El Zopilote
Calle Principal, 300 metros al sur (al oeste de Balgüe), 48800 Balgue, Nicaragua – Good location – show map
Its setting in the jungle makes it feel exotic. Its use of alternative energy and strongly-encouraged recycling needs to be admired by patronizing it. Staff was amazing and into what they represent. I also truly enjoyed the vegetarian buffet dinner served one night.

El Zopilote Permaculture Farm/hostel is a backpackers hostel and a permaculture farm at the same time. We offer various types of hospitality like private rooms, dormitories, camping areas and hammocks. We are in the Nicaraguan Ometepe Island, on the jungle slopes of the volcano Maderas 19 mi from the port town of Moyogalpa, between Santa Cruz and Balgue . All of the rooms are basic but cozy with shared compost toilets and shared showers. All beds have mosquito nets. Guests can enjoy the on-site farm to table restaurant which serves fair priced plates coming straight from the garden, open all day; and a pizzeria open every Tuesday and Saturday night from 6pm with fire shows, dancing, natural cocktails and fun. There is free WiFi in the restaurant area. We organize many activities like free yoga , permaculture courses, cacao ceremonies, volcanoes tours, massages , workshops and lots of other activities. Bring a flash light for the night, there are lights in all the huts but the footpaths that connect them have few lights to keep the habitat more natural.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.0 for a two-person trip.
El Zopilote has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Nov 7, 2016- Free WiFi
- Bar
- Excellent Breakfast
Categories:
See what guests loved the most:
- John
United States of America
“Its setting in the jungle makes it feel exotic. Its use of alternative energy and strongly-encouraged recycling needs to be admired by patronizing it. Staff was amazing and into what they represent. I also truly enjoyed the vegetarian buffet...” - Kolby
United States of America
“This is one of the coolest hostels I've stayed at. The common areas are active and easy to meet people. The food is incredible and extremely vegan friendly. This property is going up and beyond to be eco friendly and sustainable, and are happy to...” - Kolby
United States of America
“This little Mecca of a hippy village is a must stay for anyone that vibes with eco/alternative culture. I think this is one of the coolest hostels I’ve stayed in. I kept extending my stay because I LOVED the island and I LOVED this place. Tons of...” - Rotbard
Israel
“One of those hostel you can't leave. Stayed for 8 weeks.” - Louise
United Kingdom
“we stayed for two nights here and really enjoyed our stay. we loved learning about the permaculture and taking part in the activities, many of which are free. all the food served is delicious.” - Kroghtoad
Nicaragua
“A pearl in nature, allowing city dwellers to get a tiny bite of the jungle/farm. Self sustainable with energy, serving own produce - big thumbs up. wouw. Beware that a place being in a somewhat better balance with surrounding nature, has basic...” - Ryan
United States of America
“amazing place. even if you're not interested in eco friendly self sustainable property you should give this place a shot! amazing vibes amazing workshops and classes” - AAnonymous
Netherlands
“It's an amazing jungle stay. Food is healthy and cheap, every day there's activities (breathwork blew my mind). This is not a hostel that you stay at just to have accomodation, staying at El Zopilote is an experience in itself.” - Dominic
Canada
“Amazing hostel, vibe & location. But you are in the jungle & no electricity or any kind of fans at night which was hard.” - Kauermann
Germany
“In the middle of the jungle. An amazing experience. The free Yoga was a pleasure and the food was amazing. I had such a fun night and met great people. I chose to stay longer because such a scenery you don't get anywhere else. If you want an...”
Property questions and answersBrowse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the propertyThe property usually replies within a few days
Is there a kitchen where I can cook?
hello , yes we have a common kitchen and also a restaurant which serve delicious and economic dishes. SaludosAnswered on 13 October 2021Hi there, came and checked the place out today and would love to stay, could you let me know If you have any cancelations? Thanks Sam
Hello Sam well, that's fine, we'll let you know, now we're full CheersAnswered on 13 April 2022How much does it cost to rent a lock?
hello, to rent a lock costs $ 5Answered on 30 October 2019Is it alright if I bring my dog with me? He is friendly.
hello, yes no problem pets are allowedAnswered on 9 March 2022Is it quiet at night?
hello the property is pretty big and some rooms and dorms are quieter than others... in those close to the pizzeria you may ear some music during the ..Answered on 5 August 2019Do I need a lock for the lockers?
hello, yes, it is necessary to have a lock, if you do not have one, you can rent it at the receptionAnswered on 30 October 2019- Still looking?
Area info *
Amenities of El Zopilote
- Free WiFi
- Bar
- Excellent Breakfast
- Toilet
- Shower
- Sun deck
- Terrace
- Garden
- Shared kitchen
- Live sports events (broadcast)
- Live music/Performance
- Cooking class
- Tour or class about local culture
- Themed dinnersAdditional charge
- Bike toursAdditional charge
- Walking tours
- Movie nights
- Bar crawls
- Evening entertainment
- Nightclub/DJ
- Entertainment staff
- Horseback ridingAdditional charge
- Cycling
- HikingAdditional charge
- Ping-pong
- Playground
- Game room
- Coffee house on site
- FruitAdditional charge
- Wine/ChampagneAdditional charge
- Kids' mealsAdditional charge
- Special diet meals (on request)
- Snack bar
- Bar
- Grocery deliveries
- Private check-in/out
- Baggage storage
- Tour desk
- Packed lunches
- Babysitting/Child servicesAdditional charge
- Indoor play area
- Board games/Puzzles
- Fire extinguishers
- Safe
- Designated smoking area
- Mosquito net
- Yoga classes
- MassageAdditional charge
- English
- Spanish
- Italian
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
Child policies
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.
Crib and extra bed policies
Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.
No age restriction
There's no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Free! Pets are allowed. No extra charges.
Cash
El Zopilote accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.
The fine print
There are lights in every rooms, dormitories and the restaurant area.
There aren't lights in the pats that connect the restaurant area with the rooms and dormitories.
It is important to have a flashlight to facilitate night movements.
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.
FAQs about El Zopilote
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El Zopilote offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):
- Massage
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Playground
- Game room
- Ping-pong
- Evening entertainment
- Bike tours
- Nightclub/DJ
- Movie nights
- Live music/Performance
- Horseback riding
- Entertainment staff
- Bar crawls
- Tour or class about local culture
- Themed dinners
- Yoga classes
- Walking tours
- Live sports events (broadcast)
- Cooking class
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The prices at El Zopilote may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.
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Check-in at El Zopilote is from 12:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.
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The nearest beach is 0.6 miles from El Zopilote. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.
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Guests staying at El Zopilote can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 8.8).
Breakfast option(s) include:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- American
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El Zopilote is 1.3 miles from the center of Balgue. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.