Things to do in Ometepe

Rides on horses from local farmers, starting and ending at the lodge parking. The local guide speaks only Spanish and shows you a view of everyday life on Ometepe.

Season: The lake and petroglyphs ride is only available when the lake level is low, roughly February to June.

• Generally US$25 per person per hour. Ask at reception for more options.

Paddle along Lake Nicaragua, then enter the mouth of the Istián wetlands, a small winding river full of life. Caimans, iguanas, turtles and many birds are likely to be seen, but nothing is promised. A guide who speaks Spanish or English explains the plants and animals.

Noldan has taken guests through Istián, and he does not promise he goes on every trip.

From the lodge: The kayak shop is about 10 minutes by car from the lodge. Ask at reception about transport.

A dormant volcano and home to one of Nicaragua's two cloud forests, with four ecosystems on its slopes. Go all the way up to the crater lagoon, or explore the slopes. Most of the trail runs under the trees. Pack a lunch and plenty of water.

Noldan finds the guide and sets the date and price.

Season: The top is very muddy and slippery all year round.

From the lodge: The hike can start from Mérida. Ask at reception about transport.

• Our tip: go up via Finca Magdalena and come back via Por Venir. The way up is shaded and the views on the way back are wide. It adds about 1 km and is worth it.
• A guide is required by law on this hike. One guide takes at most 6 people.

The island's active volcano, at 1,610 m. The hike leaves from Los Ramos and takes all day. It is full of switchbacks and mostly in the sun. Pack a lunch and plenty of water.

Noldan finds the guide and sets the date and price.

• A guide is required by law on this hike. One guide takes at most 6 people.

A short hike with a good payoff. From the lookout you see across the isthmus to Concepción volcano. The trail runs through tropical dry forest and plantations. Petroglyphs and monkeys are part of the walk.

• One guide takes at most 6 people.

A waterfall you can stand under, then dry off on the rocks. The walk means getting your feet wet now and then, so wear shoes that can get wet.

You can go on your own, or with Noldan or a local guide, who adds flora and fauna.

Season: The flow peaks in the rainy season, June to mid-December. Late in the dry season the flow can be weak.

From the lodge: The trail entrance is about 20 minutes by car from the lodge.

• Easy way: you drive the first 2 km of the trail. Hard way: you walk the dirt road, 2 km up and 2 km back.
• From the lodge, allow 4 to 5 hours round trip, including an hour at the falls.
• The hike does not need a guide, but a guide makes it more informative. Ask at reception.
• Our tip: combine the waterfall with kayaking the wetlands. A taxi for both costs US$50.

A lovely 2-hour loop trail in Santo Domingo, easy to follow without a guide, with good flora and fauna. The trail is volcanic rock and can be unstable. Take care if you have back problems or find walking difficult.

Season: Best early in the morning (before 9 am) or late in the afternoon (3:30 pm or later).

From the lodge: The trail entrance is about 16 minutes from the lodge.

• Free if you go without a guide.

Natural pools of volcanic spring water, for all ages. A good place to relax after the more strenuous activities. Stay as long as you like.

From the lodge: About 20 minutes by car from the lodge.

• You can also get there by bus, bike or horse.

An organic coffee plantation tour with flora, fauna and petroglyphs. You pass organic shade-grown coffee, plantain and banana plantations. The tour starts at Finca Magdalena, the island's biggest coffee cooperative. You learn how coffee is grown and see the island's largest collection of ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings). Along the way you may see monkeys, butterflies and birds.

2.5 km of cables and wide views. It is professionally run and suitable for the whole family. The first part includes about 400 m of hiking up to the first platform.

A nature reserve with a butterfly garden, flat trails and a lagoon. Staff explain the life cycle of the butterflies on the tours. Howler monkeys live here, but sightings are not promised. The lagoon trail is up to about 2 miles, not strenuous, and has a view of the beach. There are bathrooms, a gift shop and free parking. Tours with a reserve guide are available.

The most western point of the island: a narrow spit of land shaped by currents and sediment. In some dry seasons the sandbar reaches more than 1 km into the lake, and you can walk to the tip with water splashing from both sides. Sea birds sometimes rest on the sand. It is known for sunsets. From the tip you see both volcanoes and, across the lake, Mombacho.

Two air-conditioned museums close to each other. The numismatic museum tells the history of Nicaragua through its money. The pre-Columbian museum shows rock and ceramic pieces dug up around the island. Many are older than Christ, and they show what pre-Columbian life on Ometepe was like.

A full day with a driver. Stops include Punta Jesús María, the El Ceibo museums, Charco Verde, Ojo de Agua and Finca Magdalena. Stop for lunch at the restaurant of your choice; we are happy to recommend one.

• Not included: entrance fees and lunch. A bilingual guide is not included, but can be arranged for an extra fee.

Massage on a table outside your room's porch or on the garden grass, with local masseuses. Relaxing and therapeutic massage, Swedish and Thai styles. A good end to a full day.

A cheap, healthy and eco-friendly way to see the island. We rent bikes from our local community, so the families benefit from us being their neighbors. The bikes are in good working order, but they are not top of the line.

The best way to see Ometepe is by scooter, motorbike or ATV. Off-road motorbikes are for experienced riders, because the dirt roads get muddy and slippery. Tell reception when you want to leave and when you will return, and we will arrange the rental. Car rental is also available. The vehicle can be delivered to the ferry port for the same price.

• Prices vary with the supplier and the time of year.