Guacimo Lodge
About Guacimo Lodge
Guacimo Lodge is a small jungle lodge on the Río San Juan, near El Castillo, in the Indio Maíz buffer zone. It has Deluxe Cabañas, a pool and a riverside restaurant, on 50 hectares of forest run on renewable energy. No road reaches it: the lodge's boat collects you at the El Castillo dock.
Guacimo Lodge stands on the Río San Juan in the Comarca Bartola, about a kilometer west of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve. There is no road. Guests arrive by water, and the lodge's own boat meets them at the dock in El Castillo. The grounds cover 50 hectares of primary and secondary lowland forest, and the lodge runs entirely on renewable energy.
The Deluxe Cabañas follow Rama building traditions, with palm-thatched roofs, and stand above the forest and the river. Each one sleeps two, with a queen bed, designer furniture and an outdoor shower. A pool and a restaurant beside the river complete the lodge.
Days here revolve around the reserve. A guided route paddles down the San Juan, walks two hours inside Indio Maíz, then follows the Bartola River by canoe to El Playón for a swim. Other options include a night boat trip for nocturnal wildlife, the Zompopo forest trail among giant almendro and cedro trees, and the 17th century fortress in El Castillo. White-faced capuchin and spider monkeys are among the animals you may see.
At a glance
- Airport (MGA): About 4 to 5 hours of driving from Managua airport, then a boat transfer
Perfect for
- Couples and honeymoons
- Nature and wildlife
- Birding
Hotel Facts
Type
- Riverside jungle lodge
Facilities
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Airport Transfer
Room Types
Deluxe Cabañas
Rama-inspired cabaña with thatched roof, queen bed and outdoor shower, raised above forest and river.
Forest and river
Dining
- Riverside restaurant: Dining area beside the San Juan River; menu details to be confirmed.
On the property
- Pool: Swimming pool on the lodge grounds.
- Zompopo forest trail: Walk past creek crossings and giant almendro and cedro trees.
- Canoeing Indio Maíz: Guided canoe and hike route to the Bartola River and El Playón.
- River night tour: Private boat trip after sunset to look for nocturnal wildlife.
Good to know
- The lodge has no road access; the boat from El Castillo to the lodge is arranged by the lodge, and public boats from San Carlos to El Castillo take about 2.5 hours.
- Arriving from Costa Rica, the lodge meets guests at the Las Tablillas border and continues by private boat for about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Drivers who bring their own vehicle leave it at the San Carlos dock and continue by boat.
Questions travellers ask
How do you get to Guacimo Lodge from San Carlos?
Take a public boat from San Carlos to El Castillo, a ride of about 2.5 hours. The lodge's boat then collects you at the El Castillo dock.
Can I reach the lodge from Costa Rica?
Yes. The lodge arranges a meeting at the Las Tablillas border and a private river transfer of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Can the lodge arrange transport from Managua or Granada?
Yes, private car or boat transport can be arranged from any point in Nicaragua. From Managua airport, Granada or San Juan del Sur, allow 4 to 5 hours of driving.
What is there to do around the lodge?
Guided canoeing and hiking in Indio Maíz, a forest trail, night boat trips, birdwatching and a visit to the El Castillo fortress and a cocoa cooperative.
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