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San Juan del Sur
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean · Nicaragua
Did you know?
- Pelicans perch on the bows of boats anchored along the waterfront.
- Little market sodas serve local breakfasts away from the waterfront restaurants.
- Remote beaches north and south of downtown pair pounding surf with dramatic rock formations.
See also
Isla de Ometepe
Nicaragua11.50°N 85.58°W · 1,610 m
Overview
This Pacific beach town combines surfing excursions with lively evenings along the waterfront. Open-air cafes serve fresh seafood, while surrounding beaches give surfers plenty to explore.
Languages: Spanish
Why Go?
San Juan del Sur is a popular beach and party town on the Pacific coast of southwestern Nicaragua. It's a great base for surfers to explore waves at surrounding beaches, with a laid-back atmosphere where visitors can hang out, talk, drink, and eat fresh seafood at open-air cafes along the waterfront.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
San Juan del Sur is accessible via the Southern Pacific Coast road network. The closest bigger city is Rivas, which serves as a transportation hub. Costa Rica is less than an hour away, making cross-border visits convenient.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get Around
The town is walkable, with most attractions accessible on foot. The walk up to the cross overlooking the harbor is an arduous 20-minute trek but offers spectacular vistas of the harbor. Local transportation options connect to surrounding beaches and nearby towns.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to Go
Rates more than triple during Semana Santa (Easter week) and accommodations quickly book out. For most of the rest of the year (maybe excluding Christmas and New Year's) you can reasonably expect to get a room upon arrival after two or three tries.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
Accommodations range from budget hostels like Hostel Esperanza (US$7-15) to mid-range options like Surf Ranch Hotel & Resort (US$25 per person with breakfast, WiFi, and shuttles included). Luxury options include Pelican Eyes Hotel & Resort (US$150 and up) and Bahia del Sol Villas with full hotel service.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
There are open-air cafe/restaurants along the waterfront serving excellent fresh seafood. Local breakfast offers are available in the market where there are a few little Sodas. For rum, drink Flor de Caña; for beer, try Victoria or Toña. The Beach House Nicaragua offers sushi, lobster, and happy hours with sunsets.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
The waterfront is a joy with small boats bobbing at anchor and pelicans swooping down to perch on their bows. A zip-line canopy tour gets you up into the treetops where spider monkeys and natural life abound. There are dozens of spectacular remote beaches both north and south of downtown where pounding surf and dramatic rock formations await. NSR Surf Shop and SanJuanSurf offer surf gear, while Chicabrava Surf Camp provides lessons for adventurous women.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Learn
Learn Spanish in local Spanish schools including Spanish Ya and Nica Spanish, both offering competitive prices and good experience in organizing Spanish programs.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
There are increasingly more shops in this small tourist town, and a market area aimed at both locals and tourists with increasingly American prices. There's an English bookstore with a café, and T-shirts saying Surfing San Juan del Sur are sold at many touristy places.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Nearby destinations include Popoyo (popular surfer spot), Playa Madera (remote beach), Rivas (transportation hub), Isla de Ometepe (beautiful island with two impressive volcanoes), Granada (historic colonial city), León (colonial city with Nicaragua's oldest university), San Juan del Norte (on the Caribbean coast), and Costa Rica (less than an hour away).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Aventura Lodge
There are 5 Jungle Suites available from US$50 per night, 1 Canopy Apartment from $80 and 4 Tree House beds from $15. Breakfast is included and wireless internet is available. Cable TV and air-conditioning feature in all Jungle Suites and in the Canopy Apartment.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bahia del Sol Villas and Condominiums
Villas and condominiums are within walking distance of the beach in the best residential neighborhood in San Juan del Sur with spectacular views of the bay. Rent by the day, week, or month all of them fully equipped. The two story villas are the epitome of luxury and space. Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a big dining table and large terraces let large families or a group of friends spend time together with comfort and privacy. The complex includes a private pool and full hotel service.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hostel Esperanza
Inexpensive hostel, great location across from the beach. Owned by a Canadian expat. Dorms are right next to restaurant/bar though so can get noisy at night.
Recorded price: US$7-15
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Estrella
Right on the beach, but the balconies are accessible from each other, and the doors are only lockable from the outside. Some have had to put a stone in front of the door just to keep it shut. There are stories of other people that said they had bats coming in the window, banging against the walls and falling on their beds. There is a very comfortable common room and the bedrooms are clean and with beautiful views of the Pacific. Don't forget breakfast.
Recorded price: US$8 per person per night,
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Gran Oceano
Del parque, 2 c hacia el mar. Among the nicest. They also arrange boat trips.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Villa Isabella
Hotel with nine bedrooms and four 1-2 bedroom condominium apartments, with full breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi, free phone calls to the USA and Canada, a courtyard swimming pool, window screens and quiet air conditioners, private baths, hot water showers, and bath tubs. Cable TV and VHS/DVD with a large selection of movies in English and Spanish. Secure parking. Handicapped access.
Recorded price: US$65-150
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
La Veranera
Boutique guesthouse designed like an old Nicaraguan ranch house, equipped with all modern conveniences. The wide veranda with dining area, billiard table and private bar, wraps around a pool.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Parque Maritimo el Coco
Offers billas from four to ten guests. Right on Playa el Coco a quiet and secluded beach. Also has a restaurant, Puesta del Sol.
Recorded price: US$92 for four persons
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget hostels start around US$7-15. Rates triple during Semana Santa (Easter week) - book ahead during peak times.
Money
USD is widely accepted in tourist areas, though local currency is Córdoba. Prices in tourist shops are increasingly American-level.
Transport
The town is walkable. Nearby beaches require transport, often arranged through hostels or tour operators.
Weather
Pacific coast location means tropical climate with wet and dry seasons. Beach activities best during dry season.