The area of the Rio San Juan de Nicaragua is a prime destination not only in the country but also in the isthmus. Soil rich in biodiversity, as well as it is an area rich in culture and history.

Since its beginning to its end, the River combines culture, lush nature and history. Solentiname, the cradle of primitive paintings from Nicaragua, the raft woodwork was a source of inspiration for many poets including Ernesto Cardenal.

San Carlos to say, surprising gateway between two different universes that are the river and the lake. The Castle, their stronghold, the temple of a story and symbol of the struggle for independence located a few miles from the Indio Maiz Reserve, a jewel of nature. Finally San Juan de Nicaragua, little-known city in a lush setting that combines authenticity, virginity and vestiges of the past.

San Juan River is a destination rich almost untouched because it is at once the past, present and future for their incredible wealth still preserved.

In general, in all Rio San Juan businesses accept the U.S. Dollar, and the local currency which is the cordoba. Most of them also accepte Colón (Costa Rican currency) and in some case the Eurois accepted, but not systematically.

To pay most activities and hotels price are in US$ but you should also have some Cordobas.(US$1 = C$30.88/ marzo 2018) For small purchases the Cordoba is preferable.

Few businesses can charge credit cards and you need to be clear the only ATM machine you will find are in San Carlos.

It is certainly very safe to travel to Rio San Juan. The destination is very preserved and crime is almost absent in the area. Tourism remains a significant source of income for local people, they always rely on what they say. In the main cities you will be able walk freely and safely in the street. As for the excursions, we recommend to hire professional tourism guide to avoid the classic problems relating to adventure tourism.

Transportation existe between Bluefields and San Juan de Nicaragua, but it is safer to ask onsite because everything is relative. You should know that they will not travel in peak condition. Boats are no equipped exactly for passenger transportion but it is part of this unique adventure.

You can expect to live a pretty unique experience and discovering the culture, history and nature of the area. In addition to attractions like fortresses. It is fair to expect to see alligators and caimans, iguanas and tropical birds but you should remember that it rains a lot in some period of the year.

One solution on site is to ask for information where you are staying. They are always aware last changes and inform you.

In general, they connect with guide or send you to the information office where you can have the necessary information, but there is complete information on activities and contacts in the tour operator section.

In the city of San Carlos and El Castillo you can drink water, but for people who are not used is better to buy purified water.

Generally no, but in some specific dates is better (Ex: before Christmas) However you can ask for advice where they you can book transportation. So the same way you can ensure that there is no schedule changes or suspension of schedules.

If it is true that there is political differences between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, it is also trought that this is a political conflict and it will not affect your trip. The only thing is that you should know that your trip on the River will be chopped by differente stops at the army posts’. There is a regular control of the flow of people but it is quite simply a positive development that reflects the will to control the movements between countries.

Today the only border in the Rio San Juan is in San Carlos, where you can take a boat to Costa Rica. In the near future an outpost in San Juan de Nicaragua will be opened.

It all depends on what you want. If your trip focuses on fishing and bird watching, you are encouraged to come during the migration perdiods. As for fishing would the best would be from September to November. Now, if you want to enjoy more favorable weather conditions be advised to travel from December to April.

Till an airline open the road to San Juan de Nicaragua , the only way to get to San Juan de Nicaragua is reaching it by boat coming from Bluefield or El Castillo.

If you travel a round trip to El Castillo and San Carlos we would recommend you do one of the trip with the public slow transportation to or from El Castillo and the other ride with fast transportation. So you can appreciate the journey on different ways.

Note that the slow panga ride is long (8 am from El Castillo), in uncomfortable conditions, but you enjoy the scenery, animals and have experience together with the local population. In terms of fauna and flora if the weather is clement, the odds of seeing crocodiles are very successful, as they often bask on the banks of sand and dryspaces.

During the dry season can be reached without any problems. And for the rainy season and can not be said but the government is working on the road and it is expected to be paved soon.

Transportation schedules are not 100% reliable and there is always something unexpected, therefore it is recommended to have a safety margin to avoid a connection problem.

Today if you want to plan a trip on the Río San Juan can do this in several ways. Basedour response on the accommodations that were a hallmark of the ministry of tourism, there are 2 major types of accommodations. The accommodation with fan and air conditioned accommodation.

Globally without going into detail you should consider a budget of U.S. $ 15 (per room) with fan and $ 45 for room with A/C. It is indicative, and should remember to ask if the room has a bathroom and if the rate includes breakfast.

A feeding level in general are common dishes and other a la carte. Basic food may cost $ 3.5 to $ 4 (+25% service charge and tax) and a la carte meal for a very expensive dish can not be around U.S. $ 12 (+25% service charge and tax)

It is worth mentioning that the prices of basic commodities (water, soda, soap) tend to increase every time we go downstream.

Also noted that there are more luxurious options for higher budgets and cheaper solutions but those do not havereached the standart of cuality of the board of tourism INTUR.

As for activities, the prices being charged are usually influenced by the cost of fuel. So if you can join other tourists per person prices usually decrease greatly.