- 4.9/5 318 Latest reviews
- Destination: Nicaragua
- Duration: 12 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Adventure
About This Trip
Most Central America trips stay on the Pacific side. This 12-day private trip goes down the San Juan River, kayaks through the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, and ends on Lake Nicaragua at Granada.
You paddle past colonial fortresses and jungle riverbanks, stay in remote lodges and visit the Caribbean lowlands near San Juan del Norte. It is a tailor-made trip with a private guide and boat crew, and it suits fit, flexible travelers who are comfortable with basic lodging, long days on the water and weather that can change the plan.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Managua
Arrival, trip briefing
2
San Carlos to Boca de Sabalos
Journey to the San Juan River, river lodge
3
Bartola
Kayaking, El Castillo fortress, rainforest lodge
4 - 6
Indio Maíz Biological Reserve
Deep-jungle paddling, birdwatching, El Bobo community
7 - 8
San Juan del Norte
Caribbean lowlands, lagoon, rest day
9
El Castillo
Boat back upriver
10
Granada
Colonial city, Lake Nicaragua
11
Jicaro Island
Island lodge, kayaking
12
Granada to Managua
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Managua – Gateway to Your Nicaragua Adventure Tour
Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Rest, then meet your guide for a briefing on gear, weather and the river days ahead.
Highlights: Airport transfer, hotel check-in, trip briefing
- Managua
- Day 2: To the San Juan River
After an early breakfast, travel overland to San Carlos, located on the southern shores of Lake Nicaragua. From here, your Nicaragua Adventure Tour enters one of its most scenic phases as you cruise along the legendary San Juan River. Watch riverside villages, dense rainforest, and abundant birdlife pass by before reaching the remote jungle village of Boca de Sabalos. Settle into your eco-lodge and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the rainforest.
Highlights: Journey to San Carlos, river boat, riverside lodge
- B , D
- Boca de Sabalos
- Day 3: Kayaking to Bartola
Paddle a calm stretch of the river, then visit the Fortress of the Immaculate Conception at El Castillo, built to defend the river against pirates. Continue to Bartola, where your lodge sits at the edge of the rainforest. Tell us your kayaking experience in advance.
Highlights: Kayaking, El Castillo fortress, Bartola lodge
- B , L , D
- Bartola
- Day 4: Into the Indio Maíz Reserve
Paddle narrow waterways inside the reserve, past overhanging trees and quiet channels. Walk a short trail to see signs of the Gold Rush era, such as old steamboat remains. Sleep at a ranger station or campsite, so pack light.
Highlights: Jungle paddling, steamboat remains, reserve overnight
- B , L , D
- Indio Maiz Biological Reserve
- Day 5: Wildlife and Birdwatching
Spend the day on the Sarapiquí River and forest trails, with a guide to help spot toucans, parrots and monkeys. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, and early mornings are best. Heavy rain can limit trail access.
Highlights: Birdwatching, wildlife spotting, forest walks
- B , L , D
- Indio Maiz Biological Reserve
- Day 6: El Bobo Community
Paddle on to the El Bobo community, a small settlement on the river, and stop at a ranger post. Learn how residents live and work beside the reserve. We confirm the community visit with the hosts in advance.
Highlights: Paddling, ranger post, El Bobo community visit
- B , L , D
- Indio Maiz Biological Reserve
- Day 7: To San Juan del Norte
Continue downstream into the lowlands near the Caribbean coast, crossing lagoons and old canal routes. Arrive at San Juan del Norte by evening and settle into your lodge. Check the weather, as coastal storms can change the plan.
Highlights: Lagoon crossings, Caribbean lowlands, San Juan del Norte arrival
- B , L , D
- San Juan Del Sur
- Day 8: Rest and Lagoon Day
Take it easy at the lodge, or add a lagoon paddle or bird walk. Your guide can suggest options, and we can shorten the trip if you’d rather skip this stop.
Highlights: Rest, optional lagoon paddle, birdwatching
- B , L , D
- San Juan Del Sur
- Day 9: Back Upriver to El Castillo
This is a long boat day back upriver, usually several hours. Stop for lunch on the way and arrive in El Castillo in the afternoon. Walk the town’s cobbled streets in the evening.
Highlights: River journey, El Castillo evening
- B , L
- El Castillo
- Day 10: El Castillo – Granada
Take the boat to San Carlos, then continue to Granada across Lake Nicaragua or by road, depending on conditions. Expect most of the day in transit. In the evening, walk Granada’s colonial center.
Highlights: Boat to San Carlos, transfer to Granada, colonial evening
- B , L
- Granada
- Day 11: Jicaro Island
Take a short boat ride from Granada to Jicaro Island, an eco-lodge on Lake Nicaragua. Kayak around the islets or watch birds from the water. Swim, rest and enjoy a quiet evening.
Highlights: Island boat, kayaking, birdwatching, lodge evening
- B , L , D
- Jicaro Island
- Day 12: Depart from Managua
Take a relaxed morning on the island, then travel to Granada and Managua for your flight home. Allow at least 1.5 hours for the transfer, and tell us your flight time in advance.
Highlights: Island morning, transfer to Managua, departure
- B
Get a Free Tour Quote
Fill out the form below and our travel experts will send you the best personalizes offer.
CONTACT A TRAVEL EXPERT
1-to-1 Service | Reply within 24hrs | Expert's Advice
