Charming Charco Verde

Located between Ometepe’s two distinctive conical volcanoes – Concepcion and Maderas – the natural reserve of Charco Verde (Green Pond) incorporates a lush forested area, a picturesque lagoon and El Bancon Beach – considered to be one of the best beaches on this fascinating Nicaraguan island.

Hotel Charco Verde is located at the entrance of the reserve, providing accommodation for those who want to take their time exploring the area, as well as meals and drinks for day-trippers. There is lovely strip of beach at the hotel which lies on the shore of Lago de Nicaragua, and adventurers can rent a kayak to explore the lagoon and/or the shoreline of the reserve. Fishing is also permitted, from a kayak or from the shore. The reserve has an entrance fee that is payable at the hotel, and this entitles visitors to use the dressing room and shower facilities of the hotel.

Visitors to Charco Verde can enjoy a swim in the refreshing waters of the lagoon, take a stroll along the beach or relax and catch a tan in the tranquil surroundings. If you’re a little more energetic, you can explore the hiking trail through the forest between the entrance of the reserve and the beach. The hike is not too strenuous, and it takes approximately an hour to complete a round trip. A trail leads from the hotel up a hill to a lookout point known as Mirador del Diablo (Devil’s Viewpoint) and from there hikers can view the surrounding reserve, as well as the mainland on the horizon.

The wide variety and abundance of flora provides the perfect habitat for wildlife. Birding enthusiasts will have no problem spotting the feathered inhabitants of the reserve and can keep an eye out for woodpeckers, magpies, and sparrow hawks, as well as black herons, white herons, night ducks, and possibly even some owls, although these tend to be more elusive. Howler monkeys, armadillos and rabbits can also be found in the Charco Verde reserve. A ferry runs between the Isla de Ometepe and the mainland allowing easy access for a day-trip to charming Charco Verde.