Located along Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast and near the country’s southern border with Costa Rica, San Juan del Sur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and is world-renowned as a premier surfing hot spot.
Originally founded as a local fishing community, San Juan del Sur has grown into a backpacker’s haven in recent years and boasts plenty of infrastructure to accommodate its influx of international tourists.
From the town’s active nightlife and vibrant party scene to its miles of pristine white sand coastlines, San Juan del Sur offers a unique experience for all travellers. It promises breathtaking vistas, crystal clear waters, and an abundance of nearby services readily available to make your stay both comfortable and memorable.
However, planning a trip to this pacific city can become overwhelming with many services, accommodations, and attractions. Luckily, I have you covered with this extensive city guide to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
Check out my complete Nicaragua Travel Guide for more tips, advice, and inspiration before visiting the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.
Getting to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
As one of the most popular destinations along the Nicaraguan leg of the Central American Gringo Trail, the coastal Pacific town of San Juan del Sur is relatively easy to access and features plenty of public bus networks servicing the distances between the surf town and several of the country’s other marvellous city destinations.
For this reason, transport to San Juan del Sur can easily be arranged from anywhere in the country, with most networks making a brief stopover in Rivas along the shores of Lake Nicaragua. From Rivas, the bus to San Juan del Sur takes about 45 minutes and costs about C30(1.12 CAD/0.80 USD).
While buses are the most cost-effective way to reach San Juan del Sur, the road to the coast is somewhat bumpy, and a crowded bus may not be the most comfortable option for motion-sick travellers.
Luckily, shared and private transport is also available and is bookable through most hotel providers. However, these services cost quite a bit more, with a shared shuttle from Granada costing about C800 (30 CAD/22 USD).
While travel within the country is easily arranged, San Juan del Sur is also one of the first stops in Nicaragua for visitors following the Gringo Trail North. These visitors travelling from nearby Costa Rica will instead have to arrange their transport through a bus operator offering border crossing services, such as the Tica, Nica, and Transnica buses.
Accommodation Options in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
While once a traditional fishing community, San Juan del Sur has been overtaken by the tourism industry. As such, the town has plenty of accommodation options ranging from simple, cost-effective hostels to full-fledged luxury resorts.
Located only one block from the San Juan del Sur beach, the Hostal Los Chamos provides one of the most cost-effective stays in the city while offering fantastic value for your travel dollars.
With beds starting at C400 per night (15 CAD/ 11 USD), guests can access the complex’s shared lounge, garden, terrace, and bar.
Additionally, the hostel is located in the city’s heart, providing convenient access to several of the region’s top hot spots, restaurants, and attractions.
With rooms starting at C2,250 per night (85 CAD/62 USD), the El Jardin hotel offers fantastic mid-range accommodation in San Juan del Sur, complete with an outdoor pool, terrace, and breathtaking views of the ocean coastline.
The El Jardin hotel offers quaint, cozy rooms with colourful designs and several convenient onsite amenities and services, including a restaurant with an international and European-inspired menu, a bar with a diverse cocktail catalogue, and a tour desk for booking a wide array of excursion opportunities.
Those visiting San Juan del Sur with a more opulent travel budget will find absolute luxury at Casa ChaChaCha, located in the coastal cliffs just south of the town.
For C5,000 a night (190 CAD/150 USD), guests can book a luxurious Deluxe Double Room with opulent comfort amenities, including private bathrooms, air conditioning, mini-kitchenettes, and more. Additionally, every room at the hotel features a private balcony with a sea, pool, city, garden, or mountain view.
Things to Do in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Learn to Surf
Starting as a small fishing community, San Juan del Sur entered the international stage and became a popular tourist destination thanks to its world-class waves and surfing suitability. And whether you are a seasoned pro or have never caught a wave in your life, embarking on a surfing excursion is an absolute must when visiting San Juan del Sur.
Luckily, the city knows its famous swells are its main tourist attraction, and several surf rentals, camps, and lessons are available at numerous operators throughout the town. While many services offer day rentals and lessons, others provide an extensive training program that includes multi-night accommodations, meals, and board rentals.
Alternatively, visitors can instead find their transport to the nearby Playa Yankee, where they can discover board rentals starting at $10 per day and lessons for as low as $20. Playa Yankee also features long stretches of coastline with rolling waves and soft sand bottoms, making it a fantastic destination for beginners and intermediate surfers.
Hike to Cristo de la Misericordia
Upon arriving in San Juan del Sur, one of the first things you will notice is the Cristo de la Misericordia statue overlooking the town from the coast’s northern cliffs. Like ‘Christ the Redeemer’ in Rio, San Juan’s Christ of Mercy is a famous pilgrimage for visitors to the fishing community and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding country.
From the town, the Cristo de la Misericordia requires an approximate hour-long hike to access, which in itself rewards an immersive exploration of San Juan’s local communities. Upon reaching the top of the hill, guests must pay a small $2 admission fee to enter, which is by far one of the most affordable attractions in the area.
While the landmark is open to visitors throughout the day, the best time to visit is just after sunrise. At this time, crowds are thin, the weather is cooler, and the early morning lights provide a truly breathtaking spectacle and surreal ambiance.
Unwind at a World-Class Beach
While San Juan del Sur Beach is within walking distance of the town’s numerous hotels and hostels, the area around the fishing community boasts a diverse catalogue of even more beautiful world-class beaches.
And while surfing is always an excellent idea when visiting Nicaragua’s surfing capital, San Juan’s beaches are also a fantastic spot for grabbing a piece of soft white sand and simply relaxing with a good book or delicious cocktail.
Ranging from commercialized stretches of shoreline to sprawling coasts of deserted sand, Playa Hermosa, Playa Remanso, and Playa Nacascolo are all only a short drive from town. However, the most alluring and beautiful coastline stretch is about 20 minutes from San Juan at Playa Maderas.
Featuring light development, Playa Maderas offers a surreal setting for enjoying the quiet lapping of the Pacific’s rolling waves while sipping a specialty Mai Tai or Mojitos from a nearby bar and restaurant.
Check out this list for more fun and exciting things to do in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
Where to Eat in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
As a bustling tourist town, San Juan del Sur boasts a wide selection of local eateries with diverse menus ranging from international fusion dishes to traditional Nicaraguan cuisines. Whether seeking a quick, cheap bite or gourmet dining, these are just some of the top restaurants in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
Offering over the counter service from a small taco booth on the main strip, Taco Stop provides some of the best street style central American dishes in town, including mouth-watering tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more, all for a reasonable budget.
San Juan del Sur got its start as a local fishing community. As such, no trip to the city is complete without sampling some of the town’s locally caught fish dishes at La Lancha.
A locally owned restaurant, La Lancha is located on the beach and offers full plates of lobster, shrimp, or red snapper with salad, rice, and plantain chips.
Seeking a fine dining experience near San Juan del Sur? The Treecasa Hotel & Resort features one of the most delicious gourmet restaurants in the area and is only a ten-minute drive from town.
Along with its diverse and delicious menu, the resort offers day visitors the opportunity to swim in 2-level pools and provides access to its surrounding tropical forest, complete with hiking trails and waterfalls.
When to Visit San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | |
Avg. Temperature | 29°C | 30°C | 31°C | 32°C | 31°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C |
Avg. Rainfall | 31.3mm | 18.5mm | 15.7mm | 40.5mm | 196.8mm | 258.9mm | 258.1mm | 258.7mm | 238.2mm | 232.4mm | 161.2mm | 69.8mm |
Like much of Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur boasts year-round warm temperatures and manageable rainfalls, making it a year-round travel destination. However, like the rest of the country, San Juan del Sur boasts a distinct wet and dry season that alters the overall experience more than other regional destinations.
This is because San Juan del Sur’s most significant attractions are its long stretches of shorelines that offer world-class surfing and relaxation. To best enjoy these breathtaking coasts, the best time to visit the region is between January and April, when the country experiences little to no rainfall.
Alternatively, visiting during the rainy season offers a more cost-effective exploration of the region, with many accommodations and restaurants experiencing off-season discounts between May and October. While budget-friendly, travelling during this time increases visitors’ chances of being caught in heavy rainfalls.
For a healthy combination of low crowds and optimal weather conditions, visiting during the shoulder months of May, November, and December may be the best choice. During these months, San Juan del Sur experiences abundant volumes of sunshine and fewer crowds than during peak tourist season.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua Travel Budget
Accommodation | food | Transportation | Activities | Total | |
Budget | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $40 CAD |
Mid-Range | $35 | $15 | $10 | $20 | $80 CAD |
Luxury | $90 | $25 | $25 | $30 | $170 CAD |
While more expensive than other cities in Nicaragua, a trip to San Juan del Sur can still be very affordable. Backpackers sticking to a budget should expect to spend about $40 per day for a comfortable experience exploring everything the city offers. While the trip can be slightly cheaper, anything lower than this budget will likely not be gratifying.
Alternatively, as a popular tourist destination, San Juan del Sur also features several accommodation options and other services with varying degrees of luxury, and visitors will find an abundant selection of luxury resorts and hotels at varying price points.
A mid-range budget of approximately CAD 80 per day allows visitors to enjoy the city from the comforts of their own private rooms, while a budget of $150+ rewards visitors with the premier luxury experience in San Juan del Sur, complete with resort-level accommodation and a pampered experience.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua Safety Advice
Since San Juan del Sur is highly dependent on its tourism industry, the city is typically considered one of the safer destinations in Nicaragua and features a heightened police presence than other less-trafficked areas. Still, like any destination, it is crucial to practice caution and practice these essential safety tips when visiting San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua;
- Be aware of your surroundings: While San Juan del Sur is generally a safe place for tourists, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid petty theft. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like markets and bus stations, and be cautious when walking around at night.
- Use reputable tour operators: If you plan to participate in any tours or excursions, make sure to use reputable tour operators with good reviews. Do your research beforehand and ask other travelers for recommendations.
- Use caution when swimming: While San Juan del Sur is known for its beautiful beaches, some of them can have strong currents and undertows. Make sure to only swim in designated areas and be cautious when swimming in the ocean.
- Respect the local culture: Nicaragua is a conservative country with a strong Catholic influence, so it’s important to dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions. Avoid wearing revealing clothing and always ask for permission before taking photos of locals.
- Stay up to date on current events: Keep up to date on current events and news in Nicaragua, as political and social tensions can sometimes lead to protests or unrest. If you’re planning to travel during an election year, be aware that there may be increased tensions and plan accordingly.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun: San Juan del Sur can get very hot, so make sure to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and applying sunscreen regularly.
Popular Day Trips from San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Take a Catamaran Tour
One of the best ways to explore the coastal landscapes and numerous beaches surrounding San Juan del Sur is from the Pacific Ocean and the comforts of a catamaran tour. These tours can be arranged by several operators along San Juan del Sur Beach and include a full day of sailing, all of your meals for the day, and several cocktails to sip on during the trip.
Along with offering some genuinely breathtaking vistas, these catamaran tours stop at several off-the-beaten-path destinations, including quiet secluded beaches and vibrant reefs. Throughout the journey, patrons are invited to jump into the crystal-clear waters to cool off and explore the local sea life with provided snorkelling gear.
Visit Ometepe
Visitors looking to get away from the coastal town for a day should plan an excursion to the nearby Isla de Ometpe in the center of Lake Nicaragua. To reach the twin volcanic island, visitors must first venture to Rivas, where they can jump over to a shuttle to the San Jorge Docks to catch a ferry to the island.
On Ometepe, visitors can tour the figure eight roads around the two volcanoes from the comforts of a motorbike or scooter, or they can plan a further tour up Volcan Concepcion or Maderas where they can enjoy panoramic views of the island and surrounding lake.
The bus and ferry to Ometepe are a two-hour journey both ways. And since there is so much to see and do on the island, many visitors may prefer to spend a few days exploring the surreal destination.
For more information on this destination, check out my complete travel guide to Ometepe, Nicaragua.
Visit Granada
Another fantastic day trip requiring approximately two hours to reach from San Juan del Sur is the colonial city of Granada. Founded in the 16th century, Granada boasts numerous historical buildings, towering cathedrals, and a vibrant nightlife conveniently located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua.
Whether touring the colonial buildings or exploring the local history at one of the city’s many museums, Granada offers an immersive experience intertwined with the country’s rich local cultures and traditions and is a must-experience when visiting the country’s eastern coast.
Granada offers a fantastic day trip destination from San Juan del Sur. But like Ometepe, to fully experience everything the city provides, visitors should plan on spending at least a couple of days within its colourful borders.
Check out my complete Granada, Nicaragua City Guide for more information regarding Nicaragua’s colonial gem.
Where to Next
Located towards Nicaragua’s southern border with Costa Rica, most visitors to San Juan del Sur either follow the Central American Gringo Trail south to the country’s more famous neighbour or follow the celebrated route north to either Ometepe or Granada.
While several local transportation options connect San Juan del Sure with every corner of Nicaragua, visitors heading to Costa Rica must arrange their transit with a bus network offering border crossing services, such as the Tica, Nica, or Transinica buses.
However, before heading to their next international destination, visitors to San Juan should plan a visit to the nearby Popoyo for an untouched surf town ambiance or head back to Managua to catch a flight to the Corn Islands located in Nicaragua’s Caribbean Sea.
Planning a trip to the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes? Check out my comprehensive Nicaragua Travel Guide for more tips, advice, and inspiration.