Border Crossing Costa Rica to Nicaragua by Boat – Most tourists who are travelling 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 choose the more adventures option.
At 5:30 in the morning I take the bus from the Bus Terminal de San Carlos in San Jose to Los Chiles. The bus drive takes about five hours and costs 2.100 Colones (about $4). Los Chiles is the most northern town of Costa Rica, located at the Rio Frio.
From the bus stop in Los Chiles I go straight to the government house, past some small shops and sodas and a soccer field in midtown. The town is rather small and I arrive at the office within a few minutes.
Against the “normal” border crossing with long waiting lines and lots of paperwork it is immediately my turn. I fill out the immigration form, hand it over to the officer together with my passport and within a few minutes I have my exit stamp.
From the office I go down the road to the small port of departure. Here are 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.
So far everything went quite easy and also the boat tour feels more like an adventure tour than a border crossing. During the drive through the jungle I see lots of birds, hear howler monkeys and enjoy an amazing landscape.
During the boat tour you can enjoy an amazing landscape on the riverside and see lots of birds and other animals.
The actual border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua is not more than a pole and a sign. We only stop at a small military outpost. A group of three very friendly soldiers has a quick look at us and we can continue our way. No controls, no endless waiting lines. We do not even need to leave the boat. Soon we arrive the Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America. I can see already the port of San Carlos.
The boat stops in front of the arrival terminal. I say goodbye to the boat driver and get welcomed by very friendly border officials. I fill out the immigration form and pay $14 arrival tax. After a small talk with the official I am in San Carlos, Nicaragua. Wow, what an easy and fun border crossing!
Before I continue my way I walk around in San Carlos. Clarisa, a local girl from San Carlos who I got to know on the boat gives me a small sightseeing tour in her town. It is a quiet place with nicely coloured houses right on the lake. In the centre 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 travelling. A part that is unavoidable. This border crossing however was the first highlight of my trip trough Nicaragua. When you have enough time and do not mind travelling 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 within short time all popular places like San Juan del Sur, Rivas Granada and Managua. However the border crossing is stressful, you have to wait in line and is way more complicated.
COMMENT: What was your most adventures border crossing?
Thank you for this information. My husband and I will do this exact process next week. Are there any other boats that cross the border or is the only one in Los Chiles?
Hi Linda! I am very sorry for my late response. Did you already start your trip? As far as I know the only boat is going from Los Chiles, but I am not 100% sure.
Yeah I agree this is the only boat..And I love that trip every time I do it!
Thank you for sharing! Very helpful info to me right now!