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Victoria Hotel

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A friendly family hotel and restaurant on the banks of the Rio San Juan and below the fort in folksy, vehicle-free El Castillo.

This family-owned property, Hotel Victoria, is situated on the banks of the jungle-fringed Rio San Juan, a short stroll from the centre of the village. Folksy El Castillo itself – accessible only by river although a new road to Costa Rica passes nearby – consists of a huddle of wooden houses, some on stilts, crouching below the monumental hilltop stone fort built by the Spanish colonists.   

 

The old building has a lovely veranda with river views, warm hospitality and one of only four private generators in town – handy in one of the power cuts which afflict this remote, vehicle-free community. The hotel was refurbished in 2013 and the 15 rooms – some with river views – are in very good condition with gleaming wooden walls. There is also a very pleasant al fresco restaurant with river views and a pond with turtles.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Most memorable experiences: “Nicaragua as a whole including Ometepe island and Granada. Bocas del Toro” 

    MT, Birmingham Mar 2013
  • Local cultures were well recognised and customs observed, especially on Ometepe where the local population were trying to maintain a traditional lifestyle while moving into the21st century.

    AK, Wantage Mar 2012
  • Highlights? Solentiname Islands for their remoteness and bird life. Masaya volcano for the bubbling lava.

    CY, Wirral Jan 2020
  • Highlights: Various boat trips, Matagalpa market, additional visits to Granada prison and political cemetery, Boca del Mar

    JS, Winscombe Jan 2016
  • '"Overall we had an absolutely fabulous time and would recommend anyone to visit Nicaragua and visit using JLA - we felt it was a great mix of culture and wildlife…

    OW, Arsenal Jun 2013
  • Highlights: “Sunset at Totoco - closely followed by composting toilet (also Totoco) - actually possible to enjoy both at the same time.” 

    CN, Ruislip Aug 2012
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Our Expert's Opinion

Heloise
Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

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