Laguna de Apoyo

Goodbye to Rancho Tranquillo

This morning we are leaving Ometepe Island to travel to Laguna de Apoyo. Once again, I choose Daniela’s breakfast quesadillas because they are so delicious.
I am really sad to leave Rancho Tranquillo. It truly is a tranquil place but what really makes it is the friendliness of Daniela and Tony.

One of the wheels on my carry on bag is broken. Those wheels never last. Makes it challenging to get our bags down the dirt path to the ferry.

On the Ferry

The ferry area is under construction and is packed with people. We have a problem finding where to buy the tickets until John sees a guy sitting behind a table…no sign indicating that this is where to buy the tickets.

The ferry takes an hour to cross and a prearranged taxi is waiting to take us to Granada. John uses his Spanish to ask the driver if he can take us all the way to Laguna de Apoyo, where we are staying over the next two nights. I am impressed with how the Spanish just rolls off John’s tongue. A price is agreed upon and we are off on the two hour trip. The journey takes a bit longer due to road construction

Laguna de Apoyo

Laguna de Apoyo is a mineral rich, fresh water lake created 23,000 years ago when a volcano imploded and collapsed into itself. The bottom of the lake is the lowest point in Central America and has the purest water. Motor boats are not allowed in this lake. Actually, the whole area is protected. It is surrounded by lush flora and fauna. The nearby Masaya volcano is still active. It is a great place for hiking and birding.

Casa Marimba

The taxi drops us off at Casa Marimba, which is a small boutique resort on the lake with five rooms, a restaurant, bar and lots of great lounging areas.

Our room is lovely with a gorgeous balcony above the bougainvillea, looking out towards the lake. A very large hummingbird keeps visiting the bougainvillea…he is so close.

We head down to the lake for a swim. The water is very warm.We head to the restaurant for supper. They have a good vegetarian selection on the menu. I eat way too much. In a food induced coma, I hang upout in one of the hammocks.John says if I fall asleep, he will leave me here all night.