Nicaragua Adventure along Rio San Juan

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Managua

  Arrive in Managua, the gateway for your adventure in the following days. Meet your expedition leader at the airport and transfer to the downtown hotel for the night.

  • Managua

• Day 2: Managua - San Carlos - Boca de Sabalos

  Leave the capital city on the southwestern shore of Lake Managua behind and travel about five hours overland to San Carlos on the southeastern bank of Lake Nicaragua. Then, board a public boat and sail about 2.5 hours down the San Juan River to the jungle village Sabalos. Settle into a rustic jungle lodge and have a good rest.

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  • Boca de Sabalos

• Day 3: Boca de Sabalos - Bartola

  Change to a kayak this afternoon and paddle around five hours along the river to Bartola. Along the way, land in El Castillo, a historical village standing on the southern bank of the San Juan River and protecting Granada from pirates in old times, and visit the Fortress of the Immaculate Conception.

  Late in the day, check into your lodge on the west edge of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve and relish its biodiversity surroundings.

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  • Bartola

• Day 4: Bartola - Indio Maíz Biological Reserve

  Continue your kayak adventure to Boca de San Carlos. Before your start, the operations assistant of your expedition leader will travel ahead to prepare the campsite and food for you.

  Along the way, you will immerse into the rainforest of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, crossing some rapids and meeting some remains of steamboats from the 19th century.

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  • Indio Maíz Biological Reserve

• Day 5: Indio Maíz Biological Reserve

  Prepare for another full day of kayak adventure, for about 8 hours to Sarapiquí River Delta. Paddle through the heart of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, exploring the tropical rainforest and spotting colorful birds, like scarlet tanager, king vulture, rainbow-billed toucan, etc.

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  • Indio Maíz Biological Reserve

• Day 6: Indio Maíz Biological Reserve

  Kayaking through dense forest and passing untouched islands along the river, about six hours later, you will arrive at El Jobo, a small community initially built by refugees from Costa Rica during wartime. En route, stop at a park ranger station, enjoy a hot drink and learn about local life.

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  • Indio Maíz Biological Reserve

• Day 7: Indio Maíz Biological Reserve - San Juan del Norte

  Set off for the last leg of your adventure today, running through the lowlands of the Caribbean and arriving in San Juan del Norte in around five hours. Along the way, you will cross several lagoons and parts of the abandoned canal during the times of the gold rush. Reach your lodge in the early afternoon, relax and celebrate the success of your epic journey along the San Juan River.

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  • San Juan del Norte

• Day 8: San Juan del Norte

  It is a free day for recovering from the fatigue of the past few days' thrilling journeys. Enjoy the swimming pool in the lodge or take a leisurely walk to spot the surrounding wildlife. Or, explore the nearby lagoon and old towns at your own pace.

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  • San Juan del Norte

• Day 9: San Juan del Norte - El Castillo

  After breakfast, take a boat crossing the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve back to El Castillo and relish in the picturesque town with colorful riverside houses, cobbled streets, and rich histories.

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  • El Castillo

• Day 10: El Castillo - San Carlos - Puerto Colon - Granada

  After breakfast, take a boat crossing the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve back to El Castillo and relish in the picturesque town with colorful riverside houses, cobbled streets, and rich histories.

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  • Granada

• Day 11: Granada - Jicaro Island

  Today, a 10-minute boat ride from the Asese Port of Granada will take you to the luxury Jicaro Island Lodge on a private island hidden away on Lake Nicaragua. After arrival, jump in a kayak and explore the surrounding islets with an experienced guide. Navigate through the calm waters, spotting birds and other wildlife around the lake and discovering the daily lives of local fishing communities.

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  • Jicaro Island

• Day 12: Jicaro Island - Granada - Managua, Exit

  Enjoy a hearty breakfast and a relaxing morning on the island. Then, get back to Granada for the one-hour land transfer to the international airport of Managua. End your Nicaragua expedition and have a smooth journey back home.

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