Can’t decide where to base yourself on Nicaragua’s magical island? This guide to where to stay in Ometepe has you covered!

Updated April 2024

Whether you’re backpacking through Central America, spending a month in Nicaragua or just nipping over to Ometepe for a few days of R&R, you will find yourself spoilt for choice when picking where to stay on the volcanic island - and perhaps just a tad overwhelmed.

That’s why we’ve created this guide filled with our personal recommendations for the best hostels and hotels in Ometepe, our favourite eco-lodges, farmstays and off-grid getaways, a handful of excellent Airbnbs and even a vintage Bluebird bus! Broken down into the four most popular areas for travellers to base themselves on the larger-than-most-people-realise island on a lake, you’ll have no problem picking where to stay in Ometepe whatever your travel style or budget!

Accommodations with ADR next to them are those we think are that little bit extra special and, whilst you’re planning your visit, make sure you check out 13 Wonderful Things To Do In Ometepe later!

The Accommodation zones Map

Moyogalpa

The town of Moyogalpa is the largest on Ometepe and the place where the majority of ferries from San Jorge arrive.

Well set up for backpackers, it has a good number of restaurants, a Pali supermarket, two ATMs, tour companies and a number of places from where you can rent a motorbike. It also has a good selection of accommodations for those on a smaller budget looking for a convenient, easily accessible base.

Stay in and around here is also the most convenient startpoint for hiking volcán Concepción.

Hostels & Guesthouses

ADR Hostel Life Is Good | This is where we stayed on our second visit, and we really enjoyed our time here. Run by a friendly Czech couple who know Ometepe very well and help arrange tours and motorbike/ ATV rental, the old-school hostel has a great set up, offers really good food (they have a set menu of meat, veggie and vegan friendly meals) alongside a bar with reasonably priced drinks, including wine and craft beers. Do note that it is located a 10-minute walk outside of Moyogalpa, but they cover the cost of your first tuk-tuk from the ferry terminal if you’ve reserved.

Hospedaje Soma | Another great hostel with excellent reviews. For private rooms, Hospedaje Soma is more expensive than many on the island, but previous guests are clear that the mark up is worth it with large common areas, a pretty garden and a good-sized pool. No kitchen but they do offer meals and drinks. Check availability and prices on booking.com or hostelworld.

Hospedaje Siero | Although Siero offers dorms, this cute little hospedaje is much more of a guesthouse rather than a hostel. Run by a local family, they provide simple but clean and colourful rooms in a great location (just five minutes walk from the ferry terminal) as well as a free breakfast.

Playa Santo Domingo and Santa Cruz

These two stretches of pale sand are considered Ometepe’s best, and as such it’s a popular place for weekend escapes, especially with young couples and families from Managua.

Located on the isthmus that connects the two volcanoes of Ometepe, it’s also well located to visit everything else the island has to offer.

Note that transport from the Moyogalpa ferry terminal is necessary to reach these, with some offering private collections and others accessible by public bus.

Hotels

Xalli Beach Hotel | This three-star hotel offers super comfortable and stylish rooms right on the lake. The communal spaces are modern and well designed (think lots of light, natural wood and soft furnishings) and guests speak highly of the staff and restaurant.

Hotel Villa Paraiso | Pleasant beachfront cabins make up this friendly hotel, ideal for families. Bonuses include a swimming pool, excellent food and the setting. Definitely worth opting for a room with a lake view!

Eco Lodges

ADR Finca del Sol | Located in tropical forest, just a 10-minute walk from Santa Cruz, Finca del Sol is a permaculture farm which also operates as an eco-lodge with individual, super unique cabins crafted from local materials. We personally love this one with its incredible views over Maderas but all offer a wonderful place to stay. Find out more on booking.com, or each individual cabin is available for rent on Airbnb.

Serenea | This two-bedroom adobe hut is part eco lodge, part homestay, part truly unique accommodation option (think jungle meets Arabian nights) located within the Maderas Reserve. Enjoy a fantastic nature experience but with excellent facilities, and still within easy reach to many of the island’s biggest attractions.

Note that at the time of update, this property is currently not available, but because it’s so lovely we wanted to leave the details here in the hopes that it may come back online!

Apartments

Beach Cabin | We noticed this cute little apartment building whilst passing through Santa Cruz one day, and whilst it is absolutely nothing fancy, its location directly across from the beach, small kitchen and balcony and good value price make it a great option for a couple that want their own space.

Balgue

The other main backpacker hub after Moyogalpa, the area surrounding the villages of Balgue and Santa Cruz also offers a number of more luxurious resorts and hotels and has a specific focus on eco-friendly accommodations at both ends of the price range. It’s a more isolated option than staying in Moyogalpa, but you’ll have a few great restaurants right on your doorstep or a short walk away.

Guesthouses & Hotels

Ananda | Located in the Maderas Volcano Reserve, this boutique guest-house (with just four rooms) is perfect for those that appreciate an off-grid, sustainable experience but don’t want to sacrifice the luxuries of a traditional accommodation. They offer private rooms as well as good sized apartments. Reservations can be made via Airbnb (these are the full listings) or booking.com

Eco Lodges

ADR Selvista | Defined by its owner as ‘barefoot luxury’, Selvista offers a variety of treehouses and jungle suites, which - in our opinion - are some of the best accommodation on Ometepe! Alongside incredible views over Maderas, you also have access to the neighbouring organic farm, an open-air kitchen, work space and free breakfast.

You can find the complete accommodation offering on booking.com or alternatively find the individual listings on Airbnb:

ADR El Pital | Another of our Ometepe favourites, if staying on an organic, vegan chocolate farm at the edge of the lake sounds like your idea of heaven, be sure to check out El Pital! Contemporary design with luxurious elements, it offers a great digital nomad set-up as well as excellent communal spaces, large rooms (both private and dorms), hot showers and free yoga. You can find out more or make a reservation on booking.com or hostelworld.

Totoco Eco Lodge | Considered by many to be the most luxurious place to stay on Ometepe, Totoco runs entirely off of renewable energy sources, has a variety of charming wooden lodges (all with wonderful views), a fantastic swimming pool and exceptionally good reviews.

Organic Farm Treehouses | Located just outside Balgue, this is organic farm meets off-grid accommodation provides an alterantive place to stay in Ometepe. Beautiful standalone wooden cabins with incredible countryside, wifi and access to an open-air kitchen. They have three, one-bed listings: La Pitanga | FarmHouse | La Palmera | Casa Malinche

Hostels

La Urraca Loca | Traditionally rustic rooms set in a a large outdoor space filled with plants, flowers, butterflies and even some wild monkeys! Located in Balgue, they also offer Spanish lessons and can arrange tours. There’s no on-site kitchen (only guest fridge) but many cheap restaurants nearby.

El Zopilote | The marmite of Ometepe hostels, people either love the hippie haven of El Zopilote or can’t wait to leave! Located on a permaculture farm, it offers a huge number of activities including yoga, fire dancing, breathwork, cacao ceremonies, has somewhat basic dormitories and private rooms and a farm-to-table restaurant (no guest kitchen though). Find out more or make a booking on hostelworld or booking.com. If it doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you can just stop by for lunch.

Hostel Lazy Crab | Full of bright colours and good vibes, Lazy Crab has a great location a few minutes walk from the beach, the bus stop and several great restaurants. Rooms (dorms and privates) are a little on the basic side but clean and comfortable, and the common areas are great. Find out more or make a reservation on hostelworld or booking.com

Merida and further south

Located along an unpaved road, the small town of Merida and the surrounding area is definitely a more off-the-beaten-track option in Ometepe, and perfect for travellers who want to go off grid.

Do note that if staying here, having your own wheels will be essential.

Hotels

Hotel La Omaja | The fanciest place to stay this side of the island, Hotel La Omaja offers a variety of comfortable room types, all set within individual little stone houses. The garden is beatuiful but the real draw is the infinty pool with perhaps one of the most incredible views on the entire island! There’s a hotel restauarant and helpful staff are on-hand to organise anything you may need.

Hostels & Local Stays

Hospedaje Los Chocoyos | Definitely one of the most basic accommodations on this list, but it has such wonderful reviews, we had to inlcude it! Its lakeside position and isolated location make it ideal for the more adventurous backpacker - especially those on a budget. No guest kitchen but reasonably priced restaurant on-site. Also available on hostelworld.

Finca Mystica | As the name may suggest, this accommodation is located on a farm and offers a variety of accommodations from dorms to private doubles within bespoke cob (adobe) bungalows - all with a private terrace. There is no guest kitchen but there is a bar and restaurant serving healthy Nicaraguan and international food.

Finca Mystica is also on Airbnb if you’d prefer to book there.

Another finca to consider staying at - especially if you enjoy horse riding which they arrange personally for you - is Finca Montania Sagrada.

Airbnbs

Ometepe Casita | Far removed from the traditional wooden bungalow so common here, this beautifully modern, brushed cement version is really quite striking! Its isolated location on the lake front near El Peru and contemporary design mean that this Airbnb has nothing but glowing reviews.

Private Cabina | With its open sided walls and basic design, this treehouse cabin near San Ramon will not appeal to everyone, but to truly get away from it all there are few better options in Ometepe!

Casita Punta de Guavas | If you’re travelling with your family or a group of friends and would prefer to have your own space, be sure to check out this three-bedroom lakefront house. Great views, and also comes with two free bikes to use. Note that at the time of update, this Airbnb was not available, but we’ll keep the listing here in the hopes that it returns soon.

The Wildcard

Fancy staying somewhere completely unique? Consider bunking down in one of several decommissioned old Bluebird buses and RVs that have been converted into bespoke accommodation.

There are no cooking facilities within the buses, but there is a fully stocked communal kitchen on-site, and lots of walking trails for you to follow.

Happy Camper RV House | Converted Van (with wood floors and vaulted ceiling) | Vintage Thomas School Bus | Vintage Bluebird School Bus