Río San Juan Department

Río San Juan is an administrative region in southeastern Nicaragua, featuring dense tropical rainforests, the San Juan River, and island settlements scattered throughout. The area is characterized by water-based geography with vegetation that dominates the landscape.

The region was established as a separate administrative entity in 1957, after splitting from neighboring territories to the north. This new division created an independent administrative structure for the southeastern portion of the country.

The region's settlements reflect how residents live alongside the river and rainforest in their daily routines. You notice this in the way people use waterways for travel and trade, and how local life centers around the natural landscape.

San Carlos serves as the main hub where travelers can organize journeys to island settlements and other parts of the region. Most destinations are reachable by water routes and land paths, allowing for flexible travel planning based on your interests.

The region contains Trinidad, marking Nicaragua's southernmost point where the border with Costa Rica runs along the San Juan River. This boundary location remains largely overlooked by visitors but forms a clear geographical endpoint worth noting.

Location: Nicaragua

Capital city: San Carlos

Shares border with: South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region, Limón Province

GPS coordinates: 11.13250,-84.77169

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:42