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The trip of a lifetime,
11 days to discover the Best of Nicaragua
The trip of a lifetime, 11 days to discover the Best of Nicaragua, Solentiname and the isolated Rio San Juan taking the time to explore in detail.
We meet in San Carlos, at the confluences of the rio Frio and the rio San Juan, and Lake Nicaragua. From the waterfront pier we can see the Archipelago de Solentiname – a designated national monument. The community is spread out among the islands and we will discover its history and artist colony over the next few days.
We settle into Albergue Celentiname, where Maria Guevara has been running the lodge for over 23 years. She is one of the original painters on the islands and is happy to share her story and the history of life in Solentiname. We will explore the islands by canoe and foot. Paddling along the shore line lets us soak in our surroundings and is an excellent way to birdwatch. The community of painters and artisans is very open and friendly. In addition to the art on the islands we will also have time to explore petroglyphs and pre-columbian sites. A visit to Los Guatuzos is also planned. This is a wonderful wildlife refuge along the rio Papaturro where the wildlife is abundant including monkeys, iguanas, turtles, herons, egrets only to name a few.
After a short stay in Solentiname we return to San Carlos and begin our journey down the rio San Juan. The San Juan forms the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The whole area is considered a tropical rain forest and the bio diversity is spectacular. Along the river we will see a wide variety of bird species including chestnut toucans, boat-billed herons, great egrets and white ibis.
We will spend two evenings in El Castillo. This riverside village has a long history of pirates and battles between the English and Spanish. Since there are no roads in this isolated region of Nicaragua, the rivers are the lifeblood of the community, bustling with boatman selling their wares and fisherman coming and going. These small rivers are ideal for paddling, offering solitude, lush vegetation and excellent birding. Sitting on the deck of the hotel overlooking the river is the perfect way to end the day.
We continue down the river from El Castillo to our final lodging at Refugio Bartola. This is a small research center located along the quiet Bartola river and Si a la Paz national park. During our two days here we will have time to become totally immersed in this special place. Footpaths lead us through some of the last remaining primary forest in Nicaragua. The forest canopy is teeming with life. Birds and mammals make their home high in the canopy as vines and lianas stretch to the forest floor. Bromeliads and orchids add a splash of color to the dark greens of the rainforest foliage.
It is difficult to find words to describe our experience in Solentiname & Rio San Juan , mostly because there is very little to compare it to. The trip starts with super friendly people, art, nature, and ends with history. The legacy of present day Solentiname is steeped in the history of the Nahuatl word Celentiname, which means "place of many guests". Perhaps this is what Costa Rica's Monteverde was like 40 years ago. The ideal adventure for the adventurer who wants to travel where very few other tourists have traveled.
We meet in San Carlos, the headquarters of the department of Rio San Juan, and quickly depart for the magical islands of Solentiname. We can arrange your short flight from Managua, or direct you to bus service. From the waterfront pier we can see our home for the next several days -- the Archipelago de Solentiname – a designated national monument. It has a rich past and reputation, known, not only for its primitivist art colony, its semi-revolutionary activities, its unique natural history, but also for the hospitality of the people and their peaceful style of living. Solentiname does not allow any motor vehicles. In fact, only paths exist—no roads. Ernesto Cardenal, famous poet, and the community of painters and wood carvers are major attractions for visitors. For others, the secret of the areas attraction may be its serenity. We challenge our visitors to find a more peaceful place on earth.
The archipelago is a group of 36 small islands, situated in the fresh waters of the great Lake of Nicaragua. The indigenous tribes called it Cocibolca; it is so big that the spanish conquerors thought they had discovered and istmus between the Pacific Ocean and the caribbean sea. At this point they though Big Lake Nicaragua was the Caribbean sea. They never imagined it was a lake. After they realized it was a fresh water lake, they decided to name it La Mar Dulce (the Sweet Sea. Another interesting fact is that it is one of the very few, or perhaps the only, freshwater lake in the world to have sharks, although their numbers have dropped precipitously.
We will explore the islands by canoe and foot. Paddling along the shore line lets us soak in our surroundings and is an excellent way to birdwatch. The community of painters and artisans are very open and friendly and are spread out among the islands. We will explore the history and artist colony of Solentiname over the next few days. We settle into Albergue Celentiname, where Maria Guevara has been running a lodge for over 23 years. She is one of the original painters on the islands and is happy to share her story and the history of life in Solentiname. In addition to the art on the islands we will also have time to explore La Cueva del Duende, an underwater cave with pre-columbian petroglyphs. The CAVE as it is known locally has mythological importance to the islanders. They believed that it was the path to the other side and marked on the walls are representations of the dead. We will also explore the Reserve of “Los Guatusos” where the wildlife is abundant including monkeys, iguanas, turtles, herons, egrets only to name a few.
All-together-too soon, we leave Solentiname, hoping to cross paths with Samuel Clemmons (Mark Twain) as he comes up river on his way to California. The Rio San Juan takes its job seriously as the natural border with Costa Rica. The whole area is considered a tropical rain forest. The bio diversity is spectacular. All along the river you will see hundreds of different bird species like: Chestnut Toucans, Harpy Eagles, Boat-billed herons, Great Egrets, Jacanas and Cormorants.
Hopefully we will not be detoured so that we can find our way to Castillo La Inmaculada Concepción. This riverside village has a long history of pirates and battles between the English and Spanish. Much of this history is beautifully displayed in the ruins of the hillside fort that stands as a sentry over the town, guarding the river communities from Caribbean pirates who could not pass upriver past the rapid here. The only access to El Castillo is by water so the village is bustling with boatman selling their wares and fisherman coming and going. Julia and XXXX will greet us like the old friends that we are at Hotel Victoria, and dinner will be a succulent affair with Sandra and the most succulent and delicious River Shrimp in the whole world.
We continue down the river from El Castillo to our final lodging at Refugio Bartola. This is a small research center located along the quiet Bartola River adjacent to ‘Si a la Paz’ — ‘Yes to Peace’, an immense national park in southern Nicaragua stretching all the way to the Caribbean Sea. El Castillo we will have paddling choices on several of the many nearby tributaries. These small rivers are ideal for paddling, offering solitude, lush vegetation and excellent birding.
During our two days here we will have time to become totally immersed in this special place. Hammocks, paddling, hiking and more river shrimp...who could think of more. Footpaths lead us through some of the last remaining primary forest in Nicaragua. The forest canopy is teeming with life. Birds and mammals make their home high in the canopy as vines and lianas stretch to the forest floor. Bromeliads and orchids add a splash of color to the dark greens of the rainforest foliage.
Our journey ends as it began traveling back up the rio San Juan to San Carlos to catch to plane back to Managua, or extend your trip in our wintertime home of Solentiname. This trip is for the adventurer who revels in the unknown, traveling to remote places where we will be the only visitors. We will have the time to reflect on our sojourn to this special corner of Nicaragua, where the artist, with simple brush strokes, can portray the simplicity of nature and people living in harmony.
Sunday
We meet at the Three Stallion Inn in Randolph Vermont. To get to the inn, from the south take Exit 4 ff of I-89, turn left off of the exit and follow for two miles. Turn left onto Stock Fram road and go approximately a half mile to the inn. If you are coming from the north take exit 4 off of I-89 and turn right off of the exit and follow for two miles. Turn left onto Stock Farm road and go approximatley a half mile to the inn.
This classic vermont stock farm has been restored and remodeled to provide the ideal combination of charm and comfort. The grounds and surrounding hills provide an idyllic setting.
The innkeepers will be expecting our arrival between 3 and 7 pm. We will gather for dinner at 7:00pm. Welcome
Three Stallion Inn -- phone 802.728.5575 802.728.5575
Monday
We are off on our journey throughout Vermont. After breakfast we leave our cars behind and travel by canoe and our van for the next five days. The Winooski is a sampler in itself with smooth and easy sections as well as quickwater, such as that at the mouth of the Mad River. The Winooski winds its way through both secluded and civilized areas. In the afternoon we will load up for the trip north to Stowe, "Ski Capital of the East", and a pleasant summer town.
Monday evening we will be guests at the Stowehof Inn. The Stowehof is a traditional Swiss-Austrian Inn situated off a quiet country road on spacious and rolling grounds. We will be able to enjoy our surroundings and the majestic beauty of Mt. Mansfield from either the swimming pool or deck--the choice is yours!
Phone 802.253.9722
Tuesday
We usually choose the Lamoille River for our second day. Wide open views of valleys and interesting geological rock formations depict the character of this river. We will put-in at a secluded spot just below Cady's Falls. Lunch is often near the portage around Dogs Head and Sloping Falls. If the water and our mood is right, we will run Sit-A-While rapid and Ithiel Falls, and canoe through the wonderful granite islands in the afternoon.
A point of interest in the Lamoille is the only river we know that changed its headwaters. It originally rose in Long Pond, until June 6, 1810, when folks from Barton opened a channel to drain some more water into the Barton River for the mills downstream. However, the barrier turned out to be quicksand under a clay encrustment, and Long Pond (about 1 2 miles long) drained itself in about 15 minutes. The resulting wall of water swept cows and 100 tons of rocks down stream destroying houses, but killing no one. Now it is known as Runaway Pond - the headwaters of the Barton River.
Tuesday night will be the first of two evenings spent at the Village House Inn in Albany. We usually have the entire inn to ourselves. The sitting room, furnished with antiques, and the large wrap around porch are popular gathering spots to enjoy a refreshing drink before dinner, pass away a quiet summer evening, or just sit and watch the world go by.
Innkeeper - Kate Fletcher, phone 802.755.6722 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 802.755.6722 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Wednesday
Today we begin some wonderful choices. The Missisquoi is a wide meandering river that flows westward across the top of Vermont, with a loop into Canada, on it's way to Lake Champlain. Hills and mountains are the backdrop of this beautiful valley as the river cuts through quiet meadows and farmland almost entirely away from the road. Or we could head to the Black River where there are several sections we can choose from. We easily settle into the Black's gentle pace as we head north toward Lake Memphremagog. The Connecticut river is also a choice with its fast water, seclusion and scenery.
The day ends as it began at the Village House Inn. The peace and quiet of the Northeast Kingdom surround us as we enjoy one more evening with Kate. Her warm hospitality and excellent cooking make it hard to leave. We enjoy sharing stories of the day on the porch or taking a quiet walk along one of the many backroads that meander through the village.
Innkeeper - Kate Fletcher, Phone 802.755.6722
Thursday
We continue our Choice of Rivers day. The Clyde - a stretch that is gorgeous and magical all the way. Hemlock and cedar trees line the banks while blue herons and kingfishers hunt for fish in the clear water of the river. Another choice could be the Green River Reservoir. We could spend days upon days exploring this hidden out-of-the-way lake, with its many coves, inlets and bays. There are no motor boats to disturb the nesting loons, so the canoe is the only way to explore. Indeed a wonderful day if we want to be in a canoe, off the roads and with nature.
We end our journey where we began at the Three Stallion Inn. We will have time to relax on the lawn, go for a walk, or enjoy the hot tub before we gather for our final dinner together.The Three Stallion Inn strives to create an atmosphere of years gone by and is a welcome haven after our journey deep into the fabric of Vermont. When we retire for the evening, we'll appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and decorative creativity that has been provided to ensure our comfort.
Three Stallion Inn -- phone 802.728.5575 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 802.728.5575 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Friday
The best is saved for last. The White River! One of the best loved canoe runs in the state. We will run a mixture of flatwater, quickwater, Class I and II rapids over the White's ledges. A lot depends on water level, but we guarantee it will be a fitting finale to our Tour de Vermont. We plan to arrive back at the Three Stallion Inn in the late afternoon to pick up our cars and say our good byes and begin our journey back to reality.
Final Payments
Your balance is due when we meet on the first night of the trip and may be paid by cash, check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover). Please refer to your confirmation letter for the amount due.
Trip Notes Supplement
General Information
If you have any questions or need special arrangements please call our office. Regular office hours are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday in season. We are open Saturday and Sunday for day trip rentals, but our office staff is limited on weekends. We are generally closed Saturday through Tuesday November through April, although you may catch us in by chance other times.
Trip prices include lodging, all meals (except when noted) guide services and accompanying support van. Trips generally meet mid to late afternoon of the first day, and disband mid to late afternoon of the last day. We may be compelled to increase or decrease trip prices on trips due to matters beyond our control, such as currency exchange, airfare, taxes or price increases. Gratuities for BattenKill guides and other staff are appreciated, but are left entirely to your discretion.
Reservations and Confirmation
Often it is easier to call our office to check for availability and to make reservations. We request a deposit of $100.00 per person for the two to four day trips, $250.00 for five to six day trips, and $350.00 per person for longer trips. Immediate confirmation is possible using your credit card for the deposit.
On receipt of your deposit we prepare a complete confirmation packet, including a full itinerary,
personal equipment list, meeting location with directions, and application for short term trip cancellation insurance. Your confirmation letter will outline the balance which is due at the trip meeting for domestic trips, and 60 days prior for Canadian and other International trips. We strongly recommend that you obtain this cancellation insurance, which reimburses you for nonrefundable costs and deposits should you have to cancel your trip due to a personal emergency.
Cancellation and Refunds
Notification must be received by BATTENKILL CANOE LTD. (BCL) in writing. If you must cancel, but wish to reschedule for another trip, we will do our best to accommodate you. If you must cancel more than 45 days prior to departure, a refund of 50% of the per person deposit, OR a 100% credit valid for another trip. There are no refunds or reschedules are possible with less than 45 days notice or for leaving a trip early or arriving late.
Tips and Gratuities
Gratuities for the inn and food portion of your trip are paid by BCL. Gratuities for BATTENKILL guides are appreciated, but are left to your discretion. Each year the guide staff of BATTENKILL CANOE pledge to pool a portion of their tips and donate them to an outreach program. Over the past several years these outreach programs have included a scholarship program for a high school student in the remote village of Yorkin in Talamanca, Costa Rica, supporting the Ninos in la Calle program (alternative education program for the street kids) in Somotillo Nicaragua, financial and educational support to the BattenKill Watershed Council and an annual donation to the Vermont ACLU.
If you would like to find out more about these projects or have suggestions for other projects your guides would be happy to visit with you. This is just one of the ways we are able to reach out to the greater community and practice socially responsible travel.
Airline Reservations
Our airline desk is able to assist you in making our airline reservations, and we are pleased to do so. We can book with all the major carriers and would be happy to assist you with your travel plans.
Non-Performance
We almost always follow through with our entire trip schedule. However, we must reserve the right to cancel a trip or to make changes to the itinerary if necessary due to weather and/or water conditions, insufficient reservations or other factors outside of our control. Although it is unlikely, if we must cancel your trip, you may choose between: 1. A 100% refund of all monies paid, or 2. A 150% credit of your original deposit for a future trip with BATTENKILL. This constitutes full settlement, and BATTENKILL can not be held responsible for other costs incurred.
Guaranteed Dates & Small Trip Charge
Since you plan your vacation around our trip, it is our responsibility to run every trip scheduled if four or more persons are on the roster. A number of fixed costs make it more expensive to operate a trip with six members than one with 12. We budget our trips with a nearly full sign up, to enable us to price them at the lowest possible cost.
We will still run your trip if four or more guests are on the roster. However, we will be obliged to add a small trip surcharge if there is a low sign up of between four (4) and seven (7) participants. The small trip surcharge is ten (10) percent of the published price.
If you make your reservations 6 months prior to departure, you will qualify for our Earlybird Discount which guarantees your departure regardless of the number of people on the roster.
Value Vouchers
In the event that we discount a trip on which you are booked, we will automatically extend to you a courtesy voucher representing the value of the promotional discount. You may apply the discount certificate to any future BattenKill trip. You may combine discounts, however the maximum is 20% off any one trip.
Accommodations & Meals
Our standard accommodation is two per room, generally with a private bath. Usually singles and triples are available. BCL provides three meals per day, beginning with dinner on the first evening and ending with lunch on the last day (except where noted).
On our Voyageurs we provide top quality tents along with all other group camping gear. You are requested to bring only a sleeping bag and pad, as well as your personal gear. If you choose not to bring your own sleeping bag, you may rent one of ours which includes a foam pad.
Solo Travelers
If you're traveling alone and would like to assure yourself of a private room, there is a single supplement surcharge of $45.00 per evening. Singles willing to share will be matched with a roommate. If unavailable, a forced single supplement of 50 percent of the full supplement will be charged.
Bringing the Kids
We believe that sharing an adventure with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. Children twelve years of age or older are welcomed on all trips. Special arrangements must be made for all children 7-12. Regular discount is 25% off the trip price for folks under 18 years old.
Guest Responsibility
You must understand that river trips involve some risk. Guests are responsible for: choosing a trip that suits their abilities, level of fitness and state of health; arriving at the trip start with the clothing and gear recommended in the confirmation packet; respecting the laws and customs of the countries visited; following environmental guidelines and regulations while on the trip in accordance with guides direction; and respecting the rights and privacy of other trip members. You will be asked to sign a Hold Harmless and Release of Liability form prior to your trip.
BATTENKILL CANOE reserves the right to substitute lodges, leaders and to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary or advisable. BCL shall not be liable, directly or indirectly for any delay, cancellation, mishap, inconvenience, expense, personal injury or death, or damage of property for any reason whatsoever, including acts of God. BATTENKILL reserves the right to decline to accept, retain, or ask to leave any person whose actions or deportment impede trip operation, or rights, welfare and enjoyment of other trip members. No refund is possible under these circumstances. Payment of deposit, and release of credit card number represents your acceptance of these terms and conditions. All disputes shall be settled by binding arbitration in Bennington County Vermont.
About BattenKill Trip Guides
We are proud of the folks who lead our trips, and help make an extra special adventure for you. Each recognizes, welcomes and encourages the varying skills and interests of each guest.
On the first evening of our get-together, we will conduct a simple orientation of the trip to come, and go over safety regulations. You will be asked to sign a liability of release form, and we will collect your final payment then.
A Word About Equipment
Canoe rental is included in your trip price. You are welcome to bring along your own canoe if you would like, just let us know. We furnish premium canoes, paddles and PFD's (life jackets). We feature canoes by Mad River, Dagger, Old Town and others. If you have a particular canoe you would like to demo, please give us a call and we will attempt to have one available.
What Happens if it Rains
It does rain, so rain gear is a must. So are dry clothes, which can be stored in the waterproof bag that we furnish. If it's raining hard, we don't all have to go canoeing. The nice thing about Vermont is that there are plenty of other things to do...visit museums or go antiquing...spend some time in a general store. Or, we can just have another cup of coffee and wait till the rain abates. Whatever makes sense, we'll do.
And So On...
Also, enclosed is our suggested personal equipment checklist. Little things like lip balm, sun blocks and dry socks make a big difference, so check it over carefully.
WHAT TO BRING
This list is intended to be skeletal, and we anticipate you will have your own ideas of what is "necessary." In general bring half the clothes you think you will need and twice the film.
Getting wet is always a possibility when participating in outdoor activities. Clothing has to keep you warm even when wet. Try to avoid cotton. The problem with cotton is that once it is wet it absorbs water and does not dry out quickly.
*Inns and B&B are casual so cotton or cotton mix clothing--for off river and evenings is appropriate.
*Polypro or capilene undershirt and pants for Fall trips
*Lightweight nylon pants (the type where the legs zip off into a pair of shorts are very handy)
*Lightweight/medium weight long sleeve top.
*Wool sweater or fleece top for Fall trips
*Rain jacket and pants
*Wide brimmed hat.
*Sunglasses with security strap.
*Sunscreen, insect repellent
*Lip balm, chapstick
*Water bottle
*Personal toiletries
*Personal medications
*Bandana
*Camera and film
Additional Clothes for Paddling
*Shorts
*T-shirts or comfortable paddling tops
*Canoe shoes that can get wet for paddling such as sandals, or booties.
Optional Gear
*Binoculars
*Pocketknife
*Swimsuit
*Field guides, bird books, and travel books
*Journal notebook, pen, good book
*Extra eye glasses, sunglasses, security straps
If you have any questions on what to bring or how to pack please give us a call at 1.800.421.5268
WE stay at three great Inns, Visit their web site for more details.
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trips. Over the years our motto has become ‘to go beyond the end of the road’. With this thought in mind we are open to a world of possibilities of offering trips in unique settings, going where no one else is going, and being willing to adventure off the well-beaten paths. Read More!
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