Boutique hotels in San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a Pacific fishing town curled around a bay, with a Christ statue on the northern headland and a lively waterfront of cafes and bars. Surfers head for the beaches at Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa, while others come for sunset catamaran trips and quiet hillside terraces.

Where to stay

In town, small inns sit a few blocks from the beach and are easy on foot. Hillside villas above the bay trade walkability for views, and the coast north and south has ranch-style retreats and eco-lodges with private beaches and horseback riding.

Good to know

The town is lively at weekends, so ask for a room away from the waterfront bars. Waves are best from May to November; the dry season from December to April brings calm, hot days. Allow time for the hour's drive from Rivas or about two hours from the Managua airport.