Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(US$10 to US$20 per group) to different groups of petroglyphs, or you can go on horse-
back for a few dollars more.
A great day trip is walking (or biking) some or all of the circumference of Maderas
(35km) on the rough dirt road (note that there are no stores, restaurants or bus service
between San Ramón and La Palma).
SANTA CRUZ TO BALGÜE
The split in the road at Santa Cruz is marked by a small store. It's a pleasant, 3km, down-
hill walk to Balgüe from here, if you're on a Mérida-bound bus.
El Zopilote offers horse rentals (per hour US$5), massages (US$20), apiculture classes
(US$10), Spanish-language classes (per hour US$2) and a variety of free cultural courses.
Buses leave Balgüe for Altagracia (US$1.10, one hour) at 10am, 1:30pm (continuing to
Moyogalpa) and 4pm.
Sleeping & Eating
El Zopilote Finca Ecológica
OFFLINE MAP
HOSTEL
$
( 8961-8742;
www.ometepezopilote.com
; 200m up trail from road; hammocks US$3, tents per per-
son US$3, dm US$6, cabins US$14-18; )
To reach this place on the inland side of the
road, follow the trail to the left of the converted school bus/organic market, then 200m
right to the clutch of traditionally constructed thatched-roof huts on the grassy hillside. By
far the most laid-back hippy option on the island, this organic farm offers a range of ac-
commodations scattered around a lush hillside on a sizable working farm.
The accomodations are pretty basic, but there's a cool common area and restaurant that
sells organic products. There are a few petroglyphs scattered around and 'Japanese'
showers (outdoor setups with bamboo plants for walls). If you really like it here, ask about
volunteer or work opportunities.
Finca Magdalena
OFFLINE MAP
HOSTEL
$
( 8498-1683;
www.fincamagdalena.com
; hammocks or campsites per person US$3, dm/tr/q
US$3.50/15/24, cabins US$40; )
This Ometepe mainstay setup on the slopes of Volcán
Maderas is a classic backpacking spot. Rooms and dorms on this working coffee
finca
are
