There are a good amount of safe and reliable shuttle services in town: Surf Bus Nicaragua - Shuttle and transport services [url=http://www.surfbusnicaragua.com]Surf Bus Nicaragua[/url]with office at Spanish Ya- is a local family owned a operated services. Transport Gaby [url=http://www.transportegaby.com]link title[/url] is another local company and Iskra Travel[http://www.iskratravel.com] is also a good option. You can hire their services by email or calling them.
From [wiki=99efa802c5b2060de56dc16957d9d79e]Rivas[/wiki] bus station connect to the bus that runs regularly to San Juan del Sur. There are several rip-off middle men here who will try to charge tourists extra to put them on a chicken bus. They will demand you pay the fare up front, then collect a commission from the conductor. Ignore them, get on the bus, and pay shortly before the bus arrives in San Juan like the other passengers. Fare should be less than C$15.
From [wiki=5882b568d8a010ef48a6896f53b6eddb]Costa Rica[/wiki] catch the bus headed for Rivas at the border and tell the driver you want to get off at La Virgen. Then cross the Pan-American highway and wait for the next bus to San Juan Del Sur. They run every 45 minutes, so it won’t be long.
From [wiki=0c10e78cfd496d6ad0f72b67c4d1567d]Granada (Nicaragua)[/wiki] or [wiki=e07e6eb83f5f015a24d1e62540856a5f]Masaya[/wiki] take the bus to Rivas (approx 2hrs), then transfer to the bus or taxi to San Juan del Sur.
From [wiki=d98bf2a51283482a9283735e2324a1f2]Managua[/wiki] take the express bus from Managua at the Mercado Huembes (that’s pronounced “whem-base”) every day at 4pm. After only 2½ hours you’ll arrive in San Juan Del Sur. Or from Mercado Huembes take any bus heading for Rivas (approx 3hrs).
From Costa Rica Tamarindo, San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, Central and South Pacific going to San Juan del Sur there is a new shared shuttle service call [http://www.easyridecr.com] modern vans, A/C, professional drivers
From [wiki=99efa802c5b2060de56dc16957d9d79e]Rivas[/wiki] take a taxi or the bus directly to San Juan del Sur. It is about a 1/2 hour ride. "Colectivo" taxis cost 50 cordobas per person, or 200 cordobas if solo.
From Granada, it's a $US60 1.5 hour drive along decent roads.
From [wiki=d98bf2a51283482a9283735e2324a1f2]Managua[/wiki] Airport
If you are coming straight from the airport. It is much faster to cut via Tipitapa than trough Managua. Take [wiki=e07e6eb83f5f015a24d1e62540856a5f]Masaya[/wiki] highway out of Managua and head south on the Pan-American highway. After you pass Rivas, be on the lookout for the turnoff for San Juan del Sur.
Offers ATV guided tours through the mountains and to the beaches or if you'd rather go by sea try their 2008 3-seater waverunners. If you have kids, pull them along on tubes.
*A local group that provides Wellness Inspired Adventures, "Green" Yoga Retreats/ Yoga Teacher Training, Aquatic Getaways such as SCUBA diving, snorkeling and surfing on the best surfing beaches and kayaking or kite surfing on one of the largest fresh-water lakes in Central America. They serve as a local concierge and also offer intimate, budget-sensitive itineraries as well. Bodhin also produces the largest mountain bike race in the region, called 'the Howler' with 100% of the proceeds going directly to local charities. http://www.sanjuanhowler.com
*Elite surf camp for adventurous women who appreciate comfort as well as challenge. Daily surf lessons, board rentals, and a variety of surf/travel packages, which include surfing world class waves, spectacular accommodations, authentic local cuisine, yoga, soothing massage, and a variety of exciting activities in a safe environment.
*A private, solar powered ranch with happy, healthy horses and good tack, includes English guide and a photo shoot of your ride and a contribution to the local community fund is included. They specialize in guided horseback tours through rural Nicaragua to the spectacular nearby beaches.
*The SJDS Biblioteca Movil is the first lending library in Nicaragua, providing books, information, technology, and community center services to the people of San Juan del Sur and its surrounding communities. Books available in Spanish and English. Spend time volunteering in the library or with the mobile book van; check at the library for activities.
*Full service day spa offering world-class massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, body scrubs and more.
*1 acre jungle paintball course, gear rental, snack shop at the Surf Ranch Action Sports Resort. Drop in or join weekly paintball competitions to win cash prizes.
*Nicaragua's only tower drop to giant inflatable air bag for jumping, flipping and skateboarding into. 12ft and 20ft drops. Mini mega launch ramp for skateboards, bikes, snowboards and skis (artificial snow)...coming soon.
*San Juan del Sur's first yoga studio. Don't miss the beautiful experience of two story yoga space. Practice with a view of the church and town from above on the second level of a stunning yoga studio. Zen offers multiple classes daily with highly trained instructors. Drop in classes include a cup of tea and use of yoga mat. Class packages are available and can be shared among your group. Inquire about private and small group sessions. Massage space is tranquil and inviting and here you can find Thai, Swedish, deep tissue and Reiki massage by certified massage therapists.
Managed by locals, inspired by travelers, Included are Wifi, Lockers, Rotating breakfast with fresh Nica coffee, Games, Pool, Musical instruments, Night shuttle to downtown bars, and we offer a Food menu, Bar, Surf board rentals, Bicycle rentals and an unforgettable experience. We take pride in the belief that it is our responsibility to provide an environment that is not only safe and comfortable, but that it exposes our customers to the local culture and to like-minded people.
* Casa Oro is a budget hostel in the center of San Juan del Sur and is only a block from the beach. Free breakfast in the morning with a different menu every day. There is free WiFi,computers and IPads for your use and a fully equipped kitchen.Private rooms available and English spoken.Daily shuttles to Playa maders and Hermosa
* Right on the beach, but the balconies are accessible from each other, and the doors are only lockable from the outside. Some have had to put a stone in front of the door just to keep it shut. There are stories of other people that said they had bats coming in the window, banging against the walls and falling on their beds. There is a very comfortable common room and the bedrooms are clean and with beautiful views of the Pacific.
*three blocks from the beach. Super nice family. Use of kitchen, might be important. 7US$ for Dorm
*Nice guesthouse, probably the cheapest in town. Friendly owners, and nice basic rooms. Shared bathroom. Prices Audust 2015: 10$ per person.
*Inexpensive hostel, great location across from the beach. Owned by a Canadian expat.
*Large social hostel with a pool, bar, rooftop deck, yoga, and activities. Dorm rooms, semi-private, and private options available - prices include welcome drink, new mattresses, lockers, use of the kitchen, free coffee, free wifi, and gym access. Online booking available through their website.
*The Naked Tiger Hostel is set in the lush hilltops of San Juan Del Sur, free regular shuttles transport you to and from town. Party hostel!
*Party hostel, free breakfast, dorm rooms and private rooms available. They do not take reservations. Email: info@hostelpachamama.com Prices in August 2015: 12$ for Dorm.
*Bed & breakfast with 2 double rooms and 1 room with bunk beds. All have private bathroom with hot water and A/C, breakfast included. Has 24hr security, internet, cable TV, DVD player and Playstation.
*Included in the price are hot showers, A/C at night, lockers, breakfast with fresh coffee, Wi-Fi internet and loads of travel advice to all our guests. Feel free to play DJ and blast your own tunes on our stereo system. Facilities include pool, bar, surfboard hire, nearby beach shuttles and more.
There are 5 Jungle Suites available from $50 per night, 1 Canopy Apartment from $80 and 4 Tree House beds from $15. Breakfast is included and wireless internet is available. Cable TV and air-conditioning feature in all Jungle Suites and in the Canopy Apartment.
*Casa Ariki is a the nicest and cleanest hostel in town. It offers a laid-back environment, always with good music, free Wi-Fi, a common area with boardgames, books and magazines to borrow, a balcony on the second floor with an incredible view of the town's rooftops, free coffee every morning and an incredible staff. Casa Ariki has 4 private rooms that are very comfortable and spacious, with A/C and/or ceiling fan and cable TV in each room.
U$30 per couple and U$10 per extra person. (info@casaariki.com)
*This B&B offers guests beautiful ocean views within a peaceful setting of tropical gardens, coastal forests and pristine beaches. Full breakfast included. Lunches & dinners available at reasonable cost. Rooms with private and shared baths from $40. Canadian owners.
*The Surf Ranch Resort is located in San Juan Del Sur. Stay with them for as little as $50 a night for 2, in a condo room, breakfast included. The resort features a pool, swim up bar, restaurant, billiards, volleyball court, tower drop to airbag, trampoline, rock climbing wall, the largest skate park in Nicaragua, along with condos and villas. They also offer free shuttles to and from town and the beaches.
*Surf Zone is set around a swimming pool, with gardens and an open plan chill-out area. There are 3 main options: Bed & Board, Surf Camps and Venue Hire. 5 minutes from Playa Maderas.
Villas and condominiums are within walking distance of the beach in the best residential neighborhood in San Juan del Sur with spectacular views of the bay. Rent by the day, week, or month all of them fully equipped. The two story villas are the epitome of luxury and space. Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a big dining table and large terraces let large families or a group of friends spend time together with comfort and privacy. The complex includes a private pool and full hotel service.
*This amazing two bedroom (a/c), one bath beach house is like no other. The house sleeps seven with ease, has full kitchen, living room, huge patio with four hammocks, water tank, secure, gen back-up, weekly linen service and private parking. The front door has a private entrance to madera beach. After walking two minutes you are in the ocean. Walk another five minutes and you are at Los Playones, famous for surfing. The back door beach is magical manajual. It is another two minute walk. Howler monkeys and turtles are abundant to view from house. This community is very private with a total of just seven houses. The beach house may be rented by day or night, weekly or by month.
* Villas and Bungalows are within steps from the beach with spectacular views of the ocean. Rent for two days or more. The resort is designed with eco friendly concepts, beach living, and luxury in mind. This place functions as a beachfront hotel as well as a retreat center for yoga and health and wellness retreats. The facility includes a private parking, security and safety, full hotel services, fine dining and surf rentals.
* Del parque, 2 c hacia el mar. Among the nicest. They also arrange boat trips. Price is higher in high season and includes tax and breakfast.
*Hotel with nine bedrooms and four 1-2 bedroom condominium apartments, with full breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi, free phone calls to the USA and Canada, a courtyard swimming pool, window screens and quiet air conditioners, private baths, hot water showers, and bath tubs. Cable TV and VHS/DVD with a large selection of movies in English and Spanish. Secure parking. Handicapped access.
*La Veranera is a boutique guesthouse located on the white sands of Playa El Coco. Designed like an old Nicaraguan ranch house it is equipped with all modern conveniences. The wide veranda with dining area, billiard table and private bar, wraps around a crystal clear, blue tiled pool, Just steps away from an uncrowded beach, this is the perfect place to get away from it all.
*Located minutes from the major surfing beach Playa Maderas & walking distance to the quiet secluded beach Playa Marsella. 15 minutes drive from the village of San Juan del Sur. Lazy Jakes Guesthouse offers accommodations between $45-75US night. Clean & secure rooms, A/C optional, very friendly hosts.
*
*Private home with rooms for rent. Amazing view, Swimming pool, Secure indoor parking, Wireless Internet, all rooms have A/C, guests are welcome to use the kitchen, access to refridgerator & bbq, bring your own charcoal/food/drinks. Call number above, or search for Rayito de Luna on Facebook.
*Offers billas from four to ten guests. Right on Playa el Coco a quiet and secluded beach. Also has a restaurant, Puesta del Sol.