Surfing paradise San Juan del Sur has plenty to offer visitors of all stripes. Here’s how to experience Nicaragua’s most famous beach town on a budget.
Start with one of the famous breakfast burritos at Dale Pues ($6), just a stone’s throw from the town center beach. However, if you want to surf, and you will at least want to give it a go, you’ll have to take a shuttle or taxi out to Playa Maderas or one of the other beaches. Maderas is good for beginners, so head down there if you’re just finding your feet (renting a board costs $10 for half a day).
After a good session, go back to town for lunch at La Lancha. Famous for its cheap, delicious seafood, you can get a plate of red snapper for $3 or lobster tail for $4. It doesn’t get fresher than this. Walk off your lunch on a hike to the nearby lighthouse, stopping off at the abandoned fort on the way.
Head back to town for sundowners at the Beach House Nicaragua bar, where you can choose from an extensive drink menu. Most cost $2–3, so you can have a few without breaking the bank. Later on, grab some dinner at Rojo Loco ($10) then party the night away at The Loose Moose or Iguana Bar.
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