Río San Juan

San Carlos is the capital of the department, and is the gateway for visitors. San Carlos is positioned on the confluence of Lake Nicaragua and the San Juan River. It has an airfield that connects it with the Managua airport, a boardwalk, a municipal port and docks with boats to visit the tourist attractions. In September of each year the international sport fishing tournament and the water float festival take place.

The Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge offers a diversity of species, standing out 385 species of waterfowl that form the largest concentration in Nicaragua, and Central America. It also features a great variety of other animal species.

The Solentiname Islands are an archipelago, located on the great lake of Nicaragua, is composed of 36 islands, including Mancarrón, La Venada, El Zapote, and San Fernando, featuring archeology, artists and craftsmen, and a great amount of flora and fauna.

El Castillo owes its name to the historical monument Fortaleza de la Inmaculada Concepción de María. Tourists who visit the fortress can explore its interior, tour its museum and enjoy its scenic beauty.

The Indio Maíz Biosphere Reserve is considered one of the most important natural areas in Central America due to the scientific value of the high diversity of plant species and fauna (tapir, manatee, jaguar, wild pig, sahino, etc.), and the presence of archaeological remains.

San Juan de Nicaragua, formerly called Greytown, is located 200 kilometers from San Carlos, on the San Juan River. Here we will find the old steam dredger where an interoceanic canal was built. In Old San Juan, we will also find interesrtin British, Freemason, American, and Catholic historical cemeteries.