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. Accommodations are clean and safe, but very basic.

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, which is surrounded by luxuriant rainforest, with abundant birds and wildlife. El Castillo is a small, colorful village, that can be discovered by walking and exploring its little streets and alleys.

We will continue our tour traveling up to the great 'Lake Nicaragua', where we will explore the "Guatuzos" Natural Reserve and the tranquil Solentiname Islands, an archipelago of 30 islands, where we will visit local painters and artisans.

Accommodation is provided by Sabalos Lodge, a simple but charming jungle lodge located just on the edge of the river surrounded by tropical vegetation.

Rio San Juan and Solentiname (4 Days / 3 Nights)

Day 1: Managua - San Carlos - Sabalo's

Transfer from your hotel in Managua to the airport at 7.00am. 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 - Los Guatuzos - Solentiname

Private transportation to San Carlos and then towards the "Guatuzos" Natural Reserve where you can explore the forest on a hanging bridge walk. Entrance fees and lunch included. Finally we will continue our journey to the tranquil Solentiname Islands where we will visit local painters and artisans whose primitive folkart has gained worldwide recognition.
Accomodation: Hotel Celentuname
Meals included today: breakfast and lunch

Day 4: Solentiname - San Carlos

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

Rates per person for 2010

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 (at this time airfare cost US$120.00 / Pers. This tariff can change anytime without previous notice)
• Local transfers from San Carlos landing strip to port and return.
• Public boat transportation to Sabalos on Day 1.
• Two nights accomodation at Sabalos Lodge Bungalow with breakfast and dinner on day 1.
• Private Boat transportation on Day 3 and 4.
• Two nights' accomodation at Celentiname Lodge with breakfast, one lunch and two dinner.
• Full day excursion on Day 2 to Indio-Maiz Reserve and el Castillo including local guide, entrance fee and lunch
• Excursion on Day 3 to Los Guatuzos Reserve including entrance fees and hanging bridge walk and lunch
• Documentation about the Package.

Not included services:

• Domestic airport departure taxes ( at this time about US$2.00 / Pers. - can change anytime without previous notice
• Further meals and drinks
• Additional excursions
• Bilingual Tour-Guide
• Personal expenses
• Transfer out in Managua (after Package)

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