Destinations >> El Castillo

El Castillo is a town located on the banks of the San Juan River, which flows for 205 kilometers (128 miles) from Lake Nicaragua to San Juan del Norte.

This municipality holds much history and has a privileged geographical position. At the time of the conquest, on three occasions, the English traversed the river to assault the city of Granada. Thus a decision was made to build the El Castillo Fort, at rapids in the river, a location that can still be seen to have strategic value.

A large part of this region – Rio San Juan – with the most jungle and the most rain in the country, is considered one of the most attractive reserves that Nicaragua offers to ecotourism enthusiasts. It also has many resources, as cattle ranching and rice farming dominate the area near the lake, along with the exploitation of timber and fish.

San Carlos may be reached by air from Managua or by boat from Granada or San Jorge (Rivas) to begin the journey.

From San Carlos, take a boat to El Castillo, the town that holds the ancient fort built by the Spanish in 1675, and from which they oversaw their main transportation route.

The town is located at the mid-point between Lake Nicaragua and the Caribbean Sea. Tourists that visit the fort may explore its interior and tour its interesting museum to learn about the important historical role of the fort. There is a choice of lodgings, and there are a number of options for fishing or canoeing to enjoy the true magic of the wet tropical forest.

San Carlos, a city located some 290 kilometers (180 miles) southeast of Managua, where Lake Managua ends and the San Juan River begins, is the capital of the department of Rio San Juan. The cultural manifestations of the region and the idyllic atmosphere created by the lush natural surroundings make this an absolutely fascinating trip.

It is difficult to find a place such as this with so much contrast. You start your journey in a beautiful archipelago in an immense lake, travel through a splendid and wide river surrounded by picturesque towns and natural reserves, and finally reach the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

In September, you may participate in the National and International Sport Fishing Tournament that takes place in the San Juan River.

Tourist Attractions

Historical: San Carlos, El Castillo and its Spanish fort, the old port of Greytown, and various places along the San Juan River.

Scenic: The entire San Juan River is a paradise. It offers plentiful fishing, particularly tarpon, at the El Toro rapids. It also offers bird watching of numerous aquatic species and beautiful scenery. The Indio River is also impressive. The lower course of the river resembles a canal that is 300 meters (984 feet) wide and 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) long, an aquatic corridor that flows through the jungle to empty into the lagoon in San Juan del Norte.

Ecological: Around Lake Nicaragua, there are the mouths of the Oyate, Tepenaguasapa, Camastro and Tule Rivers; Balsillas and Mancarroncito Islands in Solentiname; Los Guatusos Wildlife Refuge, with entrances via the Papaturro, Guacalito Zapote Rivers.