About six miles out of Moyogalpa, one can find a tranquil emerald-green pond called Charco Verde. The lagoon is an extinct parasite crater of Concepcion Volcano. Steeped in legends and mystery, Charco Verde was a sacred spot for the Nahuatl ancestors, where the indigenous population practiced rituals such as sacrifices, reincarnations, and supplications to the gods. The algae infested lagoon was called Xistletoet by the Nahuatls, which means “Place Where the Gods Pee.” They did have a sense of humor!
Today, Charco Verde is a protected nature reserve where many varieties of local and migratory birds congregate, as well as Howler monkeys, armadillos, rabbits, and deer. Walking the well-maintained trails through the dry tropical forest that surrounds the reserve, we encountered herons, monkeys, cormorants, egrets, woodpeckers, magpies, and a variety of tropical plants and trees.
Fishermen cast their nets daily.
Gardens display duendes, sort of like mischievous little gnomes or leprechauns hidden among the foliage.
Map of the 1.7 kilometer trails through the reserve.
Majestic Concepcion volcano casts its enormous shadow into the green lagoon.
Herons and Egrets wait patiently for breakfast.
Zapolotes or buzzards circle the lagoon, always picking the ripest morsels of flesh.
This tranquil lagoon has a history of magic and witchcraft. Read the Legend of Chico Largo here.
The Howler monkeys take daily siestas in the tree tops. This little one says, “Who’s there?”
Cowboys herd their stray cattle back home. Who knows? This cow may be the cowboy’s father who made a pact with the devil. Legend has it that one can call forth the devil in Charco Verde, trade one’s soul for riches, and when the devil recalls the soul, he turns the deceased into a cow. Our local butcher says he found several cows with gold teeth.
No need to be petrified about these legends. Life in Charco Verde is abundant and full of vitality. Next time you are wandering around the lagoon, watch out for the cows. It could be a deceased relative.
Rewired and Retired in Nicaragua 
hey Deb, Still make an occasional batch of candy …and always think about you!!
Bring some soon! 🙂
Great post,Debbie. Cows with gold teeth….quite the legends and mystical lore which makes it all the more interesting.
Lynne, I am fascinated with the legends and lore on the island. I started an e-book on the legends and lore of Ometepe Island. Now, I just need to make the time to finish it. 🙂
Great post Debbie 🙂 ! I have never understood why National Geographic has never done a full nature or cultural documentary on Nicaragua.. Oh well! Maybe someone will take the initiative
Jorge, about 10 years ago, National Geographic filmed a documentary here about the vampire bats. That’s the only one I’ve ever seen. It is a remarkable island with so many things to explore.
Fun stuff – the place where the gods pee . . . I love it!
So . . . wait a minute . . . I may NOT have proposed to Britney at Charco Verde after all. We thought we were there, but we were just on the lake . . . does that still count as Charco Verde?
Jefferson…yes that still counts..lol. I’m sure the gods were raining good things down on your love for one another.
Whew . . . otherwise I was going to have to change a few blog posts and my journals!
It’s good to have the reassurance that I asked Britney to marry me in THE preferred urination locale of the gods. 🙂
Lovely! I love discovering new things about my country.
I am so glad to hear this..I love discovering new things about my adopted country, too. 🙂
this is a great post! i’ve stayed near charco verdo while on one of my 72-hour/week exit from CR. I was working on paintings for a show and did one watercolor of the landscape there.. oops i also did a study of some foliage plants!
i didn’t know the trivia – shucks – or i might have been out looking for mystical creatures or a guardian spirit!
z
Z..thanks. I am so far behind on reading all the posts of my amigas y amigos. We’ve been away, and now we have company, and the big marathon is this weekend..so soon my dear friend, I’ll get caught up with my reading.
Hi, Thanx,
the gods did pee the day we were there……..
Haha! Ed, I have no doubt that the gods continue to pee there..it is the land of the not quite right, after all. LOL
Magnificent takes..!
Thank you very much for the share!
You are very welcome. When we have visitors, I always take them to Charco Verde. It’s one of my favorite places on Ometepe island.