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What is El Encanto

El Encanto is an experimental finca (farm) with social, agricultural and tourism projects. Located in the community of Santa Cruz, it consists of 10 acres of land with private road access, clean drinking water, electricity, hospedaje and restaurant. The finca was founded in April 2005 by the owners Helen Lorenz and Carlos Espino.



Our views

The petroglyphs found on the property show that this place has had a special attraction for humans for thousands of years. And it's not surprising, because the exceptional location of the finca allows one to enjoy some of the most beautiful views on the island. The finca dominates the crest of the last hill at the foot of the Maderas volcano which provides an imposing background for the south easterly views.

The view of the lake towards the east is spectacular. An incredible relaxing effect is produced by the dominance of the huge mass of water on the horizon. On clear days you can see the Chontales mountain range on the other side of the lake and, at night, the twinkling lights of the ferry headed for San Carlos.

Below the finca the flats of El Apante, the land traditionally used for rice farming in the community, extend towards the north. Further in the distance is the mysterious Istiam River that at times has its course traced by the orange flowers of the helequeme or the red blooms of the carao tree. Beyond the river, the land starts to rise dizzily 1600 meters towards the heavens to form the majestic and perfect cone of Concepción Volcano.

At night, the open space and lack of light pollution make the heavens a starry spectacle with the Milky Way at its maximum splendor. You can watch the full moon rise from the hotel porch or from the restaurant, and at new moon see a beautiful moon set behind Concepcion volcano.



Agriculture

Our plantain plantation has more than 3000 trees in a 3.7 acres area of land. We also have several varieties of bananas and other plants and fruit trees including passion fruit, papaya, mango, guava and soursop.

Also found on the property are naturally occurring examples of trees commonly found on the island: white cedar, roble, laurel, black madero and species with special uses such as guasimo, annatto, and bamboo.

As for vegetables, according to the season we produce cucumbers, zucchinis, chilies, yucca and spinach as well as edible herbs such as chaya, basil and quelite.

Lastly, we maintain ornamental gardens for your enjoyment on your next visit to El Encanto.

 


 
 
OMETEPEDIA
 

The manzana and the vara

On Ometepe, the land is measured in "manzanas", one of which is equivalent to 10,000 square varas (100 x 100). A "vara" is equal to 0.836 meters. That is, a square manzana is an area of 83.6 x 83.6 meters.

The Plantain

The plantain is the most important product on the island. Most of the harvest is exported to El Salvador.

The plantain plantation is known as "chagüite". The plant is called a "cepa" and is planted in rows 3 varas apart.

Plantains are sold by the "carga". A carga contains 12 "racimas", piñas" o "mancuernas" of 60 pieces of fruit each, that is a carga consists of 720 plantains.
Petroglyph in front of the main house at
El Encanto.		  
   
 
Working with Concepción volcano in the background.  
     
Drying rice at the foot of Maderas volcano.
     
 
Community work

As part of our social contribution to the community, El Encanto has implemented an after hours emergency transport service. Persons who are seriously ill or injured, and women in labor may request transport to a health services center.

Also, we work in close collaboration with the community to resolve the most urgent drinking water system problems.
Passion fruit.    

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