Ometepe Island

Ometepe Island captures the imagination of children immediately: it is an island formed by two volcanoes rising out of a massive freshwater lake. Accessible by ferry from the mainland port of San Jorge, the journey itself is an adventure, though the hour-long ride can be breezy. Once on the island, the pace slows down significantly. The geography is dominated by the active Volcán Concepción and the dormant, forest-covered Volcán Maderas. While hiking Concepción is strenuous and not recommended for young children, the lower slopes of Maderas offer muddy, jungle trails where families can search for petroglyphs carved into volcanic rocks centuries ago.

The premier attraction for families is Ojo de Agua, a natural spring-fed pool tucked into the forest. The water is cool and clear, and the site is equipped with chairs and swinging ropes, making it an easy place to spend half a day. Another highlight is Charco Verde, a reserve with a butterfly garden and calm trails where spotting howler monkeys is almost guaranteed. The island's beaches, such as Santo Domingo, face the lake; while the sand is dark volcanic grey and the water can be choppy, the shallow depth allows for wading.

Families should be aware that infrastructure on Ometepe is rustic. Roads are often unpaved, so travel times between towns like Moyogalpa and Altagracia can be longer than expected. The experience here is about connecting with nature, from kayaking through the wetlands of the Istián River to watching spectacular sunsets over the lake.