Reserva Charco Verde

Isla de Ometepe


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 lake. There are three trails, totalling 4km in length; a flat one suitable for wheelchairs and two more strenuous ones. You're likely to have them mostly to yourself and are likely to spot monkeys and a plethora of birds. The enchanted city of Chico Largo is said to lie beneath the Laguna Charco Verde.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Isla de Ometepe attractions

1. Museos El Ceibo

2.68 MILES

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

2. Volcán Concepción

4.23 MILES

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…

3. Galería de Arte Casa de Artista

5.43 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…

4. Punta Jesus Maria

6.22 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…

5. Museo de Ometepe

7.02 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…

6. Isla Grande

7.04 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…

7. Monoliths

7.1 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…

8. Volcán Maderas

8.58 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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