'''San Juan del Sur''' is a port on the Pacific coast of south western Nicaragua.
Get in
From Rivas take a taxi or the bus directly to San Juan del Sur. It is about a 1 hour ride. "Colectivo" taxis cost 35 cordobas per person, no matter how full the taxi is. However, that means the driver might try to fill up the taxi before leaving. Taxi drivers are honest as to whether it is a colectivo or not. The easiest place to find taxis from Rivas is from the bus terminal.
In Rivas, there are buses south (to the Costa Rican border), and north to Managua.
Get around
Walk. The town is small. There are also constant offers of "Taxi, Sir?". Some hotels have shuttle service to other beachs. There are a number of beaches north and south of town. Shuttles or pangas can be arranged through surf shops, or rent an ATV or motorcycle (roads are dirt and frequently in bad condition).
See
There's many brightly colored houses which land on every tourist's camera but that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to San Juan del Sur's beauty. The waterfront is a joy and small boats bob at anchor in the harbor as pelicans swoop down to perch on their bows. The walk up to the cross overlooking the harbor is an arduous 20-minute trek, but the vistas of the harbor are spectacular. A zip-line canopy tour can get you up into the treetops, and spider monkeys and other natural life abound in the region. There are dozens of spectacular remote beaches both north and south of downtown where pounding surf and dramatic rock formations await the intrepid shutterbug.
Do
Hang out, talk, drink, eat. It is very laid back here.
Move a bit and you might find a good beach to surf.
Rent bicycles and explore the smaller beaches to the south and north. They cost $5 per day to rent, but are not in very good condition.
Learn Spanish in the local Spanish schools in town, Spanish Ya [http://www.learnspanishya.com], Nica Spanish [http://www.nicaspanish.com
]and San Juan del Sur Spanish school [http://www.sjsspanish.com]. All of them with very competitive prices and good experience in organizing the Spansih programs.
Take a day trip water taxi to Playa Madera, north of San Juan de Sur for $8. Sign up at the stand in front of Hotel Estrella. It leaves about 10AM and returns at 4PM. The boat ride is about half an hour. Playa Madera can also be accessed via taxi, that costs around $10-$15 for two people. The drive can be difficult, and you may encounter hills where your cab driver will ask you to get out and walk up the hill. In addition to the beaches to the north of San Jan del Sur, there are some great beaches to the south (including Playa del Coco), which are less accessible but afford more privacy.
There is a light house that no longer resembles a light house. But the point is not the destination, rather the journey. The view of the coast and the bay of San Jan de Sur is amazing. To get there, pass through the small port entrance, find the overseer of the property where the light house is and convince him you won't take pictures of anything. If he lets you pass, keep your promise.
'''Beach Front Rentals''' in San Juan Del Sur offers ATV guided tours through the mountains and to the beaches. If you'd rather go by sea try their 2008 3 seater waverunners. If you have kids, pull them along on their tubes. What a blast! You may contact them at 568-2030 and let the fun begin!! Acroos from the Eskimo Ice cream.
'''Bodhin Adventure Services''' at www.bodhin.com [http://www.bodhin.com/] is a local group that provides Holistic Wellness Adventures, Green Yoga Retreats, and Aquatic Getaways such as SCUBA diving, snorkeling and surfing on the best surfing beaches or the largest fresh-water lakes in Central America. (They offer smaller, budget-sensitive activities as well).
Buy
This is a small town. There are shops and a market area aimed at local needs. You will not find much targeted to travelers. But there's an English library with a cafe in it, wide range of all kinds of different books, just ask your way around, it's not hard to find.<br><br>
Eat
There are a string of open air cafe/restaurants along the waterfront. They serve excellent fresh seafood. You get local breakfast offers in the market where there's a few little Sodas in a row.
Restaurant La Cascada. ocated at Piedras y Olas / Pelican Eyes. e la Parroquia 1? cuadras al este. an Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. 505-568-2110. ttp://www.piedrasyolas.com/. 7AM-10PM daily (bar is open until 11PM). Serving unique international and Nicaraguan gourmet fare, guests are invited to dine al fresco by the pool or at a candlelit, ocean-view table in the open-air dining room overlooking the cobalt-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner features signature dishes using only the freshest local ingredients. Enjoy fish and seafood fresh from the sea, locally grown garden vegetables, freshly-baked bread, and delicious local and imported meats, handcrafted pastries and desserts. A poolside menu for snacks and light lunches is offered.
Drink
You are in Nicaragua, so drink Flor De Cana if you like rum. Drink Victoria or Tona if you prefer cervezas bien frias.
Sleep
Piedras y Olas (Pelican Eyes). e la Parroquia 1? cuadras al este. an Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua. 505-568-2110. ttp://www.piedrasyolas.com/. 25.00+. Located in the charming town of San Juan del Sur on Nicaragua's stunning Pacific Coast, Pelican Eyes_cPiedras y Olas is a one-of-a-kind hotel and resort. Offering a distinctive blend of gracious hospitality, luxury accommodations, local charm and community commitment.
Rayito de Luna. ttp://realestate.escapeartist.com/P-2007315/. 2:00. Private home with rooms for rent. Located in the middle of the bay, one block from the beach. Included in the price: Swimming pool, Secure indoor parking, Wireless Internet, A/C, Breakfast etc. Booking: jens_sundet@hotmail.com or +50586587797
'''Hotel Gran Oceano''', Del parque, 2 c hacia el mar, e-mail: hgoceano@ibw.com.ni. Among the nicest. They also arrange boat trips.
'''Hotel Estrella''' Better avoid that one, it's right on the beach, but the balconies are accessible from each other, and the doors are only lockable from the outside. Some have had to put a stone in front of the door just to keep it shut. There are stories of other people that said they had bats coming in the window, banging against the walls and falling on their beds. 5 US$ per person per night, make sure you chose a good room and not those with the balcony.
'''Bahia del Sol''' Villas and Condominiums are within walking distance of the beach in the best residential neighborhood in San Juan del Sur with spectacular views of the bay. Bahia del Sol offers villas for rent by the day, week, or month all of them fully equipped. The two story villas are the epitome of luxury and space. Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a big dining table and large terraces let large families or a group of friends spend time together with comfort and privacy. The complex includes a private pool and full hotel service. For more information, visit: www.bahiadelsolnica.com
Lazy Jakes Guesthouse. arsella Valley. ttp:\\www.lazyjakes.com. Located minutes from the major surfing beach Playa Maderas & walking distance to the quiet secluded beach Playa Marsella. 15 minutes drive from the village of San Juan del Sur. Lazy Jakes Guesthouse offers accommodations for as low as $20US a night. Clean & secure rooms, A/C optional, very friendly hosts.
Get out
To leave, head to the market to get a bus or taxi to Rivas. From there buses go either up to the North (Granada, Managua) or south to Costa Rica.