San Juan Del Sur

There's no such thing as a bad time in San Juan Del Sur. I guarantee it. This party town attracts a young spirited crowd. It's well known for it's surf and post surfing parties. I was here with my good friend, Kelly, and we had a blast. This town can be summed up with beaches and bars. Oh- and also, very canadian. 

You can go to the beach right in town, but I highly recommend you grab a ride to one of the nearby beaches instead. You can take a taxi ($$$) or a surf shop shuttle ($) to maderas or hermosa. 

Everyone takes US dollars too, which makes it very easy! But expect change to come back in cordobas. 

What to do in San Juan Del Sur

Surf

This is a great spot to learn how to surf. Depending on your skill level, you'll want to go to a different beach. Playa Hermosa was perfect for a beginner like me. There's plenty of room to spread out so you don't have surf collisions with your neighbor, who is also likely a visitor (probably from Canada) also learning to surf. 

I took an impromptu lesson after strolling into Good Times Surf Shop. My instructor, John, had curly hair bigger than mine and was really focused on my safety and form. It was the best lesson I've  had. It was something like $20 for a lesson, a ride to and from town, and entry to the beach. 

The sunset at Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa is a privately owned beach. For $3 you gain access to this clean and secluded spot. You'll also have wifi, clean bathrooms, lounge chairs, hammocks, and a restaurant and bar. I even saw wild horses frolicking along the beach having a grand ol' time. 

Shop in town

Who doesn't enjoy browsing in a surf shop? The town is basically surf shop after surf shop, with some bars and food spots sprinkled in. Plan on buying your new bikini or coverup here. Also, I would have bought 15 tanks if I wasn't on a budget. So many options!

It's a small town so plan for half a day of roaming. Check out the local outdoor market too!

Hike to Christo

The Christ of mercy stands up on the hill overlooking the bay and the town. You can take a shuttle to the top but I highly recommend you burn off those beers by hiking up! You'll walk along the beach and then up some mostly paved roads.  A small entry fee is requested at the gate. The view is the reward. 

Party

This town knows how to have a good time. Whether you are on a catamaran ride with Nica Sail and Surf or bar hopping through town, the Nicas know how to party. I recommend talking to some locals (try the surf shops) to get a plan for your evening. There tends to be a flow of how things move throughout the night depending on the time. We started at a place called Parlour, then we went to a hostel party at Pachamama, and the night ended at LIT (Lost in translation) which has bar swings, a dance floor and a pole (which was mostly used by hipster boys to practice upper arms strength moves!). 

There is such a good vibe in this town that you can't help but enjoy partying into the late hours. The best part is that everything is really casual. That's what you get in a surf town. Most guys were wearing board shorts and tshirts. The whole night is just about enjoying life and enjoying the music.