Things to do in San Juan del Sur
Get a surfing lesson
Surfing, without doubt, is the most popular activity in San Juan de Sur. Hundreds of surfers come each year to enjoy the waves at Playa Maderas, Playa Remanso, Playa Hermosa, Playa Yankee...want more? There’s more. From Esperanza we can organize your day of surf, with private lessons, transportation to the beaches or surfboard rental. Whatever your level of surfing ability, we’re at your service.
Go to the Beaches
If you don’t surf, don’t worry, the beaches are great for everyone. Walk on the rocks, go snorkeling, play volleyball, sunbathe, relax in a hammock or drink some Toñas (the national beer) in the bar...whatever “sport” is good to do at the beach. We’ll get you to whatever beach you want, you only have to ask.
See the Turtles
The Paslama Turtles are a species of gigantic turtles that return every year to Reserva Natural de la Flor to lay their eggs. The adult turtles always return to the beach in which they were born. The arrival season begins in September and goes until January, the month when the eggs start hatching. Ask us about seeing these beautiful animals. See the turtle calendar.
Go Whalewatching
Whales and dolphins play on our coasts without a care in the world. Only the local fisherman, who know the hiding places of these creatures, can successfully guide you to the show. The best time to observe them is from January to April.
Zipline
The canopy tour is located on the border of a farm at the foot of a hill. Nature is abundant in the area, and you can see animals including monkeys, raccoons, birds, and other animals. The canopy tour starts at the top of one of the hills, from where you have a superb view of the bay of San Juan del Sur and its surroundings. The canopy tour consists of 16 cables that are connected through 17 platforms, most of them located up in the trees. For a single person, it takes about 45 minutes to complete the whole canopy tour and on the fastest part you can reach speeds up to 70 kilometers per hour.
Ride a Horse
If you’re a nature and animal lover, exploring the natural surroundings of San Juan on a horse is the perfect activity for you. You'll ride through hidden landscapes of beautiful beaches and mountains populated by monkies and exotic birds. Horseback tours go for a full day, half day, or two hours.
Cook and Eat Fresh Fish
Close to the hostel are the fish shops of San Juan where, each day, fisherman bring their daily catch. Buy fresh fish and cook it in the hostel with your friends. It will be a unique, cheap, and delicious experience. In the kitchen, we have a traveler's recipe book. You can share your recipes and find new ones from every part of the world.
Go fishing
With the sea so close, you should dedicate one of your days in San Juan to fishing. Take a boat with a local and catch your dinner, see how delicious it can be.
Take a Sail Trip
The wind, the sun, the sea, you, and your friends. What more could you want? Lay back, relax, and let us take you up the Nicaraguan coast on a sail boat. There are half day cruises to Playa Blanca and full day cruises to Playa Hermosa. During the cruise, enjoy a beautiful coastal view, swimming, quiet beaches, and a well-stocked bar.
Get a massage
Take a break from surfing, horseback riding, the zip line, fishing, or just the stress that you get from having a good time and give yourself the gift of a massage. In San Juan, there are various spas with different styles of massage to fit different budgets. Try one, you won't regret it.
Stretch out with a yoga class
Mental and physical health follow with the practice of yoga. This ancient discipline is returning and each time we are even more seduced by its benefits. In Esperanza, we have morning yoga classes that anyone could make their first. Never forget!
Visit the neighboring town of Rivas
If you travel back in time, the town of Rivas will open itself to you with its imperfect streets, full of people, horse-drawn wagons, fruit stands, bicycle taxis, spices, street vendors, noise, heat! Sometimes, do you ever imagine what life was like in a medieval city? Take a trip to Rivas!
Buy and bargain in the market
You can learn the art of bargaining with practice. It's certain that the the price they give you in the market is much less than what you would pay in your own country for the same thing, but bargaining a little is fun and you can definitely save a little money. Don't be too crazy, try to find a middle ground and be fair.
Climb to the Christ Statue
The bay of San Juan de Sur is overlooked by the gigantic statue of Christ, in the same manner as Rio de Janeiro. Climbing the hill that closes the horseshoe of the the bay is one of the favorite pastitmes of our visitors, where you can take beautiful pictures of the bay and the setting sun. The view reaches all the way to neighboring Costa Rica, ladies and gentleman, the show is here.
Give yourself a pedicure or get a haircut
For her:
Although you're traveling like a backpacker, why not have beautiful toenails? All year long, nicaraguan women have their feet uncovered and because of this they're very creative with the colors and decorations on their nails. There is a surprising variety of styles and designs that they can come up with.
For him:
To endure the heat, we recommend a haircut...you can get one for $3. If you think you need it, just get it.
Go rappelling on the cliffs
One of the recent activities that just arrived in San Juan is rappelling off 100 m high cliffs. But that’s not all, the trip includes a 30 minute truck ride with a guide that will explain a little of the history of San Juan, a 100 meter rappel down a cliff, swimming in the ocean, and a return to San Juan by boat with drinks included to recharge your batteries.
Paintball: War of colors
If only all the battles were so colorful and so fun as those in this game. Paintball develops teamwork, refines your aim, and will give you an unforgettable time with your friends. That said, we wish all wars were like this!
Skateboard Park
Come skate Nicaragua's largest skateboard park at the Surf Ranch Action Sports Resort. Entry is free for everyone and no helmets required. The park is a street plaza style park along with transitions and bowls. It is the only park in Nicaragua that is designed by professional skateboarders. Coming soon is the skate shop and lights for night skating. Also onsite is a bar, restaurant and swimming pool to cool off after. Shuttle straight from Hostel Esperanza available.
Tower Drop to Airbag
Jump and flip off our 12ft or 18ft tower drop into our giant inflatable airbag. This is what stuntmen use in the movies, now you can flip, skateboard, or jump off and land in a "giant cloud of air". Coming soon is the mini mega ramp into the airbag, for bikes, skateboards, and even artificial snow material for snowboards and skis. Shuttle straight from Hostel Esperanza available
