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Off the beaten path on Ometepe

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My partner and I found a great new camping/cabin site just outside of Balgue on Isla de Ometepe.
16 years ago, February 27th 2008 No: 1 Msg: #28636  
Just got back from a great stay on Isla de Ometepe.

My partner and I happened upon an organic farm just outside of Balgue that is just opening up a camping area, along with a great little cottage.

The place is called Casa Campestre, and is totally off the map, so it's a great place for people who want a little peace and quiet. Or for those who want to get away from it all and spend some time surrounded by urracas (giant local blue jays) and howler monkeys.

We called ahead and asked if we could come by and take a look at the camping grounds, and the owners - Ben and Sarah - readily obliged.

The tour, to say the least, was fantastic. The farm is totally organic, and employs all local labor, though the owners are no slouches themselves.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

The camping ground has several beautiful platforms, made out of adobe, with thatch roofs. There is an outdoor, open-air kitchen area, with gas stove, sink, and a cooler. We paid $7 US each to camp, which is normally a bit steep for us. However, they provided a very good tent, toilet paper, unlimited filtered drinking water, a nice foam mattress, clean bedding, pillows, free access to cookware in the kitchen (and gas to cook) and some free herbs we picked ourselves.

In all honesty, the views alone are worth it, as you are situated just below Volcano Maderas, and have clear views of Lake Nicaragua and Volcano Concepcion.

Ben and Sarah are committed to running a green campground. Lovely composting latrines (also adobe) have handcarved seats and absolutely no scent, other than that of fresh cedar woodchips. Grey water from the kitchen sink is used to water a nice patch of herbs.

There's an outdoor shower, the beginnings of a great permaculture inspired garden (with free fresh veggies, herbs, and medicinal plants being a future bonus,) and one hell of a nice firepit.

Basic supplies are available for purchase directly from the campsite, though they thoughtfully included a good sized portion of coffee, tea, salt and sugar to get us started.

More luxurious goods (including local honey, fresh wheat bread, olive oil, cold beer, wine, and much more) are also available, and a convenient price list is right in the camp kitchen.

Did I mention you can order food prepared by Ben and Sarah?

We had a meal of fresh lake fish, prepared in an excellent curry, all with veggies, spices and herbs from the farm, that was to die for. They are excellent cooks, and even better hosts.

You can feel the excitement this couple has for their land. They were never intrusive, but were always eager to talk about the work they are doing if pressed.

Although we stayed in the camping area, we got to tour the cottage, which is also stunning.

Again, the place is just opening, but it feels like Ben and Sarah have been running it lovingly for years.

Casa Campestre has a website, but it's a bit basic and really doesn't do them justice:

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