Getting There & Staying There

If you are interested in this race, it would be beneficial for you to join the groups.google.com/group/fuegoyagua mailing list. We will try to keep everyone updated on any changes etc..

Check out the Resources section of the site for more information on travel and lodging on the island. www.ViaNica.com is the most informational travel site on Nicaragua and is the key to being well informed without purchasing a travel guide.

Travel in Nicaragua is very inexpensive. Of course, the prices will vary significantly depending on the type of travel you enjoy (i.e. comfort, budget, super-budget, etc..)

Getting to Isla de Ometepe

There are several options for getting into Nicaragua and eventually Ometepe, but the easiest would be to fly into Managua. Managua has a very nice international airport and great service through most major airlines. If you arrive in Managua at night and want to stay the night, there are several comfortable hotels right near the airport. If you are traveling a bit more on a budget, take an airport taxi into town to Barrio Marta Quezada. There are several options on hostels and hotels, but I recommend Guesthouse Todos Los Santos as a clean and affordable place to stay.

The trip from Managua involves bus, express shuttle or taxi travel to the town or Rivas, then a five minute taxi ride to the port town of San Jorge (approx 1½ -3 hours total depending on type of transport). From San Jorge it is a 1 hour ferry ride to the town of Moyogalpa.

There are a few different options for buses to Rivas/San Jorge, and they are mainly separated as express or non-express, but your non-express can really vary in time and quality. The complete bus schedule is available on www.vianica.com/busschedule.php.

Most buses leave from Mercado Huembes, you will need a taxi to get here from the airport or hostel.

Taxis or express shuttles directly to San Jorge are available from the airport, this is the fastest but costliest option (about $40 to $100 USD). I can personally recommend www.AdelanteExpress.com as a reliable shuttle service (you can make reservations online). We will also provide a shuttle from the airport to the ferry and back (after the race) on specific days and times. Please email us for more information.

Once in San Jorge, ferries and boats for Moyogalpa depart 7 days a week 10 times a day. For complete ferry schedules, check www.vianica.com/visit/ometepe.

If you want to rent a vehicle, check out www.vianica.com/transportation.php for a list of rental agencies at the airport. The ferries from San Jorge to Moyogalpa do allow vehicles. Vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle rentals are also available on the island.

Now that you made it onto the island

The race begins and ends in the port town of Moyogalpa, this is where the ferry comes in from the mainland town of San Jorge. Moyogalpa is the largest town on the island and offers all amenities. The race is headquartered in the Servicios Turisticos IBESA office. IBESA can arrange lodging and any other reservations you may need (i.e. rental car, bike, motorcycle etc..) as well as provide you with unending information on food and activities in town. There are several kinds of lodging available in Moyogalpa, varying from $3 a night to $60 a night. The IBESA office and restaurant is located straight up the main street from the ferry landing on the left across the gas station. If you are interested in reserving your lodging ahead of time, feel free to email us with your preferences and we will set up a reservation for you.

Just a small note on mobile phones

Mobile phones work well on most of the islands main areas. If you want to bring your mobile, it will need to be a GSM provider in order to work. Check with your provider for rates and information. If you have an unlocked GSM phone, it is only about $10 USD to purchase a local SIM card for very low cost prepaid service.

If you require further assistance or have any questions, please check the Resources page and feel free to contact me.