Border Crossing Costa Rica to Nicaragua by Boat – Most tourists who are traveling in Costa Rica also want to visit other Central American countries. Nicaragua, the land of volcanos and lakes, is one popular option. While most people cross the border in Peñas Blancas, I chose the more adventurous option.
At 5:30 in the morning, I took the bus from the Bus Terminal de San Carlos in San Jose to Los Chiles.
The bus drive took about five hours and cost 2.100 Colones (around $4). Los Chiles is the most northern town of Costa Rica, located at the Rio Frio.
I went straight to the government house from the bus stop in Los Chiles, past some small shops, sodas, and a soccer field in midtown. The town is rather small, and I arrived at the office within a few minutes.
It was immediately my turn against the “normal” border crossing with long waiting lines and lots of paperwork.
I filled out the immigration form, handed it over to the officer together with my passport, and within a few minutes, I had my exit stamp.
From the office, I went down the road to the small port of departure. There were already 20 people, mainly Nicaraguan, waiting for the next boat to San Carlos in Nicaragua. The boat ticket for the one-hour drive costs $11.
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So far, everything went quite easy, and the boat tour feels more like an adventure than a border crossing. During the jungle drive, I was many birds, heard howler monkeys, and enjoyed the amazing landscape.
The actual border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua is not more than a pole and a sign.
We only stopped at a small military outpost. A group of three very friendly soldiers had a quick look at us, and we could continue our way. No controls, no endless waiting lines.
We did not even have to leave the boat. Soon we arrived at Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America.
The boat stopped in front of the arrival terminal. I said goodbye to the boat driver and got welcomed by very friendly border officials.
I filled out the immigration form and paid USD 14 arrival tax. After a small talk with the official, I was in San Carlos, Nicaragua. Wow, what an easy and fun border crossing!
Before I continued my way, I walked around San Carlos. Clarisa, a local girl from San Carlos who I got to know on the boat, gave me a small sightseeing tour of her town.
It is a quiet place with nicely colored houses right on the lake. In the center, there is a playground and a small church. On the hill behind the park is a small fort that defended the town in the past from pirates.
Normally border crossings are pretty stressful and a rather unpopular part of traveling. An unavoidable part. This border crossing, however, was the first highlight of my trip through Nicaragua.
When you have enough time and do not mind traveling a bit further to the next big town, I definitely recommend choosing this border instead of the main border in Peñas Blancas.
From Peñas Blancas, you can arrive quickly at all popular places like San Juan del Sur, Rivas Granada, and Managua. However, the border crossing is stressful; you must wait in line.
COMMENT: What was your most adventurous border crossing?
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Tim Kroeger, founder of Universal Traveller, leverages extensive experience in luxury travel and tourism to offer firsthand insights into emerging hospitality trends.
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