San Juan del Sur is vibrant, chromatic, and full of flavor! A quick hop over from Costa Rica’s northern border, or a 2.5-hour drive south from the Managua airport, San Juan del Sur is easily accessible. This Nicaraguan beach town is a very cost efficient destination that is rich in culture, nightlife, and surf breaks. Your money will go along way here without cheapening your experience.
Don’t forget to try some of Nicaragua’s national rum.
Stay hydrated with delicious, fresh, and cold aqua de cocos.
One Cordoba oro is roughly equivalent to four U.S. cents. Don’t worry about trying to calculate the exchange rate though, you can pay in U.S. dollars and just simply ask, “¿cuántos en dólares, por favor?” Twenty U.S. dollars will get you a great rum buzz and a delicious seafood dinner from any one of the many beachfront restaurants. Iguana seems to have the most gravitating pull of all, and you won’t be disappointed spending your afternoon and/or evening there.
El Gato Malo Bookstore and Coffeehouse is an absolutely must for the morning. Here you will find a dense menu packed with breakfast sandwiches for every personality, super food smoothies, and unique coffee creations, among so many other choices that are essential to fueling you up for your day or curing your hangover!
It is a literati’s dream, an artist’s environment, and a traveler’s home base. There is even an eclectic collection of animals in the back, including bunnies, deer, roosters, geese, and ducks. If you seek out the owner, she will tell you strange and wonderful tales of all the different animal relationships and interactions. For example, the dominant male rooster spends all of his time with and is cleaned daily by his best friend, a large white duck.
The Hotel Alcazar is the nicest beachfront hotel in San Juan del Sur. The only downside of such a great location is that on the weekends it can be rather noisy at night. It is an adorable, newly renovated, and upscale looking establishment with clean and cozy rooms, a perfect little dipping pool, a bar, and very friendly staff.
The ocean view rooms are just over a $100 during the peak season, and are complete with your very own comfortable balcony. It is a great place to watch the sunset before venturing out into the wild night. There are countless little bars, like the Tiki Hut (run by ex-pats) that offer a fun and inviting environment, where you are bound to make friends from all around the world. There is always something going on at night in San Juan del Sur!
Nicaragua, in general, is a wave park. Blessed with 300 plus days of offshore winds, this country is a surfer’s paradise. There are breaks for every level of surfer and adventurer. Depending on the swell, every break has the potential to be epic and life changing or mellow for easy riding. Playa Yankee, Colorado, Panga Drops, Romanza, Popoya, and Maderas are just a few of the spots that are in close proximity to San Juan del Sur.
There is a daily $5 surf transportation from hostels like the famous Pachamama, or you can just rent a car or ATV right in town. If you are looking for a mix of surfing, fish tacos and Tonás, and a bohemian backpacker scene, then Playa Maderas is the spot to be!
¡Disfruta! (Enjoy!) San Juan del Sur!
