12 days & 11 nights • Río San Juan, Río Indio & Biosfera Reserva Indio Maiz
Epic, Epic, going to say it again… EPIC! The Río San Juan and the little discovered Río Indio are the settings for this challenging and surreal journey into the heart of the Indio Maiz biosphere reserve. The reserve spans an area of more than 640,000 acres and is home to more than 600 bird species, 200 mammal species and numerous insects, amphibians and other species. We take our time, spending five full days on the river, fishing, exploring, swimming and wildlife watching. Its shores and tributaries are filled with abundant wildlife ranging from crocodiles to the ever-elusive jaguar.
We have carefully selected campsites where every evening we will share stories, campfires and sleep with the melodies of the river and jungle. Every morning you wake to the calls of the howler monkeys and the views of the mist covered jungle. Truly magnificent!
After five fun filled days of getting up close and personal with the Río San Juan we arrive in San Juan De Nicaragua. This is where we leave the kayaks behind and have the chance to rest and relax for an evening. The next morning we depart for the Río Indio.
The Río Indio flows within the heart of the Indio Maiz Reserve and is home to the indigenous Rama and Miskito people, that to this day remain relatively undisturbed by the outside world. We navigate our way up river by small boat as strict controls prohibit large crafts to enter. On the way we will manatee spot as we pass through a number of crystal clear lagoons before entering into the virgin rainforest. Our camp will be based with the indigenous communities. These communities for the first time are starting to welcome outsiders in to share their way of life and customs. With their expert knowledge of the jungle, our local guides will lead us on trails to ancient temples and in search of wildlife. This area can only be described as true Nicaraguan wilderness.
The Mighty Jungles and River kayaking Expedition is unique as our tours are low impact and truly bring benefit to all people involved. We take participants to a region where few have ever been, to a region blessed with natural and manmade treasures of sacred value. A place that you can only imagine in dreams!
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
2 pm |
Leave from Granada and take overnight boat to San Carlos. |
| Day 2 |
6 am |
Arrive in San Carlos. After breakfast take express boat over to El Castillo. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with a tour of castle and other sites in El Castillo. Over dinner we meet our local counterparts and discuss the plans for the next few days on the river. Accommodation: Albergue del Castillo. |
| Day 3 |
6 am |
Breakfast. Departure at 7 am. Slowly meandering down river to The Bartola Lodge and private reserve. This is where the Indio Maiz begins. From here we make our way to Sarnoso River where we explore up river looking for wildlife, swim and fish for dinner. After Sarnoso we make our way to our first campsite. This is a great area to see scarlet macaws. Accommodation: Tents or hammocks. |
| Day 4 |
7 am |
Breakfast. Departure at 8 am. Our first stop is the La Crucita River where again we explore the river looking for wildlife and fishing. We do not swim here, as there are more crocodiles in this region. After La Crucita we make our way further down to Bocas San Carlos. From here we go for a hike in the forest. Further down stream we come to an island and our home for the second night. Accommodation: Tents or hammocks. |
| Day 5 |
7 am |
Breakfast. Departure at 8 am. Within minutes of leaving we pass by what is known as Crocodile Island where crocodiles can be seen in large numbers catching some early rays of sunshine. On route to Tambor we stop at a waterfall and then the San Francisco River to fish and explore, looking for wildlife etc. Upon arrival in Tambor we enjoy the tranquility and peace of the river. Tambor is simply stunning! Accommodation: Tents or hammocks. |
| Day 6 |
7 am |
Breakfast. Departure at 8 am. We make our way to the delta region. In this area Somoza allowed people to use parts of the reserve for farming, thus you will begin to see more human settlements and farms on the reserve side. Our fourth night’s stop will be in this area in the grounds of a local family on the edge of the river once again. This will be our last night on the river. Accommodation: Tents or hammocks. |
Day 7 |
7 am |
Breakfast. Departure at 8 am. Our Final day on the river. We make our way through the delta region to the Caribbean coast. You will notice a dramatic change in vegetation as we enter this area as we leave behind the forest. By Mid afternoon we will be making a small ocean crossing leading to San Juan de Nicaragua. Rest and relaxation for the rest of the evening and the opportunity to explore the San Juan de Nicaragua. The evening we will eat and drink in celebration. Accommodation: Hotel Evo. |
| Day 8 |
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Breakfast. Departure at 7 am. We head out to the Río Indio. This journey is done by a small speedboat or canoe. On the way we pass through lagoons filled with birds and if we are really lucky manatees. We arrive at our destination by mid afternoon. Accommodation: Tents, hammocks or small hut. |
| Day 9 |
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Hiking to Ruins and jungle exploration. Accommodation: Tents, hammocks or small hut. |
| Day 10 |
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Return to San Juan De Nicaragua. Accommodation: Hotel Evo. |
| Day 11 |
5 am |
Express boat to Sabalos lodge. This is a very comfortable lodge perched on the edge of the Sabalos River (a tributary of the Río San Juan close to San Carlos). Here you can just kick back or enjoy one of the many activities they have on offer, including fishing and Cayman spotting at night. |
| Day 12 |
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Early Morning express boat to San Carlos and 9 am flight to Managua. |
| Please note this expedition begins in Granada and ends in Managua. Will be organized from Managua to Granada for departure and on going travel and accommodation can be arranged. |
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Price
This tour has a minimum of three participants and maximum number of eight. Depending on the number of people the price varies as follows.
NUMBER OF PERSONS |
PRICE |
3 |
1,200 |
4 |
1,150 |
5 |
1,100 |
6 |
1,050 |
7 |
1,000 |
8 |
950 |
| Prices shown in US dollars |
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What is included
Professional local and international bilingual guides, all equipment, all food and drink, all transportation to and from Granada or Managua.
Some of the wildlife you will encounter
- Crocodiles
- Abundant birdlife —orioles, herons, hawks, scarlet and green macaw, toucans plus many more
- Spider monkeys
- Howler monkeys
- White face monkeys
- Poisonous dart frogs, red-eyed, flying, spotted-green, reticulated glass and granulose-red
- River otter
- Sloths
- Iguanas
- Lizards
- Butterflies
- Tapir
- Manatee
- Jaguar, Ocelot and Puma —very shy but you never know!
- Plant life: orchids, bromeliads, precious hard woods, heliconias, passion flowers, palms
* This is only a sample list of wildlife that can be seen
Activities
- Fishing —Snook, tarpon, rainbow bass & Mojara
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Bird watching
- Wildlife watching
- Learning about and experiencing local traditions
Kit List
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars
- Bird and mammal books or cards
- Head torch and candles
- Repellent – A lot
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat
- All natural Wash kit, including soaps and toothepaste
- Basic First aid kit —Including any anti allergy medication.
- Hood or sweater depending on time of year
- Towel – preferably one that dries fast
- Hiking boots and good socks
- Wellington’s —can be purchased in Nicaragua
- Long sleeve shirts and trousers for evenings and when we are with Indigenous people.
- Sturdy sandals
- Camera
- Valid Passport
- Photocopies of your passport
- Travel insurance and copies
- Snacks – energy bars, biscuits etc
* Please ensure that you have travel insurance and any anti-allergy medication. We will need copies of passport, insurance and all medication.
List of scheduled departures • Book now |
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