Reserva Charco Verde [1]: Verdant and cool, the reserve is a lovely little ecosystem with a sandy lakeshore beach in the shadows of tall trees; in a word, gorgeous.
El Ojo de Agua [2]: The only place you can swim other than in the lake, the waters of El Ojo de Agua are crystal clear from the mountains, and bracing. Enjoy a languid afternoon in a garden setting.
Playa Santo Domingo [3]: A sweeping crescent of black sand nestled on the “bridge” between the two volcanoes.
Río Istián [4]: Paddling a kayak through these still waters early in the morning or during sunset is breathtaking.
Volcán Maderas—Santa Cruz to Balgüe [5]: The lower slopes are covered with petroglyphs dating from before Columbus.
Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro [6]: Rivas’s historic church witnessed the entire gold rush of the 19th century, and emerged unscathed. A charming and photogenic piece of history.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/nicaragua/ometepe-and-rivas/la-isla-de-ometepe/moyogalpa/sights/reserva-charco-verde
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/nicaragua/ometepe-and-rivas/la-isla-de-ometepe/el-ojo-de-agua
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/nicaragua/ometepe-and-rivas/la-isla-de-ometepe/playa-santo-domingo
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/nicaragua/ometepe-and-rivas/la-isla-de-ometepe/rio-istian
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/nicaragua/ometepe-and-rivas/la-isla-de-ometepe/volcan-maderas-santa-cruz-balguee
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/nicaragua/ometepe-and-rivas/rivas/sights-and-attractions/iglesia-parroquial-de-san-pedro