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  • Writer's pictureMichelle Owens
    • Feb 5, 2023
    • 8 min read

San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

**This post was started in Feb 2022, but released Feb 2023 with edits**


Hopping on a plane has felt extremely overdue through this pandemic, let alone actually getting to travel and explore a new spot. I was starting to get worried about my 30 countries before 30, and the impact that COVID-19 would have on that, but hey, here we are at 30 countries! Bonus, a year and a half early.

For the last few years, I've been working hard at building a life that allows me to work remotely at least part of the year. I wouldn't mind being full time digital nomad and remote, but for now, family and friends and having a place to come back to part of the year is important to me with lots going on. In making Muskoka, Ontario home for the last couple Summers (May-October) I was hopeful that this Fall I'd be able to take off again to explore. Nicaragua wasn't necessarily the first place I had in mind, but Central/South America was a trip that I had wanted to do before the pandemic had begun, and I had heard such great things.

My partner and I set out mid November 2021 to start wandering through this unexplored country for us.


First stop: San Juan Del Sur

We flew with Avianca Airlines from Toronto to Managua with a brief (less than one hour) stop in El Salvador.


Grab a quick craft pint here in SAL airport if you have time! CADEJO Brewing.

Be sure to check the COVID flight and entry regulations ahead of time (if required) given that Nicaragua, and the airlines entering have very strict requirements on sending negative covid results to not only the government, and showing upon arrival but also the airline. I won't go into detail at this time given that these requirements seem to change daily.

Flying into Managua (if you land late at night- we highly recommend staying at the Best Western, literally outside the front door of the hotel, you just walk across the street- or they offer a shuttle that drives across the road for you) It was an awesome spot, super convenient, great staff, and breakfast included. Best Western Managua https://lasmercedes.com.ni We left bright and early the next morning and took a private car to drive us from Managua to San Juan Del Sur. There are buses and shuttles available- it was just our first day and we had been recommended a driver from a friend, I'd highly recommend him Driver: Homberto, WhatsApp: +505 7795 0821 He is located in SJDS but is great for all rides needed from airport pickups, day trips, local in SJDS, etc. He also works with friends across the border if needed for Liberia pick ups.

Accommodation


1. Airbnb On Hill https://abnb.me/Nt3PZhKXaxb

This was an awesome first spot for our arrival. We recommend stopping at La Colonia in Rivas on your way to San Juan Del Sur if you're heading to a place with a kitchen. It's a great spot to get some of the essentials, especially before heading up this hill. The climb is totally worth it for the view and secluded vibe while being so close to town, but it is no joke on foot or in a car! There are still food and essential delivery services for anything you may forget or need, but it's good to arrive with some snacks and staples (depending on your length of stay)


2. Central Airbnb in town https://abnb.me/D0kfRALXaxb

This spot was an awesome last place to land in San Juan Del Sur. Again, lots of noise being close to El Social https://www.facebook.com/socialsanjuandelsur but earplugs were great and the location was awesome. There isa full kitchen which was great for a week long stay for some meals at home and easy breakfast and snack items. It was great to have the pool here given the hot and dry weather this time of year (December until March)


Perfect for a few nights or weekend getaway, but no kitchen or "office/desk" amenities. We loved our stay here. It certainly is very central to the town centre as well as next to many beach restaurants and bars, which of course means noise. However, the sound of the waves and the convenience of the location makes up for it. We had breakfast included which was also a great inclusion. They are micro size rooms, but we appreciated this in pushing us to sit and work outside when we could. There are also so many great cafes in the area for more space eating, working on your computer, etc.

Other Accommodation Options (recommended, or we visited, but didn't stay)

Restaurants/ Dining

  1. Ding Repair https://www.facebook.com/dingrepaircafe/ **Our favourite spot in town!**

BY FAR THE BEST SPOT IN SJDS! For breakfast and lunch for sure! Great spot to post up and co-work as well! Our faves are alllll the bowls, the Daymaker toast, an iced americano, and literally all the smoothies. Take a bag of whole bean or ground coffee with you to make at home during your stay or bring back home, you won't regret it. Tan Lines is my fave!


2. Nacho https://www.facebook.com/Nachosjds/ Cannot go wrong with all the tacos and corona! Quick, cheap and cheerful.


super fun time for open mic night on Wednesdays (always check as this date sometimes changes). They also host a variety of events here so always check out their page for updates. Great spot for a craft beer pint. The nachos are awesome (and huge)

*Tip- if you're her for a night out or just in the area and looking for a cheap dinner, wander across the street to Juanitas. Here you'll find great typical Nica food and super large portions great for sharing and for leftovers! https://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g528745-d9597925-Reviews-Asados_Juanita-San_Juan_del_Sur_Rivas_Department.html


4. Social https://www.facebook.com/socialsanjuandelsur


5. Beach House https://thebeachhousenicaragua.com (same place that we stayed for a few nights) but definitely go here for dinner regardless of where you're staying. Great sushi. We also loved the coconut shrimp and steak chimichurri. Amaaaazing cocktails too!

6. Wrap N Roll https://www.facebook.com/wrapnrollsjds/

7. Toastaderia https://www.facebook.com/latostaderianic (there is one in San Juan Del Sur and in Managua)

The besttttt avo toast, but it's HUGE! Their bowls are great too. This is the earliest spot that's open that I came across during my time in town which is nice for the early birds. Sit and have brekki or grab a coffee to go and walk along the beach. It is right across the street!


8. Art Warehouse https://www.facebook.com/theartwarehousesjds/


A fun sorta mini indoor/outdoor foodcourt style spot. There are a few options in here for food vendors from sushi, to vegan eats, and pizza!


Burger was amaaaazing. Great retail store on. site with apparel, mugs, local goodies. Great for a last stop to bring a few things home for fam and friends too!

BRAND SPOTLIGHT

WE STAY LOST http://www.westaylost.com

This is a must! We Stay Lost now has a storefront in SJDS behind Social. It is filled with merchandise, apparel, home goods, stickers, etc. You can also book trips and travel, group or solo through them.

Ben was your average Canadian, working in Toronto and working the 9-5 life. Although he was happy, he knew something was missing. It wasn’t until a surf trip to Nicaragua in 2007 that he realized what it was.

Now, he wants to share with others all the reasons he fell in love with this country: the adventure, the world class surfing, and the culture. It took some time to make the dream a reality, but We Stay Lost was born.

Not only is Ben the mind behind We Stay Lost and everything it stands for, but he’ll also be your one on one guide over the course of your trip. Let us show you the side of Nicaragua that made him starry-eyed all those years ago. 

WHAT DOES WE STAY LOST MEAN TO YOU? https://www.instagram.com/westaylost/

Groceries in Town:

  1. Mercadito (for fresh fruit and veg) https://www.instagram.com/elmercadito2021/

  2. Sanchez has more recognized "western" essentials and brands you may be craving or looking for https://www.facebook.com/lassanchezsj/?locale=es_LA

  3. Bagels and Bakes is great for pre-made dips, sauces, pastas, desserts, lasagnes, soups, etc. https://www.facebook.com/bagelsandbakesnica

Activities/Tours

  1. Catamaran day with SALT http://www.saltnica.com

Just a great go-to while you're. in-town, literally whether you're here on your own, with a partner, with family, or with a group of friends it's the perfect day out! You can do private bookings with large groups or join a public cruise. It includes certain drinks, lunch, snacks, snorkelling gear, a stop to a beautiful white sand clear water beach nearby, a sunset cruise, and whales. and dolphins if you're lucky! Highly recommend. Stop by Dockside https://www.facebook.com/DocksideSJDS before or after your cruise (you set sail from here) for some great beer options, and realllly good empanadas!


2. Foster, Adopt and/or Volunteer with SOS Animales https://www.instagram.com/sos.animales.nica/ https://es.sos-animales-nica.org

Throughout our time in SJDS area over the last couple of years we have been volunteering with SOS and also fostering adult dogs and pups. This is an organization started by dear friends of ours. There was and still is such a need for this initiative on the streets in SJDS and Nicaragua in general. Started in 2020, there was no place for sterilization, and the general health and wellness of abandoned animals. There are so many ways to get involved from donations (monetary or your time for community events and initiatives) and fostering or adopting dogs!

3. Tribu Surf Camps and Lessons https://www.tribusurf.com

We did our lessons with Pedro and Eduardo. Both were great. They will pick you up wherever you're located. in the area and also take you to the best beach at the best time for your level, suggest certain boards, give great tips, and are really honest which was appreciated. If the currents, or certain time of day, or level of waves aren't appropriate for your level and style, they will reschedule or plan accordingly.

4. Jesus hike https://www.tripadvisor.es/Attraction_Review-g528745-d5889584-Reviews-Mirador_del_Cristo_de_la_Misericordia-San_Juan_del_Sur_Rivas_Department.html


5. Beach runs/walks right on the main beach in San Juan Del Sur


6. Tree Casa for the day https://www.treecasaresort.com

This is a great option for a change of scenery or "day out" whether you're solo, with a partner, friends, or even kids! It is $25pp for entry (2022) and this cost can be credited towards food and drink while you're here. You can stay for the day, join a yoga class, sit by the pool, enjoy great food, drinks, cocktails and snacks. Be sure to give that waterslide a try!


7. Rent a motorbike or ATV https://rentanica.com the side by side is a blast especially with friends, but pricey!!


8. Art class at Art Warehouse https://www.facebook.com/theartwarehousesjds/


9. Get a tattoo! https://www.instagram.com/inkfx_tattoo/?hl=en


10. Beach day trip to Playa Hermosa or Playa Romanso


11. Visit Casa Oro https://casaorogroup.com for literally all of your needs for tours, transport, excursions and day trips in SJDS They have shuttles all day everyday to the beaches in town, nearby towns and points of interest and are great for general tourism questions and needs. They also have accommodation and a restaurant!


12. SUNDAY FUNDAY https://www.instagram.com/sundayfunday_poolcrawl/?hl=en Yes we still have yet to participate, come at us! However we have friends who have done it weekends in a row and love it! It's a great way to meet people and see a few great bars and spots in town. Check out the link!

Other things to note in town:

  1. The shuttle from SJDS runs 4 times a day to Playa Maderas (blog post on Maderas here) and is $5 round trip or $3 one way. Great option to head there for a beach day or even just for a great sunset at HUSH https://www.hushmaderas.com

  2. There are delivery options for anything you cannot find or. if you want to have a night in

  3. All In One Delivery SJDS - WhatsApp: +505 8671 2001 https://www.instagram.com/allinonedeliverysjds/

  4. Delivery Movil San Juan Del Sur - WhatsApp: +505 7544 1001 https://deliverymovil.com/sanjuandelsur/

Things to bring from home that aren't as accessible and easy to find (or expensive)

  1. Sunscreen and after sun

  2. Tampons

  3. Almond butter and/or almonds (super expensive here if it's a must for you)

  4. Health supplements and vitamins

  5. Bring a reusable water bottle as tap water isn't consumable, so lots of places and options to fill up

  6. Ear plugs (if staying central in San Juan Del Sur)

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