Top 5 Things You Can’t Miss
- San Juan del Sur has excellent surf conditions with breaks that suit all levels of skill and offshore wind.
- Enjoy outdoor activities like zip-lining at the Parque de Aventura Las Nubes or horseback riding on the beach. You can also hike to the Christ of Mercy statue and enjoy the sunset.
- Overlooking the ocean, La Santa Maria Boutique Hotel & Residences has standard hotel rooms, stand-alone villas, and apartments for longer stays.
- El Timón, which has been serving local Nicaraguan cuisine since 1979, is known for its fresh fish and beachfront location.
- Direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Houston are among the major U.S. cities that offer direct flights.
Three-hour flights were all that was needed to exchange the unpredictability of North America’s spring for Nicaragua’s steady warmth. It was April, and though the rains were still weeks away, the scent of the tropics—sun-warmed earth, distant greenery, a hint of salt—was immediate and unmistakable, especially after a long Colorado winter.
But the journey wasn’t over yet—my family and I were headed to San Juan del Sur on Nicaragua’s southern Pacific coast, a fishing village turned surf destination set on an idyllic crescent-shaped bay.
And we were not alone. It seemed everyone we met along the journey—the family in line to board the plane, the couple at the baggage claim—was San Juan del Sur bound, and unlike us, they knew their way around. They told us about the best surf breaks and coffee shops, as well as the restaurants that served the freshest food. gallo pintoNicaragua’s rice and beans staple. Some lived in Nicaragua full-time, others spent part of the year there. Nicaragua The U.S. and Canada. There was a palpable sense of belonging.
As our shuttle made the drive up the hill to our home for the week, La Santa Maria Boutique Hotel & Residences, I started to understand why. San Juan del Sur was visible from our hilltop perch. It included a vast swath sandy beach, and the sparkling ocean. The green hills provided a backdrop for the sun setting.
San Juan del Sur, a beautiful place, was more than I thought. surf destination It can be a starting point for wellness-seekers. It is a place of deep authenticity, with a spirit that lets you be yourself.
San Juan del Sur is a special place where natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle and a welcoming community come together. You’ve got stunning beaches, incredible sunsets, great surf, and a town that still feels authentic,” shared Julio H. Arguello, CEO and founder of La Santa María Boutique Hotel & Residences, in an email with Travel + Leisure. It’s particularly appealing to those who want to slow down and enjoy a more deliberate way of life.
For now, San Juan del Sur remains in a state of becoming—not quite polished, not quite undiscovered. And it’s that liminal quality—the sense of something both preserved and evolving—that gives it its undeniable charm.
What to do?
La Santa María Boutique Hotel & Residences
La Santa Maria Boutique Hotel & Residences Perched high above the street noise on a hillside, this hotel offers views of the ocean. The property has traditional hotel rooms with all the usual amenities. However, it is more of a neighborhood. The grounds are home to parrots and peacocks. A coworking area is located adjacent to an infinity pool. Apart from the standard hotel rooms, you can also choose to stay in stand-alone villas that have private pools or apartments for a longer stay.
It’s the ideal landing pad for expats: you get luxury amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, coworking space and concierge service, combined with the privacy and comfort of a home. “But what really sets it apart is that sense of tranquility and peace you feel as soon as you arrive,” Arguello said.
As protected and far away from it all as La Santa María feels, in truth, it’s less than a 10-minute walk to the beach and the heart of San Juan del Sur.
TreeCasa Hotel & Resort Nicaragua
TreeCasa It is situated in the hills, about 15 minutes from San Juan del Sur. Its landscaping is what really draws people in. It surrounds and envelopes all three pools, as well as the restaurant and orchard.
Similarly, each room is situated among the trees, but it’s hard to top Casa Árbol, a two-story tree house with open-air showers and a wraparound deck.
The Best Things to do
Surfen
San Juan del Sur was once a fishing town, but is now a popular surf destination. This crescent-shaped bay has beaches that have waves of all levels.
“There are beaches ideal for beginners, others perfect for advanced surfers, and some where surfers of any level can enjoy great conditions,” said Pedro Gómez Dávila, who grew up in San Juan del Sur and owns Tribu Surf. San Juan del Sur is unique because it’s located across a lake that influences the local wind. Most of the year the winds are from the onshore, resulting in perfect surf conditions.
You can reach at least five surf spots in 10-20 minutes. The location you choose depends on the current weather conditions and forecasts. My surf session was with Tribu Surf. We headed south to Playa Remanso. This break is well-known for being beginner-friendly.
Parque de Aventura Las Nubes
San Juan del Sur’s heart is just over five minutes away. Parque de Aventura Las NubesThe preserve is a tropical paradise that includes sloths (and other animals), monkeys, wildcats and armadillos. It also protects more than 100 bird species.
The park’s highest point, along the Continental Divide, offers a view of San Juan del Sur and its beaches. A series of ziplines takes visitors through the canopy.
Adolfo Morice is the owner of the park. He told T+L that “all of our activities take place on our mountain. It’s the highest point in San Juan del Sur. From there, you can see beaches along the Pacific Ocean, a lake in Nicaragua, and as many as four volcanoes.”
Big Sky Stables
Nicaragua has a Wild West vibe, which is why there are many cowboys and western-styled outfits. Big Sky StablesThe 20-minute drive south from San Juan del Sur feels very natural. There are roaming horses in the stable, and you can borrow cowboy boots or pearl snap shirts to prepare for your day’s adventure. It could be a ride along the river looking for monkeys, or it could be a beach cruise. I went in the late evening and was able to take a stroll along the riverbed, as well as a sunset canter.
Christ of Mercy
It’s impossible to miss the statue of Jesus Christ overlooking San Juan del Sur—arms open above a cliff that frames the northern edge of the bay. This landmark is similar to Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redemption. It’s even more impressive if you trek up at sunset, and watch the sun sink into the ocean. The taxi will take you up to about half of the statue. But the real reward is the cool breeze once you reach the top.
Where to Eat
Ding Repair Cafe
Ding Repair Cafe It’s the only restaurant I visited twice in a city with great food. The restaurant calls itself a “health-food restaurant” and offers a great selection of smoothie bowls and breakfast burritos. It also has the best coffee that I have ever tasted. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating near a skate bowl where skateboards are available to rent.
Simon Says
The following is a list of the most popular ways to contact us little eatery The oasis is accessible through a doorway located in the middle of town. It’s built around hanging plants and trees. Breakfast is $10 and includes a menu of local, fresh-caught seafood. Lunch and dinner are also available.
El Timón
Drop by to get a taste of San Juan del Sur’s fishing village roots. El TimónIt is known for the fresh fish it serves and its beachfront location. Since 1979, this beloved restaurant has served up Nicaraguan cuisine. It is a must visit for an old-school beachfront dining experience.
La Tostaderia
La Tostaderia It has a palm tree-lined exterior and a bright-blue interior with slack-back vibes. The bakery, which is attached to the restaurant, offers freshly baked croissants, beignets and cinnamon rolls.
The Best Time to Travel
San Juan del Sur has its best weather from May to November. The landscape is lush and green and the rains are in full swing. Arguello said that even in the middle of the season (which runs from May through August), “the rain comes mostly in the evening or night so you get plenty of sun during the day.”
Dávila said, “What I love most about the rainy season is the consistent surf. There’s nothing better than surfing strong waves in the midst of green hills and natural beauty. “The rainy season in Nicaragua is one of the most beautiful, invigorating and exciting times of the entire year.”
Surfing is good all year round, not just during the rainy seasons. According to Dávila, “Consistent offshore winds, present most of the year, create world-class conditions for surfers of all levels.” The waves were constant during my April visit, which was the height of Nicaragua’s Dry Season. We even had a taste of bigger surf as a swell came in.
How to get there
To get to Nicaragaua, you can fly from Miami or Fort Lauderdale in three hours, or from Houston in three hours, 15 minutes, as I did. Many Americans and Canadians choose to spend several months each year in Nicaragua. Avianca has joined Star Alliance and United Airlines, making it easier to travel. started offering new direct flights From Fort Lauderdale.
San Juan del Sur is a 2.5 hour drive from Managua. It’s located near the Costa Rican border. The shuttles and taxis are plentiful—I booked with Bigfoot.
San Juan del Sur is around 2.5 hours away by car from Liberia.
Before you travel, here’s what you should know
You can book a shuttle service or a taxi from the airport directly if your only intention is to visit San Juan del Sur. Renting a vehicle is the best option if you wish to travel beyond San Juan del Sur. Renting a car is the best way to explore beyond the surf town. new coastal highway is underwayBut many beaches still require four-wheel drives.
Also, it’s important to remember that there have been a number of protests in 2018 against the government and the subsequent fallout The nation has received very few positive headlines. Tourism is keeping many Nicaraguans afloat and the people of Nicaragua are very welcoming. While traveling with my husband, I felt safe.
“Nicaragua is a safe country, and it’s not as unsafe as the news sometimes portrays it or as some people around the world try to make it seem,” said Dávila. He continued, “There’s an overall sense of security around San Juan del Sur.”
