Moyogalpa (Nahuatl for “place of the mosquitoes”) is Ometepe’s largest commercial center, and it’s not that buggy, though it’s a bit bland. There is plenty of fine accomodation here, but we recommend basing yourself outside of the town to experience the more isolated sides of the island.

Get oriented at the office of Fundación Entre Volcanes (across the street from the Moyogalpa ENITEL office), a small NGO involved in several community projects across the island; staff may be able to help you find ways to volunteer your time while on the island. They also have some representative handicrafts of the region on display.

On the main street, the Ranchón El Chele is a popular place to drink and relax. Disco Johnny Bar, just north of the dock, and Disco Cocibolca, near El Indio Viejo a few blocks east of the dock, also vie for the dancing crowd on the weekends.

The town of Moyogalpa celebrates its patron saint, Santa Ana, June 23–26. The Baile de las Inditas is performed in much the same way as the indigenous dance it replaced, with traditional costumes and the resonant sound of the marimba.