Town in Rivas, Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur
Nicaragua's main traveler hub: a surf-and-party town with sunset beaches, hostels and nearby surf breaks. Pleasant and social, but loud, with a big weekend party scene and rough roads.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,030–1,630Comfortable, one person · C$38,000–60,000Details
- Value for money60/100Better value than 59% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Apr, 33°CDetails
- Internet103 MbpsFixed broadband, Nicaragua medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; hostels and surf camps offer refills.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$11–24Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTaxiVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashDollars and córdobas are both used.Details
Where to stay in San Juan del Sur
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Town center (Calle Principal) | Everything walkable: hostels, bars, restaurants and the beach |
| Playa Madera | Surf beach 15 min north, quieter than the center |
| Playa Marsella / Maderas road | Rural stays near surf, a short ride away |
| Cristo de la Misericordia area | Hillside viewpoints, upscale villas |
Apps that work in San Juan del Sur
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps; use taxis or shuttles arranged by hostels. Agree fares before getting in.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Nicaragua.
- Mostly cash Dollars and córdobas are both used. Cards work at larger hotels and some restaurants; ATMs are limited, so withdraw in advance.
- Currency: Cordoba (NIO). US$1 ≈ C$36.80 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: BAC and Banpro ATMs dispense córdobas or dollars; they're scarce outside cities, so stock up before Ometepe or Corn Islands.
- Tipping: Restaurants often add 10% service; leave about 10% if not. Tip guides and surf instructors.
- Paying by phone: Rarely accepted beyond hotels and chains; plan on cash and cards.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Pay a US$10 tourist card in cash on arrival; the departure tax is usually included in air tickets.
- Officers may ask for an onward ticket and proof of funds; stays can be extended up to 30 days for a fee.
- Airlines send passenger data in advance; journalists, clergy, NGO workers and government critics have been refused boarding or entry.
Emergency numbers
Police 118 · Ambulance 128 · Fire 115
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Claro or Tigo SIMs from airport kiosks and their stores with your passport; prepaid data bundles are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Nicaragua
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.