Top Hotels in Rio San Juan Department
Top Things to do in Rio San Juan Department
The best available hotels & places to stay near Rio San Juan Department
Discover the best hotels in Rio San Juan Department including Hotel Luna del Rio, Sabalos Lodge, Rio Indio Adventure Lodge, Cabanas Caiman Los Guatuzo, Hotel Lara's Planet, Montecristo Eco Lodge, Nena Lodge and Tours, Guacimo Lodge, La Esquina Del Lago, Hotel Grand River Lodge.
Things to do in Rio San Juan Department
1. Hotel Luna del Rio
Overall Ratings
5 based on 174 reviews
Finding an ideal family-friendly hotel in El Castillo does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Hotel Luna del Rio, a nice option for travelers like you. The rooms offer air conditioning, and getting online is possible, as free internet access is available, allowing you to rest and refresh with ease. Hotel Luna del Rio features a 24 hour front desk, a coffee shop, and baggage storage. In addition, as a valued Hotel Luna del Rio guest, you can enjoy free breakfast that is available on-site. While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the cafes, including Soda Sabores and Borders Cafe, all of which are a short distance from Hotel Luna del Rio. Hotel Luna del Rio looks forward to welcoming you on your visit to El Castillo.
Beautiful!
Reviewed By 706marikasLuna has a great view over Río San Juan, super friendly and helpful staff, great tours into the Indio Maiz and a nice breakfast to start the day. Their guided full day tour into the jungle together with a good nights sleep at the hotel was definitely the two things that made our trip to El Castillio great and rememberable. Strongly recommend :)
2. Sabalos Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
SABALOS LODGE You can explore the beauty of the Nicaraguan wilderness along the Rio San Juan. Relax after a long day in our hammocks while you take a cold drink, and enjoy an amazing view of the river This is the place for the true adventurer and our goal is to give each of our visitors a genuine experience that will last for a lifetime. The biodiversity of the area offers you the chance of seeing exotic wildlife right outside your cabin.
Stunning location, but just a bit pricey for what you get
Reviewed By KotinkaBeautiful river-side location just passed the village of Sabalos on Rio San Juan. Cabanas are rustic, open air, but with proper mosquito nets, and face onto the rapidly flowing river. We stayed in the "Jaguar Cabin" which is the furthest away down through the beautifully maintained garden and felt secluded. There is also a great chill out area with several hammocks from where you can watch the sunset. Food was simple but pretty decent (like the usual Nica combo of grilled chicken and rice or a very good and meaty soup) and for breakfast the pancakes were outstanding. There are a couple of walking trails if you are into bird watching which are well worth following. You can also get to nearby El Castillo for a half-day trip by taking the 30 mins fast-boat service which stops off at the property on the way down the river. Otherwise, this is a place to get out the binoculars and a book, take a seat in a hammock and watch the days pass by. My only criticism is that it feel a bit pricey for what you get - at 80 USD/night I think some improvements could be made. The bed is too small, even for two short travellers we found it a bit of a squeeze. Although there was only one other cabana taken, they ran out of the right size wellington boots (needed for very muddy trail walks). Service is friendly but haphazard, depite there seeming to be more staff than guests for the 5 nights we stayed (the owner said many of the talented, hard working people have left Nicaragua since 2018 political crisis which I understand makes finding staff very difficult). They have contacts to nature tour guides for eary morning jungle walks, but at twice the price we had paid (for better and longer tours) at Cabanas Caiman in Los Guatuzo natural reserve. Overall though, of you want to retreat from the world for a few days, this place is a stunning place to do that.
3. Rio Indio Adventure Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
The Rio Indio Lodge embraces a perfect balance between comfort and adventure. Over 5 million dollars were spent in bringing to life this Ecological and Sport Fishing Resort. Just minutes away from the Costa Rican and southern Nicaraguan border this lost paradise is located in the Rio Maiz National Park, a vast area filled with history, virgin jungles and wildlife and some of the best fishing imaginable. Elevated walkways set in the jungle unite the surrounding nature with our cottages, main lodge, gourmet restaurant, swimming pool and bar, bringing you close to nature with all the amenities of a four star lodge. A total of 27 comfortable double suites blends perfectly with the natural wild surroundings.Enjoy our spacious and private 2-bed suites, each apportioned with comfortable king or queen beds, ornately tiled bathrooms with hot water showers and a large screened-in porch. All of our facilities are crafted using only the finest hard woods and are built to exacting standards. Our goal is to ensure your maximum comfort and satisfaction in every aspect of your visit. Come explore exotic Fishing, Birding, Hiking and Kayak Tours. Our guided tours will allow you to discover all that’s hidden in this great universe of wildlife creating memories to last a lifetime. Or, just lounge around our unique infinity pool, which offers fantastic views of our perfectly manicured gardens and Captain Morgan’s Lagoon.
Hidden Beauty
Reviewed By markwhitcherThis is a special place. A palace in the middle of the jungle. The staff are excellent and friendly. The tours through the jungle river tributaries are amazing. I would definitely go back. You don't expect air conditioning, great food and hot showers in the middle of nowhere. If you want to get away from it all and you like fishing or exploring nature this is the spot.
4. Cabanas Caiman Los Guatuzo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Natural heaven
Reviewed By KotinkaWe wanted to experience more rural parts of Nicaragua where we could see more wildlife, and the Los Guatuzo natural reserve hit that spot fully. It's not the easiest place to get to. We stayed one night in San Carlos (not worth sticking around there for much longer, to be honest) and the next morning got the 3-4 hour boat ride across the lake and down the river Papaturo to a small village where Cabanas Caiman are based. We contacted the owners Aillen and Armando in advance via their Facebook page for timetables of boats (they dont run every day) but the journey over the lake and down the river is stunning in itself. Once you leave the dock (under the watchful eyes of the policemen, given you are so close to the border with Costa Rica I suppose) you can jump on the roof and take in the views. The getting there is part of the fun. Cabanas Caiman have a couple of properties all on the river itself; one two-level building for guests, which is simple but comfortable, and 5 mins along the river, another which serves as a restaurant/art gallery (craved wooden figures) and garden (amazing selection of plants). We ate here every day, and food was simple but good; things like grilled chicken and fish from the lake. There are a couple of other properties where you can eat in the village or get a beer, you need to ask them a few hours in advance so they can prepare what food is available (all of it seems to be brought by boat from San Carlos). We spent our days renting kayaks from the nearby "ecoological center" (the only other toursist accommodation in the area) and taking tours with Armando, one of the owners, and Carmen, his assistant nature guide. We did one day and one night river tour, as well as an early morning jungle tour. They lasted several hours each. Armando is a fantastically talented guide; if it's there, he will find it. Amongst other things, we saw white faced capuchin monkeys, spider monekys, howler monkeys, caiman, river turtles, possoms, poison dart frogs, iguanas, many impressive birds like boat-billed herons and trogons, tarantulas, boa snakes, the list goes on... The tours are great value (especially compared to Rio San Juan where they can charge you a small fortune) and an absolute must if you come here. They provide binoculars if you dont have your own. Recommend staying at least 3-4 nights as there is so much to explore here, and bring good insect repellant - they come out in force at dusk. But more than worth the journey (and mosquitos) for all the nature and the incredibly warm hospitality that Armando and Aillen provide. It was one of the highlights of the 5 week trip we had around the country.
5. Hotel Lara's Planet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Hotel Lara's Planet is a five room boutique hotel located right on the San Juan River in the charming town of El Castillo. There are three (3) suites and two (2) rooms, each with a private bathroom and solar hot water, TV, mini-bar, safe box and come with free ala carte breakfast. All rooms have a private balcony with views to either the San Juan River, rainforest or the town. The 3 suites have hammocks on their balconies which are built over the river. The comfortable, clean beds and natural air-conditioning ensures a good night's sleep. We offer 24-hour security and room service, bilingual desk service (English, Spanish and German), daily housekeeping and reliable child-minding. We can also offer various tours around the area.
Excellent hotel
Reviewed By Marjolein ZThe room was lovely decorated, the twin bedded room had two big beds and we had a beautiful view over the river. There was hot water in the room and the food was very good. The owner, Natascha, was very nice and helpful.
6. Montecristo Eco Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Montecristo Eco Lodge is a sustainable lodge in the rainforest of the Rio San Juan River. The lodge is a rustic mountain river eco lodge inside the Montecristo Private Wildlife Refuge, the lodge is off the grid; produces its own solar energy and potable water. The property is famous for tarpon fishing packages, is also a great place for birding, with hiking trails, canoes, kayak for tours and camping, it also offers night caiman tours, as well as other tours to El Castillo. Is a small 6 room private little Gampling type of place, great for families and small group up to 16.
Best setting on the river
Reviewed By anja oA fantastic location and friendly management!! High on a hill overlooking a large and lazy bend in the river, bungalows and common area receives a nice breeze, perfect for warm Nicaragua. Alfonso and his guides know their river so if you are looking for fishing this is a great place to go. The Tarpons are massive. The hurricane did some damage so some parts are being rebuild. Lots of wildlife in the area and the large garden seems to be perfect for birdwatching(I don’t know, I’m a fisher) The tarpon banks are not far off, and snook is everywhere.
7. Nena Lodge and Tours
Overall Ratings
4 based on 54 reviews
If you’re looking for a budget friendly small hotel in El Castillo, look no further than Nena Lodge and Tours. Guest rooms offer a mosquito net, and Nena Lodge and Tours makes getting online easy as free wifi is available. While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the nearby restaurants, including Borders Cafe (0.2 mi) and Soda Sabores (0.2 mi), all of which are within walking distance from Nena Lodge and Tours. The staff at Nena Lodge and Tours looks forward to serving you during your upcoming visit.
Confortable lodge and experienced tourguide
Reviewed By SalimosDeBilbaoYou can take advantage of booking nights here and get a disscount for the tours to Indio Maiz natural reserve. The guide is very experienced and the room are confortable with local flavor. They can also provide brakfast or help you out to go further more to Bartola.
8. Guacimo Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Guacimo Lodge runs 100% on renewable energy and has only six bungalows in order to minimize impact. Its 50-hectare primary and secondary forest provides a true Central American lowland rainforest experience. The lodge is only accessible by water and it is located in Indio Maiz buffer zone.
Luxury stay in nature
Reviewed By Chiara DMy partner and I had the loveliest time at Guacimo River Lodge. This place is simply amazing. If you’re planning on visiting Nicaragua you should not miss out on this area of the country and you should definitely stay at Guacimo. We were incredibly lucky to have the whole place for ourselves and we got spoiled rotten by all the staff. The team booked our boat tickets from San Carlos and picked us up from El Castillo. They upgraded our room to the bungalow as we were by ourselves, which was super fancy. No bugs were in sight as the cabins have mosquito nets all around. The bed also has an additional mosquito net around it. Going to bed with the sound of crickets and frogs and waking up with a thousand different types of birds singing is a one in a lifetime experience. We did the Adventure Package which included a hike in the forest, a night tour of the river, a kayak tour in the smaller river Bartola and a city tour of El Castillo, which included a visit to a cacao cooperative. Gustavo, our guide, is the nicest person, he is extremely knowledgeable and you can tell he loves and respects nature. We did the tour in Spanish, but Gustavo speaks English, French and German as well. We got to see a lot of animals, including a super rare type of poisonous frog. The food at Guacimo is delicious. Margarita, the chef, makes everything from scratch with fresh, local ingredients. Both my partner and I are vegan and we thought it would be tricky to eat plant-based in such a remote location. Margarita was extremely accommodating and prepared delicious and balanced meals for us. Henry and Manuel were very responsive both before, during and after our stay. We feel extremely grateful for this experience and can’t wait to go back.
9. La Esquina Del Lago
Overall Ratings
4 based on 60 reviews
La Esquina del Lago Jungle River Lodge is located only at five minutes from the town of San Carlos, on the other side of the river and on the corner of the lake (hence the name). The place is set in the peace and tranquillity of the Los Guatuzos National Park. La Esquina del Lago offers a wide variety of activities and services. There is a FREE BOAT SHUTLE from San Carlos available at any time, and kayaks can be used in and around the property free of charge as well. Equipment can also be provided to practice fishing around the hotel. The hotel has GUIDED TOURS in motor boats (there are 6 boats of various sizes, all fully registered).
World Class Tarpon Fishing
Reviewed By NorthwoodsAlI write this review as someone who went to fish Tarpon and I love the Central American rain forest.. My friend and I went in October, 2017.We thought it was beyond expectations and a trip of a lifetime. Our guide, Jumper, and the boatman were great fisherman and led us to the fish. We caught 9 tarpon and brought 6 to the boat! These fish leap out of the water 6 feet and weigh 100 pounds! The equipment was good as were the boats and motors. If your going for world class Tarpon fishing this is the place. (It's fishing, though, so not everyone so lucky. Depends on the weather, season and -- the fish), Is catch and release to protect the fishery and the guides were very careful to release the fish healthy and didn't bring them into the boat but one was hooked in the gills and died so we did take pictures and took the fish to a local family on the river to eat. We worked hard. 90 degree heat, got up at 6AM and fished til 6PM, six days. Too tired to care about the fan or bathroom mats. The food was great. Visited other lodges to find the fish so saw a lot of the Lake Nicaragua and the Rio San Juan. Also loved all the animals. You are in a boat on the river going through the jungle so the animals aren't hiding from you. Saw howler, and white faced monkeys, caiman, birds,snakes, tarantulas, iguanas... Beautiful place. Stayed in Granada one night, Fun and a nice view of colonial Nicaragua.Guides took us to a festival in San Carlos. Sometimes the transportation is not well organized so take your own initiative to get there if you have to or call Phillipe to remind him. Just get to hotel Colonial in Granada and Phillipe will get a taxi for you to San Carlos.Have his cell number in hand, Sure, the place is a little threat bare but the people were great, the food good and the fishing spectacular, What do you need the internet for anyway? If you are looking for a getaway, you found it.
10. Hotel Grand River Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
Well this is a new Eco lodge Rustic Resort Grand River Lodge yes start in Nicaragua near San Carlos Nicaragua in the community La Esperanza is 34 kilometre from San Carlos. Write in front the water San Juan River. The hotel is located in farm of 200 very nice location ride on the river Rio San Juan we have now houses with a private bathroom, a sink, mosquito nets; outside we have a little place to sit and relax with hammocks. We have also internet and outside kitchen with a fridge, also restaurant. Also they sell drinks. Also you can horseback ride or fish also the little village Esperanza is 2km. Away there are alot of things to do surrounded by the birds and howler monkeys are not far away maybe they wake you up.
No Spanish, no service
Reviewed By Markus MActually I have no idea if the staff is just unfriendly if you're not fluent in Spanish or just in general. Already in the beginning it took ages until they would finally stand up from their tables and their beers to talk with me, assuming that I would take a single hut, even though I booked the cheaper dorm (which I at least had for myself). From then on it was a hassle asking anything, starting from "how to get to the nearby town", "when does the bus go" and so on. They just wouldn't answer me - especially with the shedules it would have been useful to write them down. My day at the lodge I wanted to use for some nature exploration. Well, a nature pool really doesn't exist. In the end I had to travel 1,5 hours back to the next town to get cash at the ATM, because they wouldn't, as promised and advertised even right there, take any credit cards. Well, if I had known earlier... When I came back I wanted to cook, what became another problem, since the receptionist wanted to charge me the gas use per minute. I refused. Generally I had the feeling of not being welcome there at all. The almost angry and annoyed looks, information had to be literally sucked out of them. And I mean, at least I know some Spanish, even if not very well, but basically they could have communicated with me if they wanted. All in all you can't really call this place a hotel. If they would change their attitude towards guest, it might become something nice. For now, not worth the long journey through the jungle.
