The San Juan River marks the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The Nicaraguan side of the San Juan River Basin remains wild and natural compared to Costa Rica, where large areas have been 'domesticated'. This short adventure is a great opportunity to explore this watery jungle environment, which is excellent for wildlife observation. This is a short break for adventurers, bird and wildlife watchers. Accommodations are clean and safe, but very rustic.

Our first stop will be the frontier trading town of San Carlos. From there we travel east along the river to the town of Sabalo. The highlights of this river journey are the visit of the 300 year-old Spanish fortress with fantastic views of the River, an excursion to the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve, one of the most diverse in Central America, and a wildlife observation tour by canoe down little Bartola River, surrounded by lush rainforest and teeming with birds and wildlife. El Castillo is a small, colorful village that is best explored on foot to discover its little streets and alley-ways. Accommodation is provided by Sabalos Lodge, a simple but charming jungle lodge located just on the edge of the river.

Day 1: Managua - San Carlos - Sabalo's Lodge

Transfer from your hotel in Managua to the airport at 7.30am. Flight from Managua to San Carlos. Upon arrival in San Carlos, a driver will be waiting for you to bring you to the port and from there to your lodge by public boat. As you leave civilization behind the river soon turns into a real jungle waterway. Even on this journey you should be able to spot many species of birds and animals.
Accomodation: Hotel Sabalo's Lodge
Meals included today: dinner

Day 2: Indio Maiz Reserve - El Castillo

Private excursion to Indio Maiz Reserve with your local (Spanish speaking) guide. On the way back you will visit El Castillo, a charming river town, where you will have your lunch. El Maiz is the most extensive primary forest reserve in Central America - just a few square kilometers here house more species than can be found in all of Europe. It is a veritable biodiversity hotspot and a paradise for naturalists.
Accomodation: Hotel Sabalo's Lodge
Meals included today: breakfast and lunch

Day 3: Sabalo's - San Carlos

Private transportation to San Carlos where you will catch your flight back to Managua.
Meals included today: breakfast

Rates per person - 2012

Recommended gear: Light clothes, rain jacket, flashlight, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, mosquito repellant.
Departure: Daily except Thursday and Sunday
P#1+ for additional night at Albergue.
Native Fishing tour available (Tarpon, Robaló...)
Direct boat-transfer from and/or to Los Chiles/Costa-Rica available.

Included services:

• Transfer on Day 1 from Managua Hotel to Airport.
• Flight from Managua to San Carlos and return ( presently airfare cost is US$116.19 / Pers. This tariff can change anytime without previous notice )
• Local transfers from San Carlos landing strip to port and return
• Two nights accommodation at Sabalos Lodge Bungalow with breakfast and dinner on day 1
• Excursion on Day 2 to Indio-Maiz Reserve and el Castillo including local guide, entrance fee and lunch

Not included services:

• Domestic airport departure taxes (at this time about US$2.00 / Pers. - can change anytime without previous notice)
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• Additional excursions, which can be booked directly at Lodge
• Bilingual Tour-Guide
• Personal expenses
• Transfer out in Managua (after Package)

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.