Name: El Pital
Address: Balgüe, Balgue, Nicaragua, Balgüe, Ometepe, Nicaragua
Rating: 8.4

Info & prices
Facilities
House Rules
Guest Reviews (82)

Hostel El Pital

Beachfront · Private Beach. Property is on or next to a beach and has a private beach (free access).

Balgüe, Balgue, Nicaragua –

The building where the hostel is located

Other activities available at the hostel or nearby

A bunk bed or bunk beds in a room at El Pital

Lock in a great price for El Pital – rated 8.4 by recent guests!

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The chocolate is divine!! Also watching the sunset on the paddleboard is amazing!! ... The cacao ceremony is magical! (: And the outdoor shower was so nice to start my day °•°

Mon

Nicaragua

The location was sublime, right next to the lake and with a clear view of the stars. There are mango trees everywhere and it’s on an organic farm.

Sharmin

New Zealand

Amazing location with amazing atmosphere and people, definitely worth a visit if you’re round ometepe.

Mohamad

Lebanon

Its hard to depart from el pital without leaving a piece of your heart there. Its not just the decadent chocolate. Its not just the tranquility that the lakeside breeze sweeps in, and its not just the tropical profusion of plants that line the path to the showers. Pardon the cliche, but its the people who make you feel welcome and cared for. The manager Ishay is a true character and it would be worth the visit just to El Pital just to meet him. There were a few facility issues as the hostel was starting up again and he was more than accommodating-solving them becomes the first priority. Whether or not you end up staying at El Pital, do make a visit. It is a true sparkle of the gem Ometepe Island Thanks to all of the volunteers and staff that made it a special experience.

Connor

United States of America

The place on the lagoon was incredible, the rooms place high between the trees, its like living in the jungle but very clean and high level of facilities. Also, I very like the breakfast and chocolate dessert! The stuff are lovely people, that help me about every issue I need.

Avi

Israel

The land was beautiful and had many spaces to be in (hammocks, swings, benches) all along the water. I really enjoyed that there was a deck for yoga and dance and I found the dorm room to be spacious and comfortable. The chocolate and smoothies are excellent too and the hosts are very nice!

Stacie

Nicaragua

The Chocolate 🍫 is literally otherworldly. Since they process it so gently, it maintains its nutritional properties. You can feel the difference, it really is a chocolate lovers paradise!

Nicholas

United States of America

This is one of the only family friendly places on the island and definitely the ONLY family friendly hostel. What a great addition to a fantastic traveler scene on Ometepe

Anna

Guatemala

The vibe: it was relaxed and there was enough space for everyone to do what they wanted the people are kind, happy and give you honest advice

Roswitha

Netherlands

Great location next to the lake. Very relaxing feel and good chocolate.

Catherine

United Kingdom

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8.8

Staff

What guests loved the most:
“The chocolate is divine!! Also watching the sunset on the paddleboard is amazing!! ... The cacao ceremony is magical! (: And the outdoor shower was so nice to start my day °•°”

Mon Nicaragua
“The location was sublime, right next to the lake and with a clear view of the stars. There are mango trees everywhere and it’s on an organic farm.”

Sharmin New Zealand
“Amazing location with amazing atmosphere and people, definitely worth a visit if you’re round ometepe.”

Mohamad Lebanon
“Its hard to depart from el pital without leaving a piece of your heart there. Its not just the decadent chocolate.”

Connor United States of America
“The place on the lagoon was incredible, the rooms place high between the trees, its like living in the jungle but very clean and high level of facilities.”

Avi Israel
“The land was beautiful and had many spaces to be in (hammocks, swings, benches) all along the water.”

Stacie Nicaragua
“The Chocolate 🍫 is literally otherworldly. Since they process it so gently, it maintains its nutritional properties. You can feel the difference, it really is a chocolate lovers paradise!”

Nicholas United States of America
“This is one of the only family friendly places on the island and definitely the ONLY family friendly hostel. What a great addition to a fantastic traveler scene on Ometepe”

Anna Guatemala
“The vibe: it was relaxed and there was enough space for everyone to do what they wanted the people are kind, happy and give you honest advice”

Roswitha Netherlands
“Great location next to the lake. Very relaxing feel and good chocolate.”

Catherine United Kingdom

Located in Balgue, El Pital offers beachfront accommodations 9 miles from Maderas Volcano and has facilities like a bar, a shared lounge and a garden. The property has a private beach area, as well as a terrace. The property provides evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk.

Rooms come with a shared bathroom with a shower, while some rooms include a patio and others also feature lake views.

A vegan breakfast is available each morning at the hostel.

You can play ping pong at El Pital, and bike rental is available.

We speak your language!

El Pital has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Dec 15, 2017

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

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Most Popular Facilities

Bar

Beachfront

Private beach area

Bookers love...

“great place”
9 related reviews

“free yoga”
8 related reviews

“delicious food”
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Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.8)

Breakfast Info

Vegan

Free Parking Available On Site

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Children

1 property in Balgue like El Pital was booked in the last 12 hours

Area Info

–

Closest Landmarks *

Maderas Volcano
3.1 miles

Restaurants & Markets *

Zopilote Restaurant
0.6 miles
Bamboo Restaurant
0.7 miles
Small tienda Market
0.4 miles
Ristorante Pizzeria mediteraneo Restaurant
0.6 miles

Natural Beauty *

Volcana Maderas Mountain
5 miles
Volcano Concepcion Mountain
8.7 miles
Lake Nicaragua Lake
0 miles

Closest Airports *

San Carlos Airport
56.8 miles

All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What Travelers Love About This Location

“The location is perfect - right by the lake with perfect access to swimming or reading your book and watching the volcano. The dorm by the lake is also really n...”

Hannah

Canada

8.7

“This place is magical. Incredible vibe and nice people. The food, which is all vegan, is so tasty and the chocolate is also very good! The site is large and the...”

Ariane

Canada

“My stay in el pital has been super nice and I wish i could have stayed longer:) The place is new, and with a great vibe!! You can chill out on their private bea...”

Sandra

Spain

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4 reasons to choose El Pital

Why book with us?

Manage your bookings online

The staff speaks English

Booking is safe

House Rules El Pital takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Check-out

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

This property doesn't offer cribs.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

Pets

Pets are allowed. Charges may apply.

Cash only

This property only accepts cash payments.

The Fine Print

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

“The chocolate is divine!! Also watching the sunset on the paddleboard is amazing!! ... The cacao ceremony is magical! (: And the outdoor shower was so nice to start my day °•°”

“Its hard to depart from el pital without leaving a piece of your heart there. Its not just the decadent chocolate. Its not just the tranquility that the lakeside breeze sweeps in, and its not just the tropical profusion of plants that line the path to the showers. Pardon the cliche, but its the people who make you feel welcome and cared for. The manager Ishay is a true character and it would be worth the visit just to El Pital just to meet him. There were a few facility issues as the hostel was starting up again and he was more than accommodating-solving them becomes the first priority. Whether or not you end up staying at El Pital, do make a visit. It is a true sparkle of the gem Ometepe Island Thanks to all of the volunteers and staff that made it a special experience.”

“The place on the lagoon was incredible, the rooms place high between the trees, its like living in the jungle but very clean and high level of facilities. Also, I very like the breakfast and chocolate dessert! The stuff are lovely people, that help me about every issue I need.”

“The land was beautiful and had many spaces to be in (hammocks, swings, benches) all along the water. I really enjoyed that there was a deck for yoga and dance and I found the dorm room to be spacious and comfortable. The chocolate and smoothies are excellent too and the hosts are very nice!”

“The Chocolate 🍫 is literally otherworldly. Since they process it so gently, it maintains its nutritional properties. You can feel the difference, it really is a chocolate lovers paradise!”

See all guest reviews for El Pital

Newest Reviews for El Pital

Reviewed: August 10, 2019

Roswitha
Netherlands
9.2

“We enjoyed our stay! The chocolate was amazing!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
There were no mosquito nets over the beds
The vibe: it was relaxed and there was enough space for everyone to do what they wanted the people are kind, happy and give you honest advice

Stayed in August 2019
Reviewed: August 4, 2019

Mon
Nicaragua
10

“Beyond magical, left feeling rejuvenated.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Everything was great! The staff was so helpful!
The chocolate is divine!! Also watching the sunset on the paddleboard is amazing!! ... The cacao ceremony is magical! (: And the outdoor shower was so nice to start my day °•°

Stayed in August 2019
Reviewed: July 18, 2019

Catherine
United Kingdom
6.3

Pleasant
- • Leisure trip
- • Travelers with friends
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The rooms could do with a revamp as there was clear signs of damp. When booking it said there would be free yoga however when we arrived apparently the yoga teacher had left a couple of days before. When meeting other travellers who had visited this hostel a few weeks before they were told the same thing. Food was pricey.
Great location next to the lake. Very relaxing feel and good chocolate.

Stayed in June 2019
Reviewed: July 4, 2019

Anonymous
Nicaragua
10

“A chocolate paradise... In paradise! ”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
I loved everything! Stunning location, friendly staff, delicious food, free tour of the chocolate factory and wow... The cacao really is something else! I ended up staying longer than just one night and I'm so glad it did. I got to try different things on the menu, enjoyed some relaxing time on the hammock and the lake is literally a few meters away. Dinner was different every day, vegan and cooked with local fresh products.

Stayed in June 2019
Reviewed: June 23, 2019

Michelle
Nicaragua
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
magical place!

Stayed in June 2019
Reviewed: June 12, 2019

Dominik
Nicaragua
10

“Magic is real”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
I've stayed at El pital chocolate paradise for one night. I found the place to be way beyond my expectations. First of all the place is in the perfect spot for jumping in the lake and admire stunning sunsets every evening in the swing area. There is plenty of vegetation and colour around, and it's easy to reach the main attractions of the island by bike or atv. The dorm was clean and pretty, no mosquitos and fresh air all the time. There are several activities going on during the week and the food served was one of the best I had in my life! The local staff is always polite and smiling and the guys are ready to introduce you to the magical world of cacao and chocolate. A special mention of course has to be done about the chocolate you can try here. It was the BEST I've ever tried and I'll try for sure!! You can tell everything is made with love, from the brownies to the smoothies or the magic ball. It was a dream for the mouth and the hearth! Thank you so much el pital, keep spreading love and chocolate to the world!!

Stayed in June 2019
Reviewed: June 8, 2019

Hannah
Canada
8.8

“Great spot to relax and enjoy nature!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The dorm at the back of the property is very stuffy and doesn't get much of a breeze at night - it could use some more fans or windows that open.
The location is perfect - right by the lake with perfect access to swimming or reading your book and watching the volcano. The dorm by the lake is also really nice, breezy for sleeping and not overcrowded. Homemade family dinners every night are incredible and made with love - with really enjoyed every meal as well. El Pital is a great place to relax comfortably in nature.

Stayed in June 2019
Reviewed: June 4, 2019

Sharmin
New Zealand

1 helpful vote
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
It’s a new place so some places are being constructed
The location was sublime, right next to the lake and with a clear view of the stars. There are mango trees everywhere and it’s on an organic farm.

Stayed in June 2019
Reviewed: May 28, 2019

Basile
France
10

“Don't forget to get a brownie !!!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Hard question...
The place is really amazing, a perfect view on the lake and the volcano. The chocolate produced at the plage, damn it is soooooooooo good. Good vibes and cool staff

Stayed in May 2019
Reviewed: May 26, 2019

Avner
Israel
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Everything!

Stayed in May 2019
Reviewed: May 17, 2019

Ye
China

3 helpful votes
5.8

Okay
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Mismanagement
Tranquila

Stayed in April 2019
Reviewed: April 27, 2019

Mohamad
Lebanon
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Travelers with friends
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Amazing location with amazing atmosphere and people, definitely worth a visit if you’re round ometepe.

Stayed in April 2019
Reviewed: April 26, 2019

Anonymous
Germany

2 helpful votes
7.5

Good
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Normally there is like a " family" dinner at 7.30pm. One day there were a Caco Ceremony at 6 pm and we were sitting at the table waiting for dinner. Around 8 pm we asked when they think there will be dinner. The volunteer didn't really know what to answer and said it will be later because of the cacao ceremony. At the end we got dinner around 8.45pm. Also the light switch in the shower was broken. When I tried to turn light on I got an electric shock.
The 10 dorm bedroom is really nice with a 360 degree view.

Stayed in April 2019
Reviewed: April 10, 2019

Benjamin
Nicaragua
10

“Magic Andy beauty in this place.”
- • With a pet
- • Business trip
- • Group
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
More chocolate, they are so good that it's hard for them to keep it on the shelves!
The family, the vibe, the chocolate, magic in the cacao, this is one of the best places on the island!

Stayed in March 2019
Reviewed: March 30, 2019

Anonymous
Switzerland
5.0

Fair
- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Stayed 3 nights
It wasn't what we were looking for; the room was quite dirty and no chilling spot available if you want to relax and enjoy the view on the volcano. I think it's a great place if you are looking for a cheap place with not a lot of amenities.
Nice staff, nice community.

Stayed in March 2019

Sleeps	Room Type
× 10	10-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room 10 twin beds	Show prices
Start of dialog content Free parking This tent has a patio and mountain view Room Facilities: • Shower • Shared bathroom • Fan • Toilet • Patio • Bathtub or shower • View • Mosquito net • Towels/Sheets (extra fee) • Garden view • Linens • Outdoor furniture • Outdoor dining area • Upper floors accessible by stairs only • Drying rack for clothing • Toilet paper • Board games/puzzles Parking: Free! Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed). Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date / / Check-in Date Check-out Date / / Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content
× 6	6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room 6 bunk beds	Show prices
Start of dialog content Free parking Room Facilities: • Shower • Shared bathroom • Sitting area • Fan • Toilet • Mosquito net • Towels/Sheets (extra fee) • Garden view • Linens • Entire unit located on ground floor • Drying rack for clothing • Toilet paper Parking: Free! Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed). Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date / / Check-in Date Check-out Date / / Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content
× 8	8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room 8 bunk beds	Show prices
Start of dialog content Free parking Room Facilities: • Shower • Shared bathroom • Toilet • View • Mosquito net • Towels/Sheets (extra fee) • Lake view • Linens • Upper floors accessible by stairs only • Drying rack for clothing • Toilet paper Parking: Free! Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed). Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date / / Check-in Date Check-out Date / / Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content

Hostel El Pital

El Pital

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Area Info

Closest Landmarks *

Restaurants & Markets *

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Closest Airports *

What Travelers Love About This Location

4 reasons to choose El Pital

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See availability Facilities of El Pital Great facilities! Review score, 8.1

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Facilities of El Pital Great facilities! Review score, 8.1

House Rules El Pital takes special requests – add in the next step!