Ometepe Island
The Heart of Lake Nicaragua
Pachavega Plant-Based Culinary School
Ometepe Island
The Heart of Lake Nicaragua
Pachavega Plant-Based Culinary School
Once upon a time, nestled in the heart of Nicaragua’s vast Lake Nicaragua, there lay an island of unparalleled beauty and mystique called Ometepe. This enchanted island was formed by two majestic volcanoes rising from the waters, creating a mesmerizing landscape that seemed straight out of a fairy tale.
Long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, Ometepe was inhabited by indigenous peoples who revered the land and its natural wonders. They believed the twin volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas, were sacred deities, guardians of the island’s prosperity and fertility.
Legend has it that centuries ago, a powerful shaman named Tlaloc resided on Ometepe. He was deeply connected to the land and possessed the ability to communicate with the spirits of nature. Tlaloc was known for his wisdom and compassion, and he dedicated his life to preserving the island’s harmony.
As time passed, the island faced challenges from outside forces seeking to exploit its resources for personal gain. But Tlaloc, with the help of his fellow islanders, stood firm in their commitment to protect Ometepe’s natural heritage. They formed a community rooted in respect for the land, living in harmony with nature and each other.
Centuries later, a group of adventurers stumbled upon Ometepe, drawn by its allure and mysticism. Among them was a young woman named Danielle, who had heard whispers of the island’s magic and felt a deep calling to explore its secrets.
Driven by her passion for sustainable living and mindful eating, Danielle had dedicated years of her life to spreading awareness about the transformative power of plant-based nutrition. In 2013, she founded Pachavega Living Foods Education with a powerful vision—to inspire people to take charge of their happiness and health by embracing mindful eating.
How we ended up here...
In her pursuit of this mission, while travelling across Central America, Danielle encountered Ometepe and was swept up by its magic. This was a place where her dreams could take root and flourish. Inspired by the island’s beauty and the resilience of its people, Danielle dedicated herself to establishing a remarkable vegan culinary school on Ometepe’s sacred grounds.
It took her 11 years of dedication and perseverance, but finally, in January 2025, Pachavega Plant-based Culinary School will open its doors on the island of Ometepe, with permanent roots firmly planted in the rich soil. Here, students from around the world travel far and wide to learn the art of plant-based culinary mastery, guided by Danielle’s expertise and passion.
Beyond her culinary endeavors, Danielle’s personal journey of resilience and healing stood as a testament to the transformative power of a well-planned plant-based whole foods diet. With boundless dedication, she now resides full-time in Nicaragua with her beautiful daughter, Indira, continuing to spread the seeds of health and vitality through her life’s work.
As the sun sets over the twin volcanoes of Ometepe, Danielle’s vision merges seamlessly with the island’s ancient wisdom, creating a harmonious tapestry of sustainability, wellness, and reverence for nature. And so, the legacy of Ometepe lives on, intertwined with the mission and values of Pachavega—a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
It is my calling to find deep inner peace and to cultivate joy from within. Through food as medicine we can awaken to our highest selves.
Danielle Arsenault