Nicaragua Jungle River Adventure

You are transferred to San Carlos, from where you take the public boat to Solentiname Island. This archipelago consisting of 36 islands, of which four are inhabited, is situated in the southern part of Lago de Nicaragua (Lake Nicaragua). These tropical islands are enriched with an abundant wildlife, long history and creative and artistically talented people. Although being sparsely populated, the work of the artisans is recognized worldwide. There are also important archaeological sites that include petroglyphs on San Fernando featuring images of parrots, monkeys, and people. You will stay the night in the area.

In the morning, you visit the Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge, which is known for its rich biodiversity. First you cross Lake Nicaragua before you get to the Papaturro river. Slowly navigating on the Rio Papaturro, you can see a variety of tropical birds, monkeys, iguanas and caimans, and perhaps even the elusive Jesus Christ Lizard. You then enter the reserve, where you visit the caiman and turtle nursery, the meteorological station and the butterfly farm.

The tour then takes you to the island of Mancarron, the main island of the archipelago. Here you visit the church of Ernesto Cardenal and the community of artisans afterwards you go by boat to the island of La Venada, where you will visit the island’s painters and view a local art exhibition. On the island where the hotel is located, island San Fernando, you will also visit a place where the crafts of the artisans are on display (casa de taller) and a local museum.

Today you take the public boat back to San Carlos, where you take another public boat to Sábalos. Afternoon at leisure.

You will kayak to your next destination: El Castillo. Originally built to protect Lake Nicaragua and its port from English pirates, El Castillo Fortress of the Immaculate Conception, is located on the shores of Rio San Juan in the southern part of the country. The site is full of interesting history and is open to public in general. It also houses a small museum which tells the fortress’ intriguing history and where you can visualize the past.

The following day, you visit the beautiful Nature Reserve of Indio Maíz. From El Castillo, you go on a 45-minute boat ride on the San Juan river. When you reach the Indio Maíz Reserve you start hiking a trail. The Indio Maíz Reserve is home to numerous animal species such as deer, wild boars, pumas, sloths, jaguars, manatees, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, spider monkeys, poison dart frogs, snakes, crocodiles, turtles, and iguanas. You walk for 3 hours through the rainforest after which you return to the boat. In the evening you take the adventurous caiman tour, hopefully spotting these shy animals.

You stay again overnight in the area.

You take the public boat back to San Carlos and take a flight to Managua. You will take advantage of the last afternoon in Nicaragua to visit the nature reserve: El Chocoyero. The El Chocoyero – El Brujo Nature Reserve is comprised of over 184 hectares (454 acres) of forest and is home to more than 200 species of vertebrates, of which 172 are birds. Named after the chocoyo, a species of green parakeet that inhabits the area, the reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Upon arrival, you hike for about an hour and a half along the Congo and Chocoyero trails. Enjoy some time at a small waterfall and see the chocoyo’s which live in the rock walls near the falls.

You will return and stay in Managua.

Following breakfast, you will be transfered to Managua International Airport for your departing flight.