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San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a paradisiacal destination nestled along the southwest coast of Nicaragua, known for its pristine Pacific beaches and vibrant nightlife. This beautiful coastal town is a surfer's heaven, offering breathtaking surf spots renowned across the globe. Apart from its outdoor recreation, the area boasts a coveted nightlife, with a host of bars, seafood restaurants, and lounges lining the beach. The iconic Christ of Mercy statue, perched atop a hill, provides panoramas of the hypnotizing blue bay, beckoning visitors in search of tranquility. San Juan del Sur is not just a definitive surfing enclave but an exciting tropical getaway teeming with culture, history, and natural beauty.

3.9 /5

Based on our research

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Safety:Safe

San Juan del Sur is generally a safe place for solo female travelers. Like any other destination, regular precautions such as staying aware of your surroundings, not displaying expensive belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night should be taken into account. It's a charming and lively beach town with an active nightlife that caters well to tourists. The town relies heavily on tourism which tends to make the local community quite welcoming. However, petty theft can occasionally be an issue, so take care with your belongings.

Transport:Easy

It's relatively easy to navigate around San Juan del Sur. The town is small and walkable with several landmarks for easy referencing. Taxis and buses are also available, and they're generally safe and affordable. However, understanding some Spanish would be beneficial.

Things to do:Interesting

San Juan del Sur is a true gem in Nicaragua that offers a myriad of fun and thrilling activities. Its location on the Pacific coast allows for wonderful opportunities for water sports, with surfing being a standout activity for many visitors. Take a leisurely stroll around the town to explore various local boutiques, quirky art galleries, and mouthwatering street foods. Climb to the Christ of the Mercy statue for a breathtaking view of the whole bay. The yoga retreat centers are also a great way to unwind. However, because it's become quite touristy and rapidly developing, it may lack some authenticity.

Food:Above average

San Juan del Sur offers a diverse array of food options that are sure to satisfy a variety of palates. From traditional Nicaraguan cuisine to fresh seafood dishes due to its coastal location, the town does not disappoint. You can also find international cuisines including Italian, Asian, and Vegetarian meals. While some eateries cater towards more western tastes, there is also a good presence of authentic, local food. Do note that the food may sometimes lean towards simplicity rather than being fancy or overly creative.

Budget:Affordable

San Juan del Sur is relatively budget-friendly for solo female travelers. Accommodations, food, and public transportation are reasonably priced. However, prices for tours and activities can vary greatly. Nonetheless, with some careful planning and budgeting, you can have an affordable trip.

Wendy

United States

Group travel experience

San Juan del Sur is very much a party town for backpackers and retirees alike. Decent mix of travelers from Europe and North America, with food and activities centered on tourists. Skip the restaurants in the beach and check out some of the spots a block or two in-land, like Dale Pues, Garden Court food options like Sauced, Dumplings Aqui, etc. Partying is definitely on the later side here but can be a lot of fun. Make sure to check out Sunday Funday (every Sunday, pool/bar crawl for $25)! Besides eating and drinking, you’ll have to take a taxi or shuttle to surfing/lounging beaches, hikes, etc. I was with a group of guy friends. During the day I felt pretty safe walking around the main town area myself, but I would not walk alone at night. We were all advised to stick to the main town area and not to go north of that (a residential but sparsely visited area) at night, even in a group. We did a day trip to Granada, which was cool to see the architecture, and popped by Magnifico Rock on the way home (beautiful beach and ocean views). Would recommend checking out both if you have time. We came in to Nicaragua from Costa Rica via land border crossing. We were told the crossing would take an hour max, but it took us 3.5 hrs just to exit CR and enter Nica. On the way back into CR, we had a different shuttle for transportation (Pablo Travel Transportation) and his guys helped us expedite through, then taking us only an hour. If you go this route, build in lots of extra time just in case.

Posted: January 18, 2024

Things to do: 4/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 3/5