12-Day Nicaragua Adventure along Rio San Juan

This afternoon, switch to a kayak and paddle for about five hours along the river to Bartola. Along the way, make a stop at El Castillo, a historic village on the southern bank of the San Juan River, known for protecting Granada from pirates in the past. Explore the Fortress of the Immaculate Conception.

Later in the day, arrive at your lodge on the western edge of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve and enjoy the diverse biodiversity of the surrounding area.

Keep kayaking to Boca de San Carlos. Before you start, the expedition team will set up camp and prepare food for you.

As you paddle, you'll explore the lush rainforest of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, navigating through some rapids and passing by remnants of 19th-century steamboats.

Get set for another full day of kayaking, lasting about 8 hours as we head towards the Sarapiquí River Delta. We'll paddle through the heart of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. Keep an eye out for colorful birds like the scarlet tanager, king vulture, and rainbow-billed toucan as we make our way.

After about six hours of kayaking through lush forests and past untouched islands along the river, we'll arrive at El Jobo, a small community initially built by refugees from Costa Rica during wartime. Along the way, we'll take a break at a park ranger station, where you can enjoy a hot drink and learn about the local life in the area.

Begin the last part of your adventure today, traveling through the lowlands of the Caribbean until you reach San Juan del Norte in about five hours. Along the way, you'll pass through several lagoons and see remnants of the abandoned canal from the gold rush era. Arrive at your lodge in the early afternoon, where you can relax and celebrate the success of your journey along the San Juan River.

Take a well-deserved break today to recover from the excitement of the past few days. Relax by the swimming pool at the lodge or go for a leisurely walk to observe the wildlife in the area. You can also explore the nearby lagoon and old towns at your own pace.

After breakfast, hop on a boat to cross the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve and return to El Castillo. Here, immerse yourself in the picturesque town, characterized by colorful riverside houses, cobbled streets, and rich histories.

After breakfast, enjoy a boat ride back through the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve to El Castillo. Explore the charming town, adorned with colorful riverside houses, quaint cobbled streets, and fascinating histories.

Today, take a short 10-minute boat ride from the Asese Port of Granada to reach the beautiful Jicaro Island Lodge. It's located on a private island in Lake Nicaragua. Once you arrive, hop into a kayak and explore the nearby islets with a guide. You'll paddle through calm waters, spotting birds and wildlife, and learning about the local fishing communities.

After a satisfying breakfast and a leisurely morning on the island, head back to Granada for the one-hour drive to Managua International Airport. Your Nicaragua adventure comes to a close as you prepare for your journey back home.