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Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Outline

Argumentative Essay Outline: How to Structure Your Argumentative Essay

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Preparing to write an argumentative essay but don’t know where to start?

Making an outline is an important step in prewriting. Having a defined outline makes the essay writing process much simpler. It helps you logically present your ideas and saves you from getting stuck with writer’s block. 

In this blog, we are going to teach you about how to write an outline for your essay. You’ll also get examples and templates to help you out.

So continue reading!

• 1. How To Write An Argumentative Essay Outline?
• 2. Types of Arguments and Argumentative Essay Outlines
• 3. Argumentative Essay Outline Examples

How To Write An Argumentative Essay Outline?

A simple argumentative essay outline follows the same structure as any other type of essay. The difference lies in the content of the body paragraphs. Unlike a persuasive essay, where the focus is on convincing the reader through emotional appeals, the argumentative essay presents the argument.

Some paragraphs introduce your own argument, while others state the opposing arguments and their refutations. 

Here is an argumentative essay outline template you could follow for writing your essay:

The most common structure to craft an argumentative essay is as follows:

1. Argumentative Essay Introduction 

The introductory paragraph introduces the main argument and provides a brief background of the argumentative essay topic you chose. Essay introductions act as a roadmap for the entire essay. For an argumentative essay, this is where you lay the foundation for your argument.  An introduction comprises the following essential components: 

• Hook Statement

A hook statement is written to grab the attention of your reader immediately. It should intrigue the reader and make them read the complete essay. For example, if you are writing an argumentative essay on animal testing, your hook statement could be: 

• Background Information 

Provide brief background information about your argument and the main claim of your essay. It will make it easier for the reader to understand the argument you will make in your essay.  For example:

• Thesis Statement

An argumentative essay thesis statement should highlight your perspective, stance, and reason for your position. A thesis statement must be clearly defined, arguable, and defendable. It should express the importance of your argument and a reason why the reader should read your essay. For Example:

In case you're looking for some inspiration for your topic, check out our argumentative essay topics blog!

2. Argumentative Essay Supporting Paragraphs 

In the body paragraph, you present your point of view and provide evidence that supports your argument. The goal here is to explain how valid your claim is by providing evidence that strengthens your argument. 

For Example:

Here are four basic things that a body paragraph should state.

a. The purpose: Why are you making an argument about a particular issue? 

b. Topic sentence: This is a fact or an example that helps the reader better understand your argument. The topic sentence of a paragraph should focus on just one point.

c. Provide evidence: State facts with examples and statistics that support your thesis statement and the topic sentence. Make sure that you have collected authentic evidence from credible sources. 

d. Concluding sentence: The concluding sentence should reassert how the topic sentence helps the reader better understand the claim. 

3. Argumentative Essay Counter Arguments Paragraph 

The counter-argument is the other side of the issue that you will prove wrong by stating the specific reasons. In this paragraph, you mention the opposing views that the reader might pose against your argument and refute them.  Conclude this paragraph by reasserting the thought provoking central idea of your essay.

4. Argumentative Essay Conclusion

A good argumentative essay conclusion summarizes the entire discussion of the essay and provides a call to action. It holds the same significance as the introduction paragraph. Here, you restate your thesis statement to remind the reader of your essay’s overall argument. Tell the reader that you have critically analyzed both sides of the argument. And based on the evidence, you have proved your side of the argument right. Explain the importance of your argument and bring your discussion to a logical end. You can propose a solution if your claim has specified a problem or make future predictions about the claim. Tell your reader the consequences if your argument is not believed and what good will happen if it's believed.

Here is an example:

Use the following argumentative essay outline graphic organizer to structure your essay efficiently.

Argumentative Essay Outline Graphic Organizer

Here’s a video demonstrating how you can prepare an argumentative essay outline:

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Types of Arguments and Argumentative Essay Outlines

Your argumentative essay structure is affected by the type of argument you are using. There are three argumentative writing models: Classical, Rogerian, and Toulmin. 

Let's take a look at each one:

Classical Argument

The classical argument is the oldest and most used argument model. It is based on the principles of rhetoric, which is the art of persuasion. This type of argument has a clear structure with distinct steps, making it an ideal choice for an essay or paper.

Here is the classical argumentative writing structure.

Classical Argumentative Essay Outline Template

Rogerian argument.

The Rogerian model allows both sides of an issue to be discussed to reach a common ground.

Unlike the classical approach, the Rogerian argument seeks to understand both sides of an issue before moving forward. This style of argumentation does not look for a single ‘right’ answer but seeks to create a dialogue between all parties.

Rhetorical Rogerian Argumentative Essay Outline Template

Toulmin argument.

The Toulmin argument is a model that breaks down an issue into its component parts to analyze it more thoroughly. The Toulmin argument is composed of six parts: a claim, grounds, warrant, backing, qualifier, and rebuttal.

The first part lays out the main point being argued (the “claim”) . This is followed by the evidence that supports it (the “grounds”) . It is then connected to an underlying assumption or principle (the “warrant”) . 

The warrant is then supported by additional evidence (the “backing”) , which may be followed by qualifications (the “qualifier”) . Finally, the argument may anticipate and address possible counterarguments (the “rebuttal”) .

Toulmin Argumentative Essay Outline Template

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Need more sample essays to get a better idea? Give our argumentative essay examples a read!

The Bottom Line! We've covered all the essential elements of structuring your argumentative essay. With this guide, you're now well-prepared to craft a compelling essay that effectively presents your viewpoint and supports your argument with evidence. 

Remember the key components: the introduction that hooks your reader, a clear thesis statement, well-organized body paragraphs, counterarguments, and a strong conclusion. Don't forget to cite your sources properly to give credibility to your work. 

If you are unable to craft a perfect outline, you can always seek the help of an expert and professional essay writer at MyPerfectWords.com.

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Writing an Argumentative Research Paper

• Library Resources
• Books & EBooks
• What is an Argumentative Research Essay?
• Choosing a Topic
• How to Write a Thesis Statement Libguide
• Structure & Outline
• Types of Sources
• OER Resources
• Copyright, Plagiarism, and Fair Use

Examples of argumentative essays

Skyline College libguides: MLA Sample Argumentative Papers

Ebooks in Galileo

Video Tutorial

Structure & Outline

Usually written in the five-paragraph structure, the argumentative essay format consists of an introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

A works cited page or reference page (depending on format) will be included at the end of the essay along with in-text citations within the essay.

When writing an argumentative research essay, create an outline to structure the research you find as well as help with the writing process. The outline of an argumentative essay should include an introduction with thesis statement, 3 main body paragraphs with supporting evidence and opposing viewpoints with evidence to disprove, along with an conclusion.

The example below is just a basic outline and structure

I. Introduction: tells what you are going to write about. Basic information about the issue along with your thesis statement.

 A. Basic information

B. Thesis Statement

II. Body 1 : Reason 1 write about the first reason that proves your claim on the issue and give supporting evidence

A. supporting evidence 

B. Supporting evidence 

II. Body 2 .: Reason 2 write about the third reason that proves your claim on the issue and give supporting evidence

A. supporting evidence

III. Body 3 : Reason 3 write about the fourth reason that proves your claim on the issue and give supporting evidence

IV. Counter arguments and responses. Write about opposing viewpoints and use evidence to refute their argument and persuade audience in your direction or viewpoint

A. Arguments from other side of the issue

B. Refute the arguments

V. Conclusion

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How to Write an Argumentative Research Paper

Last Updated: December 9, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 370,096 times.

An argumentative essay requires you to make an argument about something and support your point of view using evidence in the form of primary and secondary sources. The argumentative essay is a common assignment, but teachers may present it in a variety of different ways. You can learn how to write an argumentative essay by following some standard steps for writing an essay as well as by doing some things that are required for argumentative essays, such as citing your sources.

Sample Outlines

Getting Started

• a thesis statement that makes a clear argument (provided in the first paragraph)
• claims that help prove your overall argument
• logical transitions that connect paragraphs and sentences
• support for your claims from your sources
• a conclusion that considers the evidence you have presented
• in-text citations throughout your essay to indicate where you have used sources (ask your teacher about what citation style to use)
• a works cited page with an entry for each of your sources (ask your teacher about what citation style to use)

• Make sure that you understand how to cite your sources for the paper and how to use the documentation style your teacher prefers. If you’re not sure, just ask.
• Don’t feel bad if you have questions. It is better to ask and make sure that you understand than to do the assignment wrong and get a bad grade.

• Listing List all of the ideas that you have for your essay (good or bad) and then look over the list you have made and group similar ideas together. Expand those lists by adding more ideas or by using another prewriting activity. [3] X Research source
• Freewriting Write nonstop for about 10 minutes. Write whatever comes to mind and don’t edit yourself. When you are done, review what you have written and highlight or underline the most useful information. Repeat the freewriting exercise using the passages you underlined as a starting point. You can repeat this exercise multiple times to continue to refine and develop your ideas. [4] X Research source
• Clustering Write a brief explanation (phrase or short sentence) of the subject of your argumentative essay on the center of a piece of paper and circle it. Then draw three or more lines extending from the circle. Write a corresponding idea at the end of each of these lines. Continue developing your cluster until you have explored as many connections as you can. [5] X Research source
• Questioning On a piece of paper, write out “Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?” Space the questions about two or three lines apart on the paper so that you can write your answers on these lines. Respond to each question in as much detail as you can. [6] X Research source

• Ethos refers to a writer’s credibility or trustworthiness. To convince your readers that your argument is valid, you need to convince them that you are trustworthy. You can accomplish this goal by presenting yourself as confident, fair, and approachable. You can achieve these objectives by avoiding wishy-washy statements, presenting information in an unbiased manner, and identifying common ground between yourself and your readers(including the ones that may disagree with you). You can also show your authority, another aspect of ethos, by demonstrating that you’ve done thorough research on the topic.
• Pathos refers to your use of emotional appeals. Emotional appeals have a place in argumentative writing, but overuse of them may lead a reader to reject your argument. Make sure that your use of emotional appeals is minimal and appropriate. Some ways that you can incorporate pathos into your paper without turning off your readers includes using descriptive language that evokes the desired reaction (positive or negative) to your subject, especially when you use other people’s language—such as quotes—to do so (which avoids damaging your ethos with overly emotional language). You can also invoke pathos by providing relevant examples that evoke an emotional response in your readers and using figurative language (such as metaphors) to help your readers understand and sympathize with your point of view.
• Logos refers to your use of logic, reasoning, and sequencing. This means setting up your argument in a way that uses logic to achieve your desired endpoint or reaction, often through inductive and deductive reasoning. For example, you can appeal to your readers’ desire for logic by organizing your examples in a way that shows your argument in the best light and is easy to follow, such as chronologically, by cause and effect, or by problem and solution.

• Place your thesis statement at the end of your first paragraph unless your instructor tells you to place it elsewhere. The end of the first paragraph is the traditional place to provide your thesis in an academic essay.

• For example, an arguable thesis statement might be something like, “The drinking age should be reduced to 18 in the United States.” This statement is arguable because it presents a position that others might debate by saying “The drinking age should not be reduced to 18 in the US.” Or, others might argue that the drinking age should be abolished altogether or even raised. There are many possibilities for a counter argument, which makes this topic arguable.

• For example, a detailed thesis statement might be something like, “Because youth are more drawn to drinking as a way to rebel, lowering the drinking age to 18 in the United States would help to reduce binge drinking among teenagers and college students.” This thesis still provides a position that could be debated, but it also explains the reasoning behind the position. Providing this detail gives readers a good sense of what the rest of the paper will discuss.
• Your thesis should tell your reader why your argument matters, and for whom.

• Organize your outline by essay part and then break those parts into subsections. For example, part 1 might be your introduction, which could then be broken into three sub-parts: a)Opening sentence, b)context/background information c)thesis statement.

Research Your Topic

• For example, some relevant key terms and phrases for a paper on lowering the drinking age to 18 might be: “drinking”, “underage”, “minors”, “binge”, “rebellion”, “drinking age”, “binge drinking culture”, “countries with low drinking age”, “drinking and rebellion”, etc.

• Use your library’s databases rather than a general internet search. University libraries subscribe to many databases, such as EBSCO and JSTOR. These databases provide you with free access to articles and other resources that you cannot usually gain access to by using a search engine. Schedule an appointment with a librarian at your school’s library if you are not sure about how to use the library databases.
• If your university doesn’t subscribe to any databases, use Google Scholar.

• Author's credentials Choose sources that include an author’s name and that provide credentials for that author. The credentials should indicate something about why this person is qualified to speak as an authority on the subject. For example, an article about a medical condition will be more trustworthy if the author is a medical doctor. If you find a source where no author is listed or the author does not have any credentials, then this source may not be trustworthy.
• Citations Think about whether or not this author has adequately researched the topic. Check the author’s bibliography or works cited page. If the author has provided few or no sources, then this source may not be trustworthy.
• Bias Think about whether or not this author has presented an objective, well-reasoned account of the topic. How often does the tone indicate a strong preference for one side of the argument? How often does the argument dismiss or disregard the opposition’s concerns or valid arguments? If these are regular occurrences in the source, then it may not be a good choice.
• Publication date Think about whether or not this source presents the most up to date information on the subject. Noting the publication date is especially important for scientific subjects, since new technologies and techniques have made some earlier findings irrelevant.
• Information provided in the source If you are still questioning the trustworthiness of this source, cross check some of the information provided against a trustworthy source. If the information that this author presents contradicts one of your trustworthy sources, then it might not be a good source to use in your paper.

• To be certain that you understand your sources and that you are capable of responding to each of them, try writing a paragraph summary and response after you finish each one. Some people find keeping notecards on their sources to be a helpful way of organizing their ideas about each one. [15] X Research source
• Misunderstanding and misrepresenting your sources can damage your credibility as an author and also have a negative effect on your grade. Give yourself plenty of time to read your sources and understand what they are saying.

• Be careful to properly cite your sources when taking notes. Even accidental plagiarism may result in a failing grade on a paper.

Drafting Your Essay

• For example, an argumentative essay about lowering the drinking age might begin with something like, “Binge drinking culture is killing teens in the United States, but it hasn’t always been this way.” This sentence offers a compelling statement and it also acts as a launch pad for you to provide some background on your topic.

• For example, if you are arguing that lowering the drinking age would help to counter binge drinking among teens and young adults, your introduction should talk about the damage that is being done by binge drinking. Tell your readers about this problem in more detail so that they will begin to see why something needs to change.
• Keep in mind that your background information in the first paragraph should lead up to your thesis statement. Explain everything the reader needs to know to understand what your topic is about, then narrow it down until you reach the topic itself.

• For example, a thesis statement for a paper on lowering the drinking age might look something like, “Because the current drinking age of 21 in the United States does more harm than good by proliferating binge drinking culture among teens, the drinking age should be lowered to 18.” This thesis provides a straightforward position and reason for that position that readers can easily identify as the author’s main argument.
• In your thesis, you should also address how you’ll support your argument and why your argument matters.

• For example, one of your body paragraphs might begin with something like, “Teens are more likely to engage in binge drinking in the United States than in countries where the drinking age is lower or non-existent.”
• You might then follow up this claim with evidence from your sources. For example, you could provide statistics on teen drinking in other countries where the drinking age is lower, or you could summarize an interview with an authority of the subject, or cite an article that explains the psychological basis of this phenomenon. Whatever source(s) you choose, make sure that they are relevant that they offer convincing support for your claim.

• Rephrase your thesis. It is often helpful to remind your readers of the initial argument, but don’t simply restate your thesis if you do this. Rephrase it so that it sounds different but has the same meaning. Summarize some of the most important evidence you have offered in your essay and say remind readers of how that evidence has contributed to supporting your thesis.
• Synthesize what you have discussed. Put everything together for your readers and explain what other lessons might be gained from your argument. How might this discussion change the way others view your subject?
• Explain why your topic matters. Help your readers to see why this topic deserve their attention. How does this topic affect your readers? What are the broader implications of this topic? Why does your topic matter?
• Return to your opening discussion. If you offered an anecdote or a quote early in your paper, it might be helpful to revisit that opening discussion and explore how the information you have gathered implicates that discussion.

• Ask your teacher what documentation style he or she prefers that you use if it is not mentioned in the assignment guidelines.
• Visit your school’s writing center for additional help with your works cited page and in-text citations.

Revising Your Essay

• What is your main point? How might you clarify your main point?
• Who is your audience? Have you considered their needs and expectations?
• What is your purpose? Have you accomplished your purpose with this paper?
• How effective is your evidence? How might your strengthen your evidence?
• Does every part of your paper relate back to your thesis? How might you improve these connections?
• Is anything confusing about your language or organization? How might your clarify your language or organization?
• Have you made any errors with grammar, punctuation, or spelling? How can you correct these errors?
• What might someone who disagrees with you say about your paper? How can you address these opposing arguments in your paper? [25] X Research source

Community Q&A

• If you're still stumped, ask your teacher for help. He or she will most likely be more than happy to help you AND you'll get on his or her good side for "taking the initiative." Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Plagiarism is a serious offense in the academic world. If you plagiarize your paper you may fail the assignment and even the course altogether. Make sure that you fully understand what is and is not considered plagiarism before you write your paper. Ask your teacher if you have any concerns or questions about your school’s plagiarism policy. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/argumentative_essays.html
• ↑ http://writing.ku.edu/prewriting-strategies
• ↑ https://stlcc.edu/student-support/academic-success-and-tutoring/writing-center/writing-resources/pathos-logos-and-ethos.aspx
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/673/1/
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/
• ↑ https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/writingprocess/outlining
• ↑ https://apus.libanswers.com/faq/2316
• ↑ https://libguides.schoolcraft.edu/c.php?g=430555&p=3011200
• ↑ http://guides.jwcc.edu/content.php?pid=65900&sid=538553
• ↑ http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/reading-and-researching/notes-from-research
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/argumentative-essay/
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/process/revisingargument/
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/561/05/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/

About This Article

To write an argumentative research paper, choose a topic that can be argued from one or more perspectives, then pick a side. Start your paper with a thesis statement summing up your position, then support your statement with facts and arguments gathered from reputable sources. Use background information or context to help guide your readers through your essay, telling them what they need to know to understand the rest of your argument. For different approaches you can use while revising your paper, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• Library Catalogue

Templates for structuring argumentative essays with practice exercises and solutions

On this page, thesis statement, referring to others’ work.

• Using impersonal language

Agreeing with what you’ve reviewed in the “They say” section

Disagreeing with what you’ve reviewed in the “they say” section.

• Agreeing and disagreeing simultaneously

My critics say

This page introduces a framework for writing argumentative/analytical essays, following a structure dubbed “They Say, I Say, My Critics Say, I Respond.” [1]

This page also includes a number of templates [2]   or examples that you may find helpful for writing argumentative/analytical essays. Keep in mind that it is possible to change the sequence of the framework sections. Also, the templates can be used interchangeably.

A principal element of an argumentative/analytical essay is the thesis statement.

A thesis statement is one or two sentences (maybe more in longer essays) typically occurring near the end of an essay introduction; it shows your position regarding the topic you are investigating or your answer(s) to the question(s) that you are responding to.

Here are some templates that may help you write an effective thesis statement:

• In this paper, I argue that .......... because ..........
• In the pages that follow, I will argue that .......... because ..........
• Although/Even though .......... this essay argues that/I will argue that .......... because ..........
• This paper attempts to show that ..........
• This paper contests the claim that ..........
• This paper argues that .......... 
• The central thesis of this paper is ..........
• In this essay, I attempt to defend the view that ..........

Thesis statement exercise and solutions

Imagine that you have been asked to write an argumentative essay about physical education in the Canadian high school system. Use one of the templates suggested to write a thesis statement about this topic.

• In the pages that follow, I will argue that physical education in the Canadian high school system has been largely ineffective because it has remained limited in its range of exercises and has failed to connect with students’ actual interests, such a dance and martial arts.
• This paper attempts to show that physical education is a crucial aspect of the Canadian high school system because many teenagers do not experience encouragement to do physical activity outside of school and contemporary life is increasingly sedentary for people of all ages.

The body of an essay usually begins by providing a background of the topic or a summary of the resources that you have reviewed (this is sometimes called a literature review). Here, you bring other people’s views into the paper. You want to show your readers what other scholars say (“they say”) about the topic, using techniques like paraphrasing, summarizing, and direct quotation.

You can start this section using one the following templates or examples to delve into the topic.

They say exercise and solutions

Imagine that you are now trying to incorporate some sources into your academic paper about physical education in the Canadian high school system. Try using a couple of templates from the “They Say” section of the handout.

Bonus exercise: See if you can identify the “template” structure that each of the sentences below is using (hint, they are different from the templates provided above).

• Brown (2018) rejects the idea that the levels of climate change we are currently seeing can be considered “natural” or “cyclical” (p. 108).
• According to Marshall (2017), we can see evidence of both code-switching and code-meshing in students’ reflective essay writing (p. 88).
• Previous studies of physical education have revealed that teenagers experience a significant degree of dissatisfaction with their gym classes (Wilson, 2010; Vowel et al, 1999; Mossman, 1986).
• A number of studies conducted prior to the 1990s have demonstrated that teenagers used to experience more encouragement to engage in physical activities outside of school hours (Sohal, 1954; Silverman, 1965; Lu, 1970; Mossman, 1986).
• Jones’ (2017) investigations of sedentariness among young people have shown significant increases in illness among teenagers who do not engage in regular physical activity.

After the background section (e.g., summary or literature review), you need to include your own position on the topic (“I say”). Tell your reader if, for instance, you agree, disagree, or even both agree and disagree with the work you have reviewed.

You can use one of the following templates or samples to bring your voice in:

• It could be argued that ..........
• It is evident/clear/obvious that the role of modern arts is ..........
• Clearly/Evidently, the role of education is ..........
• There is no little doubt that ..........
• I agree (that) ..........
• I support the view that ...........
• I concur with the view that ..........
• I disagree (that) ..........
• I disagree with the view that ..........
• I challenge/contest the view that ..........
• I oppose/am opposed to ..........
• I disagree with X’s view that .......... because, as recent research has shown, ..........
• X contradicts herself/can’t have it both ways. On the one hand, she argues ........... On the other hand, she also says ..........
• By focusing on .........., X overlooks the deeper problem of ..........
• Although I agree with X up to a point, I cannot accept his overriding assumption that ..........
• Although I disagree with much that X says, I fully endorse his final conclusion that ..........
• Though I concede that .........., I still insist that ..........
• X is right that .........., but she seems on more dubious ground that when she claims that ..........
• While X is probably wrong when she claims tha ..........., she is right that ..........
• Whereas X provides ample evidence that .........., Y and Z’s research on .......... and .......... convinces me that .......... instead.
• I’m of two minds about X’s claim that ........... On the one hand, I agree that .......... On the other hand, I’m not sure if ..........
• My feelings on the issue are mixed. I do support X’s position that .........., but I find Y’s argument about .......... and Z’s research on .......... to be equally persuasive.

I say exercises and solutions

Try using a template from each of the sections below to bring your own position into your writing:

• Agreeing with what you’ve reviewed
• Disagreeing with that you’ve reviewed

Using impersonal language There is little doubt that the teenage years are important for establishing life-long habits.

Agreeing with what you’ve reviewed in the “They say” section I support the view, presented by Vowel et al (1999) that effective physical education needs to consider the heightened self-consciousness that many teenagers experience and, in particular, needs to be sensitive to the body image issues that can be pervasive among young people.

Disagreeing with what you’ve reviewed in the “They say” section By focusing on school physical education programs and their shortcomings, Wilson (2010) overlooks the deeper problem that young people are experiencing a lack of motivation to incorporate healthy exercise into their daily lives.

Agreeing and Disagreeing simultaneously Though I concede that school physical education programs are valuable, I still insist that they cannot be the sole or even the primary way that we promote an active lifestyle among young people.

In a good argumentative essay, in addition to expressing your position and argument, you should consider possible opposing views to your argument: refer to what your opponents say (“my critics say”) and why they may disagree with your argument.

Including the ideas of those who may disagree with you makes up the counterargument section of your paper. You can refer to actual people, including other research scholars who may disagree with you, or try and imagine what those who disagree with you might say.

Remember, a thesis should be debatable, so you should be able to imagine someone disagreeing you’re your position. Here are some templates that may help you in writing counterargument:

My critics say exercise and solutions

Using one of the templates, try imagining a counterargument for the thesis you drafted earlier.

Sociocultural theorists used to believe that adolescence was a time of “natural defiance” (Fung, 1995) and therefore discounted the role of educational programs aimed at supporting teenagers to form healthy habits. Much of the focus of schooling therefore became about teaching specific content and skills.

Critics may call into question my assumption that effective physical education can help establish life-long healthy living habits.

After explaining what your opponents say, you have to refute them. This is sometimes called the rebuttal. Here, you can show your readers that your opponents either fail to provide enough evidence to support their argument or their evidence lacks credibility and/or is flawed.

Alternatively, you may argue that your opponents’ argument is valid, but not persuasive enough to be used in your study, or that their argument could be valid in a different context.

Don’t forget that for each part of your argument, you must provide enough evidence for the claims that you make. This means that if you include one of these templates in your essays, you have to explain the evidence it presents in a way that is clear and convincing for your reader.

I respond exercise and solutions

Using one of the templates, craft a rebuttal to the counterargument you just created.

Sociocultural theorists used to believe that adolescence was a time of “natural defiance” (Fung, 1995) and therefore discounted the role of educational programs aimed at supporting teenagers to form healthy habits. Much of the focus of schooling therefore became about teaching specific content and skills. However, this argument fails to demonstrate that the defiance observed during adolescence was “natural” or inherent and not a product of a specific cultural environment. It therefore does not convince me that education during the adolescent years needs to remain rigidly focused on content and skills.

Critics may call into question my assumption that effective physical education can help establish life-long healthy living habits. While it is true that we cannot assume that physical education will automatically lead to the establishment of healthy habits, I maintain that the creation of such habits, rather than simply teaching specific physical education content or skills, should be the central goal of an effective physical education program.

Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2017). They say / I say: The moves that matter in academic writing, with readings (3rd ed.). New York: Norton W. W. Company.

Marshall, S. (2017). Advance in academic writing: Integrating research, critical thinking, academic reading and writing. Toronto, Canada: Pearson Education ESL.

Morley, J. (2014). Academic phrasebank. Retrieved from http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/

[1] Adapted from Graff and Birkenstein (2016).

[2] The templates used in this handout are adapted from Morley (2014), Marshall (2017), and Graff and Birkenstein (2016).

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What is an Argumentative Essay? How to Write It (With Examples)

We define an argumentative essay as a type of essay that presents arguments about both sides of an issue. The purpose is to convince the reader to accept a particular viewpoint or action. In an argumentative essay, the writer takes a stance on a controversial or debatable topic and supports their position with evidence, reasoning, and examples. The essay should also address counterarguments, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic.

Table of Contents

• What is an argumentative essay?  
• Argumentative essay structure 
• Argumentative essay outline 
• Types of argument claims 

How to write an argumentative essay?

• Argumentative essay writing tips 
• Good argumentative essay example 

How to write a good thesis

• How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Paperpal? 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an argumentative essay.

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that presents a coherent and logical analysis of a specific topic. 1 The goal is to convince the reader to accept the writer’s point of view or opinion on a particular issue. Here are the key elements of an argumentative essay: 

• Thesis Statement : The central claim or argument that the essay aims to prove. 
• Introduction : Provides background information and introduces the thesis statement. 
• Body Paragraphs : Each paragraph addresses a specific aspect of the argument, presents evidence, and may include counter arguments. 

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• Evidence : Supports the main argument with relevant facts, examples, statistics, or expert opinions. 
• Counterarguments : Anticipates and addresses opposing viewpoints to strengthen the overall argument. 
• Conclusion : Summarizes the main points, reinforces the thesis, and may suggest implications or actions. 

Argumentative essay structure

Aristotelian, Rogerian, and Toulmin are three distinct approaches to argumentative essay structures, each with its principles and methods. 2 The choice depends on the purpose and nature of the topic. Here’s an overview of each type of argumentative essay format.

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Argumentative essay outline

An argumentative essay presents a specific claim or argument and supports it with evidence and reasoning. Here’s an outline for an argumentative essay, along with examples for each section: 3  

1.  Introduction : 

• Hook : Start with a compelling statement, question, or anecdote to grab the reader’s attention. 

Example: “Did you know that plastic pollution is threatening marine life at an alarming rate?” 

• Background information : Provide brief context about the issue. 

Example: “Plastic pollution has become a global environmental concern, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering our oceans yearly.” 

• Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position. 

Example: “We must take immediate action to reduce plastic usage and implement more sustainable alternatives to protect our marine ecosystem.” 

2.  Body Paragraphs : 

• Topic sentence : Introduce the main idea of each paragraph. 

Example: “The first step towards addressing the plastic pollution crisis is reducing single-use plastic consumption.” 

• Evidence/Support : Provide evidence, facts, statistics, or examples that support your argument. 

Example: “Research shows that plastic straws alone contribute to millions of tons of plastic waste annually, and many marine animals suffer from ingestion or entanglement.” 

• Counterargument/Refutation : Acknowledge and refute opposing viewpoints. 

Example: “Some argue that banning plastic straws is inconvenient for consumers, but the long-term environmental benefits far outweigh the temporary inconvenience.” 

• Transition : Connect each paragraph to the next. 

Example: “Having addressed the issue of single-use plastics, the focus must now shift to promoting sustainable alternatives.” 

3.  Counterargument Paragraph : 

• Acknowledgement of opposing views : Recognize alternative perspectives on the issue. 

Example: “While some may argue that individual actions cannot significantly impact global plastic pollution, the cumulative effect of collective efforts must be considered.” 

• Counterargument and rebuttal : Present and refute the main counterargument. 

Example: “However, individual actions, when multiplied across millions of people, can substantially reduce plastic waste. Small changes in behavior, such as using reusable bags and containers, can have a significant positive impact.” 

4.  Conclusion : 

• Restatement of thesis : Summarize your main argument. 

Example: “In conclusion, adopting sustainable practices and reducing single-use plastic is crucial for preserving our oceans and marine life.” 

• Call to action : Encourage the reader to take specific steps or consider the argument’s implications. 

Example: “It is our responsibility to make environmentally conscious choices and advocate for policies that prioritize the health of our planet. By collectively embracing sustainable alternatives, we can contribute to a cleaner and healthier future.” 

Types of argument claims

A claim is a statement or proposition a writer puts forward with evidence to persuade the reader. 4 Here are some common types of argument claims, along with examples: 

• Fact Claims : These claims assert that something is true or false and can often be verified through evidence.  Example: “Water boils at 100°C at sea level.”
• Value Claims : Value claims express judgments about the worth or morality of something, often based on personal beliefs or societal values. Example: “Organic farming is more ethical than conventional farming.” 
• Policy Claims : Policy claims propose a course of action or argue for a specific policy, law, or regulation change.  Example: “Schools should adopt a year-round education system to improve student learning outcomes.” 
• Cause and Effect Claims : These claims argue that one event or condition leads to another, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.  Example: “Excessive use of social media is a leading cause of increased feelings of loneliness among young adults.” 
• Definition Claims : Definition claims assert the meaning or classification of a concept or term.  Example: “Artificial intelligence can be defined as machines exhibiting human-like cognitive functions.” 
• Comparative Claims : Comparative claims assert that one thing is better or worse than another in certain respects.  Example: “Online education is more cost-effective than traditional classroom learning.” 
• Evaluation Claims : Evaluation claims assess the quality, significance, or effectiveness of something based on specific criteria.  Example: “The new healthcare policy is more effective in providing affordable healthcare to all citizens.” 

Understanding these argument claims can help writers construct more persuasive and well-supported arguments tailored to the specific nature of the claim.  

If you’re wondering how to start an argumentative essay, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the argumentative essay format and writing process.

• Choose a Topic: Select a topic that you are passionate about or interested in. Ensure that the topic is debatable and has two or more sides.
• Define Your Position: Clearly state your stance on the issue. Consider opposing viewpoints and be ready to counter them.
• Conduct Research: Gather relevant information from credible sources, such as books, articles, and academic journals. Take notes on key points and supporting evidence.
• Create a Thesis Statement: Develop a concise and clear thesis statement that outlines your main argument. Convey your position on the issue and provide a roadmap for the essay.
• Outline Your Argumentative Essay: Organize your ideas logically by creating an outline. Include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis.
• Write the Introduction: Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention (a quote, a question, a surprising fact). Provide background information on the topic. Present your thesis statement at the end of the introduction.
• Develop Body Paragraphs: Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that relates to the thesis. Support your points with evidence and examples. Address counterarguments and refute them to strengthen your position. Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs.
• Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge and respond to opposing viewpoints. Anticipate objections and provide evidence to counter them.
• Write the Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your argumentative essay. Reinforce the significance of your argument. End with a call to action, a prediction, or a thought-provoking statement.
• Revise, Edit, and Share: Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Check for grammatical and spelling errors. Share your essay with peers, friends, or instructors for constructive feedback.
• Finalize Your Argumentative Essay: Make final edits based on feedback received. Ensure that your essay follows the required formatting and citation style.

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Argumentative essay writing tips

Here are eight strategies to craft a compelling argumentative essay: 

• Choose a Clear and Controversial Topic : Select a topic that sparks debate and has opposing viewpoints. A clear and controversial issue provides a solid foundation for a strong argument. 
• Conduct Thorough Research : Gather relevant information from reputable sources to support your argument. Use a variety of sources, such as academic journals, books, reputable websites, and expert opinions, to strengthen your position. 
• Create a Strong Thesis Statement : Clearly articulate your main argument in a concise thesis statement. Your thesis should convey your stance on the issue and provide a roadmap for the reader to follow your argument. 
• Develop a Logical Structure : Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point of evidence that contributes to your overall argument. Ensure a logical flow from one point to the next. 
• Provide Strong Evidence : Support your claims with solid evidence. Use facts, statistics, examples, and expert opinions to support your arguments. Be sure to cite your sources appropriately to maintain credibility. 
• Address Counterarguments : Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and counterarguments. Addressing and refuting alternative perspectives strengthens your essay and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the issue. Be mindful of maintaining a respectful tone even when discussing opposing views. 
• Use Persuasive Language : Employ persuasive language to make your points effectively. Avoid emotional appeals without supporting evidence and strive for a respectful and professional tone. 
• Craft a Compelling Conclusion : Summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and leave a lasting impression in your conclusion. Encourage readers to consider the implications of your argument and potentially take action. 

Good argumentative essay example

Let’s consider a sample of argumentative essay on how social media enhances connectivity:

In the digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful tool that transcends geographical boundaries, connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds and providing a platform for an array of voices to be heard. While critics argue that social media fosters division and amplifies negativity, it is essential to recognize the positive aspects of this digital revolution and how it enhances connectivity by providing a platform for diverse voices to flourish. One of the primary benefits of social media is its ability to facilitate instant communication and connection across the globe. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram break down geographical barriers, enabling people to establish and maintain relationships regardless of physical location and fostering a sense of global community. Furthermore, social media has transformed how people stay connected with friends and family. Whether separated by miles or time zones, social media ensures that relationships remain dynamic and relevant, contributing to a more interconnected world. Moreover, social media has played a pivotal role in giving voice to social justice movements and marginalized communities. Movements such as #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #ClimateStrike have gained momentum through social media, allowing individuals to share their stories and advocate for change on a global scale. This digital activism can shape public opinion and hold institutions accountable. Social media platforms provide a dynamic space for open dialogue and discourse. Users can engage in discussions, share information, and challenge each other’s perspectives, fostering a culture of critical thinking. This open exchange of ideas contributes to a more informed and enlightened society where individuals can broaden their horizons and develop a nuanced understanding of complex issues. While criticisms of social media abound, it is crucial to recognize its positive impact on connectivity and the amplification of diverse voices. Social media transcends physical and cultural barriers, connecting people across the globe and providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. By fostering open dialogue and facilitating the exchange of ideas, social media contributes to a more interconnected and empowered society. Embracing the positive aspects of social media allows us to harness its potential for positive change and collective growth.

• Clearly Define Your Thesis Statement:   Your thesis statement is the core of your argumentative essay. Clearly articulate your main argument or position on the issue. Avoid vague or general statements.  
• Provide Strong Supporting Evidence:   Back up your thesis with solid evidence from reliable sources and examples. This can include facts, statistics, expert opinions, anecdotes, or real-life examples. Make sure your evidence is relevant to your argument, as it impacts the overall persuasiveness of your thesis.  
• Anticipate Counterarguments and Address Them:   Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints to strengthen credibility. This also shows that you engage critically with the topic rather than presenting a one-sided argument. 

How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Paperpal?

Writing a winning argumentative essay not only showcases your ability to critically analyze a topic but also demonstrates your skill in persuasively presenting your stance backed by evidence. Achieving this level of writing excellence can be time-consuming. This is where Paperpal, your AI academic writing assistant, steps in to revolutionize the way you approach argumentative essays. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Paperpal to write your essay: 

• Sign Up or Log In: Begin by creating an account or logging into paperpal.com .  
• Navigate to Paperpal Copilot: Once logged in, proceed to the Templates section from the side navigation bar.  
• Generate an essay outline: Under Templates, click on the ‘Outline’ tab and choose ‘Essay’ from the options and provide your topic to generate an outline.  
• Develop your essay: Use this structured outline as a guide to flesh out your essay. If you encounter any roadblocks, click on Brainstorm and get subject-specific assistance, ensuring you stay on track. 
• Refine your writing: To elevate the academic tone of your essay, select a paragraph and use the ‘Make Academic’ feature under the ‘Rewrite’ tab, ensuring your argumentative essay resonates with an academic audience. 
• Final Touches: Make your argumentative essay submission ready with Paperpal’s language, grammar, consistency and plagiarism checks, and improve your chances of acceptance.  

Paperpal not only simplifies the essay writing process but also ensures your argumentative essay is persuasive, well-structured, and academically rigorous. Sign up today and transform how you write argumentative essays. 

The length of an argumentative essay can vary, but it typically falls within the range of 1,000 to 2,500 words. However, the specific requirements may depend on the guidelines provided.

You might write an argumentative essay when:  1. You want to convince others of the validity of your position.  2. There is a controversial or debatable issue that requires discussion.  3. You need to present evidence and logical reasoning to support your claims.  4. You want to explore and critically analyze different perspectives on a topic. 

Argumentative Essay:  Purpose : An argumentative essay aims to persuade the reader to accept or agree with a specific point of view or argument.  Structure : It follows a clear structure with an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs presenting arguments and evidence, counterarguments and refutations, and a conclusion.  Tone : The tone is formal and relies on logical reasoning, evidence, and critical analysis.    Narrative/Descriptive Essay:  Purpose : These aim to tell a story or describe an experience, while a descriptive essay focuses on creating a vivid picture of a person, place, or thing.  Structure : They may have a more flexible structure. They often include an engaging introduction, a well-developed body that builds the story or description, and a conclusion.  Tone : The tone is more personal and expressive to evoke emotions or provide sensory details. 

• Gladd, J. (2020). Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays.  Write What Matters . 
• Nimehchisalem, V. (2018). Pyramid of argumentation: Towards an integrated model for teaching and assessing ESL writing.  Language & Communication ,  5 (2), 185-200. 
• Press, B. (2022).  Argumentative Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide . Broadview Press. 
• Rieke, R. D., Sillars, M. O., & Peterson, T. R. (2005).  Argumentation and critical decision making . Pearson/Allyn & Bacon. 

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Argumentative Essays

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What is an argumentative essay?

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

Please note : Some confusion may occur between the argumentative essay and the expository essay. These two genres are similar, but the argumentative essay differs from the expository essay in the amount of pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing or advanced composition courses and involves lengthy, detailed research. Expository essays involve less research and are shorter in length. Expository essays are often used for in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.

Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that she/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.

The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following.

• A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important ( exigence ) or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

• Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.

• Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis ( warrant ).

However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.

• Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.

• A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your work.

A complete argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of World War II and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the argument in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the conflict. Therefore, the argumentative essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The five-paragraph essay

A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of (a) an introductory paragraph (b) three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and (c) a conclusion.

Longer argumentative essays

Complex issues and detailed research call for complex and detailed essays. Argumentative essays discussing a number of research sources or empirical research will most certainly be longer than five paragraphs. Authors may have to discuss the context surrounding the topic, sources of information and their credibility, as well as a number of different opinions on the issue before concluding the essay. Many of these factors will be determined by the assignment.

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to write an a+ argumentative essay.

Miscellaneous

You'll no doubt have to write a number of argumentative essays in both high school and college, but what, exactly, is an argumentative essay and how do you write the best one possible? Let's take a look.

A great argumentative essay always combines the same basic elements: approaching an argument from a rational perspective, researching sources, supporting your claims using facts rather than opinion, and articulating your reasoning into the most cogent and reasoned points. Argumentative essays are great building blocks for all sorts of research and rhetoric, so your teachers will expect you to master the technique before long.

But if this sounds daunting, never fear! We'll show how an argumentative essay differs from other kinds of papers, how to research and write them, how to pick an argumentative essay topic, and where to find example essays. So let's get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay? How Is it Different from Other Kinds of Essays?

There are two basic requirements for any and all essays: to state a claim (a thesis statement) and to support that claim with evidence.

Though every essay is founded on these two ideas, there are several different types of essays, differentiated by the style of the writing, how the writer presents the thesis, and the types of evidence used to support the thesis statement.

Essays can be roughly divided into four different types:

#1: Argumentative #2: Persuasive #3: Expository #4: Analytical

So let's look at each type and what the differences are between them before we focus the rest of our time to argumentative essays.

Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays are what this article is all about, so let's talk about them first.

An argumentative essay attempts to convince a reader to agree with a particular argument (the writer's thesis statement). The writer takes a firm stand one way or another on a topic and then uses hard evidence to support that stance.

An argumentative essay seeks to prove to the reader that one argument —the writer's argument— is the factually and logically correct one. This means that an argumentative essay must use only evidence-based support to back up a claim , rather than emotional or philosophical reasoning (which is often allowed in other types of essays). Thus, an argumentative essay has a burden of substantiated proof and sources , whereas some other types of essays (namely persuasive essays) do not.

You can write an argumentative essay on any topic, so long as there's room for argument. Generally, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one, so long as you support the argumentative essay with hard evidence.

Example topics of an argumentative essay:

• "Should farmers be allowed to shoot wolves if those wolves injure or kill farm animals?"
• "Should the drinking age be lowered in the United States?"
• "Are alternatives to democracy effective and/or feasible to implement?"

The next three types of essays are not argumentative essays, but you may have written them in school. We're going to cover them so you know what not to do for your argumentative essay.

Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays, so it can be easy to get them confused. But knowing what makes an argumentative essay different than a persuasive essay can often mean the difference between an excellent grade and an average one.

Persuasive essays seek to persuade a reader to agree with the point of view of the writer, whether that point of view is based on factual evidence or not. The writer has much more flexibility in the evidence they can use, with the ability to use moral, cultural, or opinion-based reasoning as well as factual reasoning to persuade the reader to agree the writer's side of a given issue.

Instead of being forced to use "pure" reason as one would in an argumentative essay, the writer of a persuasive essay can manipulate or appeal to the reader's emotions. So long as the writer attempts to steer the readers into agreeing with the thesis statement, the writer doesn't necessarily need hard evidence in favor of the argument.

Often, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one—the difference is all in the approach and the evidence you present.

Example topics of a persuasive essay:

• "Should children be responsible for their parents' debts?"
• "Should cheating on a test be automatic grounds for expulsion?"
• "How much should sports leagues be held accountable for player injuries and the long-term consequences of those injuries?"

Expository Essay

An expository essay is typically a short essay in which the writer explains an idea, issue, or theme , or discusses the history of a person, place, or idea.

This is typically a fact-forward essay with little argument or opinion one way or the other.

Example topics of an expository essay:

• "The History of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell"
• "The Reasons I Always Wanted to be a Doctor"
• "The Meaning Behind the Colloquialism ‘People in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones'"

Analytical Essay

An analytical essay seeks to delve into the deeper meaning of a text or work of art, or unpack a complicated idea . These kinds of essays closely interpret a source and look into its meaning by analyzing it at both a macro and micro level.

This type of analysis can be augmented by historical context or other expert or widely-regarded opinions on the subject, but is mainly supported directly through the original source (the piece or art or text being analyzed) .

Example topics of an analytical essay:

• "Victory Gin in Place of Water: The Symbolism Behind Gin as the Only Potable Substance in George Orwell's 1984"
• "Amarna Period Art: The Meaning Behind the Shift from Rigid to Fluid Poses"
• "Adultery During WWII, as Told Through a Series of Letters to and from Soldiers"

There are many different types of essay and, over time, you'll be able to master them all.

A Typical Argumentative Essay Assignment

The average argumentative essay is between three to five pages, and will require at least three or four separate sources with which to back your claims . As for the essay topic , you'll most often be asked to write an argumentative essay in an English class on a "general" topic of your choice, ranging the gamut from science, to history, to literature.

But while the topics of an argumentative essay can span several different fields, the structure of an argumentative essay is always the same: you must support a claim—a claim that can reasonably have multiple sides—using multiple sources and using a standard essay format (which we'll talk about later on).

This is why many argumentative essay topics begin with the word "should," as in:

• "Should all students be required to learn chemistry in high school?"
• "Should children be required to learn a second language?"
• "Should schools or governments be allowed to ban books?"

These topics all have at least two sides of the argument: Yes or no. And you must support the side you choose with evidence as to why your side is the correct one.

But there are also plenty of other ways to frame an argumentative essay as well:

• "Does using social media do more to benefit or harm people?"
• "Does the legal status of artwork or its creators—graffiti and vandalism, pirated media, a creator who's in jail—have an impact on the art itself?"
• "Is or should anyone ever be ‘above the law?'"

Though these are worded differently than the first three, you're still essentially forced to pick between two sides of an issue: yes or no, for or against, benefit or detriment. Though your argument might not fall entirely into one side of the divide or another—for instance, you could claim that social media has positively impacted some aspects of modern life while being a detriment to others—your essay should still support one side of the argument above all. Your final stance would be that overall , social media is beneficial or overall , social media is harmful.

If your argument is one that is mostly text-based or backed by a single source (e.g., "How does Salinger show that Holden Caulfield is an unreliable narrator?" or "Does Gatsby personify the American Dream?"), then it's an analytical essay, rather than an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay will always be focused on more general topics so that you can use multiple sources to back up your claims.

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

So you know the basic idea behind an argumentative essay, but what topic should you write about?

Again, almost always, you'll be asked to write an argumentative essay on a free topic of your choice, or you'll be asked to select between a few given topics . If you're given complete free reign of topics, then it'll be up to you to find an essay topic that no only appeals to you, but that you can turn into an A+ argumentative essay.

What makes a "good" argumentative essay topic depends on both the subject matter and your personal interest —it can be hard to give your best effort on something that bores you to tears! But it can also be near impossible to write an argumentative essay on a topic that has no room for debate.

As we said earlier, a good argumentative essay topic will be one that has the potential to reasonably go in at least two directions—for or against, yes or no, and why . For example, it's pretty hard to write an argumentative essay on whether or not people should be allowed to murder one another—not a whole lot of debate there for most people!—but writing an essay for or against the death penalty has a lot more wiggle room for evidence and argument.

A good topic is also one that can be substantiated through hard evidence and relevant sources . So be sure to pick a topic that other people have studied (or at least studied elements of) so that you can use their data in your argument. For example, if you're arguing that it should be mandatory for all middle school children to play a sport, you might have to apply smaller scientific data points to the larger picture you're trying to justify. There are probably several studies you could cite on the benefits of physical activity and the positive effect structure and teamwork has on young minds, but there's probably no study you could use where a group of scientists put all middle-schoolers in one jurisdiction into a mandatory sports program (since that's probably never happened). So long as your evidence is relevant to your point and you can extrapolate from it to form a larger whole, you can use it as a part of your resource material.

And if you need ideas on where to get started, or just want to see sample argumentative essay topics, then check out these links for hundreds of potential argumentative essay topics.

101 Persuasive (or Argumentative) Essay and Speech Topics

301 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Top 50 Ideas for Argumentative/Persuasive Essay Writing

[Note: some of these say "persuasive essay topics," but just remember that the same topic can often be used for both a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay; the difference is in your writing style and the evidence you use to support your claims.]

KO! Find that one argumentative essay topic you can absolutely conquer.

Argumentative Essay Format

Argumentative Essays are composed of four main elements:

• A position (your argument)
• Your reasons
• Supporting evidence for those reasons (from reliable sources)
• Counterargument(s) (possible opposing arguments and reasons why those arguments are incorrect)

If you're familiar with essay writing in general, then you're also probably familiar with the five paragraph essay structure . This structure is a simple tool to show how one outlines an essay and breaks it down into its component parts, although it can be expanded into as many paragraphs as you want beyond the core five.

The standard argumentative essay is often 3-5 pages, which will usually mean a lot more than five paragraphs, but your overall structure will look the same as a much shorter essay.

An argumentative essay at its simplest structure will look like:

Paragraph 1: Intro

• Set up the story/problem/issue
• Thesis/claim

Paragraph 2: Support

• Reason #1 claim is correct
• Supporting evidence with sources

Paragraph 3: Support

• Reason #2 claim is correct

Paragraph 4: Counterargument

• Explanation of argument for the other side
• Refutation of opposing argument with supporting evidence

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

• Re-state claim
• Sum up reasons and support of claim from the essay to prove claim is correct

Now let's unpack each of these paragraph types to see how they work (with examples!), what goes into them, and why.

Paragraph 1—Set Up and Claim

Your first task is to introduce the reader to the topic at hand so they'll be prepared for your claim. Give a little background information, set the scene, and give the reader some stakes so that they care about the issue you're going to discuss.

Next, you absolutely must have a position on an argument and make that position clear to the readers. It's not an argumentative essay unless you're arguing for a specific claim, and this claim will be your thesis statement.

Your thesis CANNOT be a mere statement of fact (e.g., "Washington DC is the capital of the United States"). Your thesis must instead be an opinion which can be backed up with evidence and has the potential to be argued against (e.g., "New York should be the capital of the United States").

Paragraphs 2 and 3—Your Evidence

These are your body paragraphs in which you give the reasons why your argument is the best one and back up this reasoning with concrete evidence .

The argument supporting the thesis of an argumentative essay should be one that can be supported by facts and evidence, rather than personal opinion or cultural or religious mores.

For example, if you're arguing that New York should be the new capital of the US, you would have to back up that fact by discussing the factual contrasts between New York and DC in terms of location, population, revenue, and laws. You would then have to talk about the precedents for what makes for a good capital city and why New York fits the bill more than DC does.

Your argument can't simply be that a lot of people think New York is the best city ever and that you agree.

In addition to using concrete evidence, you always want to keep the tone of your essay passionate, but impersonal . Even though you're writing your argument from a single opinion, don't use first person language—"I think," "I feel," "I believe,"—to present your claims. Doing so is repetitive, since by writing the essay you're already telling the audience what you feel, and using first person language weakens your writing voice.

For example,

"I think that Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

"Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

The second statement sounds far stronger and more analytical.

Paragraph 4—Argument for the Other Side and Refutation

Even without a counter argument, you can make a pretty persuasive claim, but a counterargument will round out your essay into one that is much more persuasive and substantial.

By anticipating an argument against your claim and taking the initiative to counter it, you're allowing yourself to get ahead of the game. This way, you show that you've given great thought to all sides of the issue before choosing your position, and you demonstrate in multiple ways how yours is the more reasoned and supported side.

Paragraph 5—Conclusion

This paragraph is where you re-state your argument and summarize why it's the best claim.

Briefly touch on your supporting evidence and voila! A finished argumentative essay.

Your essay should have just as awesome a skeleton as this plesiosaur does. (In other words: a ridiculously awesome skeleton)

Argumentative Essay Example: 5-Paragraph Style

It always helps to have an example to learn from. I've written a full 5-paragraph argumentative essay here. Look at how I state my thesis in paragraph 1, give supporting evidence in paragraphs 2 and 3, address a counterargument in paragraph 4, and conclude in paragraph 5.

Topic: Is it possible to maintain conflicting loyalties?

Paragraph 1

It is almost impossible to go through life without encountering a situation where your loyalties to different people or causes come into conflict with each other. Maybe you have a loving relationship with your sister, but she disagrees with your decision to join the army, or you find yourself torn between your cultural beliefs and your scientific ones. These conflicting loyalties can often be maintained for a time, but as examples from both history and psychological theory illustrate, sooner or later, people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever.

The first two sentences set the scene and give some hypothetical examples and stakes for the reader to care about.

The third sentence finishes off the intro with the thesis statement, making very clear how the author stands on the issue ("people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever." )

Paragraphs 2 and 3

Psychological theory states that human beings are not equipped to maintain conflicting loyalties indefinitely and that attempting to do so leads to a state called "cognitive dissonance." Cognitive dissonance theory is the psychological idea that people undergo tremendous mental stress or anxiety when holding contradictory beliefs, values, or loyalties (Festinger, 1957). Even if human beings initially hold a conflicting loyalty, they will do their best to find a mental equilibrium by making a choice between those loyalties—stay stalwart to a belief system or change their beliefs. One of the earliest formal examples of cognitive dissonance theory comes from Leon Festinger's When Prophesy Fails . Members of an apocalyptic cult are told that the end of the world will occur on a specific date and that they alone will be spared the Earth's destruction. When that day comes and goes with no apocalypse, the cult members face a cognitive dissonance between what they see and what they've been led to believe (Festinger, 1956). Some choose to believe that the cult's beliefs are still correct, but that the Earth was simply spared from destruction by mercy, while others choose to believe that they were lied to and that the cult was fraudulent all along. Both beliefs cannot be correct at the same time, and so the cult members are forced to make their choice.

But even when conflicting loyalties can lead to potentially physical, rather than just mental, consequences, people will always make a choice to fall on one side or other of a dividing line. Take, for instance, Nicolaus Copernicus, a man born and raised in Catholic Poland (and educated in Catholic Italy). Though the Catholic church dictated specific scientific teachings, Copernicus' loyalty to his own observations and scientific evidence won out over his loyalty to his country's government and belief system. When he published his heliocentric model of the solar system--in opposition to the geocentric model that had been widely accepted for hundreds of years (Hannam, 2011)-- Copernicus was making a choice between his loyalties. In an attempt t o maintain his fealty both to the established system and to what he believed, h e sat on his findings for a number of years (Fantoli, 1994). But, ultimately, Copernicus made the choice to side with his beliefs and observations above all and published his work for the world to see (even though, in doing so, he risked both his reputation and personal freedoms).

These two paragraphs provide the reasons why the author supports the main argument and uses substantiated sources to back those reasons.

The paragraph on cognitive dissonance theory gives both broad supporting evidence and more narrow, detailed supporting evidence to show why the thesis statement is correct not just anecdotally but also scientifically and psychologically. First, we see why people in general have a difficult time accepting conflicting loyalties and desires and then how this applies to individuals through the example of the cult members from the Dr. Festinger's research.

The next paragraph continues to use more detailed examples from history to provide further evidence of why the thesis that people cannot indefinitely maintain conflicting loyalties is true.

Paragraph 4

Some will claim that it is possible to maintain conflicting beliefs or loyalties permanently, but this is often more a matter of people deluding themselves and still making a choice for one side or the other, rather than truly maintaining loyalty to both sides equally. For example, Lancelot du Lac typifies a person who claims to maintain a balanced loyalty between to two parties, but his attempt to do so fails (as all attempts to permanently maintain conflicting loyalties must). Lancelot tells himself and others that he is equally devoted to both King Arthur and his court and to being Queen Guinevere's knight (Malory, 2008). But he can neither be in two places at once to protect both the king and queen, nor can he help but let his romantic feelings for the queen to interfere with his duties to the king and the kingdom. Ultimately, he and Queen Guinevere give into their feelings for one another and Lancelot—though he denies it—chooses his loyalty to her over his loyalty to Arthur. This decision plunges the kingdom into a civil war, ages Lancelot prematurely, and ultimately leads to Camelot's ruin (Raabe, 1987). Though Lancelot claimed to have been loyal to both the king and the queen, this loyalty was ultimately in conflict, and he could not maintain it.

Here we have the acknowledgement of a potential counter-argument and the evidence as to why it isn't true.

The argument is that some people (or literary characters) have asserted that they give equal weight to their conflicting loyalties. The refutation is that, though some may claim to be able to maintain conflicting loyalties, they're either lying to others or deceiving themselves. The paragraph shows why this is true by providing an example of this in action.

Paragraph 5

Whether it be through literature or history, time and time again, people demonstrate the challenges of trying to manage conflicting loyalties and the inevitable consequences of doing so. Though belief systems are malleable and will often change over time, it is not possible to maintain two mutually exclusive loyalties or beliefs at once. In the end, people always make a choice, and loyalty for one party or one side of an issue will always trump loyalty to the other.

The concluding paragraph summarizes the essay, touches on the evidence presented, and re-states the thesis statement.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay: 8 Steps

Writing the best argumentative essay is all about the preparation, so let's talk steps:

#1: Preliminary Research

If you have the option to pick your own argumentative essay topic (which you most likely will), then choose one or two topics you find the most intriguing or that you have a vested interest in and do some preliminary research on both sides of the debate.

Do an open internet search just to see what the general chatter is on the topic and what the research trends are.

Did your preliminary reading influence you to pick a side or change your side? Without diving into all the scholarly articles at length, do you believe there's enough evidence to support your claim? Have there been scientific studies? Experiments? Does a noted scholar in the field agree with you? If not, you may need to pick another topic or side of the argument to support.

#2: Pick Your Side and Form Your Thesis

Now's the time to pick the side of the argument you feel you can support the best and summarize your main point into your thesis statement.

Your thesis will be the basis of your entire essay, so make sure you know which side you're on, that you've stated it clearly, and that you stick by your argument throughout the entire essay .

#3: Heavy-Duty Research Time

You've taken a gander at what the internet at large has to say on your argument, but now's the time to actually read those sources and take notes.

Check scholarly journals online at Google Scholar , the Directory of Open Access Journals , or JStor . You can also search individual university or school libraries and websites to see what kinds of academic articles you can access for free. Keep track of your important quotes and page numbers and put them somewhere that's easy to find later.

And don't forget to check your school or local libraries as well!

#4: Outline

Follow the five-paragraph outline structure from the previous section.

Fill in your topic, your reasons, and your supporting evidence into each of the categories.

Before you begin to flesh out the essay, take a look at what you've got. Is your thesis statement in the first paragraph? Is it clear? Is your argument logical? Does your supporting evidence support your reasoning?

By outlining your essay, you streamline your process and take care of any logic gaps before you dive headfirst into the writing. This will save you a lot of grief later on if you need to change your sources or your structure, so don't get too trigger-happy and skip this step.

Now that you've laid out exactly what you'll need for your essay and where, it's time to fill in all the gaps by writing it out.

Take it one step at a time and expand your ideas into complete sentences and substantiated claims. It may feel daunting to turn an outline into a complete draft, but just remember that you've already laid out all the groundwork; now you're just filling in the gaps.

If you have the time before deadline, give yourself a day or two (or even just an hour!) away from your essay . Looking it over with fresh eyes will allow you to see errors, both minor and major, that you likely would have missed had you tried to edit when it was still raw.

Take a first pass over the entire essay and try your best to ignore any minor spelling or grammar mistakes—you're just looking at the big picture right now. Does it make sense as a whole? Did the essay succeed in making an argument and backing that argument up logically? (Do you feel persuaded?)

If not, go back and make notes so that you can fix it for your final draft.

Once you've made your revisions to the overall structure, mark all your small errors and grammar problems so you can fix them in the next draft.

#7: Final Draft

Use the notes you made on the rough draft and go in and hack and smooth away until you're satisfied with the final result.

A checklist for your final draft:

• Formatting is correct according to your teacher's standards
• No errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Essay is the right length and size for the assignment
• The argument is present, consistent, and concise
• Each reason is supported by relevant evidence
• The essay makes sense overall

#8: Celebrate!

Once you've brought that final draft to a perfect polish and turned in your assignment, you're done! Go you!

Be prepared and ♪ you'll never go hungry again ♪, *cough*, or struggle with your argumentative essay-writing again. (Walt Disney Studios)

Good Examples of Argumentative Essays Online

Theory is all well and good, but examples are key. Just to get you started on what a fully-fleshed out argumentative essay looks like, let's see some examples in action.

Check out these two argumentative essay examples on the use of landmines and freons (and note the excellent use of concrete sources to back up their arguments!).

The Use of Landmines

A Shattered Sky

The Take-Aways: Keys to Writing an Argumentative Essay

At first, writing an argumentative essay may seem like a monstrous hurdle to overcome, but with the proper preparation and understanding, you'll be able to knock yours out of the park.

Remember the differences between a persuasive essay and an argumentative one, make sure your thesis is clear, and double-check that your supporting evidence is both relevant to your point and well-sourced . Pick your topic, do your research, make your outline, and fill in the gaps. Before you know it, you'll have yourself an A+ argumentative essay there, my friend.

What's Next?

Now you know the ins and outs of an argumentative essay, but how comfortable are you writing in other styles? Learn more about the four writing styles and when it makes sense to use each .

Understand how to make an argument, but still having trouble organizing your thoughts? Check out our guide to three popular essay formats and choose which one is right for you.

Ready to make your case, but not sure what to write about? We've created a list of 50 potential argumentative essay topics to spark your imagination.

Courtney scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT in high school and went on to graduate from Stanford University with a degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology. She is passionate about bringing education and the tools to succeed to students from all backgrounds and walks of life, as she believes open education is one of the great societal equalizers. She has years of tutoring experience and writes creative works in her free time.

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Argumentative Essay Examples & Analysis

July 20, 2023

Writing successful argumentative or persuasive essays is a sort of academic rite of passage: every student, at some point in their academic career, will have to do it. And not without reason—writing a good argumentative essay requires the ability to organize one’s thoughts, reason logically, and present evidence in support of claims. They even require empathy, as authors are forced to inhabit and then respond to viewpoints that run counter to their own. Here, we’ll look at some argumentative essay examples and analyze their strengths and weaknesses.

Before we turn to those argumentative essay examples, let’s get precise about what an argumentative essay is. An argumentative essay is an essay that advances a central point, thesis, or claim using evidence and facts. In other words, argumentative essays are essays that argue on behalf of a particular viewpoint. The goal of an argumentative essay is to convince the reader that the essay’s core idea is correct.

Good argumentative essays rely on facts and evidence. Personal anecdotes, appeals to emotion , and opinions that aren’t grounded in evidence just won’t fly. Let’s say I wanted to write an essay arguing that cats are the best pets. It wouldn’t be enough to say that I love having a cat as a pet. That’s just my opinion. Nor would it be enough to cite my downstairs neighbor Claudia, who also has a cat and who also prefers cats to dogs. That’s just an anecdote.

For the essay to have a chance at succeeding, I’d have to use evidence to support my argument. Maybe there are studies that compare the cost of cat ownership to dog ownership and conclude that cat ownership is less expensive. Perhaps there’s medical data that shows that more people are allergic to dogs than they are to cats. And maybe there are surveys that show that cat owners are more satisfied with their pets than are dog owners. I have no idea if any of that is true. The point is that successful argumentative essays use evidence from credible sources to back up their points.

Important to note before we examine a few argumentative essay examples: most argumentative essays will follow a standard 5-paragraph format. This format entails an introductory paragraph that lays out the essay’s central claim. Next, there are three body paragraphs that each advance sub-claims and evidence to support the central claim. Lastly, there is a conclusion that summarizes the points made. That’s not to say that every good argumentative essay will adhere strictly to the 5-paragraph format. And there is plenty of room for flexibility and creativity within the 5-paragraph format. For example, a good argumentative essay that follows the 5-paragraph template will also generally include counterarguments and rebuttals.

Introduction Example

Now let’s move on to those argumentative essay examples, and examine in particular a couple of introductions. The first takes on a common argumentative essay topic —capital punishment.

The death penalty has long been a divisive issue in the United States. 24 states allow the death penalty, while the other 26 have either banned the death penalty outright or issued moratoriums halting the practice. Proponents of the death penalty argue that it’s an effective deterrent against crime. Time and time again, however, this argument has been shown to be false. Capital punishment does not deter crime. But not only that—the death penalty is irreversible, which allows our imperfect justice system no room for error. Finally, the application of the death penalty is racially biased—the population of death row is over 41% Black , despite Black Americans making up just 13% of the U.S. population. For all these reasons, the death penalty should be outlawed across the board in the United States.

Why this introduction works: First, it’s clear. It lays out the essay’s thesis: that the death penalty should be outlawed in the United States. It also names the sub-arguments the author is going to use to support the thesis: (1), capital punishment does not deter crime, (2), it’s irreversible, and (3), it’s a racially biased practice. In laying out these three points, the author is also laying out the structure of the essay to follow. Each of the body paragraphs will take on one of the three sub-arguments presented in the introduction.

Argumentative Essay Examples (Continued)

Something else I like about this introduction is that it acknowledges and then refutes a common counterargument—the idea that the death penalty is a crime deterrent. Notice also the flow of the first two sentences. The first flags the essay’s topic. But it also makes a claim—that the issue of capital punishment is politically divisive. The following sentence backs this claim up. Essentially half of the country allows the practice; the other half has banned it. This is a feature not just of solid introductions but of good argumentative essays in general—all the essay’s claims will be backed up with evidence.

How it could be improved: Okay, I know I just got through singing the praises of the first pair of sentences, but if I were really nitpicking, I might take issue with them. Why? The first sentence is a bit of a placeholder. It’s a platitude, a way for the author to get a foothold in the piece. The essay isn’t about how divisive the death penalty is; it’s about why it ought to be abolished. When it comes to writing an argumentative essay, I always like to err on the side of blunt. There’s nothing wrong with starting an argumentative essay with the main idea: Capital punishment is an immoral and ineffective form of punishment, and the practice should be abolished .

Let’s move on to another argumentative essay example. Here’s an introduction that deals with the effects of technology on the brain:

Much of the critical discussion around technology today revolves around social media. Critics argue that social media has cut us off from our fellow citizens, trapping us in “information silos” and contributing to political polarization. Social media also promotes unrealistic and unhealthy beauty standards, which can lead to anxiety and depression. What’s more, the social media apps themselves are designed to addict their users. These are all legitimate critiques of social media, and they ought to be taken seriously. But the problem of technology today goes deeper than social media. The internet itself is the problem. Whether it’s on our phones or our laptops, on a social media app, or doing a Google search, the internet promotes distracted thinking and superficial learning. The internet is, quite literally, rewiring our brains.

Why this introduction works: This introduction hooks the reader by tying a topical debate about social media to the essay’s main subject—the problem of the internet itself. The introduction makes it clear what the essay is going to be about; the sentence, “But the problem of technology…” signals to the reader that the main idea is coming. I like the clarity with which the main idea is stated, and, as in the previous introduction, the main idea sets up the essay to follow.

How it could be improved: I like how direct this introduction is, but it might be improved by being a little more specific. Without getting too technical, the introduction might tell the reader what it means to “promote distracted thinking and superficial learning.” It might also hint as to why these are good arguments. For example, are there neurological or psychological studies that back this claim up? A simple fix might be: Whether it’s on our phones or our laptops, on a social media app, or doing a Google search, countless studies have shown that the internet promotes distracted thinking and superficial learning . The body paragraphs would then elaborate on those points. And the last sentence, while catchy, is a bit vague.

Body Paragraph Example

Let’s stick with our essay on capital punishment and continue on to the first body paragraph.

Proponents of the death penalty have long claimed that the practice is an effective deterrent to crime. It might not be pretty, they say, but its deterrent effects prevent further crime. Therefore, its continued use is justified. The problem is that this is just not borne out in the data. There is simply no evidence that the death penalty deters crime more than other forms of punishment, like long prison sentences. States, where the death penalty is still carried out, do not have lower crime rates than states where the practice has been abolished. States that have abandoned the death penalty likewise show no increase in crime or murder rates.

Body Paragraph (Continued)

For example, the state of Louisiana, where the death penalty is legal, has a murder rate of 21.3 per 100,000 residents. In Iowa, where the death penalty was abolished in 1965, the murder rate is 3.2 per 100,000. In Kentucky the death penalty is legal and the murder rate is 9.6; in Michigan where it’s illegal, the murder rate is 8.7. The death penalty simply has no bearing on murder rates. If it did, we’d see markedly lower murder rates in states that maintain the practice. But that’s not the case. Capital punishment does not deter crime. Therefore, it should be abolished.

Why this paragraph works: This body paragraph is successful because it coheres with the main idea set out in the introduction. It supports the essay’s first sub-argument—that capital punishment does not deter crime—and in so doing, it supports the essay’s main idea—that capital punishment should be abolished. How does it do that? By appealing to the data. A nice feature of this paragraph is that it simultaneously debunks a common counterargument and advances the essay’s thesis. It also supplies a few direct examples (murder rates in states like Kentucky, Michigan, etc.) without getting too technical. Importantly, the last few sentences tie the data back to the main idea of the essay. It’s not enough to pepper your essay with statistics. A good argumentative essay will unpack the statistics, tell the reader why the statistics matter, and how they support or confirm the essay’s main idea.

How it could be improved: The author is missing one logical connection at the end of the paragraph. The author shows that capital punishment doesn’t deter crime, but then just jumps to their conclusion. They needed to establish a logical bridge to get from the sub-argument to the conclusion. That bridge might be: if the deterrent effect is being used as a justification to maintain the practice, but the deterrent effect doesn’t really exist, then , in the absence of some other justification, the death penalty should be abolished. The author almost got there, but just needed to make that one final logical connection.

Conclusion Example

Once we’ve supported each of our sub-arguments with a corresponding body paragraph, it’s time to move on to the conclusion.

It might be nice to think that executing murderers prevents future murders from happening, that our justice system is infallible and no one is ever wrongly put to death, and that the application of the death penalty is free of bias. But as we have seen, each of those thoughts are just comforting fictions. The death penalty does not prevent future crime—if it did, we’d see higher crime rates in states that’ve done away with capital punishment. The death penalty is an irreversible punishment meted out by an imperfect justice system—as a result, wrongful executions are unavoidable. And the death penalty disproportionately affects people of color. The death penalty is an unjustifiable practice—both practically and morally. Therefore, the United States should do away with the practice and join the more than 85 world nations that have already done so.

Why this conclusion works: It concisely summarizes the points made throughout the essay. But notice that it’s not identical to the introduction. The conclusion makes it clear that our understanding of the issue has changed with the essay. It not only revisits the sub-arguments, it expounds upon them. And to put a bow on everything, it restates the thesis—this time, though, with a little more emotional oomph.

How it could be improved: I’d love to see a little more specificity with regard to the sub-arguments. Instead of just rehashing the second sub-argument—that wrongful executions are unavoidable—the author could’ve included a quick statistic to give the argument more weight. For example: The death penalty is an irreversible punishment meted out by an imperfect justice system—as a result, wrongful executions are unavoidable. Since 1973, at least 190 people have been put to death who were later found to be innocent.

An argumentative essay is a powerful way to convey one’s ideas. As an academic exercise, mastering the art of the argumentative essay requires students to hone their skills of critical thinking, rhetoric, and logical reasoning. The best argumentative essays communicate their ideas clearly and back up their claims with evidence.

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Dane Gebauer

Dane Gebauer is a writer and teacher living in Miami, FL. He received his MFA in fiction from Columbia University, and his writing has appeared in Complex Magazine and Sinking City Review .

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Academic Essay Writing Made Simple: 4 types and tips

The pen is mightier than the sword, they say, and nowhere is this more evident than in academia. From the quick scribbles of eager students to the inquisitive thoughts of renowned scholars, academic essays depict the power of the written word. These well-crafted writings propel ideas forward and expand the existing boundaries of human intellect.

What is an Academic Essay

An academic essay is a nonfictional piece of writing that analyzes and evaluates an argument around a specific topic or research question. It serves as a medium to share the author’s views and is also used by institutions to assess the critical thinking, research skills, and writing abilities of a students and researchers.  

Importance of Academic Essays

4 main types of academic essays.

While academic essays may vary in length, style, and purpose, they generally fall into four main categories. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal: to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

1. Expository Essay

2. Descriptive Essay

3. Narrative Essay

4. Argumentative Essay

Expository and persuasive essays mainly deal with facts to explain ideas clearly. Narrative and descriptive essays are informal and have a creative edge. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal ― to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

Expository Essays: Illuminating ideas

An expository essay is a type of academic writing that explains, illustrates, or clarifies a particular subject or idea. Its primary purpose is to inform the reader by presenting a comprehensive and objective analysis of a topic.

By breaking down complex topics into digestible pieces and providing relevant examples and explanations, expository essays allow writers to share their knowledge.

What are the Key Features of an Expository Essay

Provides factual information without bias

Presents multiple viewpoints while maintaining objectivity

Uses direct and concise language to ensure clarity for the reader

Composed of a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion

When is an expository essay written.

1. For academic assignments to evaluate the understanding of research skills.

2. As instructional content to provide step-by-step guidance for tasks or problem-solving.

3. In journalism for objective reporting in news or investigative pieces.

4. As a form of communication in the professional field to convey factual information in business or healthcare.

How to Write an Expository Essay

Expository essays are typically structured in a logical and organized manner.

1. Topic Selection and Research

• Choose a topic that can be explored objectively
• Gather relevant facts and information from credible sources
• Develop a clear thesis statement

2. Outline and Structure

• Create an outline with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
• Introduce the topic and state the thesis in the introduction
• Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific point supporting the thesis
• Use transitions to maintain a logical flow

3. Objective and Informative Writing

• Maintain an impartial and informative tone
• Avoid personal opinions or biases
• Support points with factual evidence, examples, and explanations

4. Conclusion

• Summarize the key points
• Reinforce the significance of the thesis

Descriptive Essays: Painting with words

Descriptive essays transport readers into vivid scenes, allowing them to experience the world through the writer ‘s lens. These essays use rich sensory details, metaphors, and figurative language to create a vivid and immersive experience . Its primary purpose is to engage readers’ senses and imagination.

It allows writers to demonstrate their ability to observe and describe subjects with precision and creativity.

What are the Key Features of Descriptive Essay

Employs figurative language and imagery to paint a vivid picture for the reader

Demonstrates creativity and expressiveness in narration

Includes close attention to detail, engaging the reader’s senses

Engages the reader’s imagination and emotions through immersive storytelling using analogies, metaphors, similes, etc.

When is a descriptive essay written.

1. Personal narratives or memoirs that describe significant events, people, or places.

2. Travel writing to capture the essence of a destination or experience.

3. Character sketches in fiction writing to introduce and describe characters.

4. Poetry or literary analyses to explore the use of descriptive language and imagery.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

The descriptive essay lacks a defined structural requirement but typically includes: an introduction introducing the subject, a thorough description, and a concluding summary with insightful reflection.

1. Subject Selection and Observation

• Choose a subject (person, place, object, or experience) to describe
• Gather sensory details and observations

2. Engaging Introduction

• Set the scene and provide the context
• Use of descriptive language and figurative techniques

3. Descriptive Body Paragraphs

• Focus on specific aspects or details of the subject
• Engage the reader ’s senses with vivid imagery and descriptions
• Maintain a consistent tone and viewpoint

4. Impactful Conclusion

• Provide a final impression or insight
• Leave a lasting impact on the reader

Narrative Essays: Storytelling in Action

Narrative essays are personal accounts that tell a story, often drawing from the writer’s own experiences or observations. These essays rely on a well-structured plot, character development, and vivid descriptions to engage readers and convey a deeper meaning or lesson.

What are the Key features of Narrative Essays

Written from a first-person perspective and hence subjective

Based on real personal experiences

Uses an informal and expressive tone

Presents events and characters in sequential order

When is a narrative essay written.

It is commonly assigned in high school and college writing courses to assess a student’s ability to convey a meaningful message or lesson through a personal narrative. They are written in situations where a personal experience or story needs to be recounted, such as:

1. Reflective essays on significant life events or personal growth.

2. Autobiographical writing to share one’s life story or experiences.

3. Creative writing exercises to practice narrative techniques and character development.

4. College application essays to showcase personal qualities and experiences.

How to Write a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays typically follow a chronological structure, with an introduction that sets the scene, a body that develops the plot and characters, and a conclusion that provides a sense of resolution or lesson learned.

1. Experience Selection and Reflection

• Choose a significant personal experience or event
• Reflect on the impact and deeper meaning

2. Immersive Introduction

• Introduce characters and establish the tone and point of view

3. Plotline and Character Development

• Advance   the  plot and character development through body paragraphs
• Incorporate dialog , conflict, and resolution
• Maintain a logical and chronological flow

4. Insightful Conclusion

• Reflect on lessons learned or insights gained
• Leave the reader with a lasting impression

Argumentative Essays: Persuasion and Critical Thinking

Argumentative essays are the quintessential form of academic writing in which writers present a clear thesis and support it with well-researched evidence and logical reasoning. These essays require a deep understanding of the topic, critical analysis of multiple perspectives, and the ability to construct a compelling argument.

What are the Key Features of an Argumentative Essay?

Logical and well-structured arguments

Credible and relevant evidence from reputable sources

Consideration and refutation of counterarguments

Critical analysis and evaluation of the issue 

When is an argumentative essay written.

Argumentative essays are written to present a clear argument or stance on a particular issue or topic. In academic settings they are used to develop critical thinking, research, and persuasive writing skills. However, argumentative essays can also be written in various other contexts, such as:

1. Opinion pieces or editorials in newspapers, magazines, or online publications.

2. Policy proposals or position papers in government, nonprofit, or advocacy settings.

3. Persuasive speeches or debates in academic, professional, or competitive environments.

4. Marketing or advertising materials to promote a product, service, or idea.

How to write an Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays begin with an introduction that states the thesis and provides context. The body paragraphs develop the argument with evidence, address counterarguments, and use logical reasoning. The conclusion restates the main argument and makes a final persuasive appeal.

• Choose a debatable and controversial issue
• Conduct thorough research and gather evidence and counterarguments

2. Thesis and Introduction

• Craft a clear and concise thesis statement
• Provide background information and establish importance

3. Structured Body Paragraphs

• Focus each paragraph on a specific aspect of the argument
• Support with logical reasoning, factual evidence, and refutation

4. Persuasive Techniques

• Adopt a formal and objective tone
• Use persuasive techniques (rhetorical questions, analogies, appeals)

5. Impactful Conclusion

• Summarize the main points
• Leave the reader with a strong final impression and call to action

To learn more about argumentative essay, check out this article .

5 Quick Tips for Researchers to Improve Academic Essay Writing Skills

Use clear and concise language to convey ideas effectively without unnecessary words

Use well-researched, credible sources to substantiate your arguments with data, expert opinions, and scholarly references

Ensure a coherent structure with effective transitions, clear topic sentences, and a logical flow to enhance readability 

To elevate your academic essay, consider submitting your draft to a community-based platform like Open Platform  for editorial review 

Review your work multiple times for clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic guidelines to ensure a polished final product

By mastering the art of academic essay writing, researchers and scholars can effectively communicate their ideas, contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and engage in meaningful scholarly discourse.

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In observance of the Presidents Day holiday, LSAC offices will be closed on Monday, February 19. Customer Service representatives will be available via telephone at  1.800.336.3982 , via email at [email protected] , or through our chat feature from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. ET.

LSAT Argumentative Writing

LSAT Argumentative Writing SM

A new approach to the Writing section of the LSAT 

Beginning July 30, 2024, LSAT Argumentative Writing will replace the LSAT Writing prompt that has been part of the LSAT since 1982.

This new approach to the writing assessment aims to assess a test taker’s ability to construct a cogent argument based on a variety of evidentiary sources. Test takers will be presented with a debatable issue, along with three or four perspectives that provide additional context for the issue. These perspectives, each of which is conveyed in a few sentences, are representative of a system of beliefs or values. Together, the perspectives illustrate competing ideologies and arguments around a particular issue. The test taker will then draft an argumentative essay in which they take a position on the issue, while addressing some of the arguments and ideas presented by the other perspectives. 

The new argumentative writing task is designed to give test takers a clearer, more authentic writing purpose than the former “decision-based” LSAT Writing prompt, which was more narrowly focused on pure logical reasoning. When test takers have an opportunity to construct an original thesis and defend it based on their own judgment and analytical evaluation, rather than following pre-ordained lines of reasoning, we can better assess the broader and more complex range of decision-making skills that writers engage in.

By adopting this design, we’re not only enabling individuals to have a more authentic voice in their argument, but we are also better positioned to evaluate the writer’s ability to employ various rhetorical techniques, evidentiary strategies, and other important aspects of argumentative writing. 

Given the additional reading load required by the new writing task format, LSAT Argumentative Writing will include a short preparatory period that test takers can use to organize their thoughts using guided prewriting analysis questions and to take notes using the digital notetaking tool provided in the testing environment. These questions are designed to help test takers analyze the various perspectives and generate productive ideas for their essay. Most test takers will have a total of 50 minutes — 15 minutes for prewriting analysis and 35 minutes for essay writing. Test takers with approved accommodations for additional time will have their time allocations adjusted accordingly.

For the 2024-2025 testing cycle, LSAT Argumentative Writing will remain an unscored section of the LSAT and will be administered exclusively in an online proctored, on-demand environment using secure proctoring software that is installed on the test taker’s computer.

Quick Facts about LSAT Writing

Online administration.

Before You Begin — Top Tips

If your LSAT Argumentative Writing session is flagged for further review, it may delay the release of your LSAT score. Review these tips to avoid having your session flagged.

Required for LSAT Scoring

LSAT Argumentative Writing samples are not scored, but LSAT Argumentative Writing is a required part of the LSAT. Your LSAT score cannot be released to law schools if you do not have a completed and approved LSAT Argumentative Writing sample on file .

Take a Practice Writing Prompt

Through your free LSAC LawHub account, you have access to an official LSAT Argumentative Writing practice prompt that can help you prepare for test day. This writing prompt is representative of the kind of prompts that are used in the LSAT Argumentative Writing assessment. You can use this prompt to get familiar with both the content and the interface of the test.

You can sign into LawHub with your LSAC username and password.

Testing Accommodations

Through our deep commitment to disability rights, LSAC will continue to address the needs of all individuals with disabilities who require testing accommodations. We will make every effort to ensure all test takers are able to fully demonstrate their skills when they take the LSAT and LSAT Argumentative Writing.

Learn More about testing accommodations

Learn How to Verify Your ID on Test Day

When you launch valid, government-issued photo ID . We’ve compiled a list of tips, so you’ll know what to do (and not do!) when it’s time to photograph your ID on exam day. If your LSAT Writing sample is flagged due to ID issues, it could delay the release of your LSAT score.--> LSAT Argumentative Writing, you’ll need to take a photo of your valid, government-issued photo ID. Please ensure that the photo of your ID is clear and recognizable. Images of IDs that are blurry, out of focus, or unrecognizable will not be accepted, and your writing sample will be canceled. Please review the image of your ID on your screen for clarity before capturing the image.

Review ID Requirements

How do i register for lsat argumentative writing.

If you’re taking the LSAT for the first time, one administration of LSAT Argumentative Writing is included in your LSAT registration. By registering for the LSAT, you will be automatically eligible to complete the writing section, which is open eight (8) days before you take the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT. You can access LSAT Argumentative Writing from your LSAC JD Account. 

NOTE:  The LSAT registration fee includes both the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT and LSAT Argumentative Writing. There are no additional fees associated with LSAT Argumentative Writing. 

When can I take LSAT Argumentative Writing?

Candidates are eligible to take LSAT Argumentative Writing starting eight (8) days prior to their LSAT administration. For your LSAT to be considered complete, you will need to take the LSAT Argumentative Writing section of the test if you do not already have a writing sample on file from a previous LSAT administration. Most law schools require a writing sample as an integral part of their admission decision, and therefore, you should complete a writing sample to meet schools’ application deadlines. Your writing sample will be shared with the law schools to which you have applied once it’s approved and your score is released. Candidates will be required to have a completed writing sample in their file to see their test score or have their score released to law schools. 

How long does it take to complete the LSAT Argumentative Writing task?

Most test takers will have a total of 50 minutes — 15 minutes for prewriting analysis and 35 minutes for essay writing. Test takers with approved accommodations for additional time will have their time allocations adjusted accordingly. Test takers can use the 15-minute prewriting analysis to organize their thoughts using guided prewriting analysis questions and to take notes using the digital notetaking tool provided in the testing environment. These questions are designed to help test takers analyze the various perspectives and generate productive ideas for their essay. All test takers will have the option to move past the prewriting analysis after 5 minutes of time have expired, or they may choose to use their full time allocated.

By when do I have to complete LSAT Argumentative Writing?

If you do not have a writing sample on file, we encourage you to complete LSAT Argumentative Writing as soon as you can. LSAT Argumentative Writing opens eight (8) days prior to every test administration. Candidates must have a complete writing sample in their file in order to see their score or have their score released to schools. Most law schools require a writing sample as an integral part of their admission decision, and therefore, you should complete the writing sample immediately to meet schools’ application deadlines. 

In case you are not applying in the current cycle, please note you have a maximum of one (1) year to complete LSAT Argumentative Writing. For questions, please contact LSAC’s Candidate Services team at  [email protected]  or  1.800.336.3982 .

What can I use to write notes since scratch paper is prohibited?

Unlike the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT, physical scratch paper and writing utensils are not permitted during the standard administration of LSAT Argumentative Writing. Instead, the LSAT Argumentative Writing interface includes a built-in, digital “scratch paper” section where you’ll be able to type notes, instead of writing them on a physical piece of scratch paper. 

How is test security managed for LSAT Writing?

The secure proctoring platform uses input from the webcam, microphone, and screen of the candidate’s own computer to ensure that the writing sample is the candidate’s own work, and that the candidate is not receiving any inappropriate assistance. Prior to the exam, candidates will complete a video check-in process. As part of the check-in process, candidates will be required to clearly display a physical, valid government-issued photo ID issued by the United States of America, U.S. Territories, or Canada or an international passport for the camera to capture. This image must not be blurry or out of focus. Candidates will also be required to complete a full 360-degree scan of their room and their workspace using their webcam. The room scan must be completed in order to ensure there are no other people or prohibited items in the testing environment. Candidates who require additional items in their workspace due to a disability may seek appropriate accommodations through the standard procedures for  requesting testing accommodations .    

Audio and video from every testing session will be reviewed by trained proctors. 

Please review the  Test and Test-Taker Security FAQs  for more information. 

Do I need to take LSAT Argumentative Writing if I’ve already completed LSAT Writing?

If you previously took LSAT Writing during the current reportable score period (i.e., as early as June 2018), your previous writing sample is still valid, and you do not need to complete LSAT Argumentative Writing. However, if you register to retake the LSAT during the 2024-2025 testing year and would like to complete LSAT Argumentative Writing, you can contact LSAC’s Candidate Relations team at [email protected] or 1.800.336.3982 .

I took the LSAT before August 2024 but never completed LSAT Writing. Can I complete LSAT Argumentative Writing to get my LSAT score?

Yes. LSAT Writing will be available through July 29, 2024. Starting July 30, 2024, LSAT Argumentative Writing will be available to all test takers who still need to complete a writing sample, even if they took the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT during the 2023-2024 testing year.

When will sample prompts for the new LSAT Argumentative Writing be available in LawHub?

Some paragraphs introduce your own argument, while others state the opposing arguments and their refutations. Here is an argumentative essay outline template you could follow for writing your essay: The most common structure to craft an argumentative essay is as follows: 1. Argumentative Essay Introduction.

When writing an argumentative research essay, create an outline to structure the research you find as well as help with the writing process. The outline of an argumentative essay should include an introduction with thesis statement, 3 main body paragraphs with supporting evidence and opposing viewpoints with evidence to disprove, along with an ...

Make a claim. Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim. Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim) Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives. The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays.

X Research source. Clustering Write a brief explanation (phrase or short sentence) of the subject of your argumentative essay on the center of a piece of paper and circle it. Then draw three or more lines extending from the circle. Write a corresponding idea at the end of each of these lines.

An argumentative essay comprises five essential components: 1. Claim. Claim in argumentative writing is the central argument or viewpoint that the writer aims to establish and defend throughout the essay. A claim must assert your position on an issue and must be arguable. It can guide the entire argument.

Bonus exercise: See if you can identify the "template" structure that each of the sentences below is using (hint, they are different from the templates provided above). Brown (2018) rejects the idea that the levels of climate change we are currently seeing can be considered "natural" or "cyclical" (p. 108).

1. Introductory paragraph. The first paragraph of your essay should outline the topic, provide background information necessary to understand your argument, outline the evidence you will present and states your thesis. 2. The thesis statement. This is part of your first paragraph.

Research has found that "edible insects are found in a wide variety of species and are an important food item, which has a high nutritive value suitable for human nutrition. ... Argumentative Essay Outline Section 3: Counterarguments and Rebuttal. When writing an argument essay, you're writing in support of one side of an argument.

An argumentative essay presents a specific claim or argument and supports it with evidence and reasoning. Here's an outline for an argumentative essay, along with examples for each section: 3. 1. Introduction: Hook: Start with a compelling statement, question, or anecdote to grab the reader's attention.

Argumentative Paper Format. *Please note that this is only a sample format. There are multiple ways to organize an argumentative paper. INTRODUCTION. o 1-2 paragraphs tops. o PURPOSE: To set up and state one's claim. o OPTIONAL ELEMENTS. Make your introductory paragraph interesting.

The following sections outline the generally accepted structure for an academic argument paper. ... For exploratory essays, your primary research question would replace your thesis statement so that the audience understands why you began your inquiry. An overview of the types of sources you explored might follow your research question. If your ...

Three argumentative methods —the Toulmin Method, Classical Method, and Rogerian Method— give guidance for how to organize the points in an argument. Note that these are only three of the most popular models for organizing an argument. Alternatives exist. Be sure to consult your instructor and/or defer to your assignment's directions if ...

Classic Model for an Argument. No one structure fits all written arguments. However, most college courses require arguments that consist of the following elements. Below is a basic outline for an argumentative or persuasive essay. This is only one possible outline or organization. Always refer to your handbook for specifics.

The argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing or advanced composition courses and involves lengthy, detailed research. Expository essays involve less research and are shorter in length. Expository essays are often used for in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.

There's lots of solid research in this essay, including specific programs that were conducted and how successful they were, as well as specific data mentioned throughout. This evidence helps strengthen the author's argument. ... Summary: Argumentative Essay Sample. Argumentative essays are persuasive essays that use facts and evidence to ...

Remember the differences between a persuasive essay and an argumentative one, make sure your thesis is clear, and double-check that your supporting evidence is both relevant to your point and well-sourced. Pick your topic, do your research, make your outline, and fill in the gaps. Before you know it, you'll have yourself an A+ argumentative ...

C. Paragraph 4 - Reason #3 and Evidence Continue with Reason #4 and so on if needed before the Objection/Rebuttal paragraph. Topic sentence

oConsideration of counterarguments (what Sandel might say in response to this section of your argument) Each argument you will make in an essay will be different, but this strategy will often be a useful first step in figuring out the path of your argument. Strategy #2: Use subheadings, even if you remove themlater.

Introduction Example. Now let's move on to those argumentative essay examples, and examine in particular a couple of introductions. The first takes on a common argumentative essay topic —capital punishment. The death penalty has long been a divisive issue in the United States. 24 states allow the death penalty, while the other 26 have ...

MLA Sample Argumentative Papers (Note: these sample papers are in MLA 7th ed. format). For sample papers in MLA 8th or 9th ed., please ask a librarian or check the Documenting Sources in MLA Style: 2016 Update: A Bedford/St. Martin's Supplement pp. 30-41, at Skyline College Library's Ready Reference shelf.

Developing an argument requires a significant understanding of the subject matter from all angles. Let's take a look at the steps to writing an argumentative essay: 1. Choose appropriate argumentative essay topics. Although topics for an argumentative essay are highly diverse, they are based on a controversial stance.

Narrative Essay. 4. Argumentative Essay. Expository and persuasive essays mainly deal with facts to explain ideas clearly. Narrative and descriptive essays are informal and have a creative edge. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal ― to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

LSAT Argumentative Writing opens eight (8) days prior to every test administration. Candidates must have a complete writing sample in their file in order to see their score or have their score released to schools. Most law schools require a writing sample as an integral part of their admission decision, and therefore, you should complete the ...

A Complete Guide To Ometepe, Nicaragua

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that for any qualifying purchase you make through one of my links, I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. For more information, check out my disclosure .

If you are traveling to Nicaragua, you definitely can’t miss Ometepe. 

A volcanic island in the shape of an 8, Ometepe is home to two active volcanoes (Concepción and Maderas). It’s the kind of place where you will find lush vegetation; beautiful small beaches; a lagoon; archeological sites and plenty of wildlife.

Yet, what you’ll end up enjoying the most about it is the slow pace of life which – together with the lack of reliable internet – make it a perfect place to get away from the stress of daily life and recharge your batteries. 

Scattered around the island you will find a few pretty towns. Altagracia and Moyogalpa, both at the foot of Volcán Concepción, are the largest and best equipped to welcome tourists. At the other end of the island, Balgüe is at the foot of Volcán Maderas and quite easily the prettiest area of the island. 

Ometepe is charming, welcoming and simply beautiful. In this post, I will highlight the best things to do in Ometepe island and share some tips to help you plan your trip.

Make sure to also read my post What You Must Know Before You Travel To Nicaragua .

Table of Contents

What To See And Do In Ometepe, Nicaragua

Hike a volcano .

Nicaragua is known as the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes, and you will find two active ones in Ometepe island, Volcán Concepción and Volcan Maderas. Both of them can be hiked. 

Maderas is a less challenging hike, but it still takes 8 full hours on a terrain that is often muddy and that goes through the thick vegetation of the cloud forest. The trail starts in Finca Magdalena, in Balgüe.

Volcán Concepción is a 9-hour (though it often ends up being up to 12 hours) incredibly challenging hike. Trails start in either Moyogalpa or Altagracia. There is a shorter hike that goes just to a viewpoint, lasting around 4 hours. 

You need to be well equipped with hiking boots for these hikes, and you must hire a guide. The vegetation is so thick that it is easy to get lost – when I stayed in Finca Magdalena some girls who had been on a hike of Maderas were desperately looking for their friends, who got lost during the hike.

This guided hike of Volcán Concepción departs from Moyogalpa. It is reasonably priced considering it is a full day hike with a guide. Lunch is included.

Visit El Ojo de Agua

El Ojo de Agua is a fabulous natural pool with the clearest waters you could hope for, and incredibly refreshing. The spring is created from a river that starts in Volcano Maderas. Water is about 2 meters (6.5 feet) deep and the pool is about 40 meters (131 feet) long, so about the size of an olympic pool.

A very popular place with the locals, who enjoy hanging out there during the weekend, the area is equipped which chairs and benches perfect for a relaxing time. This heavenly place is located amongst the thick tropical vegetation of the island, where you can get a much needed respite from the sun and the heat. 

El Ojo de Agua is about 2 km (1.2 miles) from Santo Domingo and 5 (3.1 miles) from Altagracia. There is a small entry fee, and you will find lockers, toilets and a very basic changing room right by the ticket desk. From there, it’s about 1 km (0.6 miles) to get to the pools. 

Enjoy the sunset in Ometepe

One of the best things to do in Ometepe is catching a breathtaking sunset. Sitting on the porch of Finca Magdalena I could get stunning views of the sun setting behind Volcano Maderas.

For a perfect sunset experience, head to Punta Jesus Maria. Hardly the best beach on Ometepe Island, the sunset views from there are out of this world. 

You can get to Punta Jesus Maria by bike from Moyogalpa. It’s an easy 4 km (2.5 miles) ride roundtrip. There is a small admission fee.

Admire wildlife

Spotting wildlife is easy peasy in Ometepe. I was chilling on one of the hammocks in Finca Magdalena when I noticed a bit of a motion among the trees nearby.

It took me a moment to realize that I was staring at howler monkeys playing around! I also spotted capuchin monkeys and various species of birds.

The best time to spot wildlife is early in the morning, right after sunrise, and right before sunset. That’s when animals are most active. You may want to kayak around the lagoon for higher chances of spotting animals, and bring a good pair of binoculars!

Explore the island by motorbike

One of the most fun things to do in Ometepe is roaming around by motorbike. Even though the island isn’t that big and chicken buses will take you to the most important towns, you may opt for a more fun way of exploring that will also allow you to save time – and it’s actually quite budget friendly.

There are several places scattered around the island where you can rent a motorbike, and if you aren’t too confident with manual transmission, just get a moped.

Alternatively, check out this site for easy rental.

Expect to pay around $20 for a day. You will have to return the motorbike with the same amount of gasoline it had when you picked it up. Bring your driving license. 

Go to San Ramon waterfall

This is one of the best places to visit in Ometepe. The waterfall is 64 meters (about 210 feet) high and there is a nice swimming hole right under, where you can cool off after your hike to get there. 

San Ramon waterfall is on the southern slopes of Volcán Maderas, roughly 5 km (3.1 miles) from the village of San Ramon. If you are on motorbike, follow the signs to San Ramon and once there those for the waterfall. You will get to a parking lot from where a 1 km (0.6 miles) trail leading to the waterfall starts. There is a small entry fee, which you can pay at the parking lot.

And Charco Verde Lagoon

An easy hike starting from Hotel Charco Verde will take you to Charco Verde Lagoon, a place perfect for swimming, water sports and wildlife watching. Living in the forest of Charco Verde there are several groups of howler monkeys, as well as migratory and local birds. 

The lagoon is covered in mangrove forest as well as large fruit trees. Located in the lagoon there also is a hill. You can hike it to get to the Mirador del Diablo (Devil’s Viewpoint) for one of the best views on the island.

Kayak on Istian River

Easily accessed from Merida on a one-hour kayaking trip, Istian River is located on the isthmus that connects the two sides of Ometepe island. Rio Istian, as it is called locally, and its estuary on Lake Nicaragua are among the best places on the island for birdwatching.

You can rent a kayak and explore the area independently, but I recommend joining a guided tour to make the most of it. They last around 4 hours. Enquire locally at your hotel or hostel for guided kayak tours.

Find the petroglyphs

Not many people know – in fact, I didn’t know this before visiting – but Ometepe is scattered with petroglyphs and stone carvings dating back to pre-Colombian times, when the island was seen as the promised land. Back then, volcano Maderas was thought to be the sacred place of the sun, and Concepción was considered the brother of the moon. 

The best places to spot petroglyphs in Ometepe are the Hotel Finca Porvenir and Finca Magdalena – which is where most petroglyphs have been found. Both locations are at the foot of volcano Maderas.

Another good place to see them is San José de Marcos, on San Antonio farm and on La Primavera farm. Alternatively, you can go to the museum of La Ceiba in the Charco Verde area, or in the museum in Altagracia.

Visit Finca Magdalena

Finca Magdalena is one of the best places to visit in Ometepe, and where I based myself the first time I visited. An “ecolodge” (though basic would be the best way to describe it), this is actually a coffee plantation right on the slopes of Volcan Maderas, run by a cooperative of around 30 families.

Coffee is obviously the main produce, and you can go on a coffee plantation tour for very reasonable fee (it was in the range of $15 USD when I was there). Other local products are milk, plantains, corn, rice, beans and vegetables – pretty much the staples of Nicaraguan diet. 

If you can, spend an afternoon just taking in the lovely atmosphere at the finca. It’s incredibly chilled, as it is completely isolated from the rest of the island – so the only noise you will hear is that of animals. 

Explore the cities

Don’t hold your breath for city life in Ometepe! But at some point or another, you will come across the two main ones – Moyogalpa and Altagracia. 

Moyogalpa is the main access point to the island, as this is where ferries from Rivas dock. It sits on the slopes of Volcán Concepción and it’s a great access point to the hiking trails and your best bet for budget accommodation and tour companies. 

Altagracia, also on the slopes of Volcán Concepción, is where ferries from Granada and San Carlos dock. It is a bit more interesting with its historic village and a 1924 church with a wooden bell tower. It also has a small archeology museum where you can admire some of the famous petroglyphs found on the island. 

Hang out at the beach

Not far from Altagracia, you will find a few good beaches where to spend an hour or two. 

Paso Real is 800 meters (half a mile) north of the village center. It’s a good place to swim and relax. San Silvestre is about 1.5 km (less than a mile) from the village. It’s a rocky beach but it affords great views of Volcano Maderas. 

Tagüizapa beach is reached via a 1.3 km (0.8 miles) walk through the banana plantations. It’s a great place to swim, and the hotel right on the beach is a good lunch spot.

On the grounds of the hotel there is the oldest tree on Ometepe island – it’s a ceiba tree which apparently dates back to more than 800 years ago. Tagüizapa is also an important archeological site as various stone idols were found in the area.

A bit further away from Altagracia, Calaiza is a nice scenic spot, whereas Playa Santo Domingo is a nice sandy beach – the one you have to walk by to reach Ojo de Agua. 

Enjoy the slow-paced life

I’d dare say that one of the best things to do in Ometepe island is enjoying rural life. With internet being hardly a thing – especially if you are staying at Finca Magdalena – and nature taking in an important role, this is a place to forget about the stress of the city. 

Most importantly, people in Ometepe are truly friendly and welcoming, so take your time to practice your Spanish, and learn about their culture and way of life. 

Practical Guide

Where to stay and eat in ometepe.

During my trip to Ometepe, I stayed in Balgüe. I was looking for something rural, remote and completely off the beaten path. There are some good accommodation options.

Finca Magdalena is labeled as a lodge, but it’s very basic. The Finca (farm) is located about 1.5 km (0.9 miles) off the main road, on a trail through the woods – it’s a hike to get there. There are very basic dorms, private rooms with access to the common showers and toilets, and a private family room. Meals are cheap, and there even is a sort of bar (well, they sell drinks). The location is stunning and the atmosphere incredibly relaxed.

Totoco Ecolodge has beautiful views and a fantastic swimming pool where you can cool off after a day of exploring.

You should also read my post Where to Stay In Ometepe .

If you need a break from the classic rice and beans diet of Nicaragua, head to Café Campestre. It’s run by an English expat and you will find a selection of Middle Eastern and Indian fare. 

If you’d rather stay in a more central location, opt for Altagracia. Here are a couple of good options:

Xalli Beach Hotel has comfortable, spacious and stylish rooms in a beautiful setting and with easy access to the beach.

Banana Guest House offers plain but clean rooms. It’s very budget friendly.

If you need to fix a sweet tooth, El Pital is the best option in Altagracia. Their desserts are heavenly!

Moyogalpa is the second largest town on the island and has a decent selection of places to stay. Here are the best ones:

Hospedaje Soma Boutique Hotel has plain but spotless rooms set around a lush garden. The common areas are perfect for socializing, and the pool a great place to relax.

Hostel Coco’s offers both private rooms and dorms. It’s an excellent budget friendly option.

The Corner House is by far the best restaurant in Moyogalpa. They serve a fabulous brunch! El Picante is a good option if you feel the need for something spicier.

How to get to Ometepe

Ometepe is located in Lake Nicaragua. You can get there by ferry from Granada – but keep in mind that there are only weekly departures. Regular ferry departures are otherwise available from San Jorges, near Rivas, which can be reached by Granada by bus; and from San Carlos, on the border with Costa Rica. 

If you are tight on time, you can even go on a full day trip to Ometepe Island departing from Granada.

How to move around Ometepe

It’s fairly easy – albeit a bit slow – to move around the island by chicken bus. Alternatively, you can opt for shared taxis or rent a motorbike for a day to hit the main highlights. 

Make sure to check out my post   Everything You Must Know About Chicken Buses.

How long should you stay in Ometepe?

You can visit Ometepe on day trips from Granada such as this one . However, I recommend spending at least 4 days there to fully embrace the relaxing atmosphere.

Other useful information 

Most travelers from Europe and North America won’t need a visa to travel to Nicaragua – you’ll get a stamp on your passport when you enter the country. However, keep in mind that Nicaragua is part of the  Central America 4-border control agreement, which means you will be allowed to stay for a total of 90 days within Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. If you want to stay longer, the closest place for a visa run is Costa Rica. 

You will also need to get a good travel insurance – especially if you intend to rent a motorbike.

Get your travel insurance here . Check out my post Why You Need A Good Travel Insurance.

Further Readings

If you are planning to travel to Nicaragua, these posts will help you plan your trip:

• 33 Awesome Things To Do In Nicaragua
• 15 Cool Things To Do In Granada Nicaragua
• A Complete Guide To Leon Nicaragua
• 5 Incredible Sunsets In Nicaragua
• What To Expect When Volcano Boarding Cerro Negro, Nicaragua
• All The Nicaraguan Food You Should Try
• Latin America Border Crossing: What You Need To Know

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Claudia Tavani

Claudia was born and raised in Italy, but she also lived in New York, Denver, and London. She's a professional travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips, sharing travel hacks, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of My Adventures Across The World, solo traveler, cat mom to Minnie. Claudia has been featured by the Lonely Planet and the Huffington Post. She has visited more than 80 countries.

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Here & There

Coffee plantations in nicaragua. part 1: ometepe.

For six years, the closest I got to caffeine, was catching some sniffs. Hazelnut. Cinnamon. Mocha. Vanilla. Every now and then, I’d indulge with a decaf topped with unsweetened almond milk.

In 1999, I was in Managua for just a few days, but managed to stuff my suitcase with coffee on my way home. Literally. There was pretty much nothing in that bag except for coffee beans, and maybe a toiletry bag and one change of clothing. The coffee was good, and cheap.  Plus, I felt the local economy needed my dollars more than Starbucks.

The image of my favorite coffee spot in Managua was indelible, even if I’d forgotten my penchant for drinking the brew. So, after nearly 20 years, I returned to Nicaragua. Con ganas de tomar café .

Ometepe is a beautiful volcanic island with two majestic volcanoes visible from miles around. To get here, you have to take a 60-minute ferry ride from San Jorge, near the city of Rivas. From the ferry landing, you can drive another 30-45 minutes to tour a few coffee plantations.

Harvest is October 25, he tells me. By April, they will be ready to export the coffee to Canada. Finca Magdalena  is part of a co-op comprised of 26 families. They tend to produce 500-600 kilos a year for Canada. This year, the production is less. He estimates it may be 150 quintales among the 500 manzanas (350 hectares).

In addition to the team working quality control, the harvesting is a team approach. Four people usually work together to pick the beans from the plants here. Then, they have to be sun-dried for a month. Walking through La Magdalena, you catch sights of the different beans drying on basketball-court-sized areas.

Other methods of quality control include keeping the bushes from getting too tall. Don Elio explains that the taller they grow, the drier the bean tends to be. So they periodically cut them down to about two feet high. Furthermore, the life of a coffee plant is measured. After 20 years, more or less, they dig them up, or cut them way down and allow new, fresher growth. Don Elio calls the tall plants borbon , and the shorter ones are caturra . Borbon can take four years to produce the good beans, and caturra is about a year shorter. Each plant produces about two kilos of beans a year

Like most farms in Nicaragua, this plantation is organic, and they seek ways to incorporate waste. For example, leaves and the shells/skin become mulch. Don Elio explains that coffee grows best at higher altitudes. La Magdalena is fairly close to one of the two volcanos on this island, where the top peak sits about a mile above sea level. Additionally, the organic coffee plants need at least 75 percent shade. This part of Nicaragua is graced with blankets of beautiful ceiba trees that have sprawling roots and lush canopies.

The staff can also coordinate day tours for guests to the volcanos, petroglyphs or waterfalls.

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Like many other fine coffees, our beans are shade-grown, fair-traded, and certified organic. But there’s more to Café Oro than that.

When you buy our coffee, you directly support a wonderful cultural exchange between Bainbridge Island and Ometepe, our sister island in Nicaragua. You help fund a wide array of school, health and community programs important to people on Ometepe, and you help broaden the worldview of many people on Bainbridge.

How we got started

The Sister Islands Association got into the coffee business after a medical delegation from Bainbridge heard from farmers near Balgüe in 1988 that they had no market for their coffee and might lose land they had farmed since the revolution. So the delegates loaded their suitcases with 3,200 pounds of green coffee beans to bring back to Bainbridge. A trade embargo delayed the shipment, but it finally arrived in 1991. David Desinger, owner of Pegasus Coffee Shop on the island, agreed to roast the beans. The coffee caught on, as did the idea of providing a market for the cooperative and helping the members keep their land. After dozens of Bainbridge residents and others made small loans, the Sister Islands Association bought an entire year’s crop, and we were off and running with our unique coffee business.

Every Café Oro coffee bean starts as a cherrylike fruit, picked by hand and carried down the mountainside by mule.

Members of the 2010 Coffee Delegation sample ripe coffee berries at Finca Magdalena.

Where we’re at today

Shipping green beans to Bainbridge in suitcases was a one-time thing. Today, we import a container load each year, in partnership with a non-profit in Canada that has values similar to ours.

We continue to buy coffee from the same farmers. Organized as Cooperativa Carlos Díaz Cajina, this group of 29 families owns Finca Magdalena, which now also provides lodging and a restaurant for tourists. We also buy from Cooperativa de Productores Orgánicos de Ometepe, a coop that operates on a different business model. It has 45 member farmers with plots scattered through the communities of Madronal, Balgüe, Las Cuchillas, El Corozal, La Palma, San Pedro, Merida, Urbaite, and La Flor.

We’re pleased to call many of the farmers our friends. Many Bainbridge delegates to Ometepe have stayed at Finca Magdalena. Farmers in El Corozal who are members of Productores Orgánicos opened their homes to members of our 2010 Coffee Delegation. Several coffee growers have visited Bainbridge as part of our anniversary delegations.

Agronomist Rafael Cruz (center) and coffee farmers Santiago Murillo and Carlos Centena visited Bainbridge Island during our 25th anniversary celebration.

Since 2011, we have employed Rafael Cruz, an agronomist, to work with Ometepe’s organic coffee farmers, improving the size and quality of their crops. Rafael provides training — such as workshops on worm-composting and other organic practices — and advice, including ways to reduce the devastating impact of coffee rust on plants.

On Bainbridge, the beans are now roasted once a week by Pegasus Coffee Company . A crew of volunteers takes turns bagging the roasted beans, distributing them to local grocery stores and other big customers, and shipping bags to our growing array of internet customers.

Because of the thousands of volunteer hours donated by Bainbridge residents, we have been able to make enough money from coffee sales to build water systems and schools, support public health projects, equip school libraries, employ an agronomist, and contribute to many other projects undertaken jointly by residents of our two sister islands.

One fine brew

We call this remarkable coffee Café Oro de Ometepe. It meets all the important standards:

• It is fair traded. When market prices are low, we pay more than the going rate because we want to make sure the growers always receive a profit.
• It is shade grown. Growing coffee in the shade of a forest’s taller trees preserves habitat for animals and birds, reduces erosion, and protects native plants.
• It is certified organic. Bio Latina , based in Peru, inspects the fields and certifies that the coffee meets USDA organic standards. The farmers use no artificial fertilizers or pesticides on their coffee crops.
• It is delicious. Café Oro is a rich, low-acid coffee that makes a great morning cup and a smooth espresso. Coffee aficionados compare it to Kona and Jamaican Blue Mountain coffees. Maybe island growing conditions make coffee especially mellow. Being surrounded by water does mean temperatures are cooler at lower elevations than they are on inland farms at the same latitude.

See video from 2010 Coffee Delegation

Click to buy our coffee

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Coffee Break at Finca Magdalena

Ometepe is not dense with tourist attractions, but there are a few things on the island that are definitely worth seeing. Some are natural wonders like Ojo de Agua or Volcan Concepcion, others let you experience local culture and important customs. One of those things is a visit to the island’s coffee plantation Finca Magdalena.

View from the cafe at Finca Magdalena. Concepcion in the background, capped with a cloud.

As Nicaragua sits in the right kind of environment for producing coffee, it’s not a surprise that many travelers make their way up to Magdalena. Not only is the coffee delicious, but supporting the local farmers and workers helps the Ometepe community in the best way. In fact, the Nicaraguan tourism board just recently introduced the Nicaraguan Coffee Trail in an effort to boost tourism income for local coffee farmers. It’s becoming a focus for the country.

Getting to Magdalena is easy in a rented car or taxi, but is a more adventurous trip by foot. From the town of Balgue on the Maderas side of the island, a rocky dirt road leads up the steep hillside to the plantation. As our chosen method of transportation on Ometepe was bicycle (sans gears as most rental bikes have been rusted out) we rode from Santa Cruz to Balgue and peddled as far along the dirt path as possible before our legs gave out and we had to lock them up. The walk up the rest of the road was hot and humid, but ultimately well worth the effort.

the quiet town of Balgue

After paying for our meal and delicious coffee break, we headed back down from Magdalena’s perch on Volcan Maderas. Now, with caffeine in my system, I felt inspired to ride my gearless bicycle along the rugged path, through the rolling hills of Balgue to Santa Cruz, and back to the beach for an afternoon resting in the sand. And of course, dreaming of more coffee.

Check it out: TravelShus’ Interactive Guide to Nicaragua

Further Reading...

Getting Lucky on the Ometepe Ferry

First Impressions of Nicaragua

Ojo de Agua – Ometepe’s Secret Weapon

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Photo inspiration: ubud monkey forest.

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I loved the tour of the coffee... - Finca Magdalena

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I loved the tour of the coffee plantation

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Asi Es Mi Tierra

Rocks beach.

El Bamboo Tree House

(I actually travelled in August 2011 but have been extremely remiss in waiting so long to write a very crucial and grateful review of this place.) Staying here was the best decision my fiance and I made on our trip because the staff of Finca Magdalena are absolutely amazing -- absolutely above and beyond. I say this as someone who was carried down half of Maderas on a makeshift stretcher (hammock) by 4 of the staff who were summoned up at a moment's notice because a ridiculous tourist girl found out too late that her knees had given out from under her. When my fiance and I climbed Maderas, I was not wearing good shoes and had never climbed anything before in my life, and we took 6 hours to get to the top of the volcano -- the whole trip up and down is only supposed to take 6 hours. By the time we were halfway down, it was pitch-black (the sun goes down around 5pm), and our guide was not only the only one of us who had a source of light, but was also helping me down the rocky descent. When we stopped for a break, I couldn't bend my knees after straightening them, and after very painfully and slowly making them bend, couldn't straighten them again. Our guide then carried me on his shoulder in the darkness, and when both my fiance and I expressed serious concerns about our safety (and his, with me on his back), he called the finca, and four staff showed up with a hammock to carry me down in. I can tell you that in the midst of that very excruciating and bewildering pain and the panic of not being able to get back down (or ever walk again!) they felt like true God-sends!!! They carried me all the way down, and once we were back in our rooms, the restaurant brought us over dinner after hearing of our ordeal, and then found me some ibuprofen after seeing how much in pain I was. A night of rest did wonders for my knees and I was able to hobble on to our next stop the next day, but I will never forget how wonderful the staff of Finca Magdalena was in taking care of me during that very scary time! Finca Magdalena is beautiful and the coffee is great and all that, but the MOST important reason it is the absolute best place to stay is that you should not climb the Volcan Maderas from anywhere else if you want to be sure you will be in good hands:)

• Sleep Quality

We rode our bikes up the (beautiful) lane leading up to the farm from Balgue. The farm itself is beautiful. The area where the cafe is overlooks an enormous garden and, due to it's location on the upside to Volcan Maderas, you have a nice little view down the slope. The cafe area served food, drinks and beer, and although we only had coffee, there were many other people having lunch and it looked very good. We purchased bags of whole bean coffee for around $7 a bag (not sure if that was the Gringo price or not, but worth it nonetheless - We had heard that getting the bagged coffee could often prove to be difficult because local establishments get the first pick and it is only sold to tourists if any is left. We did later find that Cafe Campestre, in Balgue, sells the coffee by the bag, but their stock seemed low) and a cup of the coffee brewed to enjoy on the patio area. The patio area was very simple, and the company of the other travelers staying in the hotel portion were great company. There was also a woman selling beautiful handmade jewelry on the patio too. Great for souvenirs!

• Cleanliness

I did not sleep here, however, the restaurant and cafe, and the trails surounding it are lovely. The people who work here are very nice, and the coffee is delicious. They sell bags of the whole beans that they grow on this organic coffee farm. There is at least one Petroglyth (maybe more, I don't know) on a short, beautiful trail behind the cafe, where you might see a troup of howler monkeys in the trees nearby. The petroglyth is large, and the trail is beautiful. I love this place and will defeinitely return if I return to Nicaragua.

We are currently on a five month cycle touring trip. A couple we had met on the road recommended Finca Magdalena, so we headed there, planning to camp on their premises for a few days. We arrived to the Finca after a full day of cycling and sightseeing, lugging our heavy fully loaded bikes up the 1km gravel road leading to the farm. When we arrived, the first thing that struck me wrong was the vibe there - it's a total tourist hangout. If you are into that, be my guest. The second problem was the raccoon tied to a tree, right by the restaurant. The raccoon was constantly trying to get away by pulling at its leash, and no wonder, raccoons are WILD animals. This was an instant deal breaker for us, so we immediately decided not to stay and headed back down the bumpy road to find alternate accommodation in Balgue. The other thing to consider is that if you decide to stay there, you would be somewhat cut off from the town, and basically have to walk down and back up the hill every time you want to interact with a local or get your own food, making it much more likely that you will buy the overpriced food at the Finca's restaurant. On the plus side, a short trail leads from the Finca to a concentration of petroglyphs, but there are petroglyphs all over the island, and you could stay elsewhere and visit them if you wanted to (albeit for an overpriced fee as well).

Being somewhat higher than sea level, the location affords some gorgeous views of the coastline and volcano. The nearby forest is home to howler monkeys, which provides for some really fascinating "other worldly" sounds at night and early morning. The finca is basic and rustic, but the staff is very accommodating and helpful. We specifically requested to sleep in hammocks on the large and expansive deck and they set everything up for us, even though this is not a regular service that they provide.

Discover Ometepe: A Volcanic Paradise of Adventure and Culture

Welcome to the world’s stunning hidden gem – Ometepe Nicaragua. Nestled in the heart of Central America, this majestic island is home to a vibrant culture, awe-inspiring natural beauty, and rich history.

As we set foot on this unspoiled oasis, we are immediately struck by the island’s uniqueness. Ometepe Nicaragua boasts the world’s only island with two volcanoes, Concepcion and Maderas, making for an iconic sight. Surrounded by pristine waters of Lake Nicaragua, this paradise offers a welcoming environment that beckons to new adventures.

But, it’s not just about the stunning landscape that makes Ometepe Nicaragua special. Its people, with a warm-hearted and genuine spirit, make up the soul of the island. Their stories and traditions inspire curiosity and reflection, leaving visitors with a lasting impression that can’t be found anywhere else. So, join us on a journey to discover the hidden treasures that Ometepe Nicaragua has to offer.

Table of Contents

Best time to travel to Ometepe.

When it comes to traveling to Ometepe in Nicaragua, the best time to go depends on what you’re looking for. Are you looking for blissful solitude or action-packed adventure? Do you want to dodge the rain or enjoy lush greenery? The answer to these questions will point you towards the ideal time to visit this magnificent island.

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape and some quiet reflection time, visit Ometepe during the dry season, which is from December to April. The calm weather and the lack of crowds make this time perfect for unwinding in the area’s stunning natural beauty. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the island’s many hidden treasures at your own pace.

However, if you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking out adventure, plan your trip somewhere between May and November, when the rains come. You can hike to San Ramon Waterfall, sip a coffee at a local organic farm, splash in the clear freshwater, and even watch sea turtles hatching. You won’t even mind the rain, as it will only add to the thrill of your journey. Whatever your preference, Ometepe is a place that’s sure to leave you spellbound, no matter what time of year you choose to visit.

Is Ometepe safe?

As seasoned travelers, we understand the concerns that come with exploring new destinations. Ometepe in Nicaragua has become a topic of discussion in terms of safety for travelers. There have been isolated incidents of crime and theft in the past, but it’s important to note that these occurrences are not unique to Ometepe. In fact, they happen in most tourist destinations around the globe.

That being said, we believe that with the right precautions, Ometepe can be a safe place to visit. Avoiding isolated areas at night and staying aware of your surroundings are common-sense measures that can greatly reduce any risk. Furthermore, interacting with the locals can also provide valuable insight into the safest areas and practices in the community.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal responsibility. With careful planning and awareness, we feel that Ometepe can be a rewarding and enjoyable destination for travelers. As with any new location, it’s always important to be prepared and stay vigilant to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

How to travel to Ometepe

As experienced travelers, we know that getting to your destination can be half the journey. For those seeking to explore the natural beauty of Ometepe, Nicaragua, the journey to get there can be a bit challenging, but trust us, it’s well worth it. To reach this paradise island nestled in the midst of Lake Nicaragua, you have to embark on a journey that begins with a bus ride to the ferry terminal. Although it may sound tedious, the journey offers scenic views of the country’s stunning countryside that will leave you in awe.

Once at the ferry terminal, it’s time to board the ferry which can be a bit of a task during peak season. But once onboard, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a vast blue sea and views of the two volcanic peaks that make up Ometepe. The ride takes about an hour, and if you’re lucky, you may have a chance to spot dolphins swimming alongside the ferry. As the ferry approaches the island, the adrenaline rush kicks in, and you know that you’re about to land on a unique and remote paradise.

Overall, the journey may be long, but Ometepe is the ultimate reward for a challenge well-conquered. So pack light, bring a camera, and prepare yourself for an adventure-filled journey to Nicaragua’s hidden gem. The experience is one that allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the world and reconnect with nature’s purest form, and isn’t that what travel is all about?

Best area to stay in Ometepe

When it comes to finding the best area to stay in Ometepe, there are a few factors to consider. Do you want to be close to the main sights or secluded in a peaceful area? Are you looking for a beachfront location or would you prefer to be surrounded by lush forests and volcanoes?

For those looking for a more authentic experience, we recommend staying in the smaller villages scattered throughout the island. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and get a taste of traditional life on Ometepe.

However, if you’re looking for convenience and easy access to the island’s main attractions, we suggest staying in the town of Moyogalpa. From here, you can easily access Volcán Concepción and Volcán Maderas and take a ferry to and from the mainland. Plus, Moyogalpa offers a variety of restaurants and accommodations to choose from. Ultimately, the best area to stay in Ometepe depends on your personal preferences and travel style.

How to get around in Ometepe

As we venture around the island of Ometepe, we quickly realize that mobility can be a challenge. The island’s rugged terrain and fluctuating weather create a unique obstacle for travelers. However, we believe that with the right mindset and plan, navigating this island can be a rewarding adventure.

One option for getting around the island is by renting a bicycle. This mode of transportation allows for flexibility and control over your travel itinerary. Exploring the island on two wheels allows us to appreciate the natural beauty of Ometepe while getting some exercise. Having said that, be prepared for some steep hills and rocky roads along the way.

Another option for getting around Ometepe is by using public transportation. Buses and taxis operate on the island, providing a reliable way to travel between towns. We recommend that you do your research on schedules and fees ahead of time because they can change frequently. Using public transportation is a cost-effective way to get around, but it may not offer as much flexibility compared to other options.

Overall, we believe that the best way to explore Ometepe is by having a combination of transportation methods. Renting a bicycle for shorter distances and using public transportation for longer journeys is a convenient and affordable option. By doing so, we can appreciate the island’s raw beauty while staying on track to experience all that Ometepe has to offer.

Places to eat in Ometepe

Café campestre.

We cannot recommend Café Campestre enough for anyone who loves delicious food and stunning scenery. This restaurant is truly a hidden gem in the heart of Ometepe, Nicaragua. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warm smiles and the aroma of flavorful dishes being prepared in the kitchen. The menu is full of fresh, local ingredients and creative flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Plus, the outdoor seating offers breathtaking views of the island’s lush greenery and towering volcanoes. It’s no wonder that Café Campestre is quickly becoming a must-visit spot for travelers and locals alike.

We highly recommend indulging in the incredible dining experience at El Bebé in Ometepe, Nicaragua. From the vibrant and cozy ambiance to the mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant goes above and beyond to satisfy its customers. The menu features a wide range of options with something to please every palate, and the attentive and knowledgeable staff make sure that every guest leaves with a happy belly. Not to mention, the affordable prices make this restaurant a must-visit for travelers on a budget. Don’t miss out on the culinary delights that await you at El Bebé.

Bambu Beach Bar and Grill

As experienced foodies, we couldn’t resist trying out the popular “Bambu Beach Bar and Grill” on the beautiful island of Ometepe in Nicaragua. And boy, were we blown away! From the stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes to the delicious fusion of Nicaraguan and international cuisine, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the area. The seafood dishes were particularly outstanding, with the freshest catches of the day cooked to perfection. A word of warning, though: make sure to book ahead as this place gets packed, and rightly so!

Things to do in Ometepe

Hiking maderas volcano.

We firmly believe that hiking Maderas Volcano in Ometepe, Nicaragua is an activity everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. This remarkable destination offers endless natural beauty that is certain to captivate any adventurer’s soul. From breathtaking views of crystal-clear lakes to vibrant tropical forests, this hike has it all and more.

But let’s not forget the undeniable benefits of nature that come with this activity. Hiking is an excellent source of exercise, which can keep both the mind and body healthy. It is also known to reduce stress levels and increase creative thinking, both of which can do wonders for our overall well-being. With all these positive benefits, we simply can’t think of any reason why one would pass up the opportunity to hike Maderas Volcano.

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to forget the beauty of nature, but Maderas Volcano reminds us why it is so essential. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the world’s noise and reconnect with ourselves and the environment around us. So, pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and get ready to experience one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Visiting Ojo de Agua natural pools

Upon visiting Ometepe in Nicaragua, we highly recommend checking out the Ojo de Agua natural pools. Not only is it a refreshing way to cool off in the hot and humid climate, but the pools themselves are absolutely stunning. The water is crystal-clear and the lush vegetation surrounding the pools creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Not only is the scenery breathtaking, but the experience of swimming in natural pools is also one that should not be missed. There is something special about immersing oneself in the pure and natural waters of the earth. It’s as if all of the stresses and worries of daily life are washed away with every dip in the pools. We can guarantee that visiting Ojo de Agua will be a highlight of your trip to Ometepe.

We also want to emphasize the importance of preserving and respecting natural wonders like Ojo de Agua. As visitors, it is crucial that we do our part in keeping the pools and surrounding areas clean and undisturbed. Let’s ensure that future generations can also enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this incredible destination.

Kayaking in Lake Nicaragua

As a lover of adventure and breathtaking natural landscapes, kayaking in Lake Nicaragua in Ometepe, Nicaragua is a must-do activity on any traveller’s bucket list. Not only does it offer a thrilling experience of exploring the lake’s tranquil waters, but also the opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of Ometepe’s two imposing volcanoes that rise majestically above the landscape.

While the activity requires a reasonable level of fitness, the pay-off is worth it. From the moment you board your kayak, you’ll feel the weight of the world lifting off your shoulders. The gentle swish of the water as you make your way through the lake is therapeutic, and the occasional splash of water on your face adds an element of fun to the adventure. As you paddle closer to the shoreline, you will be mesmerized by the lush vegetation, the wide array of birds and wildlife, and the occasional glimpse of local fishermen in their boats.

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, kayaking in Lake Nicaragua is a timely reminder of the beauty and serenity of nature. It’s a chance to disconnect, to immerse yourself in the moment and to be truly present. If you’re planning your next adventure to Ometepe, be sure to put kayaking in Lake Nicaragua at the top of your list and enjoy an experience that will leave you forever changed.

Exploring ancient petroglyphs at Altagracia

As we venture into the mystical world of Ometepe in Nicaragua, there’s one activity that stands out among the rest: exploring ancient petroglyphs at Altagracia. These carved rocks and boulders carry a story that has been etched into their surfaces by the ancient inhabitants of the island.

To witness these incredible works of art firsthand is nothing short of awe-inspiring. You can’t help but feel a deep sense of connection with the people who left these enigmatic symbols behind. It’s as if they are speaking to us from beyond the grave, passing on a message that transcends time.

The experience of exploring ancient petroglyphs at Altagracia is not just an activity but a journey into the ancient history of Ometepe. It’s a chance to discover something truly unique and awe-inspiring. For us, this is an experience of a lifetime that should not be missed by anyone who’s curious about the past and looking to delve deeper into the mysteries of a bygone era.

Learning about coffee production on a plantation tour

We believe that taking a plantation tour to learn about coffee production in Ometepe is an activity that should be on every coffee lover’s bucket list. Not only is Nicaragua known for producing some of the finest coffee beans in the world, but the lush landscape of Ometepe provides the perfect setting to understand the intricate process of growing, harvesting, and roasting coffee.

A plantation tour not only offers an opportunity to learn about coffee production but also provides insight into the world of sustainable agriculture. The farmers in Ometepe have long since shifted their focus towards organic farming practices, which not only benefits the environment but also the consumers who enjoy their rich, flavorful coffee. The tour takes visitors through the entire process, from the initial planting of the coffee beans to the final cup of steaming coffee, demonstrating the dedication and hard work that goes into every single cup.

Overall, an Ometepe plantation tour is a fantastic way to learn about coffee production and appreciate the efforts that go into making a delicious cup of coffee. With the exceptional coffee quality on offer, coupled with the breathtaking scenery, it is hard not to leave Ometepe feeling inspired and energized to learn more about coffee and the culture surrounding it. We highly recommend scheduling a tour the next time you’re in Nicaragua, you won’t be disappointed.

Riding horseback to San Ramon Waterfall

As horseriding enthusiasts, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore Ometepe’s natural beauty by horseback. And let us tell you, the experience of riding to San Ramon Waterfall didn’t disappoint. It was nothing short of breathtaking.

Not only did we get to witness the stunning views of the surrounding volcano and lush jungle, but we also got to connect with the horses and learn about their importance in Nicaraguan culture. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly and kept us all safe throughout the journey.

And when we finally arrived at the San Ramon Waterfall, we were blown away by its beauty and majesty. The cool, clear waters cascading down from the height of a seven-story building made for a refreshing and rejuvenating break in the middle of our ride. The sight of the incredible waterfall up close was worth every step of the journey and is an experience that we will never forget.

Visiting Charco Verde Wildlife Refuge

When it comes to experiencing the natural beauty of Nicaragua, visiting Charco Verde Wildlife Refuge in Ometepe is an absolute must. With its lush greenery, serene waters, and diverse wildlife, this refuge offers a peaceful and awe-inspiring escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just looking for a quiet place to relax, Charco Verde Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to go.

At Charco Verde, we can immerse ourselves in the natural habitat of howler monkeys, iguanas, and a variety of native bird species. We can take a leisurely stroll through the forest, marvel at the stunning views of the nearby Conception Volcano, or even go for a refreshing swim in the crystalline waters of Lake Nicaragua. But what truly sets Charco Verde apart is its commitment to animal conservation and sustainable tourism practices. With programs that focus on educating visitors on the importance of preserving natural habitats and wildlife, it’s clear that this refuge is dedicated to ensuring that future generations can enjoy this incredible destination as much as we do.

Overall, if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Nicaragua, Charco Verde Wildlife Refuge in Ometepe is the perfect destination. With its stunning natural beauty and commitment to conservation, it’s a place that truly embodies the spirit of this incredible country. So why wait? Join us on a journey to this remarkable refuge and experience the beauty of Nicaragua for yourself.

Taking a sunset boat tour on Lake Nicaragua

As we set foot on the boat, the sun gradually began to set over the horizon, casting a golden glow across Lake Nicaragua. The gentle breeze and calm waters made it a perfect evening for a sunset boat tour on Lake Nicaragua in Ometepe. The breathtaking view of the sun, reflecting on the water, created an ambience that simply cannot be matched.

One cannot help but feel an exceptional sense of tranquility while experiencing this natural wonder. The vastness of the lake and the surrounding forest-strewn landscape were magnificent, as we journeyed across the tranquil waters. The fact that Ometepe is also home to ancient petroglyphs adds to the allure of this beautiful location.

The sunset boat tour on Lake Nicaragua in Ometepe is, without a doubt, a remarkable experience that should not be missed. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Nicaragua, as it offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the splendor of nature in all its glory.

Checking out Santo Domingo beach

As travelers, we often find ourselves longing for those idyllic beach spots where we can happily spend hours soaking up the sun, playing in the waves, and indulging in some delicious seafood. So when we heard about Santo Domingo Beach in Ometepe, Nicaragua, we knew we had to add it to our must-visit list.

What makes this beach so special, you ask? From the moment we set foot on the powdery sand and dipped our toes in the crystal-clear waters, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of pure bliss. Whether you’re looking to relax in a beach chair with a good book or participate in some fun water activities, Santo Domingo Beach has it all.

But what really sets it apart is the jaw-dropping view of the Maderas Volcano in the distance. It’s not every day that you get to soak up the sun while enjoying such a magnificent natural backdrop. Trust us when we say that a day spent at Santo Domingo Beach in Ometepe is an experience you will never forget.

Ultimately, Ometepe Nicaragua is a destination that cannot be missed. Regardless of your interests or background, this island offers something for everyone. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, you will find it all on this stunning island situated in the heart of Nicaragua.

From hiking the Maderas Volcano to swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Ojo de Agua, Ometepe is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The island’s unique ecosystem, featuring rich flora and fauna, provides a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Moreover, the island’s rich history and culture are truly captivating. From visiting ancient petroglyphs to learning about the indigenous communities, you will gain a deeper understanding of Nicaragua’s complex past and vibrant present. Overall, Ometepe Nicaragua is a gem that must be discovered and appreciated by all who have the opportunity to visit this exceptional destination.

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16 Things to Know Before Visiting Ometepe

Whether you’re planning a couple of days of active adventures or several weeks getting back to nature, understanding the rhythms and challenges of life on Ometepe is invaluable to planning your stay. In this guide we’ve shared our personal insights and essential things to know before you visit.

An island that is more volcano than anything else, situated within a gigantic freshwater lake, Isla de Ometepe captures several elements of the Central American travel experience in a microcosm.

We’ve shared all the inspiration and ideas you need for your visit in our main guide - 13 Wonderful Things To Do in Ometepe - but in this post, we wanted to share little practical insights and tips to help you make the most of your time on the island.

From transport and motorbike rentals, ATMs and crashes, to how long you need and where to stay, here’s 16 little things to know before you visit Ometepe.

It’s Home to Two of Nicaragua’s Most Challenging Volcano Climbs

Linked by a narrow isthmus, Ometepe is not simply an island with two volcanoes, it is an island made up of two volcanoes - Volcán Concepcion and Volcán Maderas.

One of fire, one of water.

One active, one dormant.

Both are essential to the unique ecosystem of Ometepe and importantly, for the adventurous amongst you, both can be climbed.

If you know Along Dusty Roads well, you know that we love to hike - and one half of the team absolutely adores hiking volcanoes. So, when we returned to Ometepe, we knew we could not board that boat back to San Jorge without haven’t conquered at least one.

(Spoiler alert: we settled on Concepcion, and you can find our reasoning for this here , as well as the key differences between each hike).

For those of you still deciding whether a volcano hike should factor into your itinerary, the most important thing to note is that neither are easy - especially in comparison to other popular volcano hikes in Nicaragua. They take hours (despite being relatively short in distance) and will challenge even the most dedicated outdoor enthusiast.

But my goodness will that beer at the end of the day taste good! Your thighs two days after will not, however, feel so good.

We’ve written a ‘ Complete Guide to Hiking Concepcion Volcano ’, and you can find more about both in our main guide to Ometepe .

You Need To Take A Boat From San Jorge

Whether you’re travelling from the north or south of Nicaragua, the vast majority of you will arrive into Ometepe on a boat from San Jorge, a small town a few kilometres from Rivas.

Boats leave almost every hour, every day of the week (with a more limited service on Sundays), take around 60 - 70 minutes and cost C$50 each.

We’ve written a complete guide on ‘ How to Get to Ometepe ’, so suggest heading over there for more information on bus routes to San Jorge and boat timetables.

It’s a really memorable journey, so don’t just sit staring at your phone!

The Boat From Granada Isn’t Convenient

After being closed down in 2016, we’re pleased to report that the ferry between Granada and Ometepe (Altagracia to be specific) has been back up and running since 2021.

Due to lower visitor numbers however, there is currently only a single departure on Monday at 5pm, which takes four hours to reach Ometepe, after which it continues on to San Carlos on the far east of Lago de Nicaragua. The return journey departs Altagracia at 2am on Wednesday morning, arriving in Granada at 6am.

A lot of travellers you’ll meet will mention this ferry service and have designs on taking it, as it sounds like a more enjoyable and convenient way to reach the island. Indeed, we planned to take the Granada to Ometepe ferry on our most recent 2022 trip, but good, reliable information at the time was hard to track down. Once we found the new schedule though, we realised that it doesn’t make sense for most travellers to take this new ferry.

Do note that this ferry may also be cancelled in the dry season due to low water levels in the lake.

Read Later | 13 Wonderful Things To Do in Granada

Ometepe Is Much Bigger Than You Think

If the idea of visiting a Central American island leads to thoughts of walking sandy paths barefoot, and covering the entirety of the landmass in a few hours (hello the Corn Islands , Providencia , and Utila ), then the size of Ometepe may come as a bit of a shock.

In fact, with an area of 276 square kilometres, it’s the biggest island in a freshwater lake in the whole world! As a guide, it takes 45 minutes to an hour in the daytime to go from Moyogalpa to Santa Cruz (a village just over the isthmus that connects Concepcion with Maderas), and up to 2 hours in the bus.

We think the principal reason Ometepe is so deceptively, surprisingly big for first-time visitors is because of its situ in Lago de Nicaragua / Lago Cocibolca, which is the largest lake in Central America and just a smidge smaller than Lake Titicaca in Bolivia.

That means it’s very very big guys. And, unless your mental scale of relativity is correct when you open up Google Maps, the landmass in the centre that very very big lake is also pretty big.

(we promise not to use ‘big’ again in this post).

The Public Transport Isn’t Great

Due to the size, some form of transport is absolutely necessary to get around.

Unfortunately, the public buses on Ometepe run a pretty sporadic, slow schedule with limited routes available. The network of old chicken buses will be fine if you’re simply requiring them for the a few simple journeys from the port to your hostel or eco-lodge, but not fit for purpose if you plan on visiting several different parts of the island in a single day. Throw in the fact that a number of the best things to do in Ometepe involve a decent walk from the main ring road, and the buses become inconvenient too.

There’s a service every hour between between Moyogalpa and Altagracia, but several popular hostels are situated beyond this route, meaning you need to catch one of the less frequent services which goes toward Santo Domingo, Balgue, or Merida, wait around for a connection at the El Quino turn-off, or take the bus and then jump in a tuk-tuk to your final destination.

If travelling with public transport from the ferry, we’d recommend getting in touch with your hostel or accommodation before arriving to ask about the best way and timings, and arriving with an earlier ferry too. If you’re planning on relying on the bus network, our advice would be to base yourself in one of the larger hubs on the island to maximise connections and make exploring the island a little easier.

An important point to note is that on Sundays, the bus service is practically non-existent.

…So You Really Need Your Own Wheels

The above means that in order to experience and explore the island in any meaningful way (and to make it to all the the best places in Ometepe ), having your own wheels is absolutely essential!

Bicycles are less available than on our previous trip to the island, with motorbikes - and to a lesser extent, ATVs - now the most common option for travellers to rent. If you’re short on time, then a motorbike or ATV will allow you to cover most highlights in two days.

There are countless rental companies dotted all around the island, especially in the main accommodation hubs ; most hostels will also be able to organise a vehicle for you, potentially to be dropped off and collected where you’re staying .

Bicycle rental runs at approx $5 per day, whereas you can hire a motorcycle or scooter for $15-$20 USD per day and an ATV for around $55 - discounts are possible for rentals of 3+ days, but not guaranteed.We rented both our motorbike and ATV through a company in Moyogalpa, and encountered no problems with either. You can find out more or make a booking with them here for the motorbike, or here for an ATV.

A driving licence will be required, and with the latter two, you should always be provided with a functioning helmet.

There are tuk-tuks and some taxis available for shorter journeys, but the costs of these for day trips becomes prohibitive in comparison to renting your own.

The Roads Can Be Pretty Treacherous

Unfortunately, renting a motorbike in Ometepe is absolutely not without its risks.

We’ve lost count of the number of travellers we’ve met or heard tales of who overestimated their skills on the bike or attempted to navigate roads that really weren’t suitable, and came off. Some escaped with a few cuts and grazes, whereas a few required visits - and admissions - to the hospital for significant injuries.

If you see anyone with a fresh road scar in Nicaragua, chances are it’s from Ometepe .

Not only did this severely impact their time in Nicaragua, but most weren’t even covered by their insurance due to a quirk in many policies that requires you to have an official motorbike licence to rent a bike.

The tarmac ring road that you’ll spend most time on is a doddle, but it’s the uneven dusty roads which pose the most significant risk. Inexperienced riders often don’t know how to handle them - or think they can until it’s too late - or simply drive too fast or too slow for the conditions. The thing with Ometepe is that these types of sideroads are the only way to access places like Playa Mangos, Ojo de Agua, Finca Magdalena, and San Ramon Waterfall, so you can’t avoid them.

We rode a motorbike on some crazy roads in some crazy conditions during our first trip to the island in 2014, and things had actually improved a lot when we returned in 2022. However, we decided to go for the more expensive but more stable ATV for our first day of riding to tackle the more challenging roads, then rented a motorbike for another day’s exploring later in the week.

Whatever you do, just be careful and pay attention to any local or tour company who advises you not to go on a certain road with your vehicle. At present, the road up to San Ramon waterfall is an accident hotspot and you should not attempt to drive up it with your motorbike.

There is a lot of livestock roaming around Ometepe, with local farmers on horseback shepherding their cows or horses along or across roads. It’s a really lovely sight and aspect of life on the island, but just be aware and drive cautiously!

Lastly, when driving any type of vehicle, please also exercise extreme caution when driving at night as there are almost zero lights on the roads or through the towns, lots of speed bumps and road dips, pedestrians / horses / cows / dogs at the side of the roads with no lights, and lots of bicyclists too with no reflectors or lights. Inexperienced drivers should avoid driving at night full stop here, but everyone should go slow rather than rushing back for a return time.

How Long Do You Need on The Island?

Despite having driven across the island a few times during our last visit to Ometepe, we were still amazed by how long it takes to actually get from one side to the other.

If you’re renting wheels for one day and plan on hiking Concepcion or Maderas, then we think four nights is a reasonable amount of time for Ometepe.

If not hiking any volcano, you could cut this down to three, but that may feel rushed and you may wish to hang around for longer given the special vibe and tranquility on the island.

Those depending on the island’s somewhat limited bus network for adventures will inevitably require a number of days longer to properly see the best of Ometepe, given that the possibly of squeezing in more than one destination a day becomes much more difficult.

Similarly, if travelling time rich but money poor, planning on hiking both volcanoes, or wishing to disconnect and go deep into the lifestyle at the popular eco-lodges or permaculture farms , then a slow week should be your minimum.

It Has Really Fantastic Vegetarian Food Options

Whilst there is at least one really good vegan / veggie restaurant in most touristic destinations in Nicaragua, the vast majority of local restaurants (and indeed restaurants in general) offer quite a limited selection of the same things - think veggie quesadillas, veggie tacos, veggie burritos.

Ometepe however has upped her game, and if felt like the sort of place a plant based eater could eat out repeatedly and not get bored!

If there’s one place you absolutely have to visit (and this goes for meat-eaters as well) it’s Cafe Campestre ( maps ), a farm-to-fork enterprise in Balgue that has a fantastic menu offering up both excellent Indian fare as well as authentic handmade pasta.

Stock Up on Cash in Moyogalpa

There are two ATMs in Moyogalpa - one BAC, one Banco LaFise - helpfully situated on the same street ( here and here on Google Maps), and these are your most reliable bet for cash.

If you’re not planning on staying in / around the town, we recommend bringing over a decent amount of cordoba with you or stocking up before you head out to your more remote accommodation.

If you’re caught short, a surprisingly large number of restaurants, accommodations and other businesses will take cards, but do note that many will charge an additional 5-6%. In our experience, frustratingly this is especially true in hotels and hostels when the bill will be significantly higher.

Where You Stay Will Shape Your Time on the Island

We’ve detailed the most popular hubs and best accommodation options for all travel styles in ‘ Where To Stay in Ometepe ’, but the overarching point to help you plan your own trip is to appreciate that which part of Ometepe you stay on will shape your experience of the island.

Moyogalpa is the small main town, so most convenient for groceries, transport, tours, hiking Volcan Concepcion , the ferry, and eating out; it won’t however give off the vibe and environment some people most closely associate with the island. That’s best found on more isolated spots across the isthmus like Merida and Balgue, where you’ll find a cluster of hippy hostels, eco-lodges, and permaculture farms as well as some great little restaurants; what you gain there though means you have to spend more time or money on transport and have fewer options for various facilities / amenities.

If renting a motorbike for a day or two though, that really does open up the whole of the island to you, meaning your priority should be more focused on staying at the place that’s best for your travel style, budget, and experience, rather than the fact it’s close to the ferry.

Read ‘ Where To Stay in Ometepe’ to find the perfect accommodation for you.

Everything Shuts Down Early

Generally, the rhythm of Ometepe is based around earlier mornings and quiet early evenings due to life and trade being shaped around the ferry schedule and a sun that sets between 5-6pm all year round.

In Moyogalpa it can be difficult to find a tuk-tuk after 8pm and some restaurants start to close at 9pm, and this is common across the island. A few little bars will be open for longer, but the main point is not to end up stranded on the wrong side of the island after dark as transport will be nearly impossible to find.

The Rainy Season Opens Up Some Activities - And Takes Others Away

Having visited Ometepe the first time in October, and the second in February, we can attest to the fact that travelling during rainy season provides a very different experience than Nicaragua’s drier months!

Between February and April, Ometepe experiences very little rain. The ground becomes arid, the lake water vastly reduces, many rivers all but disappear and the lowlands fade from verdant green. This means that these months are excellent for hiking, exploring the small backroads and makes planning your time straightforward, without the concern of inclement weather.

The arrival of May however brings with it the rain! This is great news for those who dream of kayaking the Istian River, or hiking out to see the San Ramon waterfalls - activities that aren’t really possible in the dry season - but can make navigating the island a little trickier when landslides are common making some smaller roads impassable. Additionally, it may not always be possible to hike the volcanoes in the rainy season (May to October), especially Maderas whose trail is often very muddy at the best of times!

El Zopilote Is Not the Best Option For All

Before arriving in Ometepe you’ve likely spoken to people who recently visited (after all, other travellers are your best source of info!), and we can guarantee that at least one person will have mentioned El Zopilote .

This alternative hostel and permaculture farm is a bit of an institution on the island, having been around for years - but it won’t be for everyone.

In short, some people may find it a positive life-changing experience with fire dancing, breathwork and cacao ceremonies, whilst others may not be able to bear the vibe and will count down the nights until they can leave.

We won’t try and influence you in either direction, and just recommend doing your research before reserving in case it isn’t going to be your cup of tea.

Be Aware of the Weekend Crowds

For Ometepe residents and visitors from Managua, the weekend - especially Sunday - is sacrosanct. This is a time for baseball, hanging out with the family, and enjoying everything the island has to offer.

For the traveller however, this does mean that you need to picks your activities a little more carefully or you may find some of the more popular locations such as El Ojo De Agua and Playa Santo Domingo are a little too busy to be pleasant.

The same goes for public holidays!

Your Next Stop Is Likely Granada or San Juan del Sur

Depending on whether you’re going north or south, your next stop of Ometepe is likely to be the colonial city of Granada and Laguna de Apoyo , San Juan del Sur, or Playa Maderas. All are relatively easy to reach in 2-3 hours by public transport after the ferry, but you need to make a couple of connections.

We’ve shared specific details and advice on how to get from Ometepe to Granada and how to get from Ometepe to San Juan del Sur.

Where to Next?

13 Wonderful Things to Do in Ometepe

Where to Stay in Ometepe | The Best Hostels, Hotels & Eco Lodges

The Ometepe Ferry | Shcedules, Tickets & Tips

How to Get From San Juan Del Sur to Ometepe - Without Getting Ripped Off in Rivas

How to Get From Ometepe to Granada

23 Things to Know Before You Visit Nicaragua

13 Wonderful Things to Do in Nicaragua

Plan For Nicaragua With Our Guides

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If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these, you are directly supporting Along Dusty Roads to remain an independent travel blog, and to create free guides to help you travel more, travel better.

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11 Best Things To Do On Ometepe Island Nicaragua: Ultimate Guide [2024]

• Post author: Nicoletta
• Reading time: 35 mins read
• Post last modified: February 10, 2024
• Post comments: 0 Comments

As you may already know, Nicaragua is full of surprises. Its Ometepe Island is not an exception. It’s the destination that  every traveler should see  when traveling in Nicaragua. This island has everything from the natural reserve to adventure activities, volcanoes, relaxation, and coffee experiences. I spent 4 days on Ometepe Island , and it was one of the most unique travel experiences I’ve had.

So, I’ve compiled a list of the  11 best things you can do in Ometepe . It also includes the best way to get around, prices, best restaurants, and more.

✈ Travel Resources For Your Trip ✈

Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.

List Of 11 Best Things To Do On Ometepe Island & Map

Let’s dive into the 11 best things you can do on Ometepe Island. Here is a quick overview of all the activities on Ometepe Island:

1. Drive around the island on a scooter 2. Hike up a volcano 3. Visit Ojo de Agua 4. Explore Charco Verde Natual Reserve 5. Go Zip-Lining 6. Enjoy coffee at Centro PUMA 7. Practice Yoga at El Zopilote 8. Go kayaking 9. Stare at the sunset at Punta Jesus Maria 10. Walk up the Waterfall San Ramon 11. Visit the El Ceibo museum

1. Drive Around The Island On Scooter

The  best way to explore Ometepe Island  is to rent a scooter or an ATV. This way, you’ll be flexible and can see the island at your own pace.

Local buses  also run in between bigger towns on the island. However, they’re often super crowded and take much time to get from one place to another.

The first activity I recommend doing on Ometepe Island is to  drive around on a scooter . Do a circle from  Santo Domingo via Merida  around the island towards Balgue and return to your accommodation.

Moyogalpa is the first place you’ll arrive by ferry. So rent a scooter there, and drive to your accommodation after.

2. Hike Up A Volcano

One of the most popular things on the island is hiking up a volcano. Ometepe island composes of two volcanos:  Concepcion  and  Maderas volcano .

The  Concepcion volcano  is more popular to hike. It’s also a  better option  as it’s drier and the views are much more stunning than from Maderas. It’s slightly  longer  to hike up than to Maderas volcano, but it’s generally  easier and more beautiful .

Hiking up the  Maderas volcano  is more challenging because the  way is quite muddy . As the volcano  has a little lake inside , it’s very humid, and there is a lot of mud on the way.

Hiking The Concepcion Volcano

The entire excursion takes the  whole day . The organizer usually picks you up at 5:30 a.m. from your hotel/hostel. The  hike up takes around 4 hours , and down between 3 to 4 hours. You’ll come back to your hostel/hotel at around 6:00 p.m.

The  price for the excursion  is $20, including pick up, transfer, and a guide. In addition, you have to pay a $3 entrance fee. Your hotel can organize the excursion for you, just ask at the reception.

NOTE:  Walking any of the volcanos by yourself is impossible. The government prohibited it due to many accidents in the past.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Nicaragua Itinerary: 7 Days With Map & Tips

3. Visit Ojo De Agua

You can visit the crystal-clear water pool created from a natural spring on Ometepe Island. It’s called Ojo de Agua, which means ‘water eye’ in English.

This natural phenomenon is filled with water from the Maderas volcano thanks to its underground river. So now you can say that you swam in the volcano water. Pretty amazing, right?

You can swim, enjoy yourself on the shore, read a book, listen to an audiobook , and sip some delicious local drinks or fresh coconut water.

The entrance fee is $10 per person . You’ll get 2 vouchers : $5 voucher for the pool entrance and another $5 voucher that you can use for drinks or food. You can spend as much time as you want.

4. Explore Charco Verde Natural Reserve

Charco Verde is a natural reserve in the southern part of Ometepe.

You can visit it by paying an entrance fee of 175 cordobas . Firstly, there is a butterfly sanctuary , where you can explore various kinds of butterflies. It’s quite a chilled place with relaxing music in the background.

Afterward, you can walk through the forest around the Lagoon of Charco Verde . The best part is that you can see monkeys in the trees on the way.

Towards the end of the walk around the lagoon, you’ll get amazing views of the Conception volcano .

5. Go Zip-Lining

Before entering the Charco Verde Natural Reserve, hop on a zip-line adventure.

They give you full gear, and you’ll be  zip-lining above the jungle , seeing the Charco Verde, and even getting stunning views of Lake Nicaragua.

So, this might be an option to  see Charco Verde from above . There is one bridge on the zip line and three stops altogether.

Entrance:  $17 per person

6. Enjoy Coffee At Centro PUMA

Centro PUMA is located in Altagracia town. It’s a cute coffee place where locals use the income and donations from guests to support local schools and children . In addition, they provide extra curriculum programs for local children in the center, mainly English classes.

I was amazed by this coffee center and its program. The staff is very welcoming, explains their work, and lets you sit down or enjoy their hammocks even if you don’t order anything.

Their coffee is delicious ; they also have sweets, salads, and a few vegan options.

One thing you must try is their ‘Magical Fruit Experience’ . It’s a lot of fun, and the fruit is magical as it prevents you from feeling any acid in your mouth. So try it out for 200 cordobas.

7. Practice Yoga At El Zopilote

El Zopilote is a true paradise in the middle of Ometepe’s jungle . It’s a hostel located near Balgue town. This place attracts many backpackers and digital nomads, mainly thanks to its rich program . Every day, you have different things organized for you, such as:

• yoga classes
• family dinner
• cacao ceremony
• pizza night
• permaculture farm tours

The best is their yoga classes, cacao ceremony, and pizza nights (every Tuesday and Saturday). Yes, you can prepare the pizza yourself in the jungle, which is pretty amazing.

All the activities mentioned above are included in the price of your stay . You can still come for a yoga class even if you don’t stay. Just come into the reception and ask if you could join.

You can also visit the place and have lunch in their restaurant in the jungle.

8. Go Kayaking

You can go kayaking on an organized tour. Just imagine – what a unique experience kayaking on a lake with sharks inside.

Your kayaking experience starts near Peru Beach or Mango Beach. You’ll kayak through the River Istian and see the jungle and Nicaraguan flora from the water. Watch out for unique birds and other species. Maybe you can spot a few monkeys , too.

Ask your hotel/hostel if they organize a kayak tour for you. Or go to one of the scooter rental places in Moyogalpa, and they can sign you up.

The price for the kayak tour is $20 per person , including transportation, guide, and kayak rental.

9. Stare At The Sun Set On Punta Jesus Maria

Punta Jesus Maria offers the  best sunset experience on Ometepe Island . It’s a narrow spit of land stretching into Lake Nicaragua. If the lake has a lot of water than usual, the spit is not visible so much. Yet, it’s still nice to see.

Not only does this place have the best sunset experience. It also offers one of the most  spectacular views of the Concepcion volcano .

You can lie down on the beach and relax. There is a restaurant with drinks and food. And you can also get  fresh coconut water .

10. Walk Up The Waterfall San Ramon

San Ramon is the only waterfall on the island. It takes about 1 hour & 30 minutes to hike to see it.

Drive towards the old port of San Ramon ( Antiguo Puerto San Ramon ). Then turn left (if arriving from Merida) and drive until the road ends. Leave your scooter there and start walking.

NOTE: During the summer/dry season (December – April) has, the waterfall less or no water since it’s a dry climate. So before going there, check with locals or ask your hotel whether there is water at the time.

11. Visit El Ceibo Museum

Ometepe Island is well known for its  pre-Columbian history . Archeologists found many clay artifacts under the ground, which you can nowadays see in the Ceibo Museum . You’ll get a guided tour and learn about the  island’s history and artifacts . After, you’ll also get to try some delicious  homemade liquors .

Altogether, you can see pottery, funeral urns, weapons, and various tools.

What I particularly love about the museum is the second part, where they display  different currencies Nicaragua has had  from pre-Columbian times until now. I love to keep currency bills from each country when traveling. Here, you can see the  evolution and history of Nicaraguan currency , too.

👉 READ ALSO: Is Nicaragua Safe To Travel? Safety Tips For First-Timers

Travel Itinerary Planning Services

Interesting facts about ometepe island.

Ometepe is a unique place. So, I’d like to start with some interesting facts about this island:

💡 Ometepe is the l argest freshwater island in the world 💡 It’s located in Lake Nicaragua, also known as Lake Cocibolca 💡 Ometepe has a volcanic origin 💡 The island consists of 2 volcanoes: Concepcion and Maderas volcano 💡 It’s famous for its rock art areas (that you can explore in El Ceibo Museum) 💡 The name Ometepe comes from the Nahuatl words ome (two) + tepetl (mountain)

Practical Tips For Visiting Ometepe Island

I want to make your stay as great as possible. So you can prepare and know what to expect . This way, you won’t waste any of your time once you travel. Below are further tips for your stay on Ometepe Island.

How Many Days Do You Need On Ometepe Island?

I recommend  staying 3 days and 3 nights  on Ometepe Island. It’s enough time to explore the top things and enjoy its activities.

Plan to arrive in the afternoon, check in to your hotel, and relax after your journey. Then,  spend 3 full days  on Ometepe Island doing the best things I suggested in this article.

Is Ometepe Worth Visiting?

Yes, Ometepe is 100% worth visiting . It’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever traveled to. The combination of amazing natural beauty, volcano, endless activities, and relaxation makes it a very special place. I’m sure you’ll love it. Make sure you visit El Zopilote and enjoy some yoga classes, too.

How To Get To Ometepe Island

The best way to get to Ometepe Island is to take a bus from a major Nicaraguan city . Then take a taxi to San Jorge to the port . The only way to get to Ometepe Island is by local ferry. So from San Jorge, you’ll have to take a ferry to Moyogalpa , the main town in Ometepe. The ferry ride from San Jorge to Moyogalpa (Ometepe) takes 1 hour.

👉 READ ALSO: How To Get To Ometepe Island – get further tips and detailed description

Where To Stay In Ometepe

Ometepe offers unique and beautiful accommodations . I took my time to do research and selected the best hotels and hostels on the island. I spoke to the staff, saw the rooms and hotel area, and got all the information.

These are the top hotels I recommend on Ometepe Island:

➡ Totoco Eco-Lodge ➡ Xali Beach Hotel ➡ El Zopilote ➡ Finca Mystica

👉 READ ALSO: Where To Stay On Ometepe Island

How To Get Around Ometepe Island

There are 2 ways to get around Ometepe Island: on a scooter/ATV or by local buses .

The best way to get around Ometepe Island is to rent a scooter or ATV .

Once you arrive on a ferry in the main town of Moyogalpa, you can rent a scooter, motorbike, or ATV for the entire stay. From there, you can drive to your accommodation.

I have 2 places in Moyogalpa where I recommend you rent a scooter:

Elmer Tours Ometepe

Ometepe verde tours.

Elmer Tour Ometepe is on the main pedestrian street in Moyogalpa, just a few meters from the ferry port. You’ll see it on your left-hand side when you walk from the ferry port.

Elmer is a nice guy renting scooters, motorbikes, and bicycles. He also organizes tours to the Concepcion volcano, kayaking, horseriding, tour around the island, or waterfall hike.

• Scooter Rental: $15 per day (from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm) / $20 for 24 hours
• Motorbike Rental: $25 for 24 hours
• Bicycle Rental: between $5 to $7 per bike (depending on the quality of the bike)

Ometepe Verde Tours is just a few meters further from Elmer’s place. They rent scooters, motorbikes, and ATVs. In addition, you can also book various tours with them:

• Scooter Rental: $15 per day (from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm) / $20 for 24 hours
• ATVs Rental: $50 for 24 hours

Best Restaurants In Ometepe

As for the best restaurants in Ometepe, there are a few I highly recommend.

BEST RESTAURANTS IN MOYOGALPA

• Soda Los Antojitos
• Cocina de Mami
• The Cornerhouse

BEST RESTAURANTS IN BALGUE

• Comedor Isabel
• El Zopilote

Best Beaches In Ometepe

I am not the biggest fan of beaches in Ometepe if I’m completely honest with you. So don’t expect something brilliant from the local beaches. Yet, if you’re a beach lover, you can still find a few to relax.

Note that the beaches get smaller if the lake has a lot of water . So they don’t always look great and are ready to host visitors.

Overall, Ometepe Island is a destination where you come to explore, do activities, and have fun in nature . If you want to relax on beautiful beaches , go to Popoyo or the Corn Islands.

I recommend the following two best beaches on Ometepe Island:

• Playa Santo Domingo
• Playa Punta Jesus Maria

I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Ometepe. Check the answers below.

Why Is Ometepe Island Famous?

Ometepe Island is the largest freshwater island in the world . Besides, it’s famous for the Concepcion volcano and its position in Lake Nicaragua , the largest lake in Central America. Another fact about this lake is that it’s the only lake with sharks .

Ometepe is famous as an adventure island destination that offers unique sights and places.

Where Is The Best Sunset Spot In Ometepe?

The best sunset spot is Punta Jesus Maria or Moyogalpa , beside the ferry port . These places have the best sunsets. Overall, the sunsets on Ometepe Island are one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.

What Can You Climb In Ometepe Island?

You can climb the Concepcion volcano in Ometepe. It’s only possible with a local guide; you can’t climb it alone due to past accidents. It takes up to 7 hours (up and down) to climb the volcano, and you’ll be picked up by the tour company around 6:00 a.m. to start the excursion.

Can You Swim In Ometepe?

Yes , you can swim in Ometepe. It’s best accessible from the beaches at Punta Jesus Maria and Playa Santo Domingo . I recommend staying close to the shore as locals say sharks are further into the lake.

WRAP-UP: 11 Best Things To Do In Ompete

These are the best activities on Ometepe Island, with further suggestions and tips you need to have before visiting. I’m sure you’ll have a great time as it’s one of the most unique destinations in Central America. Make sure to rent an ATV or a scooter to enjoy it fully and be flexible.

If you have any questions or need a customized travel itinerary, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com . I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Travels!

More Tips For Nicaragua Travel

Looking to visit more places in Nicaragua? Check out my related articles:

Best Of Nicaragua Itinerary: 7 Days With Map & Tips

Is Nicaragua Safe To Travel To? Safery Tips For Travelers

Where To Stay In Ometepe Island

Where To Stay In Granada Nicaragua

Where To Stay In Leon Nicaragua

Where To Stay In Popoyo Nicaragua

How To Get To Corn Islands From Managua

Is It Safe To Fly From Lima To Cusco? Revealed!

About the author: Nicoletta  is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

NICARAGUA : Interested in more articles for Nicaragua? Check out my Nicaragua Travel Page .

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10 Fun Things to Do on Ometepe Island

By Adam Chance · Last updated on June 3, 2024

Brimming with natural beauty and boasting a vibrant local culture, Nicaragua’s idyllic Ometepe Island is one of the Central American nation’s crown jewels.

My visit to this dreamy island amid the expansive Lake Cocibolca was the highlight of my Nicaraguan expedition. Between the striking vistas of Ometepe’s two resident volcanos and the pristine beaches, this spectacular island is packed with exciting things to see and do.

Below is a rundown of my must-see spots and bucket list experiences from Ometepe Island!

Explore the Island by Motorbike

Ometepe is much larger than I’d anticipated, and I quickly understood why motorbike rental is so commonplace here. It can be tricky to get around without a set of wheels.

Provided you’re confident operating a motorcycle, this is an incredible way to discover the island, and I loved having complete freedom over my itinerary.

Pro tip : Rentals typically start from around €14 (550 NIO) daily, and numerous companies operate in tourist hubs like Moyogalpa.

Gaze at the Soaring Volcanos

Ometepe is home to two awe-inspiring volcanos, Concepción and Maderas. Both are visible from various pockets of Ometepe and make for an extraordinary backdrop to the island.

Concepción is arguably the best-known of the two and certainly the one I found myself most impressed by. It’s among the most symmetrical volcanoes I’ve ever seen, and it towers above Ometepe at over 1,600 metres tall.

Maderas is around 200 metres smaller, and unlike Concepción, it’s been inactive for some time now.

Take on One of the Island’s Many Hiking Trails

If you’re a keen hiker, you might be wondering if trekking to the summit of Concepción or Maderas is possible, and it absolutely is!

Despite my reservations, I opted to tackle the 8-hour hike to Concepción. Thanks to the relentless steep incline the entire way up, this was one of the most challenging treks I’ve ever completed!

I quickly forgot about this as soon as I took in the panoramic views over Ometepe from above. That being said, I don’t advise embarking on this hike unless you’re at a reasonable fitness level.

Pro-tip : Travelling with a guide is mandatory, and tours set off in the early hours as the sun rises.

Stroll Around Charco Verde Lake

For a much less strenuous walk, head towards Charco Verde, a small lake in the south, and enjoy a leisurely gander along the waterside.

The area is almost entirely flat, and the trees play host to diverse and intriguing wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the exotic birds, turtles, and lizards that frequent the area, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the howler monkeys swinging between the branches.

As adorable as they are, these little guys can be territorial, so be careful not to get too close!

Stop by the Butterfly Aviary

I initially came to Charco Verde Lake to do some monkey-watching, but I spotted a little butterfly aviary right after the entrance.

Access to this reserve is included in the entry fee, and it’s worth stopping by for a few minutes before you set off on the path encircling the lake.

If you happen to be visiting with kids in tow, this is a must, as the huge, brightly-coloured butterflies are fascinating to watch.

Take a Dip at Ojo de Agua

Ometepe turned out to be one of the hottest and most humid spots I’ve visited in Central America, so I ended up spending quite a bit of time cooling off at Ojo de Agua.

These natural springs are tucked away in the jungle in the island’s centre and provide some much-needed respite from the scorching temperatures. The water is on the chilly side, and the area is hidden under the shade of the surrounding trees, making it an ideal location for a swim.

Entry is a little over €9 (360 NIO), and you can redeem some of this at the on-site restaurant.

Join a Chocolate Tour at El Pital

Ometepe’s mineral-rich volcanic soil makes it a stellar area for growing cacao beans, and the locally produced chocolate is drool-worthy.

Any fellow chocoholics must add a chocolate tour at El Pital to their can’t-miss list. El Pital is a small factory, cafe, and hostel on the water’s edge, specialising in vegan chocolate. Their curated outings run for around three hours and include farm visits, factory tours, and most importantly, tasting sessions!

Pro-tip : There’s just one tour daily, so book a few days in advance to secure your place.

Catch the Sunset at Punta Jesus Maria

Ometepe has its fair share of sunset vantage points, but Punta Jesus Maria is among the best of the bunch.

This is a gorgeous black sand beach on the western corner of the island. Its signature sand spit gives unspoiled views of the orange, pink, and purple-hued skies at dusk, and I came here almost every evening during my stay.

Several small restaurants and bars are nearby if you fancy a snack or beer while you watch the sun go down.

Spend an Evening at Playa Mangos

Another remarkable spot for sundown is Playa Mangos. A little more developed and noticeably busier than Punta Jesus Maria, Playa Mangos is a massive hit with visitors to Ometepe.

Every evening, this beach and its accompanying restaurant fill up with tourists hoping to witness the sun gradually set behind Concepción.

Unsurprisingly, Playa Mangos can get quite crowded, but the astounding views and laid back atmosphere more than makeup for it.

Pro-tip : Playa Mangos also offer kayak tours if you’re eager to get out on the water.

Catch Some Rays at Playa Santo Domingo

Although Ometepe is somewhat of an adventure-lovers paradise, there are plenty of tranquil spots to retreat to when you need to unwind. Playa Santo Domingo was my favourite place to do just that.

Despite the powder-white sand and lush jungle surroundings, this beach was startlingly quiet whenever I visited. If you’re looking for a postcard-perfect escape, it doesn’t get much better than here.

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Sitch Travels

Travel lists, tips, and stories

Four Days on Ometepe

Volcano + Island + Ancient civilizations + Jungle + Lake + Coffee + Ometepe. A lot to tackle in a few days right?

Well actually right. But… not too much. Not if I can help it.

So go on, no time to waste. Time to start planning!

(as with literally all my itineraries, I’ve made them based on the amount of time I’ve found the average visitor to spend at a destination. I always recommend spending a bit longer so that you can really get a feel for a place. If you have the time) 🙂

Day 1: Coffee and kayaks.

Wake up and smell the coffee, literally. Head to the northern side of the south island for a coffee tour at the Finca Magdalena. On this tour you’ll learn about how the families of this farm have been producing coffee for generations. Notice I said “families” and not “family”? That’s because they’re a whopping 27 families who together care for and manage the farm, as well as the tours and hostel they supply. The best bit of the coffee tour however is not even the coffee! It’s the fascinating petroglyphs (ancient stone carvings representing different Mayan deities). These intriguing images are spread out all over the farm and it’s super cool and fun to try and figure out what each image symbolises. They’re so many ranging in such size that I even found one the tour guide hadn’t seen before! (call me Indiana Joneseph)

After downing your complimentary free cuppa, head to Merida on the south of the south island for what ended up being my favourite part of Ometepe, Kayaking. This is no usual kayaking, starting by a small lakeside beach, you have to paddle a bit over a kilometre to get to the entrance to the mouth of the Rio Istian, where many companies start (and end) their tour/rental. Trust me when I say; this extra little effort is 110% WORTH IT! The best views of Ometepe as a whole are found in that little stretch of lake, where you’ll be perfectly placed between the two magnificent volcanos without a single obstacle in the way of this epic view! Once you get into the river, it’s like you’re entering a new world. The tree and mangrove filled waterscape is teaming with life. Including birds, monkeys, turtles, fish, and of course what we’re all there to see: Caimans. If I had to describe my two hours in the Rio Istian I’d just hand you the Princess and the Frog movie.

  (If you get an early start and have some extra time today, consider adding a tour of the actual farming area of Finca Magdalena or a chocolate workshop at El Pital Chocolate Paradise between the coffee tour and kayaking)

Day 2: Tackle a Giant

Challenge yourself to the hardest day hikes in the entire Central America by conquering one of the two volcanoes which literally form the entire Ometepe. Volcan Concepcion is the taller of the two and considered (slightly) harder. Reaching 1610 metres at it’s highest point, Concepcion will throw steep dusty paths, powerful winds, and horribly draining volcanic ash which are truly “two steps forward, three steps backward”. If you reach the top though, you’ll have massive bragging rights and a hell of story to tell for your efforts. 

Volcan Maderas is the shorter of the two at “only” 1394 metres but is no easy hike itself. Unlike concepcion where you go through the forest for a bit but are mostly in the open. On Maderas you slog through the jungle to a crater lagoon at the top of the volcano. 

Pick your poison.

Day 3: Recovery Day

After yesterday’s adventure, you may be feeling a bit stiff and a lot sore. So where better to spend the day than at a natural spring?! At Ojo de Agua (literally meaning the eye of water), swing, swim, sunbathe, and sip (a pina colada or coconut water, as long as it’s out of a coconut I approve). 

Once you’ve had your fill of relaxation, make your way to Punta Jesus Maria for a sunset special. At the end of this small beach, you’ll find a sandbar extending into the lake. At times you can walk far out enough that it’ll seem that you’re literally standing in the lake, looking out at the towering volcano (you can only concepcion from here) as the setting sun brings out more dramatic colours than you’d have thought possible. 

Day 4: The wild side:

Back to the adventure we go, as today is the day we go to the south island. Rent a scooter/motorbike, or get a guide to take you around on one (I got a guide for the day for $30, including his motorbike (I had to pay for the gas at the end), besides driving me around the island, he also acted as a general guide for literally everything I did). 

For the most part, the point of cruising through the Southern Island isn’t to go anywhere specific, on the contrary, just ride around looking for any cool secluded looking spots. If there’s one place I’d recommend in particular, it’s the San Ramon Waterfall a few kilometres south of Merida. Mind you, it takes a hike of around 40 minutes each way from the upper parking lot to the falls themselves. I didn’t end up having the time to visit here, but everyone I met who had been really recommended it.

That’s all folks! Be sure to tell me your thoughts in the comments below

Until we meet again *insert saluting emoji

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Home » Central America » Nicaragua » Offbeat Ometepe: An Itinerary for 2024 with Hidden Gems

Offbeat Ometepe: An Itinerary for 2024 with Hidden Gems

Today, I’ve got a secret to share about my favorite island on Earth, a perfect jewel set in Southern Nicaragua’s vast Lake Nicaragua. 

Ometepe Island (or Isla de Ometepe in Spanish) is one of the most magical places I’ve ever been to and it tends to leave a deep impression on most people who journey there. Let me paint a picture for you: Volcanoes, Fireflies, Jungle, Cacao, and an opportunity to challenge yourself in the midst of the Nicaraguan jungle. 

I  came across this island, fresh into my first solo backpacking trip and was mesmerized by the sheer abundance I found … Fireflies flitting upon the evening wind, freshwater sharks patrolling the clear lake bed, birds of every color welcoming the first warm rays of dawn. But it is not just the beautiful views, adventure activities, friendly communities and ancient culture that draws people from all over the world to visit Ometepe, it’s also a spiritual hub and it is here that many people come on journeys of self reflection and growth.

So to help you best experience everything this island has to offer, I’ve put together this 3-day Ometepe Island itinerary that focuses on the must-sees and those often-overlooked hidden gems.

Let’s get into it!

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A Little Bit About this 3-Day Ometepe Itinerary

Every travel experience is unique.

Some people prefer adventures, or guided tours while others enjoy the thrill of journeying the off-beat path or being one of very few travelers in a country like Pakistan. Personally, I like to travel with growth, meaning, and a spiritual component in mind. I really get a lot out of a soul-searching adventure. Backpacking Ometepe is perfect for travelers looking to learn more about themselves. There is something truly powerful and poignant about this island that carries a hidden magic.

A whisper, to remember who you are and why you came to earth. A gentle smile from the trees, happy to see that you came. An invitation to challenge yourself, from the ancient and wise volcanoes that have stood like watchful sentinels over this land for eons.

Even if you aren’t into all the juju, la Isla de Ometepe has a lot to offer to the adventurous traveler or somebody looking to find a welcoming community.

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3-Day Ometepe Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Ometepe: El Pital , Ometepe Rock Carvings
• Day 2 in Ometepe: Concepción Volcano / Maderas Volcano
• Day 3 in Ometepe: Playa Santa Cruz

Where To Stay in Ometepe

There are a few good options for where to stay in Ometepe. Abuela’s casita is where the locals hang and there are some great eco-lodge options in Nicaragua .  Due to the island’s relatively small size, you’ll probably be in a pretty good location and not too far away from anything no matter where you choose to base yourself.

Each part of the island has something unique, like a local volcanic spring or trees populated by raucous monkeys. Your pick on where to stay won’t make or break your trip so this is an occasion where you don’t need to massively over plan.

Although Moyogalpa is one of the main places people tend to stay out of convenience, I don’t recommend it for the offbeat traveler . This is where the main ferry port is, and most likely where you will arrive when you get to Ometepe. This is a good place to get transportation for your Ometepe adventures and eat some good local food but not to stay (way too crowded).

Balgue is where the hip young crowd tends to hang out (including me). This part of La Isla is remote and full of naked hippies. MY PEOPLE. In all seriousness, this is the place to be. Lots of activities, eco-lodges, and opportunities to meet new people.

Altagracia is the place where you’ll find Ojos de agua (watering holes). This part of the island is beautiful… Really. I loved the drive through the local villages stopping to dip into the flowing streams. Nature lovers will LOVE this area. 

If you’re looking for a spot on the island to be in silence and just enjoy the incredible scenery, Meridais where you want to be. This part of the island is known for the local villages and very relaxed atmosphere. Do be aware, that the roads in this part of town are really underdeveloped, so please be careful driving mopeds, it’s easy to take a nasty tumble (I’m speaking from personal experience, more on that later).

Ometepe can also be divided into two sections: One is closest to Concepcion Volcano and the other is known as the Maderas side. Each part has so much to offer, and so many cute posadas to stay at. Below I’ve covered some of my favorite places to stay in Ometepe…  

Best place to stay on Ometepe – El Pital, Chocolate Paradise

In two words, “Chocolate Paradise” perfectly describes my experience at El Pital. As a chocolate farm eco-lodge, El Pital offers a serene retreat where mornings begin with breathtaking views of the Concepción volcano, days are filled with refreshing swims in the lake, and evenings unwind on the yoga deck. The tranquil surroundings ensure you depart with a sense of zen. Accommodations at El Pital range from private bungalows to shared dormitory options, catering to many different preferences.

Best Budget Homestay on Ometepe – Ananda Guesthouse

This guesthouse is a luxurious gem! With stunning views and delicious free breakfast, I have no doubt you’ll love your stay. There are so many activities nearby, including volcano hikes, coffee tours, and options to rent scooters, motorcycles, and ATVs. Plus, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the village of Balgüe, where you’ll find restaurants and small convenience stores.

Best Hostel on Ometepe – El Zopilote

El Zopilote is perfect for solo travelers visiting Ometepe, offering a special stay with a range of free daily events such as sunset yoga and tours of the permaculture farm. Be sure not to miss out on the lively Friday pizza night. Accommodations at El Zopilote are diverse, ranging from dorm rooms and private rooms to a campsite and budget-friendly hammocks available for under $5. The hostel life here is amazing!

How to Get to Ometepe

You know what they say: the best places are the hardest to get to….Welcome to Ometepe. You’ll start your day by venturing to the ferry port (about an hour from San Juan del Sur) which is a GREAT excuse to have a pit stop for the night in a cute surf town with great vibes.

As far as backpacking Central America goes, spending some time in San Juan del Sur is a must! The ferry is less than $ 5 USD roundtrip and it takes about 45 minutes to get there.

Fun fact – the lake surrounding Ometepe (Lake Nicaragua) is the biggest lake in Central America! Cool, right?

Here are a few ways to the ferry port:

• Take a local Chicken bus. 
• Take a Taxi. 
• Stick out your thumb and hitchhike!! 

When I visited Ometepe I took every opportunity I could to hitchhike, I even caught an hour-long ride on a motorcycle on my way out (my proudest moment hitchhiking as a woman to date).

The port is hard to miss, you’ll know it once you’re there. Chances are you’ll see other people backpacking Central America taking on Ometepe too. The port is easy to navigate too, and the locals help tourists navigate the area super well.

Before you get on to the ferry make sure to get a local dish or stock up on some tasty snacks, my favorites were gallo pinto and tostones. The ferry schedule is pretty straightforward, the ferries start to take off at 7 am through 5 pm.

Ometepe Itinerary Day 1: Cacao tours, and Sunset Yoga

Alright friends, we’re finally here, let’s dive into day 1 of what to see and do in Ometepe… 

Step 1 .  Rent a scooter  

This is by far the easiest way to get around on the island.

Step 2 . Play it safe!

Make sure you are geared up before you ride said scooter… Seriously guys be safe, and always wear a helmet, many adventurous souls have taken a tumble in Ometepe, myself included!

Step 3 . Hit the road road and EXPLORE .

The cool thing about the island is that you can literally see all of it in just a few hours. One road circulates the whole island so it’s easy to get around!

Start the day off at El Pital

El Pital is an eco-community, built on the pillars of yoga, veganism, cacao, and friendship. People come here to soak in some of THE BEST chocolate on the island. They do walking tours throughout the farm, where you get a full rundown and even get a taste of fresh cacao off the tree! After the tour, you can join a yoga class with a view of the Concepción volcano or you can tune in to the infamous cacao ceremonies.

If you haven’t done a cacao ceremony before, here is what you can expect. Music, prayer, and lots of chocolate. It is a chance to come together with a group of people, set intentions, and get into a meditation led by love.

This is one of my favorite gems on the island. You can buy chocolate milkshakes and swim in the lake while jamming out to tropical music. The playlist is always 10/10…

Insider Tip:

• Cost : $10-15
• Getting there :  located in the Balgue district, you can get here by transportation or foot, depending on how far you are. 
• How long should you stay :  a few hours (Bring a book and relax)

In the afternoon: Explore the Ometepe rock carvings

The ancient history around Ometepe is what makes it so special. Hundreds of years ago thousands of rock carvings were found all over the island describing the legends of Ometepe’s beginnings. You can find them all over the island and it’s a really fantastic way to cast one’s eye back and visualize the hands that may have carved these mysterious and beautiful etchings in the rock!

Museo Altagracia is one of the museums you can visit to see the rock carvings. You can even book a guide to help you explore them. The information online for booking is quite limited but rest assured when you get to the island, your hostel will be able to help you sort it out.

If you don’t get a chance to visit the museum, it is very likely you will find the rock carvings around the island, just keep your eyes peeled…Some of the best places to see petroglyphs are at Hotel Finca Porvenir and at Finca Magdalena.

After exploring the history of the island, I recommend making your way to Zopilote for sunset. Zopilote is another eco-community full of workshops, permaculture volunteers, and yoga sessions! I say make your way to Zopilote for a sunset yoga session. This side of the island is known for its free expression and wildness.

Ometepe Itinerary Day 2: For adrenaline junkies

Let’s get straight into it, you can’t go to Ometepe without summiting a volcano , it is an unwritten rule. 

Lucky for you, there are two of them to pick from! volcanoes Concepción and Maderas. Both have so much to offer and are very different.

Located on the north side of the island is Concepción Volcano. This volcano is mighty and active! 

This trek is for the brave few wanting to take on a challenge. The whole trip takes about 8-12 hours. You can find local guides near the volcano that charge around $30-50 USD to take you to the summit.

Well worth it in my opinion.

If you aren’t up for the challenge of Concepción Volcano you can always do the Maderas volcano. Located on the south side of the island, this volcano is much smaller (at 1,610 meters) and takes a total of 6-8 hours to get to the top. You can find a lake at the top of it to cool down at the end of your travels. Although it’s doable without a guide, you can find them at around $20-35 USD.

Although I’m DEFINITELY an adrenaline junky, I decided to do the trek to Maderas Volcano not on foot, but on a horse! You would be surprised by how easy it is to get a guide and a horse tour up a volcano…

I literally paid 30 USD for me and my horse Pistola ( gun in Spanish) and had SO MUCH fun. My guide took us trotting through fields and off the beaten path of banana trees up the volcano.

This was by far the highlight of my trip. I left with a few scratches from the jungle, but nothing a good first aid kit couldn’t fix.

• Cost – It’s free! (unless you take a guide)
• Getting there – Take any public transport option
• How long should you stay – The trek is all day.

Ometepe Itinerary Day 3: A sunrise you’ll never forget

Let’s Be Real.

You can’t see all the gems Ometepe has to offer in three days. But if you’re short on time and choose to leave after three days let’s make the last day count. 

Ometepe is a special place for so many reasons, one of them being the Fireflies that light up the dark sky. I recommend that on your third (and perhaps last) day, you wake up for the sunrise, and head to Playa Santa Cruz to watch the sunrise with a view of both Concepción volcano and Maderas volcano…

Panoramic views are the best. After a dip in the lake, you will thank Ometepe for the special time on the island. If you are lucky, you’ll be greeted by a sky full of stars and fireflies before the sun makes its appearance.

Stargazing was one of my favorite things I did on Ometepe. I saw SO MANY shooting stars and felt so grateful for my time in Nicaragua through the skyline. 

After your morning dip, you can stop by a local posada and have the famous Nicaraguan coffee (Be warned though, it’s super addictive!). 

After your morning cup, head to Ojo de Agua  (A natural spring pool) and soak in crystal clear water with the sounds of nature and views of the jungle. This was by far one of my favorite parts of my trip. On your way to the springs, you will see lots of streams and rivers you can jump into for a soak as well.

The ferry back to the mainland is limited to a few hours a day, so I would recommend going near the port for a chilled morning and a departure around 3 p.m. with an option to stay a bit longer (the last ferry leaves at 5 p.m.) 

Best Time To Visit Ometepe Island

Much like the rest of the tropical paradise found in Central America, the seasons here consist of Wet and Dry, yet the climate remains warm.

The wet time of year runs from May to October and the dry term is from November to April. If you want to visit the waterfalls on Ometepe, I recommend going towards the middle of the rainy season. I’ve been to the island during both seasons and have enjoyed it both times!

If you go during the rainy season though, enjoy the tropical water that is sure to soak you at some point. Take it as an opportunity to dance in the rain! 

How to Get Around Ometepe

All the seasoned travelers out there know the best way to travel in style;

drum roll, please…

Rent a scoopy !

Or the Nicaragua equivalent of a scoopy whatever that may be. Even an ATV works! 

I personally really loved how easy it was to get around. Plus in a little under 2 hours, you can do a loop around the WHOLE island! Making pit stops through pristine waterfalls and saying ‘Hi’ to the monkeys. (Careful though from personal experience, I wouldn’t bring bananas!).

So to tie it all together, here are the best ways to get around the island:

• Motorcycle 

(Car ofc but that’s a bit boring)

Getting around is very inexpensive too. You can look to spend around $5-15 a day for a reliable scooter rental or ATV to explore this jungle paradise.

Once again: Be aware!

The farm animals don’t really have a designated area in most parts of Ometepe. Often, you’ll see chickens, pigs, cows, and horses crossing the road abruptly..I happen to be a part of the unlucky category of tourists who had an unfortunate crash with one of the animals leaving me battered and bruised. 

Be safe, travel with insurance , and WATCH OUT FOR THEM ANIMALS.  

What to Prepare Before Visiting Ometepe 

Preparation is KEY when visiting remote off-grid islands. Here is what I wish I had known before visiting:

• Bring a  head torch ! Street lights are not common at night time, and chances are you will want a good flashlight for late-night adventures.
• Hiking Boots! I made the mistake of skipping out on quality hiking boots the first time around and missed out on lots of adventures. Especially if you plan on doing volcano treks, your feet will thank you. 
• A positive attitude . Discomfort isn’t always easy. Sometimes it takes all of our strength to keep on going. Coming to Ometepe, I had no expectations and let the discomfort teach me what it needed to, and I left a  bit wiser ( or at least I like to think I did). 
• BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE! Believe me when I tell you, this will be so helpful before visiting Ometepe. The jungle has a mind of its own sometimes.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Ometepe

This is a must! After my hard fall, I was so thankful to be covered.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

FAQs on Ometepe Itinerary

Find out what people want to know when planning their Ometepe itinerary.

What wildlife is on Ometepe?

Ometepe has monkeys, amphibians, little bears, deer, reptiles, insects, and much more. If you’re zoophobia, you’re gonna have some hard times. But the finest growth stems from the hardests experiences, right?

Where do you start a hike in Ometepe?

You can start from the Charco Verde Nature Reserve or the entrance near Santo Domingo Beach on the western side of the island. A great kickoff I beleive!

When is a good time to visit Ometepe?

The rainiest months in Ometepe are: August, September and October. For an optimal experience, head there during the dry season, spanning from November to April.

Final Thoughts on Ometepe Island

This is one of those places you can not miss. Your Central American backpacking trip will not be complete until you see this island. Here is a summary of how my trip went down:

I arrived with no expectations and ended up blown away. From the Eco lodges to the chocolate farms and cacao ceremonies. I was not expecting so much excitement so soon. As a solo traveler, I even had plenty of opportunities to meet people through workshops, parties, and tours through the volcano. 

Even if it’s somewhat off the beaten path, you won’t regret adding the hidden gems of la Isla de Ometepe to your Nicaragua itinerary.

Ometepe thank you for the sweet memories and the even sweeter cacao. 

Amanda Draper

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Coffee Plantation in Ometepe

• February 21, 2017
• By Deborah Charnes
• Nicaragua , Travel

For six years, the closest I got to caffeine, was catching some sniffs. Hazelnut. Cinnamon. Mocha. Vanilla. Every now and then, I’d indulge with a decaf topped with unsweetened almond milk.

So if I broke my caffeine-free lifestyle, recently, I’ll blame Nicaragua.

In 1999, I was in Managua for just a few days but managed to stuff my suitcase with coffee on my way home. Literally. There was pretty much nothing in that bag except for coffee beans, and maybe a toiletry bag, and one change of clothing. The coffee was good and cheap.  Plus, I felt the local economy needed my dollars more than Starbucks.

The image of my favorite coffee spot in Managua was indelible, even if I’d forgotten my penchant for drinking the brew. So, after nearly 20 years, I returned to Nicaragua. Con ganas de tomar café .

Maybe those years when I deprived myself of enjoying a cafecito finally hit the wall. Or, it was the scent and sight of coffee beans everywhere. I asked for decaf but got blank stares. So, I give in to the aroma of the real deal. After all, I’m in a major coffee-producing country, be like a local. Right? Surprisingly, it doesn’t give me a jolt. Nor, does it bother my tummy. It’s delicious, and I’m temporarily hooked on the ritual of sipping and smelling the hot brew.

Now, I want to go beyond savoring the sips. I decide I need to go to the source. So, I head to two coffee plantations in different regions of the country.

Ometepe is a beautiful volcanic island with two majestic volcanoes visible from miles around. To get here, you have to take a 60-minute ferry ride from San Jorge, near the city of Rivas. From the ferry landing, you can drive another 30-45 minutes to tour a few coffee plantations.

Don Elio is my tour guide. He’s a 70-year-old spry, apparently caffeinated, man. As he chews the raw coffee beans, he tells me his mom was a cook on the plantation from the time he was three years old. The rolling coffee fields were his playground. He knows the coffee bushes, leaves, and beans like the palm of his hand. And with those crinkly sun-colored hands, he shows me the leaves. The beans. The shells.

Harvest is October 25, he tells me. By April, they will be ready to export the coffee to Canada. Finca Magdalena  is part of a co-op comprised of 26 families. They tend to produce 500-600 kilos a year for Canada. This year, the production is less. He estimates it may be 150 quintales among the 500 manzanas (350 hectares).

To boost production, they recently planted citrus trees to help nourish the coffee bushes. Passing through the lime and mandarin orange trees, Don Elio scrunches up a leaf from each to release the aroma and places his hands under my nose. The farm also produces wheat, rice, and bananas, though I only see the citrus trees mixed in with the coffee on my one-hour tour.

The finca doesn’t export all that it harvests. They classify the beans as A, B, and C. C is a lighter colored bean, called sardina . B is black and called pelota or ball. A is the best. A team of 20 young girls with sharp vision and nimble fingers are responsible for quality control. On wooden ledges with three holes, they sort the A, B, and C beans.

In addition to the team working quality control, the harvesting is a team approach. Four people usually work together to pick the beans from the plants here. Then, they have to be sun-dried for a month. Walking through La Magdalena, you catch sights of the different beans drying on basketball-court-sized areas.

Other methods of quality control include keeping the bushes from getting too tall. Don Elio explains that the taller they grow, the drier the bean tends to be. So they periodically cut them down to about two feet high. Furthermore, the life of a coffee plant is measured. After 20 years, more or less, they dig them up, or cut them way down and allow new, fresher growth. Don Elio calls the tall plants borbon , and the shorter ones are caturra . Borbon can take four years to produce the good beans, and caturra is about a year shorter. Each plant produces about two kilos of beans a year

Like most farms in Nicaragua, this plantation is organic, and they seek ways to incorporate waste. For example, leaves and the shells/skin become mulch. Don Elio explains that coffee grows best at higher altitudes. La Magdalena is fairly close to one of the two volcanos on this island, where the top peak sits about a mile above sea level. Additionally, organic coffee plants need at least 75 percent shade. This part of Nicaragua is graced with blankets of beautiful ceiba trees that have sprawling roots and lush canopies.

While La Magdalena welcomes people to several 60 or 90-minute tours of their plantation, many choose to stay here for a few nights. The main cedar-built plantation house is about 130 years old. Meals are served on a large shaded veranda. Depending on your style and budget, you can pick from hammocks to private cabins. Meals range from $1.50 to ten dollars.

The staff can also coordinate day tours for guests to the volcanos, petroglyphs, or waterfalls.

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Deborah Charnes

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the Selvista Guesthouse Collection

Click on any photo to see the house details.

We have various houses and cabins open to guests that are the materialised dreams of an innovative and respected tropical permaculture designer. They rank among the highest-rated places to stay on Ometepe Island .

They’re built with sustainable, locally sourced materials where possible, by local tradesmen and filled with local art. The eco-conscious accommodations are located at the base of a dormant volcano in the middle of the largest lake in Central America.

The property started out as a plantain field when it was taken over. It has been slowly and lovingly restored into the thriving agro-tourism business it is today.

The Jungle House is a luxury tree-top house with a volcano view that sleeps up to 4 people

The Jungle House is a holiday home with a view right here on the slopes of Maderas Volcano. Pick bananas from your balcony and jackfruit from the stairs. A timber-framed green dream built of natural resources and lots of love. Reviewed as one of the best places to stay on Ometepe.

Forest View is a ground-floor studio apartment with en-suite toilet and outdoor shower

This self-contained studio is a wonderful space for two. It has an en-suite toilet and hot-water shower. It’s the perfect combination of eco-harmony and modern comfort. The house has peaceful views of the surrounding fruit-forests.

Casa-Chilamate is an eco-studio apartment for 2, constructed from sustainable materials from our farm

This eco-loving studio up in the canopy top is available for rent here as part of our Selvista Guesthouse Collection. It’s the newest addition to the collection and boast surrounding iews of the canopy, level with the frequent monkey visitors to the area. If you like green living, this house will not disappoint.

The Jackfruit House is a 3-story treehouse style construction with fabulous volcano views for 5 people: 2 bed, 2 bath

The Jackfruit House is a three-storey cabin that sits among the trees at Selvista Guesthouses overlooking Volcano Conception. Its one of the best places to stay on Ometepe. Its on a permaculture farm and has breakfast included. Fabulous volcano views.

Mango House is a luxury style tree-house on an exotic fruit-farm - sleeps 4

The Mango House is one of our luxury tree-top cabins here on Maderas Volcano, Isla Ometepe.

This house boasts stunning views of the volcanoes from the private balcony and enough space for all the family.

Mangos included.

Our Family / group friendly villas are excellent for those who want modern luxury in the forest. Sleeps up-to 6 people. Private indoor kitchen and living room.

This modern apartment includes everything you need for a self-catered experience. Full kitchen and living space included 2 beds 2 baths, plenty of privacy, and outdoor dining space. Self-catering. Let us know if you’d like to add on breakfast at the farm.

Maderas Wood Cabins are perfect for groups. They sleep up-to 6 people: 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Private kitchenette. hot water. Conveniently located on the main road.

The Selvista experience without getting off the main track… for those who want the touches and luxuries that we make right on the main road. 6-person accommodation with privacy 2 bathroom hot water showers, Balgue Ometepe Island. Perfect for family groups and couples or friends. Self Catering.Let us know if you’d like to add on breakfast at the farm.

See whats included here at Selvista: bed and breakfast, free farm produce, educational tours, local coffee, attentive service, daily housekeeping, high-speed Wifi, bluetooth speakers, trip assistance and much more!

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Reserve directly to guarantee your spot in a tropical permaculture paradise. See current availability here and receive instant confirmation. No fees from bookings.com nor airbnb costs to pay.

How to get here… thinking about transport from the airports or looking for ferry and boat schedules? Look no further.

There are a multitude of easily organizable transport options in Nicaragua. From chicken buses to private drivers, you can easily navigate the country on any budget.

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Find out everything you need to know about transport in Nicaragua, safety in Nicaragua, when’s the best time of year to visit, what’s included in your stay, what you can do on the island and more… whatever else you need, just [email protected]

How to get your 10 thousand steps on Venice Beach

Jun 1, 2024 • 6 min read

The best way to explore Venice Beach and its eclectic boardwalk is on foot © Getty Images

In our 10K steps series, we've asked writers for the best places to get in your steps while enjoying city sights, favorite routes and some secret detours. In this one James March takes us around the colorful and chaotic streets and boulevards of Venice Beach.

Los Angeles’ coast stretches 75 miles, but little of that sun-kissed shore is as iconic, colorful or strange as Venice Beach .

Flanked by Santa Monica to the north and Marina Del Ray to the south, Venice’s waterfront is one of the most eclectic and iconoclastic public spaces in California and has been officially part of LA since 1926. But there’s far more to Venice than just its chaotic boardwalk . From languid canals to sleek skateparks, a wander around this bizarre corner of LA is an assault on the senses like no other and all are welcome in Venice’s potpourri of hippies, misfits, performers, artists and beatniks.

The best way to soak it all in is via a looped walk, so here’s how to follow my favorite route.

Where to start: The Venice Sign

You’ll see the famous Venice Sign again later this evening (in a much brighter fashion), but it’s also a good starting point for our walk. Industrial-chic breakfast spot Eggslut is around the corner if you need a bit of pre-walk fuel with one of their (unsurprisingly) egg-heavy sandwiches. Otherwise, head east on Pacific Avenue before turning north on S Venice Blvd and joining the Venice Canals towpath.

Meander the Venice Canals

Comfortably the most peaceful corner of Venice, these saltbush-fringed canals look nothing like the rest of the neighborhood. Or LA, for that matter. With arcing white bridges, a soft color palette, swaying palms and handsome water reflections, the canals are wonderfully photogenic and don’t be surprised if you feel a pang of jealousy toward those living here.

Each waterside house is different, with the big-windowed Scandi-style modernist apartments the most seductive (in this writer’s opinion). There’s little wind here too, compared to the beach, which only adds to the joyous serenity. Watch for cormorants, herons and other birdlife splashing down as you stroll.

Exit the canals and stroll north on S Venice Blvd. Walk for around 10 minutes, past the Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library and turn left on Abbot Kinney Blvd. Abbot Kinney himself was the 19th-century founder of the canals (he successfully changed the name of this area from Ocean Park to Venice in 1911, due to his fascination with the Italian lagoon city) and now this popular street is named after him.

Stop for quality coffee on Abbot Kinney

Affluent Abbot Kinney Blvd perhaps more closely resembles other LA neighborhoods du jour like Silverlake or Brentwood, though there are some nods to its coastal location, like the pseudo wooden beach shack hosting a Ray-Ban outlet (check out turquoise Goodr cabin further down the street for more affordable shades). Speaking of shops, there are plenty of ways to empty your wallet here, from overpriced smoothies to myriad retro clothing stores.

But this sophisticated stroll is also splashed with cool murals and some excellent restaurants and coffee stops, with the airy Intelligentsia the pick of the bunch. Natural light pours down on its wood-paneled central station as organic blends are poured to the sound of bouncy jazz beats (though prepare for the occasional patience-testing line).

Reasonably-priced tacos can be grabbed at family-owned Tacos Por Favor on the corner of Electric Avenue and Hampton Drive, otherwise continue north along Hampton and past the iconic Golds Gym (Arnold Schwarzenegger still pumps iron there from time to time allegedly, though you’ll need to be up at the crack of dawn to catch him). Make a zig-zagging path to Navy St, before eventually emerging onto the northern end of the Venice boardwalk.

Hit the boardwalk

Cannabis smoke drifts, drums thump, neon bikes glimmer, handheld stereos blast, low-flying helicopters hum, people shout, others sing and hot dog stands hiss. Your senses aren’t so much assaulted in Venice’s epicenter as bludgeoned. The boardwalk is kitschy and trashy but always compelling.

With the sun a little stronger and everyone feeling a little looser, mid-afternoon is the best time to experience the boisterous boardwalk where people watching never felt so exhilarating. Duck into Small World Books for a slice of cerebral calm, and only use the beach’s public restrooms if it's really necessary.

Make the leisurely walk south at your own pace and stop at any vendor that catches your eye (there are over 200 to choose from). People here are always willing to chat and chances are you’ll meet some curiously dressed characters who may or may not tell you their life story. Sidewalk Cafe is a breezy spot for a cold afternoon beer and it’s also adjacent to the skate park, which is our next port of call.

Admire some serious skating skills

When LA’s soft late-afternoon light hits Venice’s sunken skatepark a sublime scene forms, with talented local skaters turned to gliding silhouettes fringed by tall skinny palms. The vibes are always good, with tourists and friends watching and applauding the flicks and tricks on show.

The sound of the nearby waves breaking is amplified here, and the genial encouragement alongside the funky beats from the roller skating dance plaza behind makes the atmosphere fun, especially when there’s back-and-forth banter between skaters and their friends behind the rails.

It’s not far from LA’s lapping shores here, so maybe go for a quick paddle in the Pacific while you have the chance. Head back down to the boardwalk and stop by at the famous Muscle Beach where you might catch an adonis or two working on their bench press.

Arnold, the original Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno and many more have trained here during bodybuilding’s 1970s golden era. Though these days it's the relentless clack of couples playing paddle tennis from the courts behind that’s more popular. Stroll past the restaurants and bars of Windward Avenue and take a right at the Venice Sign where you’ll head inside the Hotel Erwin .

Soak in sunset rooftop views

Surprisingly, there’s only one place in Venice with a rooftop patio, and this is it. Lined by blood orange parasols, the Hotel Erwin’s 7th-floor deck is huge and stretches the entire length of the hotel. And on a clear day the views are genuinely panoramic, with downtown’s hazy skyscrapers visible and the high craggy Malibu Hills stretching east to Hollywood and beyond.

If you time this walk right, you’ll catch a golden sunset settling over the lights of Santa Monica Pier . Many of the sofas will be reserved, but the bar and the high tables on the left-hand side are available to all comers.

You can order food at the Erwin or take the elevator back down to Windward Avenue below for more gastro options (the smoky mezcal served at the Del Monte Speakeasy inside Townhouse is a favorite of mine). But since you’re here and night has fallen, don’t forget to cross over Pacific Avenue and take a photo of the Venice Sign now that it’s all lit up and strung out in its green, white and red glory.

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