San Juan del Sur

Travel Guide
San Juan del Sur featuring a coastal town, a beach and tropical scenes
Join the sun-kissed surfers at the beautiful beaches of this colorful and fun-loving town located on Nicaragua’s sunny southwest coast.

Dozens of glorious beaches, scenic lookouts, a pretty town center and lively nightlife scene await in San Juan del Sur. Discovered by Spanish explorer Andrés Niño in 1523, San Juan del Sur developed as a small fishing community. Since the arrival of the surfer crowd, the town has been a sought-after stop on the backpacker circuit. See brightly hued houses, lush green surroundings and friendly locals presenting a quintessential Nicaraguan experience.

The town’s centerpiece attraction is San Juan del Sur Beach, where boat owners and guides offer diving, snorkeling and whale-watching excursions. Dine at ocean-facing bars with superb sunset viewpoints. Find more bars, cafés and restaurants on the waterfront Paseo del Rey. This promenade’s northern section becomes a boisterous nightlife zone after dark.

Hike south from the beach on the Old Lighthouse Trail to a hilltop fort to enjoy exquisite views over San Juan del Sur Bay. Follow a path north to the Cristo de la Misericordia Lookout for equally impressive panoramas. Another interesting walk is to the Petroglyph, which portrays ancient hunting scenes. Try adventure pursuits, such as abseiling down a waterfall and zip lining, with Da’ Flying Frog Adventures.

Explore the town’s peaceful streets and note the collection of Victorian-era clapboard buildings. Many have been converted into bars, boutique hotels, clothing outlets and souvenir shops. Visit the humble, colonial-era Church of San Juan Bautista on Parque Central.

More beaches lie within a short shuttle bus ride. Discover the secluded coves, rolling waves and blissed surfer vibe that make Nicaragua’s Pacific coast famous. To the north are Nacascolo Beach, Marsella Beach and Madera Beach. Head south to El Remanso, Hermosa Beach and Yankee Beach.

San Juan del Sur is a 30-minute drive from Rivas and just over a 2-hour drive from Managua. Get here via public buses or rent the services of a private taxi. San Juan del Sur’s laid-back charm is the perfect complement to active treks to Concepción Volcano and Maderas Volcano on the island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua.

Where to stay in San Juan del Sur

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Paradise Bay

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Though Paradise Bay might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like San Juan del Sur Port and San Juan del Sur Beach.

Paradise Bay
Birds eye view of the Bay Area

Pacific Marlin

When in Pacific Marlin, you can plan a visit to Nacascolo Beach and San Juan del Sur Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pacific Marlin
Pelican Eyes Resort in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.  Amazing infinity pool with a bar.  The perfect place to watch a sunset in SJDS.  #sunsets #surfsudsandsights #travel #Nicaragua

Las Pampas

While there might not be top attractions in Las Pampas, you can explore the larger area and discover places like San Juan del Sur Beach and Petroglyph.

Las Pampas
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Los Miradores

Though Los Miradores might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Nacascolo Beach and San Juan del Sur Beach.

Los Miradores
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Cantamar de Yankee

While Cantamar de Yankee might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like El Coco Beach and Hermosa Beach.

Cantamar de Yankee
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Lomas de Palermo

While Lomas de Palermo might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor and San Juan del Sur Beach.

Lomas de Palermo
Black Pearl Inn
Black Pearl Inn
3 out of 5
Barrio Joaquín Chamorro, San Juan del Sur, Rivas
The price is NT$2,720 per night from Apr 15 to Apr 16
NT$2,720
per night
Apr 15 - Apr 16
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Juan del Sur. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
"Great location, nice view and quiet 👍👍🙂"

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

Black Pearl Inn
TreeCasa Hotel & Resort
TreeCasa Hotel & Resort
4 out of 5
1 TreeCasa Road, From San Juan del Sur Alcadía 1 km north, San Juan del Sur, Rivas
The price is NT$5,759 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$5,759
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in San Juan del Sur. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions San Juan del Sur Beach and Nacascolo ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"Amazing design, incredible detail in every corner: landscaping, sustainable architecture and construction, light footprint paths. The room was excellent, comfortable and beautiful furnishings. Staff was friendly and attentive. Happy to have this amazing option near San Juan del Sur."

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

TreeCasa Hotel & Resort
La Santa Maria Resort
La Santa Maria Resort
4 out of 5
Calle Barlovento, La Santa Maria, San Juan del Sur, Rivas
The price is NT$4,263 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$4,263
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star condo in San Juan del Sur. Enjoy free parking, a health club, and an airport shuttle. Popular attractions San Juan del Sur Beach and Petroglyph ...
9/10 Wonderful! (30 reviews)
"Property was in excellent condition. Only feedback was that there was no restaurant on the property and they do not seem to cater to larger families (greater than 4 people)."

Reviewed on 2024/3/7

La Santa Maria Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Surf Ranch Popoyo
Surf Ranch Popoyo
3.5 out of 5
Guasacate Entrance, 3633m West, Las Salinas, Tola, Rivas
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Tola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Tide Pools and Guasacate Beach are located ...
6/10 (4 reviews)
"I did not like the stay on this property. The rooms stank. They were not clean and bugs were everywhere. Also the a/c did not work on 2 of the rooms. The web site was not clear of the correct location. There was nothing to do there at all, not even to buy drinks and the beach was far from the property. ..."

Reviewed on 2024/1/15

Surf Ranch Popoyo
La Santa Maria Resort
La Santa Maria Resort
4 out of 5
Calle Barlovento, La Santa Maria, San Juan del Sur, Rivas
Stay at this 4-star condo in San Juan del Sur. Enjoy free parking, a health club, and an airport shuttle. Popular attractions San Juan del Sur Beach and Petroglyph ...
9/10 Wonderful! (30 reviews)
"Property was in excellent condition. Only feedback was that there was no restaurant on the property and they do not seem to cater to larger families (greater than 4 people)."

Reviewed on 2024/3/7

La Santa Maria Resort
Bahia del Sol Villas & Condominiums
Bahia del Sol Villas & Condominiums
3.5 out of 5
De la Alcaldia 2.2 km al norte, La Talanguera, San Juan del Sur
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in San Juan del Sur. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a children's pool. Popular attractions San Juan del Sur Beach and Christ ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (38 reviews)
"Great people managing the property. Very friendly and attentive. Our kitchen had an ant problem. We loved San juan and this place has an amazing view."

Reviewed on 2023/12/16

Bahia del Sol Villas & Condominiums
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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