Reaching El Zopilote is part of the adventure, and there are several ways to arrive depending on your route and travel style.
GOOGLE MAPS: (Main location pin)
Entrances & Parking . Quick Info
El Zopilote has two entrances:
1) El Zopilote Bushop – Only Walking Entrance – 📍 El Zopilote Bushop
Across from Rain Dance Hostel. Here you’ll find our yellow Bus Shop and the walking path to reception (about 450 m).
Walking only . No scooters or cars, parking only.
Free parking available for motorbikes, scooters and a few cars next to the Bus Shop.
2) El Zopilote Hostel, Restaurant, Pizzeria – 📍 El Zopilote Hostel, Restaurant, Pizzeria
A bit further toward Balgüe. Path is 330 m.
Scooters can ride the first part of the path.
Cars should park at Nimia’s house (secure paid parking, 30 córdobas/day).
📍 El Zopilote Hostel, Restaurant, Pizzeria
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BY BUS (From Mainland to the Island)
From Managua, Granada, San Juan del Sur, or Peñas Blancas, take a bus to Rivas.
From Rivas, go to the port of San Jorge by shared or private taxi (about 20 minutes). There is a loca l but too, please ask around.
At the port you can choose between:
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Ferries
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Boats (lanchas)
These will take you to either:
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Moyogalpa (Concepción side, where most of the boats go)
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San José del Sur (closer to El Zopilote and Volcano Maderas)
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BUS ON OMETEPE
From Moyogalpa or San José del Sur, take a bus to either Mérida or Balgüe.
If your bus goes to Mérida:
➡️ Get off at Santa Cruz.
Walk about 300 meters toward Balgüe until you see the entrance of El Zopilote.
If your bus goes to Balgüe:
➡️ Get off directly at the entrance — look for our old yellow school bus (the Bushop).
From there, follow the signposted trail to the reception (around 10 minutes).
Important:
🚫 There are fewer buses on Sundays.
🚌 The bus is very cheap and also a fun way to experience local life — we highly recommend it.
⏰ It’s best to arrive on the island before 1:30 pm so you don’t miss one of the last buses of the day.
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SCOOTERS AND MOTORBIKES
Many visitors arrive with scooters or motorbikes, often rented in Moyogalpa. However, we strongly recommend renting directly here at El Zopilote instead. The scooters are not ours, but belong to a local family who offers them to our guests at the same low prices as Moyogalpa.
Renting on-site is safer and more convenient:
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If something happens, Moyogalpa is far away for repairs or assistance.
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If you plan to stay several days, you won’t use the scooter every day — many activities and hikes can’t be done by scooter.
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Lately there has been over-renting, which often leads to unnecessary expenses.
Ometepe is also beautiful to explore on foot, especially if you enjoy hiking.
If you still arrive with a scooter or motorbike, you have two options:
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Second Entrance (Pizzeria Entrance): park safely at Nimia’s for 30 córdobas per day.
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Either entrance: you may leave your scooter or motorbike at the roadside for free, but we cannot take responsibility for any damage.
Inside the Second Entrance there is also a small upper parking area — secure but recommended only for confident riders, as the access is steep.
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BY TAXI
You will find plenty of taxis as soon as you arrive on the island —, there’s no need to book one from the mainland. Ometepe has many taxi and microbus drivers available at all arrival points.
Prices can vary a lot depending on the driver, the vehicle, and the number of passengers.
As a general reference, a taxi or microbus to El Zopilote usually costs around 20–30 USD for the whole vehicle.
If you are traveling with many people, the price may increase slightly. Agree on the fare before starting the ride.
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BY CAR / BY BICYCLE
If you’re bringing a car, make sure to reserve a spot on the ferry in advance.
Ferry companies operate between San Jorge and the ports of San José del Sur and Moyogalpa.
Driving Directions on Ometepe
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Follow the signs toward Balgüe.
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At the El Quino (Kino) junction, turn right.
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Continue for 8 km.
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At the Santa Cruz junction, turn left.
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After 500 meters, you will find both El Zopilote entrances on your right.
📍 You can also find us on Google Maps by searching El Zopilote.
📍 El Zopilote Hostel, Restaurant, Pizzeria
Distances & Travel Times
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From the port (San José del Sur or Moyogalpa) to El Zopilote: about 28 km
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By bicycle: approximately 3 hours
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By car: approximately 40 minutes
Parking
You can park for free at El Zopilote (First Entrance) 📍 El Zopilote (First entrance),
or leave your vehicle safely at Nimia’s near the Second Entrance for 30 córdobas per day.
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FINAL NOTES
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If you arrive in the evening, bring a torch, as the trail is dark.
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We look forward to welcoming you to El Zopilote! 🌿✨
