Volcán Concepción

Top choice in Isla de Ometepe

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This massive (and active) volcano is an Ometepe landmark. The seven- to 10-hour hike up loose volcanic stone to the summit of this looming peak can be tough, so be in good physical condition and bring water, snacks and real hiking shoes. Most hikes leave from either Moyogalpa or Altagracia. Remember that there's no shade above the tree line, it's even steeper than it looks, and it can get windy and cold at the top, particularly if it's cloudy out.

There are three main trails to the top: La Concha and La Flor (the most popular trail), both close to Moyogalpa, and La Sabana, a short distance from Altagracia. It's almost always cloudy at the top, which means your chances of seeing the fuming craters and awesome views over the lake and across Central America's volcanic spine are slim, even during dry season.

Guided treks up the volcano cost around US$25 to US$40 per person and can be organised by most outfitters on the island.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Volcán Maderas

    Volcán Maderas

    9.92 MILES

    Climbing this 1394m volcano is challenging but worthwhile. Guides are required for the seven- to eight-hour round-trip trek (with four to five hours of…

  • Museos El Ceibo

    Museos El Ceibo

    5.3 MILES

    The excellent Museo Numismástico (Money Museum) documents the troubled history of the Nicaraguan economy through its coins and banknotes. Across the road,…

  • Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor

    Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor

    29.51 MILES

    One of the principal laying grounds for endangered olive ridley and leatherback turtles, this wildlife refuge (locally called by its shorter name, 'La…

  • Cristo de la Misericordia

    Cristo de la Misericordia

    25.92 MILES

    This 25m statue of Jesus – one of the tallest in the world – overlooks the town from its perch 2km to the north. Take the one-hour hike up from the north…

  • Museo de Antropología e Historia

    Museo de Antropología e Historia

    15.8 MILES

    If you have some time to kill in town, this 200-year-old house is the place to go. Inside you'll find some moth-eaten taxidermy, a wall of myths and…

  • Aguas Agrias – La Nanda Community

    Aguas Agrias – La Nanda Community

    28.69 MILES

    This rural community, just south of Mombacho volcano, is an off-the-beaten-path destination where local guides lead hikes through a traditional plantation…

  • Nuestra Señor de Rescate

    Nuestra Señor de Rescate

    13.29 MILES

    The most striking church in town has been repainted a brilliant purple with a mix that uses huevos de amor (fertilized chicken eggs) donated by…

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Nearby Isla de Ometepe attractions

1. Museo de Ometepe

3.42 MILES

The village's main attraction is this museum packed with information (in Spanish) about the island. (Though you’ll find a much more comprehensive…

2. Monoliths

3.52 MILES

A place to see some of the finest remaining ancient excavated statues on Ometepe is beside the Altagracia church, close to the Parque Central, where a…

3. Reserva Charco Verde

4.23 MILES

Rich with wildlife and fringed with black-sand beaches, this wooded ecological reserve is a quiet spot for hiking, birdwatching and taking a dip in the…

4. Isla Grande

4.65 MILES

Close to Altagracia, this island, basically a plantain finca (farm) gone feral, is rarely visited despite being a fantastic place for birdwatching. If you…

5. Museos El Ceibo

5.3 MILES

The excellent Museo Numismástico (Money Museum) documents the troubled history of the Nicaraguan economy through its coins and banknotes. Across the road,…

6. Galería de Arte Casa de Artista

6.35 MILES

Near the beach, local artist Abel shows off his work – from nudes and still life to landscapes. Swing by and have a look; it's signposted from the main…

7. Punta Jesus Maria

6.85 MILES

Just outside the town of Esquipulas, this well-signed sand spit stretches out into the lake for more than 1km at the height of the dry season, when lake…

8. Volcán Maderas

9.92 MILES

Climbing this 1394m volcano is challenging but worthwhile. Guides are required for the seven- to eight-hour round-trip trek (with four to five hours of…

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