Heading to San Juan del Sur? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 3–4 days
- Best for: Surfers, backpackers, extroverts, party-seekers, beach lovers
- Why visit: Nonstop social scene, sunsets, and epic solo-friendly surfing
SAN JUAN AT A GLANCE
- Population: ~16,000 with a cozy, small-town vibe
- History: California Gold Rush hotspot, fishing village turned surf-party mecca
- Famous for: Seafood, wild nightlife, surfing, stunning sunsets, Christ of Mercy statue
- Nickname: “Tourist City” of Nicaragua; locals just call it San Juan
- Solo scene: One of Nicaragua’s safest, friendliest solo traveler hubs
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO); USD accepted, but typically at worse rates
- 🗣 Language: Spanish; English common in hostels, rare elsewhere
- 🌦 Best time to visit: December–April – dry, breezy, and primed for sunsets
- ✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: Public bus from Managua (~$3 USD, 3 hours), but expect adventure!
- Other: Shuttle/taxi to Rivas ($40–55), then chicken bus ($1–2)
- 🧳 Safety: Very safe for solos, but watch bags at night & avoid La Perla area
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Sunday Funday: Central America’s wildest backpacker pool crawl every Sunday!
- 🎦 Watch onboard: “The Motorcycle Diaries” (for Latin America wanderlust)
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ The Space Hostel: Social, modern, central; has pool, co-working, tours, and parties
- 🏘️ Best neighborhood: City Center – all nightlife, food, and beach literally steps away
- 🧭 Alt neighborhood: Playa Remanso – sleepier, surfier, stay with digital nomads & expats
- 💸 Budget option: Hush Maderas (dorms from $10-$15); surf-yoga vibes, a quick tuk-tuk from town
- Tip: Lock your valuables and double-check walking distance if you want easy bar/restaurant access!
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: City center is super walkable, shoes optional most places
- 🚌 Buses: Hourly cheap local buses/‘chicken buses’ to Managua/Rivas and beaches ($1–3)
- 🚋 No trams/metro: It’s all seaside charm and old school rides here
- 🚖 Taxis: Abundant; agree fare in advance (usually $2–4 in town, $40+ to Rivas)
- 🚲 Bike rental: Rare; ATVs are more popular (from $25), great for remote beaches
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Christ of the Mercy Statue: Hike for panoramic bay views & epic sunset – perfect solo flex
- 🌿 Surf Playa Maderas: Laidback vibe, safe for beginners, easy transport; join a lesson or just float
- 🧠 Snorkel Islands (East Island Excursions): Solo-friendly tours, includes food/drinks, easy way to meet backpackers
- 🧭 Stroll Malecón: Wander seafront, watch fisherman, spot Mark Twain quotes, eat your way along the bay
- 🎨 Reflect at El Moro: Quiet, local eatery off the gringo trail—perfect journaling fuel
- 🔀 Wildcard: Sunday Funday: Legendary hostel pool crawl; dance, mingle, don’t lose your flip-flops
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Playa San Juan del Sur Beach proper: Too windy/wavy to swim, better for sunsets than sunbathing
- ❌ Long border crossings via Peñas Blancas: Only if you must; lines are epic, not in a good way
- ❌ El Timón/El Vivian during high season: Overrun with tourists; food’s better elsewhere for the price
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: La Lancha – grab seafood with beachfront views, casual & backpacker-friendly
- 🥃 Quiet pub/bar: The Hip San Juan del Sur – mezcal cocktails with upstairs chill zone, regular live music
- 🍽️ Try these foods: Fresh lobster, ceviche, seafood soup; get them at La Lancha or local Mercado
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Sabores de mi patio – hearty Nica plates for $6–9, especially Sundays
- 🥦 Veg/vegan: Hush Maderas or Orgánica for smoothies, salads & chill backpacker vibes
- 🍸 Cocktails/nightcap: Henry’s Iguana – classic party/starter spot; crowd-pleasing mojitos & sunset views
BEST OF SAN JUAN IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Grab coffee & watch fishermen set out from the bay
- Morning: Surf lesson at Playa Maderas or Remanso
- Lunch: Feast on ceviche at La Lancha beachfront
- Afternoon: Hike to Christ of the Mercy statue for bay panoramas
- Evening: Wander Malecón, catch sunset & people-watch
- Dinner: Savor local Nicaraguan plates at Sabores de mi patio
- Night: Hit The Hip for cocktails, then bounce to Henry’s Iguana—or join Sunday Funday if it’s on!
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival tip: Sunday Funday (every Sunday) – all-day pool crawl, expect epic hangovers & lifelong friends
- 📍 Hidden gem: El Moro – unfussy, locals’ spot for food and a break from backpacker crowds
- 📷 Photo spot: Bay viewpoint at Christ of the Mercy statue; snap from the steps at golden hour
- 🧠 Etiquette: Greet with “¡Buenas!” and your biggest smile; it opens every door (literally and metaphorically)
- 🚩 Safety: Super safe, but avoid La Perla—locals and police steer clear too
- 👀 One last thing: Say yes to the surf lesson, the sunset hike, AND the pool party—regret nothing, just rehydrate in the morning!