Solentiname Islands

The Solentiname Islands (known in Spanish as the Archipiélago de Solentiname ) are in Nicaragua on the southeastern corner of Lake Nicaragua (known locally as Cocibolca ). It's a remote area popular with artists that lies near the San Juan river and was historically important as a point on the Ruta del Tránsito , the most practical way to cross the American continent until the Panama Canal made it obsolete.

The only way onto the islands are via boat. Private boats can be chartered for around US$100 per day. Otherwise collective boats leave from a pier in San Carlos near the current construction along the seawall. The schedule is San Carlos to Solentiname Tuesday and Friday 1pm for C$80 and returning the same days at 4:30am for the same price. You might be lucky and find someone from the island running around in San Carlos and giving you a ride to the islands. A good place to ask about boats leaving for the islands is MiniCyber Ortega or the alcaldia .

There is no motorized traffic and you should be able to walk anywhere you want. Transport between the islands is only possible by boat, and as there are hardly any public boats, it will cost you unless you can get a small group together.

There is still some intact nature on the islands even though the people do farm the land. There are also petroglyphs on the islands.

On Mancarrón you can visit the church that Ernesto Cardenal built, Nuestra Senora de Solentiname. He sometimes goes there to preach, but you would need time or luck to catch that. The church itself is a charming and colorful building inspired by his misa campesina (peasant's mass), which is still sometimes held there.

Visit the museums on the main islands.

Some of the hotels have a restaurant as well that also serves outside guests. If you self cater, there are a couple of small ventas with a limited selection. Most likely you will eat at your hotel anyway.

Local cafes and comedores in Solentiname Islands serve coffee, soft drinks, and fruit juices throughout the day. Nicaraguan coffee is renowned, and a cup of locally grown brew is a must-try. Toña and Victoria are the most popular local beers. Fresh cacao beverages are also a highlight. Bottled water is recommended for visitors.

Isla Mancarrón

Hospedaje El Buen Amigo Cabins for US$5–6

Hotel Mancarrón ,

☏

+505 88523380 ,

[email protected] .

( updated Jun 2015 )

Catalanica ,

☏

+505 8764 6804 ,

[email protected] .

US$55 including all meals .

( updated Jun 2015 )

Isla San Fernando

Hospedaje Mira Estrella ,

☏

+506 3548065 , +505 8947331 .

Hotel Cabañas Paraiso ,

☏

+505 2278 3998 ,

[email protected] .

This hotel also offers food on site and is able to organize tours for you.

single US$30 double $45 triple $60 quadruple $70 .

( updated Jun 2015 )

Hotel Albergue Celentiname ,

☏

+505 2377 4229 ,

[email protected] .

single US$25 double $50 triple $75 .

( updated Jun 2015 )

Local shops and markets in Solentiname Islands sell everyday goods, fresh produce, and handicrafts. The weekly market day is the best time to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and household items. Basic supplies and locally produced goods are available from small family-run stores throughout the town.

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