About
El Zopilote Permaculture Farm & Hostel, Sustainability Learning Center. A fun, alternative and multicultural place on Ometepe Island, where you can relax in the jungle and learn something new every day. We offer more activities than anywhere else on the island: permaculture and mushroom tours, chocolate making, temazcal, breathwork, ceremonies of different kinds, yoga, macramé and circus workshops, live music, fire shows and our famous Pizza Nights. Travelers from all over the world meet here, and many stay longer as volunteers.
Location
We are in the Santa Cruz/Madroñal area, 1 km before Balgue, close to Volcano Maderas, Volcano Concepción and Playa Santa Cruz. The farm sits about 300 meters up the hill from the main road. A path allows motorcycles and scooters to reach a parking area about 200 meters up. Cars, and less experienced drivers, should use the secure parking run by a local family near the entrance (about $1 per night for scooters and motorcycles). For safety, we recommend leaving all vehicles there overnight.
Accommodation
Our rooms are built to blend with nature. The cabins are spread out and far from each other, to give you as much privacy as possible. Most share bathrooms and showers, while the Mariposa Bungalow, Rancho Grande and Bruno's House have a private bathroom. Some rooms and dorms are close to reception; others are more secluded and cheaper. Thanks to the hillside breeze, there is no need for fans or air conditioning.
Living with nature
The farm runs entirely on solar energy, with compost toilets and full recycling of grey water and waste. We are in the middle of a tropical forest, so, as everywhere else on Ometepe Island, you will share it with geckos, birds and some insects. That is part of the experience.
Restaurant and Pizza Nights
The restaurant is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with meals from $4, many made with ingredients from our farm.
Pizza Nights are on Tuesdays and Saturdays, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with a fire show by more than 5 artists that is always a highlight. Music ends at 10:30 p.m. If you prefer a quiet night, ask for a room farther from the pizzeria.
Good to know
Paths are lightly lit at night to protect the environment, so bring a flashlight.
Our staff speak some English, but their native language is Spanish. Thank you for your patience.
Practical information
Check-in: from 12:00
Check-out: before 11:00
Reception: 6:00 to 22:00
No curfew
Payment: cash, credit/debit cards, PayPal, Revolut or Wise
Breakfast: not included, from $4 per person
Things to do in Ometepe Island
Here's what's happening in the city over the next few weeks.House Rules
12:00 - 20:00
until 11:00
- Credit Cards Not Accepted
- No Curfew
- Non Smoking
- Taxes Included
Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Free Internet Access
- Luggage Storage
- Internet access
- Book Exchange
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Mini-Supermarket
