Ometepe Island (Isla de Ometepe)

With its pair of volcanic peaks shrouded in mist and rising up from the waters of Nicaragua Lake, Ometepe Island paints a hauntingly beautiful landscape for those looking out across the lake. A popular choice for a day trip from Managua or Granada, Ometepe is more than just a pretty face – it’s also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and its sandy beaches, cloud forests and two volcanoes (the mile-high Concepción and 4,400-foot Maderas) are teeming with unique plant and wildlife.

Outdoors enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for hiking, cycling and horseback riding, as well as swimming, kayaking and fishing around the coast, but equally fascinating is a series of pre-Columbian petroglyphs and artifacts on the island dating back to 2000 BCE., which offer an intriguing insight into the island’s rich cultural history. You may want to hire a local guide to help you get around (transportation on the islands isn't extensive) and direct you to the best hiking trails.