La Esquina Del Lago
Bocana Rio Frio National park Los Guatuzos, San Carlos Pobox4 Nicaragua
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About
#1 of 4 small hotels in San Carlos
Location
4.7
Rooms
3.3
Value
4.1
Cleanliness
3.4
Service
4.3
Sleep Quality
3.7
La Esquina del Lago Jungle River Lodge is located only at five minutes from the town of San Carlos, on the other side of the river and on the corner of the lake (hence the name). The place is set in the peace and tranquillity of the Los Guatuzos National Park. La Esquina del Lago offers a wide variety of activities and services. There is a FREE BOAT SHUTLE from San Carlos available at any time, and kayaks can be used in and around the property free of charge as well. Equipment can also be provided to practice fishing around the hotel. The hotel has GUIDED TOURS in motor boats (there are 6 boats of various sizes, all fully registered).
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Property amenities
Wifi
Restaurant
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
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HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Mid-range
Location
Bocana Rio Frio National park Los Guatuzos, San Carlos Pobox4 Nicaragua
Getting there
Augusto C Sandino Airport
118 mi•
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3 Restaurants
within 5 miles
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Detailed Reviews
This quaint fishing lodge is located in a beautiful setting right on the river. The fishing was incredible. We fished 3 days and caught 5 snook and 1 monster tarpon! Our room was basic but had everything we needed. There is no air con but they are fans in the rooms. The service at the lodge was fantastic. Our room was cleaned daily. Fresh towels and laundry service were provided as well. We were amazed at the fantastic food we were served in such a remote location. Our days catch was expertly prepared nightly served with fresh salad and a variety of vegetables. We can’t wait to go back.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I had an amazing time at this fishing lodge! We came here looking for the champion tarpon the Rio San Juan is known for and we were not disappointed. Champa, Water, and Myra are seasoned guides and know the best spots to put us on the tarpon. We also caught several snook that were prepared for lunch and dinner by their fantastic cook, Tania - the freshest, most delicious snook I have ever had. I was told Tania has won several cooking competitions in Nicaragua, and you definitely taste it in every meal she prepared for us. Fishing on this river at sunrise is one of the most majestic and serene experiences I've had, and fighting a giant tarpon, seeing it jump and try to shake that hook, while on Rio San Juan made it feel like a dream. It was exhilarating! Thanks to everyone at La Esquina Del Lago for making this a fishing trip of a lifetime for me and my husband!
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a fishing lodge and if you go there with that in mind you will likely be very satisfied with your choice. The lodge offers nice rooms with great beds and the highest quality towels and sheets. There are a couple of thrashed roofed cabins that are much more rustic. These seem to used as overflow when everything else is full. The breakfast is good - lots of coffee, eggs, toast, gallo pinto, and fruit. Evening meals cost about $9 and are excellent. Bottled water is provide as is fruit and/or juice during the day. The atmosphere is friendly and casual. If you want something you find someone and ask. If you want an evening meal you have to tell them ahead of time. If you want to go across the lake to San Carlos a shuttle is always available. If you want so help in town with changing money, for example, someone will accompany you. These services are free but you are expected to tip the person who accompanies you through the town. There is no supermarket in San Carlos. There is an ATM. There is a limited supply of food that does not have to be cooked. So if you want general snack type stuff, you should bring it with you. The same applies to alcohol other than beer. For example, wine in a restaurant can be as much as $10 a glass.
The main appeal and the main problem (depending on your point of view) with this place is that it is literally built on the lake. Once you are at the lodge you are stranded there except for the use of a kayak or being shuttled back and forth to San Carlos. Yes, there are 3 dogs that are also stranded and when they must "go", their only choice is the board walks that connect various parts of the lodge. If you are a group of guys, that fish by day and socialize by night, you likely won't care. If you are someone who's used to the finery of resort holidays, you will likely be offended.
If you are thinking "fishing lodge" then this is likely the place for you.
The main appeal and the main problem (depending on your point of view) with this place is that it is literally built on the lake. Once you are at the lodge you are stranded there except for the use of a kayak or being shuttled back and forth to San Carlos. Yes, there are 3 dogs that are also stranded and when they must "go", their only choice is the board walks that connect various parts of the lodge. If you are a group of guys, that fish by day and socialize by night, you likely won't care. If you are someone who's used to the finery of resort holidays, you will likely be offended.
If you are thinking "fishing lodge" then this is likely the place for you.
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Date of stay: February 2012Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Try to ensure that you are housed in the main lodge.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I write this review as someone who went to fish Tarpon and I love the Central American rain forest.. My friend and I went in October, 2017.We thought it was beyond expectations and a trip of a lifetime.
Our guide, Jumper, and the boatman were great fisherman and led us to the fish. We caught 9 tarpon and brought 6 to the boat! These fish leap out of the water 6 feet and weigh 100 pounds! The equipment was good as were the boats and motors. If your going for world class Tarpon fishing this is the place. (It's fishing, though, so not everyone so lucky. Depends on the weather, season and -- the fish),
Is catch and release to protect the fishery and the guides were very careful to release the fish healthy and didn't bring them into the boat but one was hooked in the gills and died so we did take pictures and took the fish to a local family on the river to eat.
We worked hard. 90 degree heat, got up at 6AM and fished til 6PM, six days. Too tired to care about the fan or bathroom mats. The food was great. Visited other lodges to find the fish so saw a lot of the Lake Nicaragua and the Rio San Juan.
Also loved all the animals. You are in a boat on the river going through the jungle so the animals aren't hiding from you. Saw howler, and white faced monkeys, caiman, birds,snakes, tarantulas, iguanas... Beautiful place.
Stayed in Granada one night, Fun and a nice view of colonial Nicaragua.Guides took us to a festival in San Carlos.
Sometimes the transportation is not well organized so take your own initiative to get there if you have to or call Phillipe to remind him. Just get to hotel Colonial in Granada and Phillipe will get a taxi for you to San Carlos.Have his cell number in hand,
Sure, the place is a little threat bare but the people were great, the food good and the fishing spectacular, What do you need the internet for anyway? If you are looking for a getaway, you found it.
Our guide, Jumper, and the boatman were great fisherman and led us to the fish. We caught 9 tarpon and brought 6 to the boat! These fish leap out of the water 6 feet and weigh 100 pounds! The equipment was good as were the boats and motors. If your going for world class Tarpon fishing this is the place. (It's fishing, though, so not everyone so lucky. Depends on the weather, season and -- the fish),
Is catch and release to protect the fishery and the guides were very careful to release the fish healthy and didn't bring them into the boat but one was hooked in the gills and died so we did take pictures and took the fish to a local family on the river to eat.
We worked hard. 90 degree heat, got up at 6AM and fished til 6PM, six days. Too tired to care about the fan or bathroom mats. The food was great. Visited other lodges to find the fish so saw a lot of the Lake Nicaragua and the Rio San Juan.
Also loved all the animals. You are in a boat on the river going through the jungle so the animals aren't hiding from you. Saw howler, and white faced monkeys, caiman, birds,snakes, tarantulas, iguanas... Beautiful place.
Stayed in Granada one night, Fun and a nice view of colonial Nicaragua.Guides took us to a festival in San Carlos.
Sometimes the transportation is not well organized so take your own initiative to get there if you have to or call Phillipe to remind him. Just get to hotel Colonial in Granada and Phillipe will get a taxi for you to San Carlos.Have his cell number in hand,
Sure, the place is a little threat bare but the people were great, the food good and the fishing spectacular, What do you need the internet for anyway? If you are looking for a getaway, you found it.
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Date of stay: October 2017Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were in the very comfortable position to be the only guest during our 4 nights stay. We got a free pick-up from the airport in san carlos including a boat-shuttle to the resort. Champa is a very friendly and funny guy and he took care of us very much. The whole staff is very friendly and helpful. We had always lunch and dinner at the hotel and it was just terrific. One of the best food we had in Nica. Always fresh fish and other ingridients, with love prepared. Special Tipp: Ask at the day of arriving for the special river shrimps. We asked Philippe if he get one and he promised us he will try to buy some of the fishermen who coming every morning, but it's very rare and they are pretty hard to get these days. However we were lucky and we got a meal with this very special and so tasty river shrimps with spaghetti, very very delicious.
The room are clean and spacious with enough light. It's a little pity, that that water from the tap and the shower is coming straight out the river, which is not very nice. We were kayaking and fishing for free.
The only thing that we didn't rate as excellent is because of the following facts:
Two things were promised in the flyer and internet which are not provided:
> Internet (Philippe told us, he got Internet just in case of an emergency), so we had to go to san Carlos for Internet
> 24hours Electricity --> We got up very early one morning and there was no electricity
Again, both issues are not a big deal, but if you advertising with it you have to provide it.
However we had a very comfortable and relaxing stay and would totally come here again.
The room are clean and spacious with enough light. It's a little pity, that that water from the tap and the shower is coming straight out the river, which is not very nice. We were kayaking and fishing for free.
The only thing that we didn't rate as excellent is because of the following facts:
Two things were promised in the flyer and internet which are not provided:
> Internet (Philippe told us, he got Internet just in case of an emergency), so we had to go to san Carlos for Internet
> 24hours Electricity --> We got up very early one morning and there was no electricity
Again, both issues are not a big deal, but if you advertising with it you have to provide it.
However we had a very comfortable and relaxing stay and would totally come here again.
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Date of stay: November 2012Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dont expect a 5 star hotel. Although the hotel is not super clean or organized (common in Nicaragua), the owner, Philly, the owner -french from origin- his son, and the crew will make you feel at home. Beware that there might not be many guests, and if there are you might not see them because they are out fishing. You need to tell them if you are going to eat lunch, breakfast or dinner and count with that they will not be served the minute you ask for them. It will probably take 1 or 2 more hours than originally planned. So bring some snacks with you, enjoy the view and the conversation, and be patient. Always keep in mind you are not in a metropoli or a developed part of the world, everything moves at a slower pace and standards are much lower.
ALSO, very important: bring your own beers or alcohol, and probably sodas or anything else you think you might want or need. Although they can always drive you across the lake to the town you probably dont want to ask for it 10 times a day.
ALSO, very important: bring your own beers or alcohol, and probably sodas or anything else you think you might want or need. Although they can always drive you across the lake to the town you probably dont want to ask for it 10 times a day.
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Date of stay: October 2011Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed at La Esquina based on the great web site on the fishing, great food, rooms and eco lodge with walking trails etc. Most of this is inaccurate and I don't know how anyone would call this clean or value for the money. We could not walk anywhere off the dock as the water was to high and had been for some time none of which we were told before we got there. There is four dogs roaming underfoot both peeing and the other one on the docks and backs of chairs and use the big crocodile you see in the pictures as a peeing post. I wish I would have know that before I got a picture of me hugging it. Discussting. The probelm is it took three days to clean the dog poop off the dock. We fished for 8 hours and spend a lot of money to catch nothing. We went down the river with two guides and stayed over night at Hotel Sabalos which we were told was 25.00 US a night with hot water and spotless with good food and service bar none. Nothing like the La Esquina that we were paying $50.00 each for and had to ask for towels , sheets that were not stained and a room that got flooded because someone forgot to turn that water tank on the roof off when it was full. No one really seemed to get to excited to help us out with drying all our gear and fortunately my camera was not in its case that was filled with water. Would I stay there again. NEVER which is really to bad as the guides are great guys and we had fun with them . We discivered we could go down the river on the fast ferry to Hotel Sabalos , hire a guide ther for way way less than we paid Phillipe. We did go to the Solentines with his guides and that was worth what we paid. As far as boats most of them are junk and no engines have been replaced in the last two years like the web site says. The fibreglass on the boat we used was cracked so bad that we were supplied with plastic lawn chairs placed in the boat to sit on. Really safe as you bounce across the waves on Lake Nic. All in all the most expensive part of our whole Nicaraguan trip and the most disappointing. There is much more I could go on about but I am sure you are getting the message. Lots of big talk on the La Esquina web site but little fact to back it up.
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Date of stay: January 2011Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I've been coming here for years to go Tarpon fishing and to just enjoy the beautiful area with my Wife and oldest daughter. The food is always great. And overtime I've gone I've caught a Tarpon. Even my Nine year old daughter reeled one in this year. In my opinion this is the best place to stay in San Carlos.
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Date of stay: February 2017Trip type: Traveled with family
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â If you're not fishing you should stay toward the back,
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This fisherlodge is located on a beautifull spot at the border of rio Frio. It's amazing how many animals you can spot around. Philippe Tissaux is a perfect guide to help you discover the environment. You can go spotting the caymans at night, fishing Tarpon, explore the jungle, kayak around the lodge for free, visit El Castillo,....
The rooms are basic, but in harmony with the environment. I went there two times (2013 & 2014) and wouldn't hesitate to go back a third time.
This place rocks!
The rooms are basic, but in harmony with the environment. I went there two times (2013 & 2014) and wouldn't hesitate to go back a third time.
This place rocks!
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Date of stay: July 2014Trip type: Traveled with friends
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Here you use the room only to sleep, all the rest is one big outdoor experience :)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It has taken me awhile to write this review as a friend of a friend recommended this as one of the "must do's" in Nicaragua and I do not want to offend the person who recommended this fishing camp. Here goes...We carefully planned a two night stay at La Esquina Del Lago to get some world-class tarpon fishing in as the owner, Phillip's, website very prominently states occurs "all year round"! We were a group of 7 and very excited about this "off the grid" excursion. Let me just say it was an experience but would we go back? Never. Too expensive for what we got and not very clean. The room and food rate was reasonable but the fishing package with guide and boat was quite expensive for what we got!
Best things: Lodge Food, Staff, Phillip's attention to us, guitar playing staff woman who entertained us one night and location. Helped get us special transportation to Costa Rica via Rio Frio.
Worst things: Rooms were dirty & dusty; sheets were stained and unclean; no working fan in two of the three rooms (and we really needed them!); baths were very ill-equipped: no soap, one towel, no bath mats. Boats were old and in poor condition; motors were even worse. Phillip knew we were coming and didn't bother to fix the motors UNTIL WE ARRIVED and loaded on the boat and the guides had to pull into San Carlos to get parts to fix it! On our time and dime! One motor was temporarily fixed by using fishing line on the throttle! Very creative but very unprofessional. Fishing was terrible but that is not the guide's fault...it happens and they tried very hard to get us onto fish. The fishing day we ate at a small local place down the river... horrible food that even the guides did not like! That was part of the package and Phillip should have known better than to send us there. We did fear for the safety of the food and that we would get sick from it. Most of us just ate the rice and the piece of white bread (no butter) because the rest was inedible (pork something or other). Also, it seemed that Phillip was not at the top of his game with the food and beverage services: ran out of coffee one night (really???) so had to wait for an hour or more the next morning for someone to run to town across the lake and get some! (My caffeine addicted hubby was not a happy fisherman that morning!) Drinking water was questionably served in a large jug with a plate over it. The table service was adequate but not what we were expecting... they kept forgetting things like napkins, plates, cups for beverage, etc. We felt bad having to ask for things. Like it was their first day on the job! Really?? (Remember tho, the food was outstanding!! and cooked by a local woman and her family! Yummy!) Also, one of the rooms had bats flying in it all night long.
Yes it was an adventure but when we paid up, we did not feel the guide service and fishing fees were worth what we got. Not that the guides were not awesome but their equipment was poor and unreliable! Phillip should reinvest the fishing fees into his fishing boats & motors.
I understand Phillip has the place on the market to sell. My guess is he is done investing money into it although he is expanding on the main level??? Kind of a confusing message to us, his guests. Fix up the rooms, get working fans, provide more amenities in the rooms and baths (easy, more towels and soap at a minimum!!); attend to his boats and get some new motors and this could be much better. Also, fulfill promises....the guide took pictures of us catching two of the two tarpons the group caught but we have yet to see them. We have emailed Phillip many times and I never heard back from him but my friend did. Camera issues with the guide?? Too bad cause those were the good memories and I don't have them now.
By the way, we own a fishing lodge. We tried not to be too critical but our friends provided me most of the feedback for this review. Just a bit more and this could be really cool place like I hear the fishing lodges are further down the Rio San Juan!
Best things: Lodge Food, Staff, Phillip's attention to us, guitar playing staff woman who entertained us one night and location. Helped get us special transportation to Costa Rica via Rio Frio.
Worst things: Rooms were dirty & dusty; sheets were stained and unclean; no working fan in two of the three rooms (and we really needed them!); baths were very ill-equipped: no soap, one towel, no bath mats. Boats were old and in poor condition; motors were even worse. Phillip knew we were coming and didn't bother to fix the motors UNTIL WE ARRIVED and loaded on the boat and the guides had to pull into San Carlos to get parts to fix it! On our time and dime! One motor was temporarily fixed by using fishing line on the throttle! Very creative but very unprofessional. Fishing was terrible but that is not the guide's fault...it happens and they tried very hard to get us onto fish. The fishing day we ate at a small local place down the river... horrible food that even the guides did not like! That was part of the package and Phillip should have known better than to send us there. We did fear for the safety of the food and that we would get sick from it. Most of us just ate the rice and the piece of white bread (no butter) because the rest was inedible (pork something or other). Also, it seemed that Phillip was not at the top of his game with the food and beverage services: ran out of coffee one night (really???) so had to wait for an hour or more the next morning for someone to run to town across the lake and get some! (My caffeine addicted hubby was not a happy fisherman that morning!) Drinking water was questionably served in a large jug with a plate over it. The table service was adequate but not what we were expecting... they kept forgetting things like napkins, plates, cups for beverage, etc. We felt bad having to ask for things. Like it was their first day on the job! Really?? (Remember tho, the food was outstanding!! and cooked by a local woman and her family! Yummy!) Also, one of the rooms had bats flying in it all night long.
Yes it was an adventure but when we paid up, we did not feel the guide service and fishing fees were worth what we got. Not that the guides were not awesome but their equipment was poor and unreliable! Phillip should reinvest the fishing fees into his fishing boats & motors.
I understand Phillip has the place on the market to sell. My guess is he is done investing money into it although he is expanding on the main level??? Kind of a confusing message to us, his guests. Fix up the rooms, get working fans, provide more amenities in the rooms and baths (easy, more towels and soap at a minimum!!); attend to his boats and get some new motors and this could be much better. Also, fulfill promises....the guide took pictures of us catching two of the two tarpons the group caught but we have yet to see them. We have emailed Phillip many times and I never heard back from him but my friend did. Camera issues with the guide?? Too bad cause those were the good memories and I don't have them now.
By the way, we own a fishing lodge. We tried not to be too critical but our friends provided me most of the feedback for this review. Just a bit more and this could be really cool place like I hear the fishing lodges are further down the Rio San Juan!
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Date of stay: November 2013Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sometimes he is slow to respond. I had the same experience.
There is none. You have to go to San Carlos
"Here you use the room only to sleep, all the rest is one big outdoor experience :)"Read full review
"E-mail Phillippe in advance with any special requests or questions & he will get right back to you."Read full review
ALSO KNOWN AS
la esquina del lago hotel san carlos
LOCATION
NicaraguaRio San Juan DepartmentSan Carlos
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
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Frequently Asked Questions about La Esquina Del Lago
What food & drink options are available at La Esquina Del Lago?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to La Esquina Del Lago?
Conveniently located restaurants include Restaurant Kaoma, Tree Kafe, and El Rancho.
Are pets allowed at La Esquina Del Lago?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Is La Esquina Del Lago accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.