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Municipality in Rivas Department, Nicaragua
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Mrkstvns2 at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
San Juan del Sur is a popular beach and party town on the Pacific coast of southwestern Nicaragua. It's a great base for surfers to explore waves at surrounding beaches.
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Elite surf camp for adventurous women who appreciate comfort and a challenge. Daily surf lessons, board rentals, and a variety of surf/travel packages, which include surfing world class waves, spectacular accommodations, authentic local cuisine, yoga, soothing massage, and a variety of exciting activities in a safe environment.
San Juan Surf
Beach Road (in the NicaLifeRealty building). This is a shop for surf gear and apparel - The SanJuanSurf T-shirts and caps have become a popular souvenir.
Offers ATV guided tours through the mountains and to the beaches. If you'd rather go by sea try their 2008 3-seater waverunners. If you have kids, pull them along on their tubes.
A local group that provides Wellness Inspired Adventures, "Green" Yoga Retreats/ Yoga Teacher Trainings, and Aquatic Getaways such as SCUBA diving, snorkeling and surfing on the best surfing beaches to kayaking or kite surfing on one of the largest fresh-water lakes in Central America. They serve as a local concierge and also offer budget-sensitive itineraries as well. Bodhin also produces the largest mountain bike race in the region, called 'the Howler' www.sanjuanhowler.com with 100% of the proceeds going directly to local charities.
A private, solar powered ranch with happy, healthy horses and good tack, includes English guide and a photo shoot of your ride and a contribution to the local community fund is included. They specialize in guided horseback tours through rural Nicaragua to the spectacular nearby beaches.
Surf Ranch Paintball
One acre jungle paintball course, gear rental, snack shop at the Surf Ranch Action Sports Resort. Drop in or join weekly paintball competitions to win cash prizes.
at the Surf Ranch Action Sports Resort
Nicaragua's only tower drop to giant inflatable air bag for jumping, flipping and skateboarding into. 12ft and 20ft drops. Mini mega launch ramp for skateboards, bikes, snowboards and skis (artificial snow)...coming soon.
Full service day spa offering world-class massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, body scrubs and more.
San Juan del Sur's Yoga Studio
San Juan del Sur's first yoga studio, with a view of the church and town from above on the second level. Zen offers multiple classes daily with highly trained instructors. Drop in classes include a cup of tea and use of a yoga mat. Class packages are available and can be shared among groups. Inquire about private and small group sessions. Also offers Thai, Swedish, deep tissue and Reiki massage by certified massage therapists.
The first lending library in Nicaragua, providing books, information, technology, and community center services to the people of San Juan del Sur and its surrounding communities. Books are available in both Spanish and English. Spend time volunteering in the library or with the mobile book van; check at the library for activities.
Serving unique international and Nicaraguan gourmet fare, guests are invited to dine al fresco by the pool or at a candlelit, ocean-view table in the open-air dining room overlooking the cobalt-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner features signature dishes using only the freshest local ingredients. Enjoy fish and seafood fresh from the sea, locally grown garden vegetables, freshly-baked bread, and delicious local and imported meats, handcrafted pastries and desserts. A poolside menu for snacks and light lunches is offered.
Jewish food, from a rabbi's family that emigrated from Europe.
This new pizza pick-up and delivery is the place to go when you are longing for a tasty Pizza that minimum feeds 2 people. As it is part of a guesthouse ask for Luise when knocking on the door.
Quintessential beach restaurant, with sushi, lobster, happy hours, and sunsets.
Artisanal donut shop.
Happy hours, parties, music, ocean sunsets, food including breakfast.
Drinks and fine ocean views.
Subdued, relaxed environment.
Inexpensive hostel, great location across from the beach. Owned by a Canadian expat. Dorms are right next to restaurant/bar though so can get noisy at night.
Right on the beach, but the balconies are accessible from each other, and the doors are only lockable from the outside. Some have had to put a stone in front of the door just to keep it shut. There are stories of other people that said they had bats coming in the window, banging against the walls and falling on their beds. There is a very comfortable common room and the bedrooms are clean and with beautiful views of the Pacific. Don't forget breakfast.
It offers a choice between standard, villa, deluxe condos or deluxe penthouse condos. Hot water and air conditioning available. Breakfast, WiFi and shuttles to and from town are included in the rate. The resort features include Nicaragua`s largest skateboard park, jungle paintball course, tower drop into a huge inflatable airbag, volleyball court, rock climbing wall, world class restaurant & bar, swimming pool & swim up bar, and poolside cabanas. The resort also offers a range of activities such as surfing, skateboarding, sailing, fishing, yoga, scuba diving, paintball and rock climbing.
There are 5 Jungle Suites available from US$50 per night, 1 Canopy Apartment from $80 and 4 Tree House beds from $15. Breakfast is included and wireless internet is available. Cable TV and air-conditioning feature in all Jungle Suites and in the Canopy Apartment.
Villas and condominiums are within walking distance of the beach in the best residential neighborhood in San Juan del Sur with spectacular views of the bay. Rent by the day, week, or month all of them fully equipped. The two story villas are the epitome of luxury and space. Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a big dining table and large terraces let large families or a group of friends spend time together with comfort and privacy. The complex includes a private pool and full hotel service.
Del parque, 2 c hacia el mar. Among the nicest. They also arrange boat trips.
Hotel with nine bedrooms and four 1-2 bedroom condominium apartments, with full breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi, free phone calls to the USA and Canada, a courtyard swimming pool, window screens and quiet air conditioners, private baths, hot water showers, and bath tubs. Cable TV and VHS/DVD with a large selection of movies in English and Spanish. Secure parking. Handicapped access.
Private home with rooms for rent. Included in the price: swimming pool, secure indoor parking, Wireless Internet, A/C, breakfast etc.
Offers billas from four to ten guests. Right on Playa el Coco a quiet and secluded beach. Also has a restaurant, Puesta del Sol.
info@laveranera.net
Boutique guesthouse designed like an old Nicaraguan ranch house, equipped with all modern conveniences. The wide veranda with dining area, billiard table and private bar, wraps around a pool.
By bus
From Rivas there are frequent buses (C$25) directly to San Juan del Sur, which takes about one hour.
By taxi
"Colectivo" taxis cost C$35 (córdobas) per person from Rivas, no matter how full the taxi is. However, that means the driver might try to fill up the taxi before leaving.
By boat
San Juan del Sur is a stopping point for many cruise ships. It is the only cruise port in Nicaragua except for Corinto further north along the Pacific coast.
Taxi
". Some hotels offer shuttle service to nearby beaches, or call Carlos Rivera taxis private phone +505 86180261. There are a number of beaches north and south of town.
Car
Traffic is pretty reasonable within the city center itself. The main road into town is usually clear but does sometimes back up, usually when all the beach goers and residents return home for the day.
Vehicle Rentals
To explore the surroundings, you can rent an all terrain vehicle (ATV), which comes in handy on the small dirt roads that are frequently in bad condition.
Motorcycle
Motorcycle are popular in Nicaragua, and if you're thinking about making San Juan Del Sur your home base for exploring the surrounding area, a motorcycle can be a great choice.
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