Isla Omotepe
As the turtle’s search for land continues, we have unexpectedly found ourselves contemplating the merits of uncharted territory. While it has always been the plan to situate Casa Tortuga along the Nicaraguan Pacific coastline, when a seemingly amazing property on the island of Omotepe - Nicaragua’s most unique tourist attraction – was presented to us, we felt it important to investigate so as not to leave any stone unturned.
All three of us were immediately struck by the beauty, tranquillity and exoticism of Isla Omotepe, which at 276 square kilometres is the world’s largest island set amidst a freshwater lake. When talking to tourists making their way through the country, we have invariably found that their visit to Isla Omotepe has been among the highlights, if not the culmination! Why exactly?
Firstly, Omotepe is uniquely set within Lake Nicaragua, the world’s 10th largest freshwater lake. This makes the island highly suitable to water activities, including swimming, fishing, wind-surfing and, more recently, kite surfing.
Secondly, the island is the consequence of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago so that now the island comprises twin volcanoes. Vulcan Concepcion, an active volcano, approaches picture-postcard perfection with its cylindrical shape and fiery heart, while Vulcan Maderas, a dormant volcano, hosts one of Nicaragua’s two cloud forests and cradles a pristine lagoon within its crater. Hiking the volcanoes is great for the adventurous-minded.
Thirdly, the island holds what can only be described as a kind of magic charm that you simply can’t quite explain. There exists an energy and sense of calm that is both revitalising and mystical. This could explain why the local island residents are both welcoming and giving. The people radiate a type of trust and genuineness that is very appealing.
If those are not enough reasons to fall in love with Omotepe, then there is also the rich island history and culture. The island has been a sacred place to the local inhabitants for centuries. Moreover, locals and archaeologists have uncovered numerous petroglyphs; ancient stone carvings that date back to the pre-Colombian age (circa BC300).
Omotepe is easily accessible. Ferries depart regularly from Granada and San Jorge taking both passengers and vehicles for very reasonable prices. The journey takes approximately an hour which tends to fly-by when you sit back and take in the amazing views surrounding you. On the island, infrastructure remains wanting but there is electricity, some paved roads, a dispersed number of low-end tourist lodgings – many of which have some degree of ecological awareness.
Everything about Omotepe screams eco-tourism. The island already boasts a number of permaculture farms and ecological ventures – none, however, that appear to rival the plans of Casa Tortuga.
To be sure that Isla Omotepe is indeed a good option for the location of Casa Tortuga we have recently compiled a business case including a SWOT analysis. Should you be interested in receiving a copy of this, simply e-mail us at casatortgua@gmail.com
While the 21 acre lake-front property that originally brought us to look at Isla Omotepe now seems sold to other parties, we are confident that there are other available properties that are just as spectacular in their location and impressive in their value for money.
All three of us were immediately struck by the beauty, tranquillity and exoticism of Isla Omotepe, which at 276 square kilometres is the world’s largest island set amidst a freshwater lake. When talking to tourists making their way through the country, we have invariably found that their visit to Isla Omotepe has been among the highlights, if not the culmination! Why exactly?
Firstly, Omotepe is uniquely set within Lake Nicaragua, the world’s 10th largest freshwater lake. This makes the island highly suitable to water activities, including swimming, fishing, wind-surfing and, more recently, kite surfing.
Secondly, the island is the consequence of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago so that now the island comprises twin volcanoes. Vulcan Concepcion, an active volcano, approaches picture-postcard perfection with its cylindrical shape and fiery heart, while Vulcan Maderas, a dormant volcano, hosts one of Nicaragua’s two cloud forests and cradles a pristine lagoon within its crater. Hiking the volcanoes is great for the adventurous-minded.
Thirdly, the island holds what can only be described as a kind of magic charm that you simply can’t quite explain. There exists an energy and sense of calm that is both revitalising and mystical. This could explain why the local island residents are both welcoming and giving. The people radiate a type of trust and genuineness that is very appealing.
If those are not enough reasons to fall in love with Omotepe, then there is also the rich island history and culture. The island has been a sacred place to the local inhabitants for centuries. Moreover, locals and archaeologists have uncovered numerous petroglyphs; ancient stone carvings that date back to the pre-Colombian age (circa BC300).
Omotepe is easily accessible. Ferries depart regularly from Granada and San Jorge taking both passengers and vehicles for very reasonable prices. The journey takes approximately an hour which tends to fly-by when you sit back and take in the amazing views surrounding you. On the island, infrastructure remains wanting but there is electricity, some paved roads, a dispersed number of low-end tourist lodgings – many of which have some degree of ecological awareness.
Everything about Omotepe screams eco-tourism. The island already boasts a number of permaculture farms and ecological ventures – none, however, that appear to rival the plans of Casa Tortuga.
To be sure that Isla Omotepe is indeed a good option for the location of Casa Tortuga we have recently compiled a business case including a SWOT analysis. Should you be interested in receiving a copy of this, simply e-mail us at casatortgua@gmail.com
While the 21 acre lake-front property that originally brought us to look at Isla Omotepe now seems sold to other parties, we are confident that there are other available properties that are just as spectacular in their location and impressive in their value for money.
posted by Totoco Management at 1:03 PM
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