SAN JUAN DEL SUR, NICARAGUA _ EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

San Juan del Sur is a picturesque coastal town located on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, mostly known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and laid-back atmosphere. It has become a popular destination for travelers seeking sun, surf, and relaxation and it definitely lives up to its reputation!

We spent 3 days here, but if you are a surfer or you love chill beach destinations, you should definitely plan spending more time in San Juan del Sur.

I made a video with how a perfect day in San Juan del Sur looks like and I would especially reccommend you to watch it if you are short on time, because it includes the best spots and activities in San Juan del Sur.

Getting to San Juan del Sur

There are usually 2 major options of itinerary, depending on where you come from.

Getting by land from Costa Rica

Costa Rica and Nicaragua are both on the backpackers itinerary in Central America, so as it’s a very popular route, there are many companies offering shuttles between these 2 countries. We, as backpackers, always chose this option when we had border crossings, for a peace of mind, because these usually take you from your hotel in the first country to the other hotel in the next country.

The other option, to save money, would be to organize your own transportation, which is not impossible, but it’s more difficult, it usually involves more means of transportation and more time.

Shuttle Service:

Several companies offer shuttle services from popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica, such as Liberia, Tamarindo or even San Jose to San Juan del Sur.

These shuttles typically provide a more comfortable and convenient option compared to public transportation, and they may even include border crossing assistance.

The most popular companies would be: Caribe Shuttle and Gekko.

By Bus:

You will need to take a bus from San Jose, Costa Rica to the border town of Peñas Blancas. Buses depart regularly from the Terminal 7-10 in San Jose.

After crossing the border into Nicaragua, take another bus to Rivas. This is the nearest major town to San Juan del Sur.

From Rivas, you can catch a local bus or a taxi to San Juan del Sur.

Flying into Managua:

If you enter Nicaragua by flying, you will arrive at Managua International Airport.From here, you can either arrange a private transfer or make your way by bus. We haven’t tried any of the options yet, but I know people who have taken either taxis or buses, so no need to worry.

Private Transfer:

Arrange for a private transfer or taxi directly from the airport to San Juan del Sur. This option offers convenience and comfort, but at a higher cost compared to public transportation.

You can do this through your hotel or tour operators in San Juan del Sur. For example, I found this company offering transportation from Managua to San Juan del Sur.

By Bus:

From the Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua you will need to take a taxi or shuttle to the bus terminal known as “Terminal de buses UCA”.

From there, you can catch a direct bus to Rivas. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Once in Rivas, take a local bus or taxi to San Juan del Sur, which is approximately a 30-45 minute drive away.

Where to stay in San Juan del Sur

Budget Hostels and Guesthouses:

Backpackers and budget travelers will find plenty of affordable options, including hostels and guesthouses. We stayed in private rooms in hostels and it was a good ratio price-quality.

Hostal Los Chamos it’s where we stayed. It’s not greatly rated, but we had a good experience here, considering the price we paid. There’s also a small breakfast provided, which is a plus.

Tapihouse is another good rated budget accommodation that has private rooms and it also includes breakfast.

Luxury Resorts and Boutique Hotels:

If you are seeking a touch of luxury, consider staying at one of the upscale resorts or boutique hotels overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

One good rated hotel would be Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge, which offers eco-luxury accommodations nestled within a private nature reserve.

What to do in San Juan del Sur

There are so many activities to do in San Juan del Sur and around, even though you could come here just to admire the views or the sunset from the main beach. But if you’re in for something more, here are some reccomendations:

Beach Hopping:

Explore the stunning beaches that surround San Juan del Sur. From the popular Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa to the more secluded Playa Marsella and Playa Remanso, each beach offers its own unique charm and opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.

During our time here, we visited Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa and it’s really difficult to name a favorite, so there are both worth to be visited. Just so you know, Playa Hermosa is privately owned and it is more quiet and has only one restaurant (but food of delicious quality and great prices), while Playa Maderas is more popular among young surfers, has more bars and it’s a bit more crowded. Yet, it’s so large that for sure you will find a private spot on the sand. 

Surf lessons

San Juan del Sur is renowned for its excellent surf conditions, making it a paradise for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there are numerous surf schools and rental shops around. You can even ask at your hotel or hostel’s reception. Or you can find surf lessons even on getyourguide.

Admire the sunset at an amazing location – Christ of Mercy:

The Jesus statue, officially known as the Cristo de la Misericordia (Christ of Mercy), offers panoramic views of San Juan del Sur and its picturesque coastline. The sight from the hilltop is absolutely stunning, especially during sunrise or sunset when the sky is ablaze with colors. My reccomendation for sunset is to get here before 5:20 PM, and plan accordingly because from the parking lot you will need to walk a bit.

Enjoy the Nightlife:

After dark, the town comes alive with vibrant bars, beachfront clubs, and live music venues where you can dance the night away and mingle with fellow travelers and locals alike.

Attend the best party in Central America -Sunday Funday:

Popular among backpackers, this is a party you cannot miss. It’s really fun and you will spend some good time at 4 different locations around San Juan del Sur. Honestly, I am not a big fan of parties, but this one was great!

Where to eat in San Juan del Sur

In San Juan del Sur, you’ll find a diverse array of dining options, ranging from traditional Nicaraguan cuisine to international fare. Here are my recommendations for where and what to eat in San Juan del Sur:

La Reina del Sur – perfect place for budget food

Honestly, we ate here everyday, and even twice a day! The food is really cheap and freshly made and you can design your own plate. I’m talking about 3-4 USD for a big plate!

Indio del Sur Coffee Shop – breakfast and coffee

I’ve tried some coffees around and for me, this one was the best. Also, they offer some good breakfast options.

El Timón – dinner, live music

Located on the waterfront, El Timón is a popular seafood restaurant known for its fresh catches and ocean views. At some nights, they even have amazing live music. I honestly didn’t try the food here, just some delicious cocktails, but the food did look great and the prices are pretty affordable considering the location.

The Fisherman, Cuban Ranch – dinner

This is a good place to have dinner and watch the sunset because it’s located right on the beach. We had seafood here and it was delicious (especially the garlic octopus). Decent prices as well and a very nice location.

I’m sure you will enjoy San Juan del Sur, especially because now you know every tip to organise your stay! Have fun and safe travels!

Travel resources:

For accommodation, I usually use Booking.com

The best travel insurance for long term travellers and digital nomads is SafetyWing

For tours, if I don’t find something good locally, I always search on Getyourguide

To find the cheapest flights, I search them on Skyscanner

PS: Want to go on a trip, but you don’t know how to start planning? I’m here to assist you with everything – book a call with me and let’s make the trip of your dreams possible!