Things to see and do on a trip to San Juan del Sur

On the shores of the Pacific is San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua, a charming coastal town with a relaxed atmosphere that is not only popular with tourists for its golden sandy beaches and crystal clear water, but is also known for its lively nightlife with bars and restaurants lining the boardwalk where you can enjoy live music and spectacular sunsets.

In San Juan del Sur you can’t miss the bay of San Juan del Sur or the beach of Marsella among many other spots where you can go surfing, snorkelling and other water sports. Its friendly people and relaxed atmosphere make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of this region. So don’t think twice and start organising your trip.

What are the best places to see in San Juan del Sur?

1. The beaches of San Juan del Sur

If there’s one thing that takes centre stage in the area, it’s the beautiful bay of San Juan del Sur. With its characteristic crescent shape and the statue of Christ of Mercy overlooking the horizon, the bay has beaches in paradise surrounded by lush vegetation, each with its own unique charm. Although in some cases you’ll need to take the car or walk a while to reach them, they’re all worth a visit.

The most spectacular beaches of San Juan del Sur

These are the most spectacular beaches to see in and around San Juan del Sur:

1. San Juan del Sur Beach: A beach with calm waters, where a large number of boats park. One of the beach destinations with the widest offer: numerous restaurants by the sea specialized in seafood and a great variety of hotels. In addition there are all the facilities of a small town. A wide variety of activities are available: boat trips to neighbouring beaches, sport fishing, scuba diving, marine photography, whale watching, canopy tours in the surrounding mountains, and an active nightlife.
2. Marsella Beach: is a quiet and relaxed beach, ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. It is less crowded than the main beach and is a perfect place to enjoy the sun and the sea.
3. Hermosa Beach: as the name suggests, this beach is beautiful and quiet. It’s a perfect place for surfing and relaxing in a natural environment.
4. Maderas Beach: Maderas is one of the most popular surfing beaches in the area. The waves are suitable for both beginners and more experienced surfers. You can also find rustic bungalows and restaurants on the beach.
5. Remanso Beach: is another popular choice for surfers, and is also excellent for swimming. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is a favourite place to spend the day
6. Yankee Beach: This is a secluded and less-visited beach, making it a quiet retreat. The waves are suitable for surfing, and it’s a perfect place to relax away from the crowds.
7. El Coco Beach: Located about 20 minutes’ drive from San Juan del Sur, Playa El Coco is a beautiful, wide beach with calm waters. It is a great place for a variety of activities such as horseback riding or cycling in the surrounding villages, boat trips to Bolaños Island, and playing football and beach volleyball. Here you will also find accommodation, a restaurant and a small supermarket.

If you want to know more about the beaches of Nicaragua we encourage you to visit this post: What are the best beaches in Nicaragua?

2. El Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia

The Cristo de la Misericordia is an imposing sculpture that towers over the city and the Pacific coast, offering spectacular panoramic views that take the breath away from visitors. The statue, which has become a symbol for the city, stands in an elevated position with its arms outstretched. It closely resembles the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

You can reach the viewpoint after a short but strenuous walk from the city. Access costs about €2, but it’s well worth the investment for the incredible views that await you 15 metres up.

3. The Lighthouse of San Juan del Sur

The San Juan del Sur Lighthouse dates back to the late 19th century and is an iconic landmark of the region that has illuminated the path of navigators for over a century. The cast-iron structure rises majestically above the cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and San Juan del Sur Bay.

Although the lighthouse no longer serves as a maritime guide, its architectural beauty and prime location make it a popular place to visit and capture stunning photographs. The tour starts on the paved road behind the fish market known as El Acopio, and it takes approximately about 15–20 minutes on foot.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

4. William Falker Fort

Fort William Walker, also known as “La Loma”, is a historic building that evokes the controversial figure of William Walker, a 19th century American adventurer.

It was built during Walker’s short-lived reign in Nicaragua (1856-1857), when he proclaimed himself president. The fort was one of his strongholds, and although his rule was brief and controversial, it left a mark on the city’s history. Today, Fort William Walker is a historic site that attracts visitors interested in Nicaraguan history and US influence in the region.

What to see around San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua?

1. Ometepe Island Nature Reserve

Located in Lake Nicaragua, the island of Ometepe is home to a nature reserve that protects a diverse landscape of rainforests, beaches, waterfalls and unique biodiversity. It is considered the largest island in the world, covering 276 square kilometres. It consists of the protected tidal flats of the Concepción Volcano Nature Reserve, the Maderas Volcano National Park and the Peña Inculta Humedal Istián Wildlife Refuge.

For its exuberant nature, beautiful beaches, landscapes, varied flora and exotic birds, archaeological wealth and traditions, it was named by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve and natural wonder. On this island you have the opportunity to go on excursions and visit the lagoon in its crater where you can explore trails that wind through the dense forests.

It has a population of 42,000 people. The visitor will find many tourist attractions such as the Ceibo Museum, Santo Domingo Beach, Punta Jesús María or Charco Verde.

From San Juan del Sur you can get there with an organised excursion or by car. It takes about 3 hours to get there and you need to take the ferry or a boat. The ferry leaves every 30 hours and costs between 35$ and 50$.

2. Waterfalls Route

On the island of Ometepe you can take an incredible hiking route on the Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfalls Route). Along the route you will discover multiple waterfalls that fall into natural pools of crystalline waters. You will have the opportunity to swim and refresh yourself while enjoying the views of a unique natural environment.

What to see in 1 day in San Juan del Sur?

One day is enough time to explore San Juan del Sur. If you organise yourself well, during your stay you can visit the lighthouse, Fort William Falker, El Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia and the beautiful beaches of the bay of San Juan del Sur. You will also have time to sample the local cuisine.

If you have more time in the area, we recommend spending it on the island of Ometepe and its nature reserve, where you can go hiking, swim in natural pools and discover beautiful scenery from the top of its volcanoes.

Design your travel route with Passporter and discover other destinations near San Juan del Sur in this post: Things to see and do on a trip to Nicaragua.

Where and what to eat in San Juan del Sur

Nicaraguan cuisine is characterised by its variety of ingredients and techniques, the result of the country’s indigenous, Spanish and African heritage. Corn is the main ingredient used in dishes such as Indio Viejo, Nacatamal and rosquillas de maíz (corn doughnuts).

Nicaragua is also famous for its quality coffee and chocolate, which in some regions is spiced. Here are some of the best restaurants in town to try traditional dishes:

• Barrio Café: A great option to enjoy pure Nicaraguan cuisine. Prices are over €15 per diner and are absolutely worth it.
• Dale pues: A very affordable restaurant, with different American food options, sure to delight on your trip. Prices don’t go beyond €10 per person for a standard meal.
• La Lancha: is a cosy restaurant near the beach that is characterised by its fish and seafood dishes. It is not the cheapest in town, but it is worth it for its quality/price ratio.

Where to stay in San Juan del Sur?

Due to the tourist interest of the town, it is not difficult to find accommodation. Here are some recommendations for good accommodation options.

• Hotel La Estación: A fantastic three-star hotel, which offers an airport transfer option and is located right in the centre of the city. You’ll find options from €150 a night.
• Selina Maderas: A traditional-style hotel, but with all the comforts of a three-star and a huge swimming pool. The price is usually around €93 for a weekend for two people.
• Estrella Beachfront Hotel: An austere hotel, just a few metres from the sea, where you can enjoy all the essentials at a reasonable price of €90 for a weekend.

In this post you can discover more amazing accommodations in Nicaragua: The best hotels and lodging in Nicaragua.

How to get to San Juan del Sur?

Although it does not have its own airport, getting to San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua is relatively easy. The most common is to fly into one of the country’s international airports, such as Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua, or Liberia Airport in Costa Rica. From there you can reach your destination by taxi, bus, ferry or car.

• Bus: If you are in Managua you can take a direct bus to San Juan del Sur from the Mercado Israel Lewites Bus Terminal. Buses leave regularly and the trip takes approximately 2-3 hours. Fares range from $16 to $24.
• Car: If you rent a car at the airport you can get to your destination.
• Ferry: Ferries run from Granada or Ometepe to San Jorge, from where you can take a bus or taxi to San Juan del Sur.

What should I consider before travelling to San Juan del Sur?

• No visa is required to enter Nicaragua, but a passport valid for at least 6 months is required.
• The city is safe, but you are advised to exercise caution and keep an eye on your belongings.
• No vaccinations are required to enter the country if you are travelling from Spain.
• The official language in Nicaragua is Spanish.
• The country’s currency is the córdobas.
• It is best to change money before you start your trip, as there are shops and restaurants that do not accept credit cards.
• The climate is warm all year round, but between June and December is the rainy season.
• Avoid eating at street stalls and drinking tap water.
• Be prepared for medical emergencies – travel with insurance.

How do you prepare what to see on your trip to San Juan del Sur?

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• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions.
• Add the stops that interest you most. Don’t forget about the restaurants and bars where you want to eat. You can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference.
• Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map. You can get inspiration from the routes we present in the post.
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need, and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travellers things to do in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to San Juan del Sur