A Google Maps error is being blamed for Nicaraguan troops accidentally invading Costa Rica last week.

The troops have been accused of crossing the hotly disputed Nicaragua border into Costa Rica and setting up camp for the night after taking down a Costa Rican flag and raising the Nicaraguan flag.

Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega, left, speaks during a press conference next to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Jose Miguel Insulza, center, and Nicaragua's Chief of the Army Cesar Aviles on Saturday.

But their commander, Eden Pastora, told Costa Rica's largest newspaper, La Nacion, that Google Maps was used to justify the incursion. Nicaraguan government officials have also blamed a "bug in Google" for the error.

The dispute has become so serious that the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States, Jose Miguel Insulza, has flown to the two countries to help solve the conflict. He is expected to report on his progress on Tuesday.