Reach San Carlos
San Carlos is the main connection point for continuing to El Castillo. Managua and Granada are the principal routes by road, with additional options from Bluefields or Costa Rica.
Traveling to La Mariola
Boat to El Castillo
Public boats to El Castillo depart from the San Carlos port terminal. Identification is required, and tickets must be purchased several hours before departure.
View departure times
- 06:00Monday to Sunday
- 08:00Monday to Sunday
- 10:15Monday to Sunday
- 12:00Monday to Sunday
- 13:00Sunday only
- 14:30Monday to Friday
- 15:30Monday to Sunday
- 16:30Monday to Sunday
From El Castillo to the farm
This final leg takes about 7 minutes in a private boat that we coordinate. Please contact us in advance so we can arrange it.
Public transportation to San Carlos
Public transportation options depend on your point of departure. These are the main references for planning the first part of the journey.
From ManaguaDeparture from Mercado Mayoreo · approx. 6.5 hours
The journey takes approximately 6.5 hours. To reach El Castillo on the same day, we recommend taking one of the first three morning buses.
Departure times
- 05:00Mon to Sun
- 06:00Mon to Sun
- 07:00Mon to Sun
- 09:15Mon to Sun
- 10:15Mon to Sun
- 13:00Mon to Sun
- 17:00Mon to Sun
- 18:30Mon to Sun
From GranadaTwice a week · approx. 6.5 hours
This journey operates only on Mondays and Thursdays and takes approximately 6.5 hours.
Departure times and locations
- 11:00Mon and Thu · La Portuaria
- 15:00Mon and Thu · Puma gas station at the entrance to the city
From RivasAcross Lake Nicaragua · approx. 7 hours
Boats depart Monday through Friday from a town called Colón. The journey takes approximately 7 hours.
Departure time
- 07:00Mon to Fri
From BluefieldsConnecting in Nueva Guinea
For this journey, we recommend taking the bus from Bluefields toward Managua and getting off in Nueva Guinea. The first leg takes about 3 hours. From there, walk to the bus terminal and take transportation to San Carlos, a journey of approximately 4 hours.
Bluefields – Managua
- 04:00Every day
- 05:30Every day
- 06:30Every day
- 10:00Every day
- 13:00Every day
- 16:00Every day
- 21:00Every day
- 23:00Every day
Nueva Guinea – San Carlos
- 04:00Every day
- 07:00Every day
- 09:00Every day
- 11:50Every day
- 15:00Every day
From Costa RicaInternational entry through Las Tablillas
The route enters Nicaragua through the Las Tablillas border crossing. There is a direct connection from San José and frequent departures from Ciudad Quesada. Because the border is open from 07:00 to 15:00, we recommend traveling in the morning.
San José – Las Tablillas
- 05:30Every day
- 5.5 hoursApproximate duration
- Terminal 7-10Departure point
Ciudad Quesada – Las Tablillas
- 05:30Frequent buses from this time onward
- 3 h 15 minApproximate duration
- Morning departureRecommended because of border hours
For greater comfort
Private transportation
We can help arrange private transportation to San Carlos, depending on your point of departure, date and availability.
Practical arrival information
Travel to this area combines public transportation, river journeys and the conditions of a rural border region. Allow enough time, carry what you need and stay in contact with us so we can coordinate your arrival.
Arrive early at your departure point
Arriving early at bus stops or port terminals makes it easier to purchase tickets, register as a passenger and travel at the scheduled time.
Carry identification
Keep your identity document or passport accessible during transfers and travel checks.
Bring cash
There are no ATMs in El Castillo, and card or digital payments are not available in the area. We recommend carrying enough cash in Nicaraguan córdobas for your expected expenses.
Stay in contact with us
Letting us know about any change to your arrival time helps us adjust the transfer between El Castillo and La Mariola.