San Juan del Sur is one of the most popular beach destinations in Nicaragua. Once a small fishing village, is now a tourist mecca. It’s the perfect place for nature and outdoor activities and you can even see baby turtles during turtle hatching season. Additionally, the main town area has an abundance of funky cafes, bars and waterfront restaurants. It has a relaxed vibe, being popular with surfers, artists and yoga aficionados. San Juan del Sur is also popular with digital nomads as well as crypto investors who enjoy the cheap cost of living and great lifestyle that this coastal town offers. The town is also a popular party destination, with the infamous Sunday Funday pub crawl being a local institution. Furthermore, its proximity to the border makes it a great day trip from Costa Rica. Find out more in this San Juan del Sur Nicaragua destination guide.
Short on time? Here are our San Juan del Sur Nicaragua top recommendations:
Hightlights: soak up the sunshine on one of the gorgeous beaches surrounding San Juan del Sur, marvel at the impressive statue Cristo de la Misericordia and indulge in the cafe culture.
Activities: book your San Juan del Sur Nicaragua Tours with Get Your Guide.
Accommodation: we use Booking.com to find the best hotels.
Private Transfers: Pacific Tours,
Flights: find cheapest flights with cashback on WayAway.
Airport Lounge Access: start your holiday the right way with Priority Pass.
Travel Medical Insurance: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the ideal choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
Travel Banking: Wise makes global travel banking seamless and affordable.
What is San Juan del Sur Nicaragua famous for?
San Juan del Sur is known as a popular surf spot. The best beaches in San Juan del Sur such as Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa are around 20-30 minutes drive north or south of the main town area. An iconic landmark in San Juan del Sur is the Christ statue which overlooks the beach from the clifftop. San Juan del Sur is also known for its wildlife, and particularly as a nesting ground for turtles. Additionally, San Juan del Sur is home to an epic pub crawl called Sunday Funday.
Why you should visit San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua is the perfect place for a beach holiday. Located on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Nicaragua. This surfing town is catered to tourists with plenty of activities, cool cafes and bars as well as accommodation to suit most budgets. Some of our favourite things to do in San Juan del Sur include exploring the beaches around Playa Maderas, feasting on fresh seafood right on the beach, dining at the many cafes and restaurants in the area, enjoying a day pass at TreeCasa Resort and enjoying the view from the lookout point under the Christ of San Juan del Sur statue. The town’s proximity to the Costa Rica border also makes it perfect stop when travelling between Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua Destination Guide: Know before you go
Basic info about San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
- Date founded – 1851
- Language – Spanish; Many tour operators and hotel staff speak English, but if you prefer travelling and shopping local you will need a basic understanding of Spanish.
- Currency – Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO). Many hotels and restaurants also accept United States dollars (USD). ATMs dispense both cordobas and US dollars. For more details on money in Nicaragua, see this post.
- Population – 15,553 (2005)
- Area – 411 km2 (159 sq mi)
- Department (Departmento) – Rivas
- Emergency number – 118
- Police number – 101 (tourist police), 118 (police)
Utilities in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
- Electricity – Nicaragua uses Types A and B power plugs, which is the same plug type as the United states. It operates on a 120v supply voltage at 60Hz. Power outages in Nicaragua are not uncommon but generally don’t last for too long.
- Water – the tap water in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua is not safe to drink. Some accommodation in San Juan del Sur provides filtered water for guests to use.
- Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets are the most common type of toilet in Nicaragua. Don’t flush your toilet paper – use the bins provided. Public toilets are not common in Nicaragua, but you can usually find toilets in cafes and restaurants.
- Telephone country code: +505
Where is San Juan del Sur Nicaragua?
San Juan del Sur is a small fishing village in the department of Rivas Nicaragua. This town is situated on the Pacific Ocean on Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast. It is a coastal town located in southwestern Nicaragua.
The closest city to San Juan del Sur Nicaragua is Rivas. San Juan del Sur is around 30 minutes by car from Rivas.
How to get to San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua destination guide: Arriving by land
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua intercity land transport
The main transport options for travelling overland to San Juan del Sur Nicaragua are:
- Private vehicle
- Private transport operator
- Shuttlebus
- Bus
- Minivan
Driving to San Juan del Sur Nicaragua from within Nicaragua
If you are driving to San Juan del Sur Nicaragua from within Nicaragua, here are the travel times and distances:
- Rivas – 30 minutes (29km, 18miles) without tolls
- Peñas Blancas border crossing to Costa Rica – 43 minutes (43km, 27miles) without tolls
- Granada – 1 hour 31 minutes (98km, 61miles) without tolls
- Masaya – 1 hour 43 minutes (103km, 64miles) without tolls
- Managua – 2 hours 13 minutes (129km, 80miles) without tolls
- León – 3 hours 54 minutes (213km, 132miles) without tolls
- Estelí – 4 hours 14 minutes (260km, 162miles) without tolls
- Las Manos border crossing to Honduras – 6 hours 13 minutes (361km, 224miles) without tolls
- Bluefields – 7 hours 31 minutes (417km, 259miles) without tolls
Intercity trains to San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
There are no trains in Nicaragua.
Shuttle buses to San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
Shuttle buses operate between major tourist destinations in Nicaragua. You can often book these shuttles through your accommodation or through tour operators. Expect to pay around $35 per person for a shuttle between Managua and San Juan del Sur (as at 2024). There is also a shuttle service operating out of Hostel Casa Oro which provides shuttles to the beaches around San Juan del Sur for around US$3-5 one way.
Additionally there are two shuttle bus companies that provide shuttle services to Nicaragua from other countries in Central America: Nicabus and Ticabus.
Local buses to San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
A common way to get around Nicaragua is by using local buses. Tourists often refer to these as chicken buses. Nicaragua public buses are old US yellow school buses that are often painted in bright colours. They have the destination on a sign at the front of the bus. Buses rarely leave on time, so patience is key. We also recommend that you ask about bus times at the station, particularly if you are considering a less regular route. Keep in mind that most locals, including local bus drivers, only speak Spanish.
Before the bus leaves as well as during the journey a number of vendors may get on the bus selling food and other goods. This is a great opportunity to get a snack for your trip or even do your grocery shopping.
Bus terminals in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
The main bus terminal in San Juan del Sur is near the Mercado Municipal San Juan del Sur.
Common bus routes for San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
Most buses to San Juan del Sur depart from Rivas. Rivas is a major bus interchange which has buses and minivans to other parts of Nicaragua. You can also get buses from Rivas to the Peñas Blancas border crossing to Costa Rica.
Details for some of the most common bus routes for San Juan del Sur Nicaragua are listed below:
| From | To | Bus Fare | Duration | Frequency/Departure Time |
| Rivas | San Jun del Sur | C$30 | 45 minutes | |
| San Juan del Sur | Rivas | C$30 | 45 minutes | 5am, 5:45am, 6:30am, 7am, 8am, 8:25am, 9am, 9:30am, 10am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 12:10pm, 1pm, 2:20pm, 3:20pm, 5pm |
The above bus fares are as at 2021.
Microbuses or minivans to San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
An affordable but slightly more expensive alternative to buses in Nicaragua are microbuses or minivans. These vans generally seat around 10-15 people. They are more direct and generally only a few córdobas more expensive than buses. They usually leave when they are full and are also typically more frequent than buses. We personally think that buses are more comfortable than the minivans as people do get crammed into the minivans and minivans generally don’t provide much legroom. However you do always get a seat in minivans, albeit once my seat was just an upside-down crate in between two other seats. We didn’t notice any microbuses when we were in San Juan del Sur, but if there are any they probably depart from near one of the local markets in San Juan del Sur.
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua destination guide: Arriving by air
The closest airport to San Juan del Sur Nicaragua is Costa Esmeralda Airport in Tola Nicaragua (Airport code ECI). This airport is 26km (16 miles) away.
Other nearby airports include:
- Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Airport code LIR) in Liberia Costa Rica. This airport is 82km (51 miles) away.
- Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (Airport code MGA). This international airport is 104km (65 miles) away.
- Nosara Airport in Nosara Costa Rica (Airport code NOB). This airport is 144km (90 miles) away.
There is currently no national airline of Nicaragua. However airlines that service Nicaragua include American Airlines, Aeromexico, Copa Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Avianca Airlines as well as United Airlines. The domestic carrier in Nicaragua is La Costeña.
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua destination guide: Arriving by boat
The Port of San Juan del Sur is a popular cruise destination in Nicaragua.
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua destination guide: How to get around San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
Walking in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua is a very walkable town. However the popular beaches around San Juan del Sur such as Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa are around 20-30 minutes drive away.
Local buses in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
Local buses service San Juan del Sur Nicaragua. However these are mainly used to go from San Juan del Sur to Rivas.
Trams in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua does not have a tram system.
Local trains in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua does not have a local train line.
Metro trains (subway or underground) in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua does not have an underground train line.
Vehicle hire in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua. This includes:
- Bicycles
- Motorcycles
- Cars
- SUVs
In Nicaragua they drive on the right side of the road.
Tuk-Tuks in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
Auto-rickshaws or tuk-tuks are common in Nicaragua. They are a cheap and quick way to get from one place to the next. Agree on a price before you start your journey. Expect to pay around C$20-C$30 for a couple for a 10 minute trip. Tuk tuks may pick up other passengers along the way, so don’t be surprised if you have to share a ride with other passengers.
Taxis in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
One of the most convenient ways to get around Nicaragua is by taxi. Taxis in Nicaragua don’t generally have metres, so be sure to agree on a price before you begin your journey. Taxis may pick up other passengers along the way, so don’t be surprised if you have to share a ride with other passengers.
Ride-share in Nicaragua
Uber, Lyft and Grab do not operate in Nicaragua. In Managua there are some alternatives:
- Aventón
- Ray Nicaragua
- inDriver
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua destination guide: Is San Juan del Sur Nicaragua worth visiting?
San Juan del Sur is a must visit destination in Nicaragua with the perfect blend of gorgeous beaches, great food and fun activities. Surfers come here for some of the best surf spots in Nicaragua. However you don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy what San Juan del Sur has to offer. It’s very easy to spend a relaxing day at one of the many hip cafes and restaurants. San Juan del Sur also has plenty of outdoor activities such as sailing, horse riding, doing ATV tours and of course going to the beach. You can hike to the San Juan del Sur Christ of Mercy statue or do a yoga class at one of the many yoga retreats in the area. Furthermore San Juan del Sur is the ideal place to get close to nature, with plenty of monkeys around as well as turtles during turtle hatching season.
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua destination guide: How long to spend in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur is one of those places where you could spend as little or as long as you like. Some people come here for a day trip from Costa Rica. It’s possible to see the town area of San Juan del Sur, go to a cafe and then drive to one of the nearby beaches in a day. However we recommend spending more time here if you really want to unwind and experience all that this area has to offer.
You should be able to see most of the attractions in San Juan del Sur if you stay here for a week. However to really immerse yourself in the way of life here, you could easily stay for much longer. There’s a reason why so many digital nomads make San Juan del Sur their base when visiting Nicaragua. Do keep in mind that this is one of the more touristy and also one of the more expensive areas in Nicaragua. It is also a popular party destination, so it can get rowdy – particularly during Sunday Funday.
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua destination guide: What to do in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua is a relaxed Nicaraguan town which is full of interesting activities. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua destination guide: Free things to do in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
There are enough free activities in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua to keep you entertained for as little or as long as you like:
- Playa Maderas
- Malecón de San Juan del Sur
- Puerto San Juan Del Sur
- Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market)
- Parque San Juan del Sur
- Mercado Municipal San Juan del Sur
- The Art Warehouse
- San Juan del Sur Beach
- Playa El Coco
- Playa Remanso
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua destination guide: Paid activities in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
A number of attractions in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua charge a fee:
- Cristo de la Misericordia – entry fee $2 USD for foreigners (as at 2024).
- TreeCasa – day pass $20 weekdays, $30 weekends, $35 national holidays (as at 2024).
- Latin American Spanish School – fees depend on the class.
- La Flor Beach Nature Reserve – entry fee C$200 for foreigners (as at 2024).
- Playa Hermosa – entry fee $3 USD or 100 cordobas (as at 2024).
Events in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua events include:
- Año Nuevo – New Year’s Day 1 January. Typically celebrated with bombas (fireworks) in the street as well as setting alight effigies.
- Semana Santa – Holy Week (Easter). This is in March or April. During both the Christmas to New Year and the Semana Santa holiday periods it is common for local families and friends to flock to the beach. It feels like all of Nicaragua goes to the beach for a couple of days, so if you don’t like crowds then it is best to avoid San Juan Del Sur at these times.
- Virgen del Carmen – 16 June. The Virgen del Carmen is the patron saint of fishermen. Celebrations occur between 3 June and 16 June. There is music, a parade of the saint on boats as well as a walking parade between the port and the church.
- Patron Saint festivities – the patron saint of San Juan del Sur is Saint John the Baptist (San Juan). The patron saint festivities are celebrated in June each year, with celebrations starting on 22 June and culminating on the feast day of the patron saint (24 June).
- Hípico en San Juan del Sur – a horse riding festival (hipica festival) which includes horse parades as well as plenty of food, music and dancing. This is usually on the last Sunday of June, coinciding with the Patron Saint festivities.
- Sandinista Revolution Anniversary – 19 July. This is a celebration of the National Liberation Army’s defeat of the Somoza dictatorship in 1979.
- Latin American Surfing Competition at Playa Maderas – November. A week-long event.
- La Purísima – 29 November – 8 December. This festival celebrates the Virgin Mary.
- La Gritería – 7 December, the final day of La Purísima. It culminates in a parade, fireworks and performances.
Weather in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
The climate for San Juan del Sur Nicaragua is classified as tropical, with relatively uniform hot temperatures and also high humidity throughout the year. The hottest month is May with an average temperature range of 25°C to 31°C (78°F to 88°F) and coldest month January with an average temperature between 23°C to 29°C (74°F to 85°F). There are two main seasons in Nicaragua; a wet season that typically commences in May and continues through to the end of October; and the dry season, which lasts from November through to April.
Best time to visit San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
The dry season is the best time of year to visit San Juan del Sur Nicaragua. This is from November to April. In particular, we recommend visiting during turtle hatching season, which is typically between July and January, peaking in September and October. We wouldn’t recommend visiting San Juan del Sur during the wet season, as the dirt roads near the beaches can get bogged and can be difficult if not impossible to use. Additionally, keep in mind that San Juan del Sur gets particularly busy during the Semana Santa (Easter) and Christmas holiday period as both locals as well as foreign tourists flock to the beaches. If you want to avoid the crowds we recommend avoiding those busy periods.
Internet and mobile phones in Nicaragua
The main internet and phone companies in Nicaragua are Tigo and Claro. Tigo has the widest coverage but is slightly more expensive. Both currently operate on 4G. Movistar is another common provider.
The phone messaging app Whatsapp is used extensively in Nicaragua, along with the other popular social media platforms.
High speed optic fibre internet is available in some areas of Nicaragua. The best speeds we’ve experienced have been around 40 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. More common speeds that we have found in city hotels have been 4-5 Mbps download and 1-2 Mbps upload (as at 2021). Free wifi comes standard with most accommodation and you can find free wifi in many restaurants and cafes catered to tourists.
Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in many places throughout Nicaragua, including local corner stores known as pulperias.
For more on internet in Nicaragua, see this post.
How much to budget for San Juan del Sur Nicaragua?
Is San Juan del Sur Nicaragua expensive?
San Juan del Sur is one of the most touristy and also one of the most expensive parts of Nicaragua. In saying that, Nicaragua is one of the cheapest places to visit in Central America and in the world, so it is still a very affordable place to travel by world standards. There is a wide range of accommodation to suit most budgets and there are plenty of free or cheap activities to enjoy. If you are looking for a cheap tropical beach destination with plenty of excellent cafes and restaurants as well as stunning nature, San Juan del Sur is a great option.
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua is a great value budget destination, but it also caters to those after a more luxurious experience.
As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:
- Low-budget daily spend – US$60 per day for a couple will get you hostel accommodation, meals at local eateries and markets, local transport and free or cheap activities such as visiting the central park, churches and local markets.
- Mid-range daily spend – US$150 per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, local transport and a few tours.
- Luxury spend – $600 per day for a couple will get you a premium experience in Nicaragua, staying in luxury accommodation, travelling by private transport, doing a range of tours and eating at high end restaurants.
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua destination guide: Accommodation in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
For those that prefer being close to conveniences such as restaurants, shops and transport we recommend staying in San Juan del Sur town. However if you want to be near the best beaches in San Juan del Sur you will need to go 20 minutes drive north or south of the main town area. There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua. Airbnb also operates in Nicaragua, and there are a number of Airbnb properties in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua.
Where to stay in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
We recommend the following accommodation in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua:
- Best hostel in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua – the SPACE. is a beautifully presented modern hostel with plenty of events and activities. The food is excellent and the staff are friendly. It is located outside the main part of San Juan del Sur, but free shuttles to town run 3 times a day.
- Best value hotel in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua – Chale’s House Hotel has great budget friendly accommodation in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua. This newly renovated property is right in the centre of town. It is impeccably clean with great facilities and friendly staff.
- Best eco lodge in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua – we highly recommend Eden on the Chocolata. This is a boutique ecolodge resort is a perfect place to rest and recharge. It is a gorgeous space that serves delicious vegetarian meals, hosts yoga retreats and is a short walk to secluded beaches. We enjoyed its beautiful pool area and nicely presented tropical gardens. The yoga space has spectacular views of the surrounding area. The rooms are extremely comfortable and the beds have mosquito nets.
- Best resort in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua – TreeCasa Hotel & Resort Nicaragua is a magical resort is set up in the trees. The property is exquisitely presented with a gorgeous pool area, alfresco dining as well as its very own tree house! We came here with a day pass and didn’t want to leave.
- Best luxury accommodation in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua – for an incredible experience in a secluded beachfront resort, stay at Morgan’s Rock. This luxury eco resort offers private bungalows in a jungle setting overlooking the water. It has its own private beach, first class service and exquisite food.
How much is accommodation in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua?
For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:
- Budget accommodation – US$8-$36 for a bed in a dorm.
- Mid-range accommodation – US$35-130 for a private room.
- Luxury accommodation – US$130-320 a night for a luxury hotel.
- Rental property – US$35-275 a night for a fully furnished 3-4 bedroom home.
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua destination guide: Food in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
How much does food cost in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua?
Our price guide for your food budget in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua is as follows:
- Restaurant meal – US$10-15 for a main dish (350-500 cordobas)
- Local eatery – US$3-5 for a main dish (100-200 cordobas)
- Street food – US$1 (30-40 cordobas)
- Beer (try the local Nicaragua beer Toña) – US$1 (30-40 cordobas)
- Local fruit drink (refresco) – US$0.30-0.50 (10-15 cordobas)
Must eat food in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
- Gallo pinto
- Desayuno Nica (Nicaraguan breakfast)
- Fresh lobster
- Cerviche
- Enchiladas
- Rosquillas
- Tres leches cake
- Cajetas
Cheap Eats in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
- You can’t go past street food for a cheap and delicious treat. Our favourite street food includes enchiladas, nacatamales, hamburgesas and raspados. You can find street food all around San Juan del Sur, particularly around the markets as well as at transport hubs. A lot of street vendors sell food from in front of their homes or else go door to door down the street, so you’re never far from great food!
- Bakeries are a great place to get cheap and delicious food.
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua culture
Weekends in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
Weekends in San Juan del Sur are on Saturdays and Sundays. Public transport may be less frequent on Sundays. A local institution in San Juan del Sur is the Sunday Funday pub crawl.
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua public holidays
Public holidays for Nicaragua are as follows:
- New Year’s Day – 1 January
- Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) – the Thursday before Easter Sunday, typically in March or April
- Good Friday – the Friday before Easter Sunday, typically in March or April
- Easter Sunday – typically in March or April
- Labor Day – 1 May (holiday on the Monday if it falls on a weekend)
- Mother’s Day – 30 May
- Sandinista Revolution Anniversary – 19 July
- Battle of San Jacinto – 14 September
- Independence Day of Nicaragua – 15 September
- Indigenous Resistance Day – 12 October
- All Souls Day (Day of the Dead) – 2 November
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Immaculate Conception Day) – 8 December
- Christmas Eve – 24 December
- Christmas Day (Navidad) – 25 December (holiday on the Monday if it falls on a weekend)
- New Year’s Eve – 31 December
National symbols of Nicaragua
- Nicaragua flag – two blue bands with a white band containing the Nicaragua coat of arms in the middle. The blue bands represent the Pacific Ocean as well as the Caribbean Sea and the white band symbolises peace.
- Nicaragua coat of arms – this consists of a triangle, the Cap of Liberty, a rainbow, the rays of sun as well as 5 volcanoes. The Cap of Liberty represents national freedom, the 5 volcanoes represent the original 5 member states of the United Provinces of Central America and the rainbow and sun represent the bright future of Nicaragua.
- National flower – sacuanjoche (the flower of the frangipani tree).
- National bird – guardabarranco.
- National heroes – poet Rubén Dario, revolutionary leader Augusto C. Sandino.
Nicaragua pastimes
- National dish – gallo pinto. This is a dish of fried rice mixed with red beans and also spices. It can be eaten at any time of day. It is typically served at breakfast along with eggs, tortillas, fried plantains as well as a type of cheese called queso fresco.
- Popular drinks – grama, Toña beer, Flor de Caña Rum.
- National sport – baseball.
- Religion – 56% Catholic, 28% Protestant, 1% Jehovah’s Witness (as at 2010).
Is San Juan del Sur Nicaragua Safe?
Nicaragua travel guide: Safety in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur is generally a safe place to visit, but there are a few things to be cautious about. There have been a few muggings around El Faro (The Lighthouse), so we would suggest avoiding that area. Also take care after dark, particularly around the beach. Petty crime is also an issue in Nicaragua, so be sure to keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
General safety considerations in Nicaragua
Other general safety considerations for travel in Nicaragua:
- Drinking water – Tap water in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua is not safe to drink. Most accommodation provides purified water.
- Mosquitoes – The mosquitoes in San Juan del Sur don’t generally carry tropical diseases. Nicaragua also has mosquito control programs.
- Scorpions – San Juan del Sur has scorpions. Check your shoes before putting them on and keep bags closed when not attended to ensure you don’t get any nasty surprises.
- Road safety – In Nicaragua we often travelled standing up in the back of vans or in vehicles without helmets or seat belts. This does come with an element of risk. Furthermore the roads outside of the town area are unsealed and can become flooded during rainy season.
- Water safety – take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect.
- Earthquakes – Nicaragua experiences regional and local earthquake activity. In an earthquake, stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall. If inside, get under a table, desk or solid furniture and hang onto it. Cover your head and torso to protect from falling objects. If outside, stay outside and go to an open area away from buildings.
- Tsunamis – San Juan del Sur is at risk of tsunamis. The deadly 1992 tsunami caused major damage to San Juan del Sur.
- Volcanic eruptions – the closest volcanoes to San Juan del Sur are on Ometepe Island.
- Hurricanes – San Juan del Sur is not typically significantly affected by hurricanes. You may get some heavy rain during hurricane season and blackouts may occur.
- Sun safety – The UV Index is very high in Nicaragua. Therefore sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses is very important.
- Dogs – stray dogs are common. For more on dog safety, watch this video.
As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.
Nicaragua Blogs
You can find our Nicaragua blogs below.
Esteli Nicaragua Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know
Ometepe Island Nicaragua Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know
Masaya Nicaragua Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know
San Juan del Sur Nicaragua Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know
Managua Nicaragua Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know
Leon Nicaragua Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know
Granada Nicaragua Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know
Transport in Nicaragua – Complete Guide to Nicaragua Transportation (2024)
Where should I live in Nicaragua?
Top 5 Things to do in Managua Nicaragua (2024)
Granada Ferry: How to get to Ometepe Island
Nicaragua Costa Rica Border Crossing: Complete Travel Guide
Home Invasion in Granada Nicaragua
Ojo de Agua: Paradise in Nicaragua!
How Good is the Internet in Nicaragua?
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