Hiking on volcano Conception -
‘The big one’- the active one - 1610 mts
This is the perfectly formed strata-volcano that the houses here face. it offers spectacular views of the island from up top.
To hike this you must set off a little earlier than Maderas due to winds, exposure and proximity. Take the first bus at 5.20am or organise private transport to pick you up by 6.30am. The hike itself takes around 8 hours. Prepare food and water accordingly the day before.
The terrain is rocky and exposed, with beautiful moor-like patches and wild flowers from the constant moisture of the clouds up there.
Being active still, it doesn’t have growth all the way up like Maderas, so is exposed to the elements more. This means that you can get the best views of the island from up there. It also means that you are subject to the sun/winds/rain of the day, so dress accordingly.
ABOVE: Our guest and videographer Brad Fenton our guide tackling Conception in early 2019. Are you up for the challenge?
TIP: Take something to change into at the top- a dry t-shirt can be a blessing. Through sweat, rain or cloud or all three, the one you wore up will likely be wet.
Layered clothing and closed shoes with good grip are recommended - take something warm in case it’s windy up there and dry-bags for anything not water-proof. We have ziplocks if you need to borrow one!
It is recommended to take at least three liters of water up there with you and plenty of snacks for a full day’s hike. You can cook food here in Selvista kitchen, or order from the restaurant and store your lunch in the fridge ready to go the next day.
Reserve your accommodation for a comfy night’s sleep with a hot shower and pizza delivery after your hiking adventures. Selvista is a great base for any of the local hikes and trails.
A local guide is required to summit either Maderas or Conception. The trails drift off and it is easy to get lost up there. Tourism is also a major part of the economy, especially somewhere like Ometepe, so paying a local guide know knows the area and the wildlife well is a great way to give back to this community that hosts us here. Our recommended guides are friendly, knowledgable and bi-lingual. They can be arranged the night before a hike.
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At Selvista, we understand that canceling a reservation can be frustrating, but we want to remind our guests of the importance of supporting local service providers. Cancelling last minute can have a significant impact on the income of our local partners who depend on the tourism industry to make a living.
By implementing a cancellation charge, we ensure that our partners receive a fair share of the income they depend on.
We firmly believe that responsible tourism should increase economic stability instead of exploiting economically struggling countries. Let us work together to create a sustainable and ethical tourism industry that benefits everyone involved.
There are fabulous trails to hike on Ometepe, with stunning scenery and a view you have to work out for. We can introduce you to professional, bi-lingual guides and show you all the best private spots. Hiking Maderas volcano Ometepe must be done with a guide. It’s a rocky and muddy terrain. An unforgettable experience
Hiking the nature trails on Ometepe island. There’s something to suit everyone! Charco Verde, Finca Magdalena and Penas Incultas are all family friendly hikes on Ometepe. You can explore on foot and see iguanas, monkeys, rare parrots and much more. Perfect for nature lovers. Charco Verde also has a pool and butterfly sanctuary.
We have 6 houses open to guests on the 2 acre permaculture farm rated as some of the best places to stay on Ometepe. They are built using natural, local and sustainable materials wherever possible; crafted by local tradesmen and filled with local art. Located at the base of a dormant volcano in the middle of the largest lake in Central America, this is the destination to be. The Selvista experience is the best way to experience ometepe island.
