examples of which are found at Hotel Finca Porvenir on the slopes of the Maderas volcano.

On your way back to Moyogalpa, stop off at the Punta Jesus Maria, a sandy spit which can extend over a kilometer into Lake Nicaragua in dry season. Rest your weary limbs on one of the nearby beaches before taking on the final stretch of your return to Moyogalpa, where the hotels and restaurants will offer a fitting reward for your physical exertions.