The Fortress of the Immaculate Conception is located on a promontory of the San Juan River that is the middle ground between Lake Nicaragua and the Caribbean Sea. It has an area of ​​375 hectares that includes the lake and marsh area at the southeast end of Lake Cocibolca and extends between the population of El Castillo and La Frontera; encompassing the territory enclosed by the great curve of the San Juan River, from the confluence of the Pocosol to El Mojón, where the border line touches the south bank of the river.

It was declared a historical monument by Decree 527, published in the official newspaper La Gaceta No. 78 on April 17, 1990; Because it represents the oldest colonial fortification, built in 1967 and still standing, which played a decisive historical role in the conservation of territorial integrity since the colony, through the invasions of the English pirates and in other events. after the Independence of the Central American republics.

Within the protected area, the following types of coverage can be recognized: dense high forest, secondary forest, young tacotales, grasslands, Palustrine and riverine wetlands, water bodies of the San Juan and Pocosol rivers. There are 178 species of flora, 22 species are uncommon, 39 are rare species and 15 are species with a restricted range of distribution from Nicaragua to Panama. Among the plant species we find the palm heart, maquengue, sarsaparilla, cat's claw, granadillo, mahogany, royal cedar, almond.

There are also species of fish that migrate along the river, from the salty waters of the delta to the fresh waters of the lake, such as the royal tarpon and the shark, the snook and the gaspar. They also inhabit other species such as mojarra, tilapia, barcino, roncador and river shrimp. It is possible to observe the presence of parrots, limpets, chocoyos.

Activities

  • Landscaping and photography, from the outside you get a beautiful view of the river and its surroundings, you can also appreciate the architecture of this old military building.
  • visit Historic museum.
  • Canoe or boat rides.
  • Observation of flora and fauna on the slopes of the river Sábalos.
  • Night tour for the observation, capture and release of alligators.
  • Visit the zoo, wildlife farms and demonstration cocoa farms.
  • Sport and artisanal fishing in stream El Toro.