SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Put your swimsuit and party shoes & make your way to Nicargua’s most popular party spot.
STAY...
There’s a really nice vibe at this family run hostel. There's a good mix of socialising and chilling meaning you can sleep tight without worrying about loud music. Set up on a small hill and only a short walk to town, about 10 to 15 minutes. The walk is safe during the day although they don’t recommend walking back home alone at night. Not to worry though as the hostel has a free shuttle that leave on the hour from town and the hostel until midnight.
All in all It’s a great place for a solo traveler as they organise lots of social bonding activities such as: communal dinners, beach trips, sunset fest, monday bonfire nights, surf lesson packages…
Where: Click here for directions
DO...
Surf
This is the main activity advertise for San Juan Del Sur although you can’t actually surf on the main beach here. You need to get a shuttle to the beaches nearby which are usually a 20 to 30 minutes ride away. Therefore if you’re serious about surfing this might not be the best spot to stay.
Sunday funday
The other BIG attraction here is the infamous Sunday party. It’s a boozy pool crawl which takes place between four places: Pachamama, Hotel Ana Mar, Naked Tiger Hostel and lastly Arribas bar which is the only place without a pool.
You’ll have to pay $30 for a bracelet and the privilege to spend money getting wasted at all these venues, it’s a win win situation for the organiser that’s for sure! You’ll also be given a branded tank top of the event so you can keep promoting their party even after you’ve left San Juan.
All the tickets go on sale at 9:30am at Pacha Mama hostel, make sure to get there on time to avoid the queues.
The party itself is A-okay, expect mainstream music & lots of drunk backpackers - with the right crew of people it can be fun though!
Cost: $30 includes a tank top and free entrance to all venues
Where: Tickets go on sale at 9:30am from Pachamama hostel and the party officially starts at 1pm for the same hostel as well
Sunset fest
The more relaxed weekend party in San Juan. This beach fiesta is organised by Hola Ola hostel and cost $15 to attend if you are staying at the hostel or $20 if you’re not. With this you’ll get transport covered to the beach and a free burger meal, veggie options included. You’ll be entertained by a local band, a DJ, some beach volleyball and games. The party starts at around 1:30pm and goes on until 8pm. When the night comes a big fire pit is lit and the DJ blasts some tunes to entertain the guests until at least 8:30pm. It's not a late one but again it starts early so we were pretty knackered by then.
Cost: from $15 includes transport and a burger
Departs: Pick up from the Hola Ola hostel
EAT & DRINK...
Ding repair cafe
This is the best brunch spot in town. The lovely decorated cafe makes the most exquisite meals and also have poached eggs on the menu. If you’ve traveled on this side of the world you will know these eggs are a rare find! They also sell Nicarguan organic kombucha.
Where: Click here for directions
Simon Says
This is a quirky little hippy hotspot which serves nice meals and great smoothie. Try their speciality one with avocado, it’s delish’!
Where: Click here for directions
¡Salud Kitchen
This cosy little restaurant offers delicious home cooked meals and freshly prepared drinks and juices. I had the fish tacos which were absolutely exquisite!
Where: Click here for directions