Sightseeing
San Juan del Sur is a municipality and coastal town on the Pacific Ocean, in the Rivas department in southwest Nicaragua. It is located 140 kilometres south of Managua. San Juan del Sur is popular among surfers and is a vacation spot for many Nicaraguan families and foreign tourists.
Its population is approximately 15,553, consisting largely of families engaged in fishing or the tourism industry and foreigners from the United States, Canada and Europe. While the local economy was, for many years, based on fishing and shipping, it has shifted towards tourism in the last 20 years.
In October 2002, to mark the city's 150th anniversary, it was formally designated the "Port of San Juan del Sur" and a "Tourism City of Nicaragua." San Juan del Sur, set beside a crescent-shaped bay, was a popular resting place for gold prospectors headed to California in the 1850s.
Correspondingly, San Juan del Sur served as a hub for Cornelius Vanderbilt Lines. A statue of the Christ of the Mercy sits above town on the northern end of the bay. The Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia sits at on one of the highest points on the bay and is one of the tallest Jesus statue in the world.
82 locals recommend
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a municipality and coastal town on the Pacific Ocean, in the Rivas department in southwest Nicaragua. It is located 140 kilometres south of Managua. San Juan del Sur is popular among surfers and is a vacation spot for many Nicaraguan families and foreign tourists.
Its population is approximately 15,553, consisting largely of families engaged in fishing or the tourism industry and foreigners from the United States, Canada and Europe. While the local economy was, for many years, based on fishing and shipping, it has shifted towards tourism in the last 20 years.
In October 2002, to mark the city's 150th anniversary, it was formally designated the "Port of San Juan del Sur" and a "Tourism City of Nicaragua." San Juan del Sur, set beside a crescent-shaped bay, was a popular resting place for gold prospectors headed to California in the 1850s.
Correspondingly, San Juan del Sur served as a hub for Cornelius Vanderbilt Lines. A statue of the Christ of the Mercy sits above town on the northern end of the bay. The Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia sits at on one of the highest points on the bay and is one of the tallest Jesus statue in the world.
Iglesia Catolica de San Juan Bautista
Avenida del ParqueCatholic Church
Shopping
Our local grocery store in San Juan del Sur carries your basic household needs.
64 locals recommend
Palí
NIC-16Our local grocery store in San Juan del Sur carries your basic household needs.
Excellent store for finding those things that the Pali doesn't carry
30 locals recommend
Miscelania Sánchez
Excellent store for finding those things that the Pali doesn't carry
Getting Around
Alamo Rent a Car
Highly recommended vehicle rental agency by past guests.
Transporte Gaby
Best Transportation Company in San Juan del Sur
Food Scene
Local Expat hang out. Farmers market is held here every Saturday morning
13 locals recommend
Big Wave Dave's
Local Expat hang out. Farmers market is held here every Saturday morning
Café Mediterráneo
Excellent Coffee Shop
Good food and special prices for appetizers and beverages during happy hour
85 locals recommend
Restaurante El Timón
Good food and special prices for appetizers and beverages during happy hour
The Fisherman, Cuban Ranch
Paseo del ReyExcellent entrees
King Curry
Avenida MercadoExcellent food
Panadería Pan de Vida
Absolutely the BEST bread available in San Juan del Sur.
Pelican Eyes Resort
Jocelyn's
Best pizza and pasta in San Juan del Sur without the expensive prices
15 locals recommend
Pizzeria San Juan
Best pizza and pasta in San Juan del Sur without the expensive prices
One of the most popular coffee shops in town. Breakfast, books and coffee (hot and cold)
15 locals recommend
El Gato Negro
One of the most popular coffee shops in town. Breakfast, books and coffee (hot and cold)
Barrio Cafe Hotel
Drinks & Nightlife
San Juan del Sur Cervecería
Avenida MercadoLocal establishment that has excellent appetizers
One of the more popular local hangouts for tourists and expats. Trivia Tuesday's and Name that Tune on Fridays.
18 locals recommend
Republika
Avenida MercadoOne of the more popular local hangouts for tourists and expats. Trivia Tuesday's and Name that Tune on Fridays.
Entertainment & Activities
THE BEST horsebackriding establishment in San Juan del Sur.
31 locals recommend
Rancho Chilamate Eco Guest Ranch & Horseback Adventures
THE BEST horsebackriding establishment in San Juan del Sur.
Affordable zip lines with friendly staff and safe
36 locals recommend
Canopy Tour San Juan del Sur, Da'Flying Frog, Zip Line.
Affordable zip lines with friendly staff and safe
Arts & Culture
Zip lines, rock climbing and other various activities
11 locals recommend
Aventura Las Nubes - Canopy Tour / Zipline Park
Zip lines, rock climbing and other various activities