Ometepe bus schedule: how to get around the island by bus
The local buses on Ometepe are old, slow and colourful, and they are the cheapest way to move around the island. Between Moyogalpa and Altagracia there is a bus about every hour. Beyond Altagracia, toward Santa Cruz and Balgüe on the Maderas side, there are only a few buses a day, so it helps to plan.
El Zopilote eco hostel is on the Balgüe road, 300 meters uphill from the bus stop. Every bus going to Balgüe passes in front of our stop: just ask the driver for “El Zopilote”.
Buses from Moyogalpa and Altagracia to El Zopilote (Balgüe)
| Moyogalpa | Altagracia | Balgüe |
|---|---|---|
| – | 4:30 | 5:30 |
| 8:20 | 9:30 | 10:30 |
| 10:15 | 11:30 | 12:30 |
| – | 13:30 | 14:30 |
| 15:45 | 16:30 | 17:30 |
The bus passes El Zopilote a few minutes before reaching Balgüe.
Buses from El Zopilote (Balgüe) to Altagracia and Moyogalpa
| Balgüe | Altagracia | Moyogalpa |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30 | 6:15 | 7:00 |
| 8:00 | 9:00 | – |
| 11:00 | 12:00 | – |
| 13:30 | 14:30 | 15:30 |
| 14:00 | 15:00 | – |
| 16:30 | 17:30 | – |
The bus passes El Zopilote a few minutes after leaving Balgüe. From Altagracia there are buses to Moyogalpa about every hour.
Times are approximate, Monday to Saturday. Buses on the island can leave early or late, and the schedule changes from time to time. Always ask at our reception or at your hostel the day before.
Sundays and holidays
On Sundays there are very few buses, sometimes only one in the early morning and sometimes none at all to Balgüe. If you travel on a Sunday, plan a taxi or a scooter.
No direct bus? Change in Altagracia or El Quino
If there is no direct bus to Balgüe, take any bus from Moyogalpa to Altagracia and ask to get off in Altagracia or at the El Quino junction, where the road to Santo Domingo and the Maderas side begins. From there you catch the next bus to Balgüe.
Where to catch the bus
- Moyogalpa: on the road next to the ferry port
- San José del Sur: buses to the Maderas side are few, a taxi is often easier
- El Zopilote: at our bus stop on the main road, 300 meters downhill from the farm
Bus fares
A bus ride costs between 20 and 50 córdobas depending on the distance. Pay the driver’s helper on board, in córdobas and with small bills.
Tips for taking the bus on Ometepe
- Try to arrive on the island before 1:30 pm, the afternoon buses to Balgüe are few
- Keep your backpack small or be ready to have it on the roof
- Buses get crowded, especially on market days and holidays
- If you are coming by boat, check our Ometepe ferry schedule
Other ways to get to El Zopilote
Taxis wait at the ports of Moyogalpa and San José del Sur. You can also rent a scooter: see our scooter and motorbike rental. All the details are in How to Get to El Zopilote and our two entrances.
Stay at El Zopilote eco hostel
El Zopilote is a permaculture farm, eco hostel and Sustainability Learning Center on the Maderas side of Ometepe Island, running since 2002 and almost completely off-grid. Once you get off the bus, you can enjoy:
- Dorms, private cabins, hammocks and camping
- Daily yoga, temazcal, breathwork and the cacao ceremony
- Our farm-to-table restaurant and Pizza Night every Tuesday and Saturday
- The free permaculture farm tour and the mushroom lab tour
- Island trips like the Maderas Volcano hike, Ojo de Agua and the Río Istián kayak tour
Ready to come? See how to book your stay at El Zopilote or write to us on our contacts page.
