{"id":3234,"date":"2026-02-28T22:19:39","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T22:19:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/?p=3234"},"modified":"2026-02-28T22:22:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T22:22:55","slug":"backpackers-guide-to-san-juan-del-sur-budget-to-luxury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/fr\/backpackers-guide-to-san-juan-del-sur-budget-to-luxury\/","title":{"rendered":"Backpacker\u2019s Guide to San Juan del Sur (Budget to Luxury)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3234\" class=\"elementor elementor-3234\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c17e7cb e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c17e7cb\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96be2dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"96be2dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Banniere-SJDS-.png\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048 wp-image-3236\" alt=\"Bannie\u0301re SJDS\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Banniere-SJDS-.png 1200w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Banniere-SJDS--300x75.png 300w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Banniere-SJDS--1024x256.png 1024w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Banniere-SJDS--768x192.png 768w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Banniere-SJDS--18x5.png 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52aa144 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"52aa144\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fac6535 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fac6535\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"108\" data-end=\"393\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I first discovered <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">San Juan del Sur<\/span><\/span> three years ago while backpacking with a childhood friend. We had originally planned to spend more time in <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Costa Rica<\/span><\/span>, but after a reality check on prices, we crossed the border into Nicaragua instead. <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We were supposed to stay for 3\u20134 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.<\/span><\/p><p data-start=\"505\" data-end=\"625\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This guide is based on my personal experience, combined with tips from locals and expats who call San Juan del Sur home.<\/span><\/p><p data-start=\"505\" data-end=\"625\"><i>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.<\/i><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-406866c e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"406866c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3f54ae1 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3f54ae1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-242e677 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"242e677\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-Beach-Morning.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-3237\" alt=\"SJDS-Beach-Morning\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-Beach-Morning.png 500w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-Beach-Morning-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-Beach-Morning-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-Beach-Morning-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bb21d1f e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"bb21d1f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b3e83f1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b3e83f1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why Visit San Juan del Sur?\n<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bba969f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bba969f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">San Juan del Sur is one of those rare destinations that balances laid-back beach life with an unexpectedly vibrant social scene.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Here\u2019s why travelers fall in love with it :<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Beautiful beaches for surfing and relaxing<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Legendary nightlife (without big-city prices)<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Large expat and backpacker community<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Weekly events and parties year-round<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Close to the Costa Rican border<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Diverse food scene : local and international<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fishing trips and ocean activities<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Whether you want to surf, party, work remotely, or slow travel, SJDS delivers.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23940fb e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"23940fb\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e5898d e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8e5898d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-55009cd elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"55009cd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-Entrance-Morning.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-3239\" alt=\"SJDS-Entrance-Morning\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-Entrance-Morning.png 500w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-Entrance-Morning-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-Entrance-Morning-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-Entrance-Morning-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a6bf97 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1a6bf97\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dcd6ee5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dcd6ee5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Where to Stay ?\n<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b841be1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b841be1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Stay in town. It\u2019s the most convenient base for restaurants, nightlife, transport, and beach shuttles.<\/span><\/p><h6><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Budget \/ Backpackers<\/b><\/span><\/h6><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.tpo.mx\/aV3jeuvY\">Los Chamos<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> : Central location, social atmosphere, inner courtyard, breakfast included.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/span><\/p><h6><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Mid-Range<\/b><\/span><\/h6><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">There are plenty of boutique guesthouses and Airbnb options in town offering excellent value for money.<\/span><\/p><h6><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Luxury<\/b><\/span><\/h6><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">La <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.tpo.mx\/FjgEXpb3\">Santa Maria Resort<\/a><\/strong> : Upscale apartments overlooking the bay with resort-style amenities.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7b4c52 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a7b4c52\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed992ba elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ed992ba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">FOOD GUIDE<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-229f7b6 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"229f7b6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c8c884 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2c8c884\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aee539a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"aee539a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-breakfast-dockers-brunch.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-3241\" alt=\"SJDS-breakfast-dockside-brunch\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-breakfast-dockers-brunch.png 500w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-breakfast-dockers-brunch-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-breakfast-dockers-brunch-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-breakfast-dockers-brunch-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0960005 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0960005\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-032f78e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"032f78e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-lunch-la-lancha.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-3245\" alt=\"SJDS-lunch-la-lancha\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-lunch-la-lancha.png 500w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-lunch-la-lancha-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-lunch-la-lancha-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-lunch-la-lancha-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3df8dfd e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3df8dfd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-628bc33 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"628bc33\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-diner-la-vecchia-signora.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-3242\" alt=\"SJDS-diner-la-vecchia-signora\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-diner-la-vecchia-signora.png 500w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-diner-la-vecchia-signora-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-diner-la-vecchia-signora-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-diner-la-vecchia-signora-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e595d8 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4e595d8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05cbd46 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"05cbd46\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Best Places for Breakfast &amp; Brunch<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d191edc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d191edc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83d\udcb2 <strong>Local<\/strong> <\/span><b>Market<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> : Local breakfast spot. Try the huevos rancheros (around $3).<\/span><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83d\udcb2\ud83d\udcb2 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/olha.sjds\/\"><b>OHLA<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> : Avocado toast, pancakes, omelets, bagels, smoothie bowls.<\/span><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83d\udcb2\ud83d\udcb2\ud83d\udcb2 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tripadvisor.tpo.mx\/BCVgvwlL\"><b>Ding Repair Caf\u00e9<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> : Pricey but excellent quality.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Brunch with a view :<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/tripadvisor.tpo.mx\/5cZbvd3z\"> Dockside<\/a><\/strong> with Great coffee, avocado toast, oceanfront setting.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c97867c e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c97867c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-86d5037 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"86d5037\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Where to Eat Lunch<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35fd8d7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"35fd8d7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83d\udcb2 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LAREINADELSUR.SJDS\/\"><b>La Reina del Sur<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> : Daily changing local buffet (~120 c\u00f3rdobas).<\/span><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83d\udcb2\ud83d\udcb2 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tripadvisor.tpo.mx\/w9XTLlj0\"><b>Simon Says<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> : Lovely courtyard, fresh salads.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must-try : fish burger<\/span><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">\ud83d\udcb2\ud83d\udcb2 <a href=\"https:\/\/tripadvisor.tpo.mx\/pUAdXP9P\"><b style=\"font-style: inherit;\">La Lancha<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400;\"> : Lobster with an ocean view for under $20 (great value).<\/span><\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9a58737 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9a58737\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84abd89 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"84abd89\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Best Dinner Spots<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-371c7b5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"371c7b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tripadvisor.tpo.mx\/CYLSQChK\"><b>La Vecchia Signora<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> : Arguably the best pizza in town<\/span><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tripadvisor.tpo.mx\/vIROmc5R\"><b>Nacho<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> : Top tacos and strong margaritas<\/span><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tripadvisor.tpo.mx\/HdR4JHhP\"><b style=\"font-style: inherit;\">Sabores de mi Patio<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400;\"> : High-quality grilled meat<\/span><\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-838665c e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"838665c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea3af81 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ea3af81\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">NIGHT GUIDE<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-587cd53 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"587cd53\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-099ac60 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"099ac60\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-89044fa elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"89044fa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-where-to-drink-bottoms-up.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-3249\" alt=\"SJDS-where-to-drink-bottoms-up\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-where-to-drink-bottoms-up.png 500w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-where-to-drink-bottoms-up-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-where-to-drink-bottoms-up-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-where-to-drink-bottoms-up-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef444ae e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ef444ae\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9c0acf elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"e9c0acf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-programme-of-the-week.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-3247\" alt=\"SJDS-programme-of-the-week\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-programme-of-the-week.png 500w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-programme-of-the-week-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-programme-of-the-week-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-programme-of-the-week-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-633dd31 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"633dd31\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f95e0b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f95e0b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-night-club-guide.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-3246\" alt=\"SJDS-night-club-guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-night-club-guide.png 500w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-night-club-guide-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-night-club-guide-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-night-club-guide-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c69461 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9c69461\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72a017e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"72a017e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Where to Go for Drinks &amp; Sunset\u200b<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41f4df5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"41f4df5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tripadvisor.tpo.mx\/aWvTXK2g\"><b>Iguana<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> : Beachfront, giant daiquiris perfect for sunset<\/span><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bottomsup.sjds\/\"><b>Bottom\u2019s Up<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> : Poolside bar with happy hour (3\u20135 PM), jalape\u00f1o croquettes, frequent events<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Budget option :<\/span> 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<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c3739a2 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c3739a2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47fd5d9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"47fd5d9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Weekly Events &amp; \nNightlife<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0695531 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0695531\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">San Juan del Sur parties every day of the week :<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Tuesday : Trivia Night at <a href=\"https:\/\/tripadvisor.tpo.mx\/JTOOpODg\"><strong>La Rep\u00fablica<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Wednesday : Open Mic at <a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.tpo.mx\/rhvAujFa\"><strong>Surf Town<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Friday : Beer Pong at <a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.tpo.mx\/VN2QcFNc\"><strong>Pachamama<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Sunday : Pub Crawl (aka Sunday Funday)<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6462c0d e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6462c0d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8840285 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8840285\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Clubs in\nSan Juan del Sur\n<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97c9473 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"97c9473\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">The main party venues:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/arribasbar\/?hl=fr\"><b>Arribas<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> : Best on Friday or Sunday nights<\/span><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sunnybeachbar\/\"><b>Sunny Beach Club<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> : Saturday hotspot<\/span><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tripadvisor.tpo.mx\/2XCg2Obl\"><b style=\"font-style: inherit;\">Tuanis<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400;\"> : Another Saturday favorite<\/span><\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5edbeff e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5edbeff\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-361a354 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"361a354\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f931feb elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f931feb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-getting-around.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-3244\" alt=\"SJDS-getting-around\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-getting-around.png 500w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-getting-around-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-getting-around-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJDS-getting-around-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-febcebe e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"febcebe\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e356a83 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e356a83\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Getting Around\n<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-82602f0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"82602f0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h6><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Shuttles<\/b><\/span><\/h6><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Reliable options include :<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.tpo.mx\/aV3jeuvY\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Los Chamos<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.tpo.mx\/aoS5uItx\">Casa Oro<\/a><\/strong> (very popular for beach transfers)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/span><\/li><\/ul><h6><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Renting a Vehicle<\/b><\/span><\/h6><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Motorbikes, ATVs, and cars are available but can be expensive : especially in high season. Compare prices before booking.<\/span><\/p><h6><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>From Pe\u00f1as Blancas Border<\/b><\/span><\/h6><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">If you\u2019re arriving from Costa Rica via Pe\u00f1as Blancas Border Crossing:<\/span><\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Take a bus to La Virgen (~$2)<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Cross the road<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catch another bus to San Juan del Sur (~$1)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/span><\/li><\/ol><h6><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>From Managua<\/b><\/span><\/h6><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Private taxi: about $80<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Budget option : Bus to Rivas, then local bus to San Juan del Sur<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c38027d e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c38027d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99d1a8b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"99d1a8b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"256\" src=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panorama-SJDS-Beach-1024x256.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-3250\" alt=\"Panorama SJDS Beach\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panorama-SJDS-Beach-1024x256.png 1024w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panorama-SJDS-Beach-300x75.png 300w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panorama-SJDS-Beach-768x192.png 768w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panorama-SJDS-Beach-18x5.png 18w, https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Panorama-SJDS-Beach.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d87200 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2d87200\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a1487ac elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a1487ac\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">\u2728 Conseils de Shiny Expatrie Frenchie \u2728\n<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0739bf3 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0739bf3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13b03ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"13b03ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Currency : Nicaraguan c\u00f3rdobas + US dollars widely accepted<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Weather : Hot year-round<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Best for : Surfing, nightlife, remote work, slow travel<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Wi-Fi : Generally good in caf\u00e9s and accommodations<\/span><\/li><\/ul><div><span style=\"color: #000000;\">San Juan del Sur is the kind of place you visit for a few days&#8230; and end up staying for weeks or even years. It&#8217;s affordable, social, beautiful, and easy to navigate : a perfect gateway to Central America or a long-term tropical base.<\/span><\/div><div>\u00a0<\/div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">BISOUS<\/span><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u20134 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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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 &amp; Brunch \ud83d\udcb2 Local Market : Local breakfast spot. Try the huevos rancheros (around $3). \ud83d\udcb2\ud83d\udcb2 OHLA : Avocado toast, pancakes, omelets, bagels, smoothie bowls. \ud83d\udcb2\ud83d\udcb2\ud83d\udcb2 Ding Repair Caf\u00e9 : Pricey but excellent quality. Brunch with a view : Dockside with Great coffee, avocado toast, oceanfront setting. Where to Eat Lunch \ud83d\udcb2 La Reina del Sur : Daily changing local buffet (~120 c\u00f3rdobas). \ud83d\udcb2\ud83d\udcb2 Simon Says : Lovely courtyard, fresh salads.Must-try : fish burger \ud83d\udcb2\ud83d\udcb2 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 &amp; Sunset\u200b Iguana : Beachfront, giant daiquiris perfect for sunset Bottom\u2019s Up : Poolside bar with happy hour (3\u20135 PM), jalape\u00f1o 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 &amp; Nightlife San Juan del Sur parties every day of the week : Tuesday : Trivia Night at La Rep\u00fablica 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 Pe\u00f1as Blancas Border If you\u2019re arriving from Costa Rica via Pe\u00f1as 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 \u2728 Tips from Shiny Expatrie Frenchie \u2728 Currency : Nicaraguan c\u00f3rdobas + US dollars widely accepted Weather : Hot year-round Best for : Surfing, nightlife, remote work, slow travel Wi-Fi : Generally good in caf\u00e9s and accommodations San Juan del Sur is the kind of place you visit for a few days&#8230; and end up staying for weeks or even years. It&#8217;s affordable, social, beautiful, and easy to navigate : a perfect gateway to Central America or a long-term tropical base.\u00a0BISOUS<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3237,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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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\u20134 days. We stayed over a month. My\u2026","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3234","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3234"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3234\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3253,"href":"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3234\/revisions\/3253"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3237"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3234"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3234"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shinyexpatriefrenchie.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3234"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}