Nicaragua /May 12, 2026
One of the most popular activities on Ometepe Island, hiking to San Ramon Waterfall is not a casual Sunday stroll – it’s uphill, hot, humid and sometimes slippy underfoot – but slipping into the cool pool at the end feels all the better after the effort of getting there.
The full trail begins near the village of San Ramón on the lower flank of Maderas Volcano, one of the island’s twin volcanoes that stand sentinel in the middle of Lake Nicaragua.
A small entrance station marks the start of the trail, where local caretakers maintain the path and collect a modest fee that helps maintain the reserve.
Right from the off, the hike to the waterfall begins heading uphill, albeit gradually for the first few kilometers. At this stage of the hike, the trail passes through bucolic pastures dotted with grazing cattle, before you eventually enter true, tropical forest.
As you proceed through the forest the gradient increases, sun-warmed grass gives way to dew-streaked moss and blue sky overhead is replaced by towering trees and the brooding canopy of this ancient forest, home to a variety of flora and fauna including parrots and howler monkeys.
The pool at the base is clear and inviting, fed by mountain runoff from Maderas. At the very least, you’ll want to cool off your feet but swimming in the pools is also popular. As there is nowhere to change, you’ll need to come ready prepared.
After time to relax by the pools, you will then head back the way you came and either back to your hotel or on to your next destination.
06:30 – Collection from hotel (transfer time from Xalli & Villa Paraiso is approx 15 minutes, other Ometepe hotels may be significantly longer).
06:45 – Start of the hike
09:30 – Estimated arrival at the waterfall
Free time at the waterfall for a couple of hours, including lunch
12:00 – Commence the hike back down
14:00 – Arrival at the vehicle transfer point and return to the hotel
There are no official restrictions, and no minimum or maximum age limits, but participants should be fit, healthy and steady on their feet. If you are at all uncertain about whether this hike is suitable for you or anyone in your party, please do not attempt it.
If attempting the complete trail, the hike from the bottom to the waterfalls takes up to 3 hours. For those who prefer a more compact hike, taking a 4WD to the midpoint cuts this down by more than half.
Nicaragua’s high season is from November through April when the weather is at its best, ie driest. Hiking in the dry is preferable to getting wet and conditions underfoot will be easier to manage. However, if you wish to see the waterfall at its most dramatic, this naturally coincides with the rainy season when the flow of water is at its greatest. As a potential compromise, consider visiting towards the start of November, at the tail end of the rainy season. This is also the best time to experience kayaking on Ometepe.
Due to the distances and time involved, all departures are early morning. We suggest beginning the full hike no later than 07.00 and the shortened version no later than 08.30.
While no professional equipment is required, we suggest sturdy shoes, a hat, waterproof jacket (depending on the weather), plenty of water and perhaps a snack to keep your energy levels up. A picnic lunch is provided for clients on the full hike.
Beyond The Ordinary specialise in tailor made holidays to Nicaragua, including Ometepe Island, and can include the hike to San Ramon as part of an overall holiday. We are unable to book the hike as a stand alone excursion.
The full hike up and down takes the best part of a day so, on completion, you will be returned to your hotel on the island.
For those opting for the abridged version, and setting off early, our recommendation is to spend what remains of the day relaxing at the equally beautiful Ojo de Agua which has changing facilities, toilets and options for food & drink.
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