Nicaragua🇳🇮 | beachesSan Juan del SurHorseshoe bay, Cristo statue, fishing boats, waterfront bars | things to do and best time to go

The center of San Juan del Sur, within a few blocks of the waterfront, is where most backpackers stay. Dorm beds run roughly US$8 to 15 a night and private rooms US$25 to 50, with prices climbing over the holidays. You can walk to the sand, the Sunday crawl, the bus stop, surf shops, cheap taco stands and the bars along the main road, so meeting people takes no effort. Solo travelers do well here because social hostels run group dinners and tours, and the streets stay busy and lit until late.

The quieter north end of the bay, toward the road up to the Christ of Mercy statue, suits anyone who … read more 👉

The center of San Juan del Sur, within a few blocks of the waterfront, is where most backpackers stay. Dorm beds run roughly US$8 to 15 a night and private rooms US$25 to 50, with prices climbing over the holidays. You can walk to the sand, the Sunday crawl, the bus stop, surf shops, cheap taco stands and the bars along the main road, so meeting people takes no effort. Solo travelers do well here because social hostels run group dinners and tours, and the streets stay busy and lit until late.

The quieter north end of the bay, toward the road up to the Christ of Mercy statue, suits anyone who wants sleep. It is a 10 to 15 minute walk to the beach, with fewer bars and more family guesthouses. Evenings are calmer, and a bed typically costs a few dollars less than on the waterfront.

For surfers, the beaches north and south of town are the other option. Playa Maderas, about 20 minutes by shuttle or taxi (US$10 to 20 for a ride), has a cluster of beachside hostels with a surf-camp mood and early nights. Playa Hermosa is quieter still. The trade-off is that you give up nightlife and rely on shuttles to get into town, so most travelers split their stay between the two.