The town of San Carlos, with a population of less than 30,000, is located some 300 km from the capital Managua. It is the main entry and exit point for travellers and visitors to the area, landlocked at the exact point where the Rio San Juan enters Lake Nicaragua. Dating back to the 16th century, the town is small and rustic, but has a number of small hotels and restaurants to welcome visitors. It’s a fisherman’s paradise, and sport fishing is renowned here, with an international tournament.
History of San Juan
There is no formal evidence to date the creation of this coastal city. We do know that in 1679, the Spanish bishop of Nicaragua submitted to the crown the idea of founding a city at the mouth of the rio, a trading post. The need to set up a checkpoint at the entrance to the river naturally drained enormous quantities of water. Once again, Spanish colonization didn’t stop there by chance. Originally called Nueva Juan, San Carlos was inhabited by the indigenous los Pipiles, surely the original community of the area. In the first half of the 16th century, these and other tribes were literally exterminated . The Gatuzos occupied the upper Rio Frio, coming directly from the Caribbean, and had the reputation of being fierce warriors who rarely refused to fight. They mainly occupied strategic positions not far from the mountains. These indigenous Caribbean groups were found as far away as Solentiname. The Spaniards, far stronger in numbers and technique, eventually enslaved the few rebellious tribes . The Caribs and Miskitos were more likely to be found in the lake area, and it was far more difficult for the Spaniards to control them at the start of their exploration of the Rio San Juan. Many of these indigenous villages suffered from the scorched earth tactic, a barbaric warrior technique and strategy that is still well known today. The burning of certain villages was simply a response to the settlers’ unwillingness to set up a trading post or fort. Strategic points and villages tended to be located near trade routes and Pacific cities.
What to do from San Carlos in Nicaragua?
The small town of San Carlos will delight lovers of sport fishing, tranquillity and nature. From its pier, you can take a lancha outing either eastwards on the Rio San Juan, or westwards on the waters of Lake Nicaragua to visit the following places
- the Solentiname archipelago, comprising some 30 islets of varying sizes, some of which are inhabited by numerous birds and marine animals, and by communities of artisans and painters who have developed their own artistic style
- the Los Guatuzos nature reserve, whose jungle is home to a wide variety of animals and plants
- rio San Juan. A river linking Lake Nicaragua to the Pacific Ocean, filled with history and lush tropical flora and fauna
- the town of El Castillo, on the banks of the Rio San Juan
- the Indio Maíz nature reserve, home to a wealth of biodiversity
Plan your next vacation in Nicaragua!
