Suggestions for Ometepe

I gave you extensive advice a week ago. Merida is a good base for horseback riding, the waterfall, Maderas, kayaking and not too far from Ojo de Agua. You can do activities on your own but as you don't have much time it might be better to organize activities through your hotel. Unless you did decide to rent a car or you will have a driver ? I copy and paste my earlier post just in case anyone else is interested :

There are two volcanoes which may be too hard to climb although you can try as with both you can just go to the viewpoint (still tough though, especially Concepcion)but they are also great to just look at, one is active, the other is covered in cloud forest. You can go to Charco Verde, swim in the lake, explore the nature trail (hopefully at dawn or dusk and see monkeys and birds) and then go right next door to Chico Largo Adventure for fun ziplining with a great hike up, nice views and monkeys. Run by two young local guys who are very enthusiastic. There is Ojo de Agua, a natural spring pool. There is kayaking on the Rio Istian and the San Ramon waterfall hike. Horseback riding : http://www.harishorses.com (several tours possible, and you could even see the waterfall that way)

Hotels : if you want to be on the beach check out the hotels (Hotel Charco Verde, Finca Venecia) at Charco Verde (great beach). The other beach would be Playa Santo Domingo (but in the rainy season there might not be much beach left). Xalli gets good reviews. Or choose a nature hotel (beach often not far) like La Finca del Sol or Totoco (with pool) or Hacienda Merida or Finca Mystica. They can all organize kayaking, horseback riding and other activities... For the kayaking also look at: http://www.caballitosmar.com/english_pages/activities.html

I think the first afternoon just driving around and/or a longer horseback riding tour would be fun. The next day kayaking and Ojo de Agua. The last day Charco Verde at dawn and ziplining.

Co-signed on Heri's Horses. We stayed there for one night only (unfortunately, I wish we could have stayed forever) and not only is Heri himself the coolest guy ever (and speaks English very well, if that matters to you) he knows all about Ometepe and can fill you in on all the places to see. Meanwhile, his land is paradise.

Then there is a resort/hotel (not too pricey) just down the road from Heri's and, while I forget the name, it had some of the worst customer service of all time. They were rude (snickering and giggling at us when we would mispronounce Spanish words- I realize we are visitors but we are trying, at least) and after the "dinner" they made us both my child and I threw up. We stayed there for a night merely because after our night at Heri's Horses they were full, so we needed a new option, and that was the closest one.

If I come across the name of the place I'll post it in here.

Besides climbing into the cloud forests atop the volcanos, I'd recommend renting a bicycle (if you're somewhat fit) or a motorcycle and just circling the entirety of the island. It's truly a stunning place.

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