Chico Largo is the name of a small hill located close to the Charco Verde natural reserve. The Chico Largo is a beautiful place, yet many people on Ometepe and even people from other parts of Nicaragua are scared of this hill, as it is surrounded with legends and stories.

There are several different legends concerning the Chico Largo. The central idea in all of the stories is that a very big person (called Chico Largo) living on this hill spread fears among the population. Some believe this person represents the devil, and although most people tell the story as if it were a legend, they still do fear this place. According to one of the stories, people were transformed at the Chico Largo into cows after selling their soul to the devil. Notable is the fact that there are nowadays many cows living at the area.

For the ones who dare to take the risk to return as cattle the Chico Largo offers a nice trail to hike. The trail leads to the top from where you have a superb view. You can see Charco Verde and the Green Lagoon, as well as the small island ‘Isla el Quiste’. Furthermore, you can see the main land rising out of the lake at the horizon.

A hike on this green hill will have another reward when done at sunset. From Chico Largo, you can experience one of the most special sunsets on the island. When the sun disappears at the horizon, the light first bounces off on the Pacific Ocean, which lies right behind a small strip of main land. In addition to the sea and the land, there lies also another significant surface of water of the lake to reflect the light. These unusual conditions make that the sky turns into a truly amazing, colorful setting. The hill provides a great place to set your eyes on this extraordinary sunset.

The hike is rather easy as the hill is not very high or steep. It will take around half an hour to get to the viewpoint. The hill is located on the property of hotel Posada del Chico Largo, from where you can start your hike and get more information. Real daredevils can also attend the full moon parties organized by the hotel. If there is a chance to see the Chico Largo, it is probably during a full moon at the bottom of the enchanted hill…