Perched on Nicaragua’s southwest coast sits the coastal town of San Juan del Sur. The stunning bay features a towering, contemporary Christ of the Mercy statue that stands watch above the bay.
Nearby you’ll find a popular string of surreal Pacific beaches that have incredible waves by any surfer’s standards.
The town itself has become a bit of a tourist hub with a large expat community. This makes for great parties and socialising but a slightly less real glimpse into Nicaragua.
It’s far from spoilt but the prices are slowly creeping up and the waves are a bit of a free-for-all compared to other surf spots on the coastline. If you want a more authentic laid-back surfing experience head to the small fishing village El Transito a little nearer to León.
What are the best things to do for Backpackers in San Juan del Sur?
Surf at Playa Maderas
Just 25 minutes north of the town is the most popular surf spot in Nicaragua – Playa Maderas.
Unless Nicaragua’s got a serious swell on its hands then this spot is perfect for almost all abilities of surfers. The size can be anything double overhead and barreling or chest high and crumbling so be sure to check the surf report. For the best conditions go at mid to high tide.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a board you can rent one on the beach.
Hike up to the Christ of the Mercy
For the best view of the bay, you’ll need to brave the heat and trek up to the Christ of the Mercy statue.
Go just before sunset to avoid dealing with the sweltering heat and soak up one of the most beautiful sunset horizons on your Nicaragua trip.
Sunday Funday – Central America’s biggest pool party
Sunday Funday is an all-day pool crawl that takes over San Juan del Sur every Sunday, hopping between four bars and three pools. With up to 500 party-loving travelers showing up each week, it’s all about throwing on your swimsuit, diving into the fun, and keeping the drinks flowing!
Let’s be real though, Sunday Funday isn’t your go-to for soaking up authentic Nicaraguan culture—unless you count the local rum! No, the day is more about the culture of drinking than the culture of Nicaragua. It’s. But it’s one hell of a party and a great place to meet a young crowd of backpackers!
Watch Sea Turtles Nest at La Flor
Usually between July and August, you can witness literally thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles come gracefully ashore to lay their eggs.
The £4 per person entrance fee goes directly into local Turtle Conservation efforts.
You can arrange a guided night tour through local tour operators or via most of the hostels in San Juan del Sur.
Standing there under the stars, watching them slowly emerge from the sea to continue a cycle that’s been happening for centuries was a true privilege.
Where are the best places to stay for backpackers in San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur has a wide array of hostels that suit party-goers, surfers, and couples alike:
- Hola Ola Hostel: a spacious 30-bed hostel that blends surfing adventures, wild parties, and relaxed poolside vibes seamlessly. It offers the perfect mix of energy and tranquility, making it an ideal spot for almost every backpacker.
- Buena Onda Backpackers: Another solid choice. This undoubtedly has some of the best views of the entire bay especially from their epic rooftop. The whole place has a friendly vibe which just seems to favour a super social atmosphere.
