San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua | April 2024

San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua:

Weather:

Mid 90's. Sunny and hot! 

Flights:

You can either fly to MGA (Managua airport) or to Liberia airport in Costa Rica. If you fly to Liberia, it may be cheaper, but you will need to have two drivers - on each side of the border. It's probably around the same travel time. We waited over an hour at passport control in the MGA airport and a different traveler said it took 5 minutes at the Costa Rica border. I guess check flights to both airports and make a decision based on prices.

Transportation:

Within San Juan Del Sur, we didn't need any taxis. Everything was a max 10 minute walk. There are taxis lining the streets in case you need one.

We did use a driver for the initial 2.5 hour ride from the Managua airport to Chabad and back. I recommend Joel - +505 8282-7749. Mention that you got his number from Ahuva:) His rate with me was $80 from the airport to Chabad.

Other recommended drivers:

Guillermo Mendoza (english speaking) +505 8987-3141

Albaro +505 7692-4167

Ariel +505 8485-0098

Dennis +505 5769-9126

Iskra +505 8425-5039

Oniell +505 7876-7420

Accommodations:

Ocean View Airbnb - We stayed in a beautiful Airbnb a 7 minute walk from Chabad. 3 beds in one room, 1 king-sized bed in another room. Beautiful ocean view with couches on the porch. The air conditioners in the bedrooms work wonderfully. The apartment is sort of Shabbos friendly - the door uses a regular key. However, I couldn't figure out how to turn off the fridge/freezer light. 

Kosher Food:

Chabad!! Rabbi Dudu and Chana Atar are beyond patient, always with a smile on their faces. They have 2 restaurants - Alma (dairy) and Jerusalem (meat). The Chabad house website can be found here. Whatsapp them here. 

Pro tip: Ask Chabad what you can bring them from the States - they will so appreciate the offer.

Keep in mind, if you are bringing in your own food, they will stop you in the airport. I brought in dairy products for Chabad and had to pay $10 at the agriculture customs.

Attractions:

Masaya Volcano - As of April 2024 - closed due to a landslide that covered the lava lake with debris, blocking volcanic gas release, and increasing the potential for explosions. (Thanks Google)

Mirador de Catarina - Stopped here on the way from the airport to Chabad. Stunning viewpoint of Laguna De Apoyo, souvenir shops, music, good vibes.

Surfing - We took lessons with Tribu Surf. $35 per person for 1.5 hours. It ended up taking all morning from 9am to 1pm. Highly recommend! +505 8157-0142 Book here or just walk over. It's a few minutes from Chabad.

Horseback Riding - We were ripped off and spent over $80 for a 2 hour ride. Don't use them LOL. +505 8735-8480. Someone else used William Sanchez +505 8999-6910. It's $20 for 1 hour. Tip: Try to get the guy to meet you at the beach instead of the farm.

Massages - We got massages at Zen Yoga (see below) but you can also have a lady come to your place from Precision Wellness Center +505 7693-8666. It's around $35-40. Another option is +505 8811-8507.

Hair Braiding - Just $10 and it will keep your hair out of your face. A girl will come to your place from Precision Wellness Center +505 7693-8666.

Yoga - 8:30 am open air yoga class, 10 minute walk from our airbnb - cost just $5. It's usually $10, but there was a sale lol. Check out their website here.

Fellow travelers did the following activities:

ATV - Walk down the streets and you'll see an ATV rental place.

Ziplining

Fishing - PSA it was a ripoff +505 8969-4533

Granada

Ometepe Island - Full day trip