Charco Verde is a privately owned, 20 hectare ecological reserve located at the southern foot of Concepion Volcano on Ometepe Island.
At the heart of the reserve, a tropical dry forest, is the emerald green pond of Charco Verde, the source of numerous local legends.
The most popular of these legends relates to Chico Largo, a demonic figure who lives at the bottom of the pond and who wanders the area, haunting those he comes into contact with and forcing them into demonic pacts. Perhaps more chillingly, in more recent times it is said that the lake was the site of sacrifices by the local, indigenous population.
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Beyond The Ordinary arrange fully bonded, tailor made holidays and tours to Nicaragua. Contact one of our experts on 01580 764796, email travel@beyondtheordinary.co.uk or contact us via our website. |
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Today, Charco Reserve is altogether more laid-back and is a pleasant place to go for a gentle hike. Although it is easy enough to explore the reserve on one’s own, our own arrangements would always include a private, local guide as part of a tour of the island.
Not only do the guides we work with know the reserve inside out, they are also experts on its flora and fauna, including the resident howler monkeys. On our own visit, our guide was twice able to spot snakes that we would never have seen on our own.
The reserve can be explored in a level, circular loop taking an hour or so. Deviating slightly from the aforementioned, level trail, at the eastern end of the reserve there is a hill that one can climb with a wonderful viewing point – Mirador del Diable – at the top.
As the reserve borders the beach, it is also possible to take a break from your hike and go for a cooling swim in Lake Nicaragua.
At the entrance to the reserve, there is also a small butterfly sanctuary housing a wide variety of endemic species.
For those who wish to stay nearby, the Hotel Charco Verde is just a short walk from the entrance to the reserve. Alternatively, clients can head straight to the reserve from the ferry, stretch their legs on the trail and then continue with their tour of the island (Ojo de Agua etc) before ending up at one of our featured accommodation on the island’s northern shoreline.
