RÍO INDIO

If you've come this far, you'd be wrong not to take a trip to the surrounding area. The Río Indio is perhaps even more wonderful than the Río San Juan. There's no public transport, so you'll have to hire a private boat (you may have come this way from San Carlos, which is still the easiest and freest solution... if not the cheapest!). The Ramas who live on the river banks are not used to seeing travellers, so it's best to keep your distance and never show them disrespect. Some compare the river to a "mini Amazon". Pure adventurers (but we're talking adventure here in the strongest sense of the word) can try to board the frail skiffs of the Ramas, who return to their community after making the usual purchases (and occasionally emptying a few bottles of rum... perhaps in your company).

Note that Managua-based tour operators can also organize a trip to this region. Be prepared to pay a certain amount of money.

Near the village of San Juan del Norte, you can also swim in the Blue Lagoon: the waters are warm and tranquil (no sharks... and no crocodiles, a priori!).

Other points of interest include the old Greytown Cemetery, a historic site on the other side of Santa Lucia Lagoon. Organize your visit with a San Juan del Norte guide.