TOTOCO is located on Ometepe Island on the slopes of Maderas Volcano, a 30min walk above the town of Balgüe. Be aware that the final 1.5km road up to the lodge is bumpy (only partially paved) and steep. The principle route to the island is through the port at San Jorge which is a 2 hour drive from Managua airport, 1 hour from Granada and 45 minutes from San Juan del Sur. There are also bi-weekly direct flights from Managua and San Carlos to Moyogalpa on Thursdays and Sundays that take just 20mins. All the on-island taxis know where TOTOCO is and we’re happy to help arrange transport.

Directions: From both Moyogalpa and San Jose del Sur ferry ports drive straight up to the main road from the dock and take a right in the direction of Altagracia. At the sign for Maderas Volcano (and various other hotel signs) take a right and cross the isthmus until you arrive to a fork in the road at Santa Cruz where you take a left in the direction of Balgüe. After 2 km you’ll see the round wooden sign for TOTOCO Eco-lodge on your right. Follow this road all the way up to the Eco-lodge. The GPS coordinates of the wooden sign are: 11.490493,-85.520141

Ferries: We recommend guests take the more comfortable and community owned Rey de Cocibolca ferry (+505 86913669) which departs daily from San Jorge (15 minutes from Rivas) at 09:30 and 17:00. All other large ferries (Transportes Arcia (+505 89664983) and the Che Guevara (+505 25694101)) arrive in Moyogalpa, which is slightly further from TOTOCO, and leave from San Jorge at 07:45, 10:30, 14:30, 16:00 and 17:30 daily. The crossing takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Flights: Operated by La Costeña (+505 22985360) with flights departing Thursdays and Sundays at 12noon from Managua and 14:00 from San Carlos.

Private Vehicle: If you are travelling with a private vehicle you must reserve a spot by calling the ferry company (we can help you with this) and arrive at the port at least 30mins before the scheduled departure time in order to secure the reservation. If you are travelling by foot, no reservation is needed but do show up with at least 15mins to spare. A good tip when travelling with a vehicle is to call the ferry company on the morning of your departure (or the night before if you are departing very early) in order to ensure your ferry will indeed be running and your reservation is secure.

If you don’t have your own vehicle we highly recommend you take a taxi. Local buses will drop you far from the lodge (1.5kms) leaving you with a long, steep and hot climb. You should only consider coming on a motorcycle if you have sufficient experience and then only if it’s for single person use. Renting a large quad would allow for 2 people to share (be sure to strap luggage securely on the back) but is likely to end up being more expensive than taxis.

Taxis as well as motorcycle and quad rentals are readily available at the port in San Jose del Sur and Moyogalpa. If you would like us to arrange for a transfer to the lodge just let us know and we can have a driver waiting with a sign with your name on it. The cost is U$36,75 one way and the trip takes 40mins / 50mins depending on the port you arrive to.