San Juan del Sur Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
Photo provided by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
Photo provided by Nicaraguan Tourism Board
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur

Join the sun-kissed surfers at the beautiful beaches of this colourful and fun-loving town located on Nicaragua’s sunny southwest coast.

Dozens of glorious beaches, scenic lookouts, a pretty town center and lively nightlife scene await in San Juan del Sur. Discovered by Spanish explorer Andrés Niño in 1523, San Juan del Sur developed as a small fishing community. Since the arrival of the surfer crowd, the town has been a sought-after stop on the backpacker circuit. See brightly hued houses, lush green surroundings and friendly locals presenting a quintessential Nicaraguan experience.

The town’s centerpiece attraction is San Juan del Sur Beach, where boat owners and guides offer diving, snorkeling and whale-watching excursions. Dine at ocean-facing bars with superb sunset viewpoints. Find more bars, cafés and restaurants on the waterfront Paseo del Rey. This promenade’s northern section becomes a boisterous nightlife zone after dark.

Hike south from the beach on the Old Lighthouse Trail to a hilltop fort to enjoy exquisite views over San Juan del Sur Bay. Follow a path north to the Cristo de la Misericordia Lookout for equally impressive panoramas. Another interesting walk is to the Petroglyph, which portrays ancient hunting scenes. Try adventure pursuits, such as abseiling down a waterfall and zip lining, with Da’ Flying Frog Adventures.

Explore the town’s peaceful streets and note the collection of Victorian-era clapboard buildings. Many have been converted into bars, boutique hotels, clothing outlets and souvenir shops. Visit the humble, colonial-era Church of San Juan Bautista on Parque Central.

More beaches lie within a short shuttle bus ride. Discover the secluded coves, rolling waves and blissed surfer vibe that make Nicaragua’s Pacific coast famous. To the north are Nacascolo Beach, Marsella Beach and Madera Beach. Head south to El Remanso, Hermosa Beach and Yankee Beach.

San Juan del Sur is a 30-minute drive from Rivas and just over a 2-hour drive from ManaguaOpens in a new window. Get here via public buses or rent the services of a private taxi. San Juan del Sur’s laid-back charm is the perfect complement to active treks to Concepción Volcano and Maderas Volcano on the island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua.

Where to stay in San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur showing a coastal town, a beach and a bay or harbour

Centro

If you're spending some time in Centro, San Juan del Sur Beach and Church of Saint John the Baptist are top sights worth seeing.

Centro
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Paradise Bay

When in Paradise Bay, you can plan a visit to Old Lighthouse Trail and San Juan del Sur Port, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Paradise Bay
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Pacific Marlin

While Pacific Marlin may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Nacascolo Beach and San Juan del Sur Beach.

Pacific Marlin
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La Talanguera

Though La Talanguera may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like San Juan del Sur Beach and Nacascolo Beach.

La Talanguera
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Las Pampas

While Las Pampas isn't home to many top sights, San Juan del Sur Beach and Old Lighthouse Trail are some notable places to visit nearby.

Las Pampas
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Frente Sur

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Frente Sur and surrounding area, you can visit San Juan del Sur Beach and Old Lighthouse Trail.

Frente Sur
TreeCasa Hotel & Resort

TreeCasa Hotel & Resort

4 out of 5
1 TreeCasa Road, From San Juan del Sur Alcadía 1 km north, San Juan del Sur, Rivas
The price is Rp3.566.808 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
Rp3.566.808
Rp4.512.012 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in San Juan del Sur. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions San Juan del Sur Beach and Nacascolo ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
"good"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

TreeCasa Hotel & Resort
Morgan's Rock

Morgan's Rock

3.5 out of 5
12 km northwest of San Juan del Sur, Playa Ocotal, San Juan del Sur
The price is Rp3.509.017 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
Rp3.509.017
Rp4.035.370 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in San Juan del Sur. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the room service in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (36 reviews)
"Morgans Rock was one of the two hotels I had researched. I wanted to get away from the crowds, be out in nature and Morgans Rock fit. Choosing Morgans Rock turned out to be a good decision. I arranged roundtrip airport transportation through the lodge, and the driver was waiting for us with cold ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Morgan's Rock
Black Pearl Inn

Black Pearl Inn

3 out of 5
Barrio Joaquín Chamorro, San Juan del Sur, Rivas
The price is Rp1.553.048 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
Rp1.553.048
Rp1.786.005 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Juan del Sur. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (98 reviews)
"One of the nicest hotels I've ever been to great views of everything You eat breakfast on the beach"

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

Black Pearl Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
La Santa Maria Resort

La Santa Maria Resort

4 out of 5
Calle Barlovento, La Santa Maria, San Juan del Sur, Rivas
Stay at this 4-star condo in San Juan del Sur. Enjoy free parking, a health club and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions San Juan del Sur Beach ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (54 reviews)
"This property is beautiful and walking distance to the all the shops, bars, and restaurants. I can't wait to stay again."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

La Santa Maria Resort
Beachside stay at Villa ViYarte

Beachside stay at Villa ViYarte

3 out of 5
Playa Marsella, San Juan del Sur, San Juan del Sur
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly villa in San Juan del Sur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions San Juan del Sur Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
"The whole staff was friendly and great"

Reviewed on 10 Jun 2025

Beachside stay at Villa ViYarte
Bahia del Sol Villas & Condominiums

Bahia del Sol Villas & Condominiums

3.5 out of 5
De la Alcaldia 2.2 km al norte, La Talanguera, San Juan del Sur
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in San Juan del Sur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions San Juan del Sur Beach ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (45 reviews)
"Bed sheet and pillows were dirty"

Reviewed on 1 Sep 2024

Bahia del Sol Villas & Condominiums
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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Cities near San Juan del Sur