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A Day Away

Looking for a vacation from your vacation? Del Sur will show you some of the great places that you can visit in one day. This edition, Ometepe.

You see Ometepe every time you drive to Rivas, with its twin peaks hidden deep in the clouds or smoke from one of her craters. She beckons from the middle of the lake which prevents you from just hopping over. There are ferry schedules to think of, and transportation once across, and for many, this is enough of a reason not to go. But in one day you can experience the tranquil beauty of the island and come back to SJdS feeling centered and refreshed.

Taking a collectivo (30 Cords) to the rotunda in Rivas, then a 10 Cord collectivo to San Jorge, I found myself at the ferry dock with plenty of time to spare for the 10:30 ferry and I didn’t even have to get up early. If you are the early type, there are morning ferries at 7.45 and 9am.

At the dock I was approached by a man offering transportation in a minivan for $50 dollars and once you split this between the possible eight passengers it takes, it is a very reasonable price. Other options including taxis, or motorcycles that rent for $35/day.

The ferry is a vacation in itself, with the 10.30 boat offering drinks, TV and life vests. Enjoy the breeze and dream of the freshwater sharks somewhere under you.

The other boats are much smaller and bob in the surf like tops as they pass you by.

Our first stop on the island was Charco Verde, a beautiful beach and lagoon reserve that also has a full service restaurant serving a variety of fish and meat plates for about 90 cords.

The trails are pleasant and full of wildlife including a family of howler monkeys who could entertain you for hours, especially the new baby. Anyone could easily pass the day here swimming and kayaking. The entrance fee is 10 cords.

with shady hammocks and picnic tables. It is a perfect place to bring a family as it is shallow, clean and free of waves. There is a $1 fee per person.

But the highlight for me was Punta Jesus Maria, the peninsula that stretches out into the lake shielding the ferry dock at Moyogalpa from waves. Secluded and free, anyone could easily wile away an afternoon here, collecting the millions of shells that cover the beach, finding old ceramic shards, following the mini-frogs, studying the hand carved canoes and boats used by the locals, swimming, watching the ferries go by, or even enjoying a cold drink at the lone bar at the end of the tree line. It is only 15 minute drive to the ferry and would make for a cheap cab ride.

Taking the 4pm ferry back, I made it to Rivas in time to catch one of the last collectivos back to San Juan where my dinner was waiting. When you only have a

day, choose just one or two areas you want to see and spend your time to enjoy the fresh water and stunning views. Choose your transportation according to how far you plan to travel. No matter what you do, though, Ometepe is sure to make you relax.

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