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- Destination: Nicaragua
- Duration: 12 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Adventure
About This Trip
This 12-day Nicaragua Adventure Tour takes you deep into the heart of the country’s most spectacular natural landscapes, following the legendary Rio San Juan through pristine rainforests, remote river communities, and wildlife-rich wetlands. Designed for adventurous travelers, this journey combines kayaking, jungle exploration, birdwatching, and cultural discovery, offering an authentic experience in one of Central America’s last true wilderness regions. From river expeditions to eco-lodges, every element of this Nicaragua Adventure Tour is crafted for immersion and comfort.
The highlight of this Nicaragua Adventure Tour is an unforgettable journey through the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, where you paddle through untouched waterways, encounter rare bird species, and connect with local communities such as El Jobo. The experience is beautifully balanced with historic visits to El Castillo, relaxing days in San Juan del Norte, colonial exploration in Granada, and a peaceful finale on Jicaro Island. Ideal for nature lovers and active explorers, this Nicaragua Adventure Tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation in one extraordinary itinerary.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Managua
Arrival
2
San Carlos - Bartola
San Juan River Sailing
3
Boca de Sabalos - Bartola
El Castillo
4 - 6
Indio Maíz Biological Reserve
Sarapiquí River Delta, El Jobo Community
7 - 8
San Juan del Norte
Leisure Days
9
El Castillo
El Castillo Town Visit
10
Granada
Granada City Exploration
11
Jicaro Island
Private Island Holiday
12
Managua
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Managua – Gateway to Your Nicaragua Adventure Tour
Your Nicaragua Adventure Tour begins upon arrival in Managua, the lively capital city. After meeting your expedition leader at the airport, transfer to your comfortable downtown hotel. Use the remainder of the day to relax, adjust to the tropical climate, or take a gentle stroll to experience local life, cuisine, and culture before the adventure truly begins.
Highlights: Airport pickup, city hotel stay, trip briefing, evening stroll, local cuisine experience
- Managua
- Day 2: Managua – San Carlos – Boca de Sabalos | Enter the San Juan River
After an early breakfast, travel overland to San Carlos, located on the southern shores of Lake Nicaragua. From here, your Nicaragua Adventure Tour enters one of its most scenic phases as you cruise along the legendary San Juan River. Watch riverside villages, dense rainforest, and abundant birdlife pass by before reaching the remote jungle village of Boca de Sabalos. Settle into your eco-lodge and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the rainforest.
Highlights: Scenic overland journey, San Juan River cruise, riverside village views, jungle eco-lodge stay
- B , D
- Boca de Sabalos
- Day 3: Boca de Sabalos – Bartola | Kayaking, History & Rainforest
Today introduces the first kayaking experience of your Nicaragua Adventure Tour. Paddle through calm river waters, stopping at the historic town of El Castillo, once a strategic defense against pirate invasions. Explore the Fortress of the Immaculate Conception and enjoy panoramic river views. Continue kayaking to Bartola, where your lodge sits at the edge of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, offering an immersive rainforest atmosphere.
Highlights: Kayaking adventure, El Castillo visit, Fortress of Immaculate Conception, rainforest lodge stay
- B , L , D
- Bartola
- Day 4: Bartola – Indio Maíz Biological Reserve | Deep Jungle Expedition
Your Nicaragua Adventure Tour becomes a true wilderness experience as you kayak deeper into the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve. Navigate narrow waterways, pass untouched forest corridors, and encounter gentle rapids. Along the route, discover remains of historic steamboats used during the Gold Rush era. Campsites and meals are prepared in advance, allowing you to fully embrace the remote jungle environment.
Highlights: Indio Maíz kayaking, jungle waterways, historic steamboat remains, remote camping
- B , L , D
- Indio Maiz Biological Reserve
- Day 5: Indio Maíz Biological Reserve | Wildlife & Birdwatching
This full day of your Nicaragua Adventure Tour is dedicated to exploring the incredible biodiversity of the reserve. Paddle through the Sarapiquí River Delta, keeping watch for toucans, parrots, king vultures, monkeys, and other wildlife. Learn from your guide about conservation efforts and the ecological importance of one of Central America’s most pristine rainforests.
Highlights: Birdwatching, wildlife spotting, Sarapiquí River Delta, rainforest immersion
- B , L , D
- Indio Maiz Biological Reserve
- Day 6: Indio Maíz – El Jobo Community | Culture & Conservation
Continue kayaking through dense rainforest and along secluded islands as part of your Nicaragua Adventure Tour. Stop at a park ranger station to enjoy a warm drink and gain insight into daily life in the reserve. Arrive at El Jobo, a small river community founded by refugees, where you experience authentic local culture and understand the strong connection between the river and its people.
Highlights: Kayaking through rainforest, ranger station visit, El Jobo community, cultural interaction
- B , L , D
- Indio Maiz Biological Reserve
- Day 7: Indio Maíz – San Juan del Norte | Caribbean Lowlands
The final kayaking stage of your Nicaragua Adventure Tour takes you through the lowlands of the Caribbean region. Cross tranquil lagoons and sections of abandoned canal routes once linked to global trade dreams. Arrive in San Juan del Norte by early afternoon, check into your lodge, and enjoy a relaxed evening celebrating the completion of your river expedition.
Highlights: Kayaking through Caribbean lowlands, lagoon crossings, abandoned canal route, lodge relaxation
- B , L , D
- San Juan Del Sur
- Day 8: San Juan del Norte | Rest, Nature & Exploration
After several active days, this leisure day allows you to fully unwind during your Nicaragua Adventure Tour. Relax by the pool, explore nearby lagoons, enjoy birdwatching, or take a gentle walk through surrounding natural areas. This day offers flexibility to recover while remaining immersed in nature.
Highlights: Leisure day, swimming pool, lagoon exploration, wildlife observation
- B , L , D
- San Juan Del Sur
- Day 9: San Juan del Norte – El Castillo | Riverside Heritage
Travel by boat back through the lush landscapes of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve to the historic riverside town of El Castillo. Spend time exploring its colorful houses, cobbled streets, viewpoints, and riverside cafés. This cultural day adds historical depth to your Nicaragua Adventure Tour.
Highlights: Scenic riverboat ride, El Castillo town exploration, cobbled streets, riverside cafés
- B , L
- El Castillo
- Day 10: El Castillo – Granada | Colonial Nicaragua
Journey upriver to San Carlos, cross Lake Nicaragua by boat, and continue by road to Granada. During your guided city tour, explore colonial churches, lively plazas, local markets, a traditional cigar factory, and social projects that reflect Nicaragua’s vibrant culture. This day highlights the cultural contrast within your Nicaragua Adventure Tour.
Highlights: Lake Nicaragua crossing, Granada city tour, colonial landmarks, local market visit
- B , L
- Granada
- Day 11: Granada – Jicaro Island | Private Island Retreat
Your Nicaragua Adventure Tour ends on a serene note with a short boat ride to Jicaro Island, a private eco-luxury lodge set on Lake Nicaragua. Kayak among nearby islets, observe birdlife, enjoy volcano views, and relax in an exclusive natural setting designed for comfort and tranquility.
Highlights: Private island stay, kayaking on Lake Nicaragua, birdwatching, eco-luxury lodge
- B , L , D
- Jicaro Island
- Day 12: Jicaro Island – Granada – Managua | Departure
Enjoy a peaceful morning on the island, taking in the final views of Lake Nicaragua. After breakfast, return to Granada and transfer to Managua International Airport. Depart with unforgettable memories of rivers, rainforests, wildlife, culture, and adventure from your Nicaragua Adventure Tour.
Highlights: Relaxed island morning, scenic lake views, airport transfer, tour conclusion
- B
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