Balque, Calle Principal, 300 metros al sur (al oeste de Balgüe)11.487861,-85.531394(Show on Map)
8.4
Very Good
+5 Photos
+5 Photos
+ 3 Photos3
Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
El Zopilote on Ometepe Island emerges as a remarkable and enchanting retreat for nature lovers seeking a blend of tranquility and adventure. Located in the heart of a lush jungle, this eco-friendly haven offers a serene, remote atmosphere that encourages exploration and discovery. The setting is adorned with vibrant flora and fauna, creating an exotic and picturesque backdrop that invites guests to immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the island. El Zopilote fosters a warm and active environment with lively common areas, outdoor spaces, and a variety of workshops that encourage creativity and connection among travelers.
The dining experience at El Zopilote is a culinary delight, featuring fresh, organic ingredients primarily sourced from their own farm. Praised for its top-notch, delicious meals, particularly the amazing pizza nights and healthy vegetarian options, the restaurant provides a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. Complimentary yoga sessions and a lineup of daily activities complement the dining experience, ensuring guests have a holistic stay.
Accommodation at El Zopilote is designed for those who appreciate simplicity and a rustic charm. While private rooms offer comfort with power outlets, mosquito nets, and ventilation, the dormitories provide a more rugged jungle experience. Though minimal in amenities, the rooms maintain cleanliness and feature thoughtfully arranged spaces. Guests can relish in the eco-friendly ethos, complete with compost toilets and the jungle's raw simplicity, even if it means some encounters with nature's smaller creatures.
The staff at El Zopilote is known for their warm and friendly demeanor, contributing to the relaxing and welcoming vibe of the retreat. While there may be occasional lapses in engagement, the dedication to guest comfort is evident. The complementary daily yoga sessions are a highlight, set against the tranquil jungle backdrop, offering a rejuvenating start to the day.
Overall, El Zopilote is celebrated for its magical charm, where the blend of nature, comfort, and community creates a unique and unforgettable stay. The retreat is a haven for relaxation, well-being, and a genuine connection with the natural world, making it a cherished destination for those in search of peace and adventure on Ometepe Island.
Categories
Dog Friendly
This hostel allows dogs of any size for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request, making it a pet-friendly option.
Yoga
Sustainability Journey
Small
Room Types
Double RoomThis double room has a shared bathroom, a private entrance and garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Single Bed in Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features a balcony and seating area.
Bungalow with PatioBoasting a private entrance, this bungalow also comes with 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower. A seating area, a desk, a terrace and a sofa are available in this bungalow. The unit has 2 beds.
Double RoomThe spacious double room features a private entrance and a seating area, as well as a shared bathroom boasting a shower. The double room offers parquet floors and garden views. The unit has 3 beds.
Family BungalowThe spacious family room offers a private entrance and a seating area, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The family room features garden views. The unit offers 5 beds.
Double RoomThe double room offers a private entrance, parquet floors, a balcony with garden views as well as a shared bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double RoomThis double room features a shared bathroom, a private entrance and garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double RoomThis double room features a shared bathroom, a private entrance and garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
Single Bed in Dormitory Room
Double RoomThis double room features a shared bathroom, a private entrance and garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double RoomThe double room includes a shared bathroom equipped with a shower. The double room is furnished with a desk and a seating area and provides a private entrance, a tiled floor and garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double RoomThis double room features a shared bathroom, a private entrance and garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double RoomThe double room includes a shared bathroom fitted with a shower. The double room is furnished with a desk and a seating area and offers a private entrance, a tiled floor and garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Bungalow with PatioFeaturing 1 bedroom, this bungalow offers 1 bathroom with a shower, a seating area and terrace where you can relax. The bungalow features a private entrance, a patio and garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.4
Very Good
Review Summaries
Location
El Zopilote offers a remarkable escape in the heart of Ometepe Island, enveloped by the tranquility of nature. Nestled within the lush jungle, this hotel provides a serene atmosphere for those seeking an authentic and relaxed experience. Its location invites exploration, making it ideal for adventurers eager to discover Ometepe Island. Surrounded by vibrant flora and curious fauna, including flowers, butterflies, and even monkeys, guests are treated to an exotic setting that feels like a hidden pearl amidst the wilderness.
The setting is beautifully remote, offering close proximity to both Balgue and Santa Cruz, as well as easy access to the main road and nearby lake. Although the journey to some accommodations might entail a trek through the mildly challenging jungle paths, the immersion in such peaceful surroundings is well worth the effort. El Zopilote's ambiance is complimented by great outdoor spaces and lively common areas, fostering an environment that's as welcoming as it is active.
A variety of workshops adds to the daily rhythm, encouraging connections and creativity among travelers. The vibe is relaxed, echoing a charming hippie atmosphere that resonates through the hotel's lovely environment. With delicious and affordable food, and a great lineup of proposed activities, El Zopilote is a magical haven for nature lovers looking to experience the untouched beauty of Ometepe.
Dinner
El Zopilote offers a dining experience that delights guests with its incredible flavors and fresh, organic ingredients sourced primarily from its own farm. The restaurant is praised for its top-notch, delicious meals that transform every dish into a memorable treat, with a strong focus on healthy vegetarian options. Grill enthusiasts rave about the amazing pizza nights, which feature delicious pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven, although some mention that these nights can be quite lively. The menu is varied, and while some find it a tad expensive, others see the prices as fair and reasonable. Diners highlight the fresh salads and recommend the pancakes for breakfast. The setting provides a nice vibe with friendly staff, complemented by free yoga sessions and a variety of daily activities. Overall, the food's fantastic taste and the overall vibrant atmosphere make El Zopilote a notable place to visit for a culinary and holistic experience.
Rooms
Nestled in the heart of a permaculture farm and jungle, El Zopilote offers a distinct experience of being immersed in nature, though it may be more rustic than some travelers might expect. The rooms are basic yet comfortable for those seeking simplicity. While private rooms near the reception are equipped with power outlets, mosquito nets, and windows for good ventilation, the dormitories are more rugged, located in the jungle without fans or air conditioning.
Travelers will find the accommodations to be clean and well-decorated, though long distances between facilities and sparse lighting can be challenging at night. The Armadillo private cabana is highlighted as an especially delightful option, featuring a private garden. The sleeping arrangements offer comfort, even though they don't boast luxury, with reports of some beds being super comfy.
Guests should be aware of the minimal amenities, with some rooms devoid of power outlets and internet limited to specific areas. The eco-friendly approach is evident in the presence of compost toilets and the requirement to navigate dark paths on foot, contributing to an authentic jungle stay. Although an abundance of nature contributes to the charm, it can at times be overwhelming, with cockroaches and other insects making appearances.
For eco-enthusiasts, the opportunity to chill out in hammocks is a serene escape. Travelers should be prepared for the rudimentary bathrooms and showers, and consider the experience one that embraces the raw simplicity and organic vibes of jungle life.
Beds
El Zopilote receives mixed reviews when it comes to its bedding accommodations. Many guests find the beds comfortable, clean, and spacious, with mosquito nets effectively installed to protect against unwelcome insects. This feature proves to be particularly useful in the open dormitories, enhancing the overall comfort for travelers. However, there are some downsides mentioned. Lack of insulation between rooms could potentially disturb guests looking for a quiet stay, and there have been comments on bed linen with an unusual odor that might affect one's comfort. Unfortunately, certain mattresses reportedly don't live up to expectations, with some guests noting issues with spring discomfort. Additionally, the condition of beds may be compromised by debris falling from the palm leaf roof. While the beds are generally well-regarded for comfort, the pricing is considered steep by some, potentially impacting overall value.
Cleanliness
El Zopilote offers a unique eco-friendly experience nestled in nature, but its approach to sustainability can lead to some discomfort for guests. The hotel has received praise for the cleanliness and comfort of its beds, which stand out as a positive aspect amidst several other concerns. Guests have noted significant issues with cleanliness, mentioning that insects, dust, and spider webs are prevalent throughout the property, particularly in the rooms and dormitories. The bathrooms and showers, located outside, are described as very basic and are not regularly cleaned, contributing to an overall hygiene problem. Additionally, the kitchen facilities are limited and uncomfortable to use, lacking essential items like plates and utensils. While the staff is perceived as fairly friendly, the lack of attention to cleanliness and maintenance detracts from the overall experience, making some guests feel that the stay does not justify the expense.
Staff
El Zopilote is consistently praised for its friendly and attentive staff, who are known for their warm disposition and willingness to help. Visitors often highlight the welcoming atmosphere created by both the permanent staff and volunteers. The reception and kitchen teams are specifically noted for their kindness, contributing to the overall positive experience of staying at El Zopilote. Many describe the staff as incredibly nice, adding to the natural charm and relaxing vibe of the hostel. However, some reviews mention that there is room for improvement in staff engagement, indicating occasional passivity and coldness at the front desk. Despite this, the dedication to making guests feel comfortable and accommodated is evident in most experiences. The owners receive mixed reviews, with some expressing dissatisfaction separately. Yet, the blend of friendly personnel and the enriching activities offered at the hostel, such as free yoga and permaculture courses, continue to make a lasting impression on guests.
Yoga
El Zopilote offers an enriching and immersive yoga experience that is highly praised by guests. Each morning, visitors can partake in complimentary yoga classes set amidst the tranquil and picturesque jungle surroundings. The daily two-hour yoga sessions are a standout feature, with a remarkable instructor frequently noted for enhancing the yoga experience. Additionally, the onsite yoga platform provides an ideal space for these rejuvenating practices. Alongside yoga, guests can enjoy other activities such as insightful permaculture tours, enriching workshops, and delicious food offerings. The combination of these attractions makes El Zopilote a haven for those seeking relaxation, well-being, and a connection with nature.
FAQ
No, El Zopilote doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at El Zopilote.
Yes, El Zopilote welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at El Zopilote.
