San Carlos

Travel Guide

A colorful playground with a view of the sea.
A river flowing through a lush landscape with a stone structure in the foreground.
A large lake surrounded by dense forest, with a small island and a dock.
Two people holding a fish on a boat with a clear blue sky in the background.
Hotel Cabinas Leyko

Hotel Cabinas Leyko

2.5 out of 5
Iglesia catolica 2 cuadras Oeste San Carlos Rio San Juan
$24 nightly
The price is $28 total per night from Oct 15 to Oct 16
$28 total
Oct 15 - Oct 16
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in San Carlos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attraction San Carlos Fort is located nearby.
Hotel Cabinas Leyko
Guacimo Lodge

Guacimo Lodge

3 out of 5
Indio Maiz Biological Reserve El Castillo Rio San Juan
$180 nightly
The price is $207 total per night from Oct 15 to Oct 16
$207 total
Oct 15 - Oct 16
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this lodge in El Castillo. Enjoy free breakfast, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attraction Afortunada Ranch Reserve ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
"Wonderful service from the small team sadly showing signs of necessary maintence perfect location."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024

Guacimo Lodge
Hotel Victoria

Hotel Victoria

3 out of 5
Del muelle 300 metros al sureste El Castillo Río San Juan
Stay at this hotel in El Castillo. Enjoy free breakfast, daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Afortunada Ranch Reserve and Reserva ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Quaint, older hotel on the water. Very pleasant staff. Well maintained and comfortable. I’d stay again without hesitation."

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2025

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Hotel Victoria
See all 6 properties in San Carlos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular San Carlos attractions

Union de Pintores y Artesanos de Solentiname ‘Elvis Chavarría’

6.0/10 (1 review)
You can spend time studying the exhibits at Union de Pintores y Artesanos de Solentiname ‘Elvis Chavarría’ during your trip to San Carlos. Discover the area's museums and churches.
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Things to do

WILDLIFE BOAT SAFARI CAÑO NEGRO CANOA AVENTURA

Caño Negro Wildlife Boat Safari from La Fortuna (Full-Day Tour)

$96
per adult
Caño Negro Wildlife Boat Safari from La Fortuna (Full-Day Tour)
See all activities in San Carlos

Frequently asked questions

Is San Carlos worth visiting?
San Carlos is worth visiting for its diverse culinary scene, featuring delicious Asian and Italian cuisine, perfect for travelers seeking varied dining options. The area also offers unique natural attractions, including the beautiful Solentiname Islands and the peaceful El Refugio.
When is the best time to visit San Carlos?
The best time to visit San Carlos is from August through December, when the climate is typically pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the warmer months of April through May are a good option, offering a more relaxed experience before the peak season.
What is San Carlos known for?
San Carlos is known for its access to the Solentiname Islands, along with specific sites like El Refugio and Nuestra Señora de Solentiname. This riverside city, located on Lake Nicaragua and Río San Juan, also offers travelers a prominent Asian food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for San Carlos?
A good itinerary length for San Carlos is two to three days to explore key attractions like the Solentiname Islands, El Refugio, and Nuestra Señora de Solentiname. An extended stay of four to five days allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration of these natural and cultural points of interest, along with enjoying local Asian, Italian, and Latin American cuisine.
What are the top things to do in and around San Carlos?
San Carlos provides opportunities to explore natural beauty and significant local landmarks:


How do I plan a trip to San Carlos?
To plan your trip to San Carlos, search for places to stay, flights, and rental cars on Expedia. Book these in advance, especially if traveling during popular times. Plan your outdoor activities, such as visiting Solentiname Islands, El Refugio, or Nuestra Señora de Solentiname, for early morning or late afternoon to make the most of your time.
What cuisines can you find in San Carlos?
In San Carlos you can find Mediterranean cuisine, offering dishes like hummus, kebabs, and fresh salads. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of Asian options, including Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food, as well as Italian, Mexican, and classic North American meals.
Can I book a refundable hotel in San Carlos?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in San Carlos by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to San Carlos with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your San Carlos trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in San Carlos?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in San Carlos can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my San Carlos trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your San Carlos trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my San Carlos trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your San Carlos trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to San Carlos?
If it's your first trip to San Carlos, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my San Carlos hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your San Carlos hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near San Carlos

A calm lake reflecting clouds and a dense forest in the background.

Los Chiles

A waterfront building with boats docked in front.

Bluefields

A person in a white jacket observing a cow in a fenced enclosure with a wooden structure overhead.

Nueva Guinea

A calm lake with a tree in the center reflecting the sky and clouds.

Caño Negro

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