Nicaragua
San Juan River
Sailing the pirate route on the San Juan River for 3 days/2 nights tour.
Price from 240$
- Meeting in San Carlos
- Outdoor and history
- Meeting at noon
- Three days tour
- Available on Tuesdays and Sundays
- Bring water and snacks
- English speaking guide
Schedule
Solidariety and community
Nature and outdoors
History and culture
Socialization and food
Once upon a time there was a faraway land and a princess…. wait no, we are in Nicaragua and all stories start the same. Once upon a time there was a faraway land and a volcanic eruption that destroyed the most important town in Central America: Leon. After the distruction of the city, the Spaniards, built a new and improved town called Granada on the shore of the Nicaragua Lake, the sweet sea. This new town was the joy and pride of the Spanish Crown, the jewel of the New World. However, when something shines attracts the attention of just everybody. It was the year of the Lord 1650 and the Golden Age of Piracy had begun and filibusters from several races and nations infested the West Indies. To get to Granada there was one way: sail on the San Juan River, which joins the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Nicaragua. Everyone tried to control this essential river.
This is where our story starts but how does it end? with this 3 days tour you will sail the same water as many before you, learning about history, conquests, pillages and folklore from the 17th century to the present interest on the river by the Chinese government. If you are curious to discover all, join us we will answer all your curiosities and more. All this is set along a river that crosses an untouched natural environment, a tropical rainforest full of plants, animals and birds. Captain Hook might be long gone, but the crocodile is still there!
The itinerary
DAY 1
We meet in San Carlos where our adventure starts crossing the tropical jungle by boat along the water route on the San Juan River where pirates, North American shipping companies, and Genoese merchants have already transited over centuries.
During the journey you can take a bath in the river surrounded by a virgin natural environment.
After approximately two hours and 30 minutes we arrive at our destination, that is, the village of El Castillo on the banks of the river, an oasis of tranquility and peace. Here you will take accommodation in a hotel of your choice and have time to check-in.
After sunset, with the light of the lashlights, we take a boat tour and go into the ravines of the river in search of crocodiles and caimans.
DAY 2
We sail up the San Juan River and arrive at the Bartola Refuge, located in the Indio-Maiz Biological Reserve – one of the lungs of Central America – discovering the dense and exuberant vegetation of the humid forest, habitat of toucans, macaws, hummingbirds, parrots, deer, sloths, wild boars, pumas, jaguars, manatees, monkeys, poisonous frogs, snakes, and iguanas (but…take into account that almost all animals hide themselves, that is why you have a local guide that helps you to discover their location).
After this experience we return to the starting point and visit the village of El Castillo and the fortress of the Immaculate Conception (2 hours), built by the Spanish crown to defend the territory against attacks by pirates and English enemies. Exactly here the engineers sent by Napoleon III’s second French emperor began their studies for the construction of the interoceanic canal, later built further south, in Panama.
If you are interested in history and nature, don’t miss today’s experience!
We end with a flourish (and sweetness) with a visit to a small artisan chocolate factory.
DAY 3
Return to San Carlos early in the morning sailing back along the San Juan River.
What is included?
- Boat transfers for the whole time
- Guide in English and Spanish
- Entrance fee
What NOT included?
- Food and bevarage
- Transfer to reach San Carlos the 1st day
- Hotel accommodation
What to bring?
We suggest you dress appropriately with hiking shoes and a waterproof jacket. You should bring enough water, some snacks, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito spray.
What to expect?
