We have made the commitment and investment to allow everyone to enjoy the beauties of Ometepe and to participate in our mission for sustainable and responsible living. The restaurant/sitting area has ramped access as do the rooms on the second floor (even if you are not staying up here, the view of the lake is beautiful and it's a great place to read). For the day visitor or dorm user, there is a communal bathroom, shower, and sink designed for easy wheelchair use.
Maderas Volcano Hike
The guide is there solely to make sure the trip occurs safely, and to keep you from getting lost. He will provide little to no information about the area.
If you hike from the Finca Magdalena side, you must pay $2.00 to enter the finca. You can hire a pick-up truck to carry up to 8 people from Hotel Hacienda Mérida to Finca Magdalena and back for $25.00 USD each way. The fee for a larger truck for up to 20 people is $35 USD each way.
How to make the most out of your hiking experience
Eat a big breakfast! This is very important for energy. And bring water! Exhaustion or dehydration
are likely you don't have enough to eat or drink.
For a warm-up, try hiking the San Ramon waterfall trail (500 meters of elevation from the lake
shore). If you find this hike too strenuous don't even consider hiking to the crater top.
Also, consider starting the hike on the Hacienda Mérida side, this way if you decide to turn back, you will be able to easily return to the Hacienda (you will also avoid the fee at Finca Magdalena).
Don't try to play Rambo and go down to the crater lake with out safety harnesses and proper mountain climbing equipment. You can get the equipment for free at Hacienda Mérida. There are safety harnesses that fit everyone.
If you hike out via Finca Magdalena, you will experience more of the volcano and will avoid hiking back to the highest point found on the Mérida trail; this will save you two hours of hiking time. If you are in very very good physical shape go up and down the Mérida trails; they are more primitive and pristine.
If you would like to leave earlier than 7:30, inform the kitchen the previous night that you would like a 6:00 AM breakfast. But don't be in too big a hurry; your hike will be safer and more enjoyable if you aren't rushing.
What to expect
The hike is VERY muddy, so be prepared to get dirty. Try not to hike in too large of a group as it
can be difficult to keep everyone together due to varying hiking abilities.
The hike will take 6 - 10 hours.
During the rainy season the view may be limited due to the clouds, but the hike is still quite an adventure and well worth the time. The highest likelihood of getting clear views is in the afternoon.
What to wear and take
- Prepare water, sandwiches, and a 1st AID kit the night before.
- Wear boots or trainers (no sandals). Strong shoes are vital.
- Sun screen!
- Insect repellent.
- Change of clothes.
- If starting on the Finca Magdalena side, bring money (2.00 USD) to walk through the finca.
- A sun hat.
A swim suit if you want to take a dip in the crater lake (it is very cold).- Note: The guides at Hacienda Mérida charge US$20 for groups up to 3. If one person turns back above the 800 meter mark every one will return and you will not be allowed to continue. You will pay the guide regardless if you finish the hike or not
Information courtesy of: Mary, Jody, Will, Eli and Alvaro.
Getting there
Hotel Hacienda Merida
Maderas Volcano, Ometepe Island
Rivas-Nicaragua
Email: haciendamerida@gmail.com
Web Page: www.hmerida.com
Tel: (505) 8868 8973 / 8894 2551
Skype Name: ometepe2010
Skype Status:
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