Back

Victoria Hotel

  • Nicaragua_RioSanJuan_VictoriaHotel (1)
  • Nicaragua_RioSanJuan_VictoriaHotel (3)
  • Nicaragua_RioSanJuan_VictoriaHotel (2)
0 1 2

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

  • 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
  • El Castillo - wonderful setting on river - arriving by boat (even though it broke down and we had to Be rescued by public boat for last part of journey.…

    NJ, Pinner May 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
  • “El Castillo is remote and absolutely rewarding . Our guides took us kayaking and made us a picnic from local produce and treated us like family. Owners of Victoria Hotel…

    SF, Reading Jan 2011
  • "This was our first experience of Central America and the itinerary was spot on for us. Every place we visited held some considerable interest making it probably the best holiday…

    DRF, Stafford Feb 2015
  • Most Memorable Moment?: Seeing into the crater of Volcan Masaya at night. The red fire was like staring into the gates of hell.  Absolutely amazing sight

    IM, Andover Dec 2017
0 1 2 3 4 5

Our Expert's Opinion

Hannah
Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
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.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Sallly
    Sally Watkins - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • 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.

0 1 2 3 4 5