I have signed up for an all day tour around the island. The highlight will be a climb part way up Maderas, one of the 2 volcanoes that form the island. Ometepe actually means "two volcanos". Pretty straightforward when you think about it. They are joined by a low flat isthmus. On our way to Maderas we stop at one of the many petroglyphs that can be found on the island. These are carvings made by the Aztecs into the abundant basalt rock. The climb is fairly straightforward with only the heat and ever present humidity providing a challenge. We pass through rain forest and cleared areas. It is surprising to find rice being grown on the mountain side. Apparently they rely on the rain during the wet season to get the crop to a stage where it can be harvested. Thankfully we reach the lookout point just before a heavy shower of rain comes through and get some shelter from a very basic lean to. The view over the isthmus and towards Concepcion, the other volcano, is limited but still worth the walk. It's amazing that 46,000 people call this island home. The track is very slippery on the way down. We can hear howler monkeys somewhere in the distance. Their screech is incredible and it's quite likely that they are anything up to 2 kilometres away. There is also an abundance of brightly coloured butterflys everywhere you look. Lunch in a restaurant overlooking the water is a welcome break and then it's off to some mineral springs. They supposedly provide wonderful healing powers and maintain youthfullness. Judging by the people I see the springs aren't working and I decide to give a swim a miss. We finish the day off with dinner at the hotel and a bonfire on the beach. With the obligatory marshmellows for toasting.