Nicaragua

I first discovered San Juan del Sur three years ago while backpacking with a childhood friend. We had originally planned to spend more time in Costa Rica, but after a reality check on prices, we crossed the border into Nicaragua instead. We were supposed to stay for 3–4 days. We stayed over a month. My friend never left : she lives there now. And I just got back from visiting her for 10 days. This guide is based on my personal experience, combined with tips from locals and expats who call San Juan del Sur home. Some links in this article are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. It helps support my work and allows me to keep sharing honest, on-the-ground travel tips. Why Visit San Juan del Sur? San Juan del Sur is one of those rare destinations that balances laid-back beach life with an unexpectedly vibrant social scene. Here’s why travelers fall in love with it : Beautiful beaches for surfing and relaxing Legendary nightlife (without big-city prices) Large expat and backpacker community Weekly events and parties year-round Close to the Costa Rican border Diverse food scene : local and international Fishing trips and ocean activities Whether you want to surf, party, work remotely, or slow travel, SJDS delivers. Where to Stay ? Stay in town. It’s the most convenient base for restaurants, nightlife, transport, and beach shuttles. Budget / Backpackers Los Chamos : Central location, social atmosphere, inner courtyard, breakfast included. Mid-Range There are plenty of boutique guesthouses and Airbnb options in town offering excellent value for money. Luxury La Santa Maria Resort : Upscale apartments overlooking the bay with resort-style amenities. FOOD GUIDE Best Places for Breakfast & Brunch 💲 Local Market : Local breakfast spot. Try the huevos rancheros (around $3). 💲💲 OHLA : Avocado toast, pancakes, omelets, bagels, smoothie bowls. 💲💲💲 Ding Repair Café : Pricey but excellent quality. Brunch with a view : Dockside with Great coffee, avocado toast, oceanfront setting. Where to Eat Lunch 💲 La Reina del Sur : Daily changing local buffet (~120 córdobas). 💲💲 Simon Says : Lovely courtyard, fresh salads.Must-try : fish burger 💲💲 La Lancha : Lobster with an ocean view for under $20 (great value). Best Dinner Spots La Vecchia Signora : Arguably the best pizza in town Nacho : Top tacos and strong margaritas Sabores de mi Patio : High-quality grilled meat NIGHT GUIDE Where to Go for Drinks & Sunset​ Iguana : Beachfront, giant daiquiris perfect for sunset Bottom’s Up : Poolside bar with happy hour (3–5 PM), jalapeño croquettes, frequent events Budget option : Grab a drink from a convenience store and join locals on the main beach near the volleyball courts : one of the best sunset spots in town Weekly Events & Nightlife San Juan del Sur parties every day of the week : Tuesday : Trivia Night at La República Wednesday : Open Mic at Surf Town Friday : Beer Pong at Pachamama Sunday : Pub Crawl (aka Sunday Funday) Clubs in San Juan del Sur The main party venues: Arribas : Best on Friday or Sunday nights Sunny Beach Club : Saturday hotspot Tuanis : Another Saturday favorite Getting Around Shuttles Reliable options include : Los Chamos Casa Oro (very popular for beach transfers) Renting a Vehicle Motorbikes, ATVs, and cars are available but can be expensive : especially in high season. Compare prices before booking. From Peñas Blancas Border If you’re arriving from Costa Rica via Peñas Blancas Border Crossing: Take a bus to La Virgen (~$2) Cross the road Catch another bus to San Juan del Sur (~$1) From Managua Private taxi: about $80 Budget option : Bus to Rivas, then local bus to San Juan del Sur ✨ Tips from Shiny Expatrie Frenchie ✨ Currency : Nicaraguan córdobas + US dollars widely accepted Weather : Hot year-round Best for : Surfing, nightlife, remote work, slow travel Wi-Fi : Generally good in cafés and accommodations San Juan del Sur is the kind of place you visit for a few days… and end up staying for weeks or even years. It’s affordable, social, beautiful, and easy to navigate : a perfect gateway to Central America or a long-term tropical base. BISOUS

If you’re backpacking through Nicaragua, the Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia is a must-see. This iconic statue of Christ towers above the town, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific coast and surrounding hills. The Statue : History and Size Standing at 26 meters (85 feet), the Cristo de la Misericordia was inaugurated in 2009 and has quickly become a symbol of San Juan del Sur. Its impressive presence is visible from almost anywhere in town, perfect for landmarks or a striking photo. Why You Should Go ? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual traveler, the Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia offers a memorable mix of culture, history, and nature. Don’t miss this gem when visiting San Juan del Sur. The Hike : Challenging but Worth It The climb to the viewpoint is steep and can be challenging, winding through lush trails that make the journey feel like an adventure. For backpackers on a budget, you can explore the base and surrounding trails for free, but getting closer to the statue and the official lookout costs just $2 for foreigners. Personally, I skipped the fee and did the loop, but the view was so stunning that I’ll definitely be returning to experience it fully. ✨Tip from Shiny Expatrie Frenchie ✨ If you’re not up for the climb, taxis can drop you off right at the top, saving you some sweat. Keep in mind that the beach on the other side of the statue is private, so access is restricted.  If you want to explore more beaches along the coast, I recommend using collectivos or booking shuttles directly through hostels : it’s budget-friendly and super convenient for backpackers. BISOU