La Omaja Blog

Thanks to Johnson State's Alternative Break program for helping connect 45 local families to the potable water supply here in the Merida area. Over a 6 day period students worked side by side with local community members laying 1800 meters of water tubing and spigots to over 45 houses, just short of their goal of 50 homes. They would have been able to do it but the supplies ran short. Thanks again, everyone had fun, worked hard and learned a little something about life and active citizenship.

While the great majority of the taxi drivers on Ometepe and in Nicaragua are good, friendly, honest, service orientated people trying to make a living, there are nevertheless, a few bad apples that can spoil your vacation if you give them the chance. In order to avoid any potential problems we offer the follow pointers:

If possible make your taxi reservations through your hotel. Most mid-size and small hotels like La Omaja will connect you with honest, reliable local taxis for the same price or cheaper than you may find on the street.

Transportation companies in San Juan del sur and Granada provide security and convenience but tend to charge a hefty price.

When coming to Ometepe, avoid at all costs the Coyotes waiting at the dock or in the tourist info kiosks in San Jorge. They may tell you there are no taxis available on the island and that you must reserve a taxi with them before getting on the boat in order to obtain transportation. They will charge you 2 or 3 times the going rate and there have been numerous complaints over the last month or two of lost luggage.

If you want to try your hand at flagging a local taxi (there will be hoards of them circling you as you get off the ferry) make sure the taxi you get in has a COSTRATO painting on the rear window signifying his registration with the transportation authority. Prices should be:

Charco Verde $15
Altagracia/Santo Domingo $25
Balgue/Merida $35

Most vacation mishaps are avoidable, do a little homework, use common sense and you're certain to have a fantastic vacation here in Nicaragua and especially on Ometepe!

I am pleased to report that the first Alternative Break Citizenship School to be held in Nicaragua was a phenomenal success! The summer event, sponsored by Break Away and Panorama Service Expeditions, was attended by over 50 participants representing over 20 universities. During the course of the week participants attended a variety of seminars designed to assist them in their quest to become becoming more active citizens and also provide helpful insights into establishing and managing a successful Alternative Break program at their respective universities.

In addition to the seminars, as is the case in all alternative breaks, there was a healthy dose of hard work. With a focus on Building the Literary Crusade, participants had the opportunity to get dirty and sweaty side by side with local Nicaraguans constructing new classrooms and a kitchen facility for two local schools, the Instituto Diocesano Monte Tabor and the Centro Escolar ELIM, both located in Managua.

There were several surprise guests including political figures, local artists and musicians, to offer their perspectives on some of the more difficult social issues facing this developing country and also share their music and colorful local culture with the participants.

I myself had a great time, got really dirty, developed a few new calluses on my hands, met some new friends and learned a bit about myself and what it takes to be a more active citizen. Can't wait 'till the next one.

Jamie Carson
Nicaragua

A guided kayak tour with a bilingual guide educated on Ometepe’s flora and fauna is truly a unique experience. The remarkable Istian estuary offers a wonderful opportunity to see monkeys, caimans, turtles, and innumerable varieties of birds and flora. For those who love to kayak, you can kayak from LA OMAJA to the river Istian. This option takes about 3-4 hours round trip. The less rigourous option is to take a motorboat to the entrance of the river Istian. From there you will proceed in your kayak up the river and back, requiring about 40 minutes to an hour of leisurely kayaking.