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Rio San Juan
In search of a water route across Central America, Spanish explorers sailed up the Rio San Juan from the Caribbean to Lake Nicaragua.
Although the lake terminates at the Isthmus of Rivas—eleven miles short of the Pacific Coast—the idea of a trans-isthmian water route remained in the global consciousness.
Rio San Juan was proposed as the original route for the inter-oceanic canal in the 1820s.
Retracing History: Lake Nicaragua to the Bay of San Juan del Norte
Cornelius Vanderbilt operated a land-river transit concession here beginning in 1851. Mark Twain made the journey in 1866, en route from San Francisco to New York City.
Today visitors can retrace this historic path, beginning at Lake Nicaragua and sailing 119 miles east to the Bay of San Juan del Norte.
The river is flanked by pristine rainforest—precious habitat for toucans, Harpy eagles, caimans, howler monkeys and a rainbow of colorful frogs.
Most of the route passes through the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve.
The Rio San Juan forms much of the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. While territorial disputes ebb and flow, heat-induced torpor keeps the peace.
What to do in Rio San Juan
The Rio San Juan transit is usually operated as a four-day, three-night journey.
Tours of the El Castillo fortress, visits to riverside communities, tributary canoe trips, rainforest hikes, and nocturnal caiman-spotting excursions complement the voyage.
At the same time, the Indio Maíz Biological Reserveprotects hundreds of avian species, 176 types of reptiles, and an estimated 200 varieties of mammals. Crocodiles, manatees, sloths, and rare freshwater bull sharks can all be observed here.
What is the Weather Like?
Río San Juan holds a warm, humid rhythm all year, with daytime highs usually between 30-35 °C (86-95 °F) and evenings cooling to 20-23 °C (68-73 °F). The dry season, from January through April, delivers clearest skies and less humidity—ideal for river explorations, wildlife watching, and boat travel. From May to October, the rains return heavy and steady, especially in afternoons; lush growth, swollen tributaries, and frequent showers shape a more adventurous but wetter experience.
Getting There
Rio San Juan can be reached by air in 40 minutes, flying from Managua to the town of San Carlos at the river’s mouth.
Travelers can also cross the border from Los Chiles, Costa Rica via a 40-minute boat trip on the Rio Frio.
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Rio San Juan.
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How to combine Rio San Juan
Have some extra time? Here are some options for you to combine with.
