Local Taxi Advisory

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!