Nicaragua, the Spanish-speaking country between Costa Rica and Honduras, may very well not be your first thought when searching for your next great vacation. Although little known to the public, Nicaragua is a well-kept secret among tourists interested in gorgeous beaches, breathtaking views, and delicious Central American cuisine. Towns in Nicaragua are welcoming to foreigners and tourists, while also maintaining their local, authentic Central American atmosphere.
One such location is the beautiful town of San Juan Del Sur, located just of the Southwest coast of the country. San Juan Del Sur borders the Pacific Ocean and offers its guests amazing landscapes, views, and crystal-clear beaches. The people of San Juan Del Sur are warm and friendly, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the little town overlooking the bay.
Those who visit San Juan Del Sur are captivated by the vibrant energy, tropical weather, and stunning views that greet them on arrival. Looking for your next amazing vacation? Keep reading to find out why San Juan Del Sur should be your next vacation destination.
Surfer’s Paradise
San Juan Del Sur has become a hub for surfing enthusiasts from around the world. Many of the beaches in San Juan Del Sur are perfect for beginner to advanced surfers, depending on the location. Experienced surfers can enjoy the large swells right off of the Pacific Ocean, while beginners have their pick of surfing classes to choose from. Popular surfing beaches are Playa Maderas, Playa Yankee, and Playa San Juan Del Sur and are almost all within walking distance of hotels in San Juan Del Sur.
Sun, Sea, and Sand
Not interested in surfing the giant waves? San Juan Del Sur is still for you! San Juan Del Sur has multiple private and public beach fronts, perfect for lounging by the water, popping in for a quick swim, or just having a quick drink on the beach. If you are looking for a bit of seclusion away from the hustle of the city, beaches such as Playa El Coco and Playa Ostional are less crowded and receive less traffic than other beaches. To stay close to the excitement, you can take a swim at Playa Remanso, which is located just off of the popular bay. No matter what type of beach you’re looking for, a visit to San Juan Del Sur is sure to yield a location perfect for you.
Party, Party, Party
Although some who visit San Juan Del Sur are looking for tranquility and quiet, many visitors are ready to have a few drinks and dance the night away. The balance of San Juan Del Sur is often what visitors love the most about it, as it offers both peaceful relaxation and exciting, party atmospheres.
There are several bars, restaurants, and hotels in San Juan Del Sur that offer inexpensive cocktails and drinks, great music, and vibrant environments. Sunday Funday, a pool party bar crawl that occurs every Sunday, is loved by backpackers and travelers as a great way to meet both locals and visitors while enjoying great food and drinks. You can bar-hop through the city or find a Latin club and enjoy the talent of the enticing Nicaraguan musicians.
Celebrate a Local Festival
There are two major festivals every year in San Juan Del Sur, the Earthship Pitaya Festival and the festival for Our Lady of Carmen. The Earthship Pitaya Festival generally happens in February or March each year and is a celebration of music, visual arts, food, and local crafts. It is held on the shores of Playa Hermosa and is intended to promote environmental awareness. The ‘Earthship’ refers to a self-sustainable structure that was built using debris such as tin cans, tires, bottles, and other items that would otherwise have been added to a landfill. If you are interested in local handicrafts or environmental activism, then be sure to hit this festival when you visit San Juan Del Sur.
The festival surrounding Our Lady of Carmen fills the city with music and delicious food. A large float with the likeness of the statue of Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen (a large economic building block of this city), is also present moving about the streets. Her presence is intended to remind revelers of the reason they are celebrating and the blessings she has showered upon her patrons. Visit San Juan Del Sur in July to catch this beautiful celebration.
Relax and Enjoy!
San Juan Del Sur is known for its remarkable weather, captivating sunsets, and sensational hill-top views. Sometimes, the best vacation is the one spent doing absolutely nothing. Walking the colorful city streets, horseback riding along the beach, and enjoying the mouthwatering cuisine – sign me up! For those interested in spending their vacation lounging and soaking up the sun, San Juan Del Sur can make all your dreams come true. Casa Cha Cha Cha, located on a hill overlooking the San Juan Del Sur Bay, is the ideal hotel in San Juan Del Sur for relaxation and enjoyment away from the activity of the town.
When you visit San Juan Del Sur, you get the best of all the worlds!
