Solentiname Archipelago National Monument, Island group and protected area in Río San Juan Department, Nicaragua
The Solentiname Archipelago is a group of 36 islands and islets in the southeastern portion of Lake Nicaragua. The islands feature thick tropical vegetation that reaches down to the water's edge, creating a green landscape across the lake.
The islands were once home to earlier inhabitants, and archaeological remains of their settlements can still be found there. The area became a national monument in 1999 to protect both the natural ecosystems and these historical traces.
Residents create primitivist paintings that show daily life and the surrounding nature, reflecting how the community sees itself. This artistic tradition shapes what visitors see when walking through the island settlements.
The islands are reached by boat from San Carlos, a journey that takes several hours and works best if planned for an early start. Accommodations exist on the islands themselves, so visitors can stay overnight rather than making a daily round trip.
The lake is freshwater, yet it is home to fish species typically found only in the ocean, such as sharks and sawfish. This unusual combination developed because these species adapted and found their way through river connections over time.
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