The best time to visit San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The weather is dry and sunny, with little to no rainfall, making it the perfect time to enjoy the town’s beautiful beaches and outdoor activities.

Temperatures during the dry season typically are in the 80’s F, with a pretty constant ocean breeze to provide relief from the heat. The dry season is also the busiest time of year in San Juan del Sur, with a lot of tourists visiting the town during this time.

Rainy season, May – October, offers lush scenery, fewer crowds, and bigger surf, but expect occasional heavy rains.

The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish, which is spoken by the majority of the population. In San Juan del Sur, English proficiency varies depending on where you are. In places frequented by tourists, such as restaurants, hotels, and tour operators, many staff members speak at least basic English to accommodate international visitors. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and be able to talk and interact with local people, you should be able to speak some Spanish. We recommend you get a good guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me, and numbers 1-10.

Yes, San Juan del Sur is generally safe. The people are helpful, the scenery is beautiful, and it’s got a slow and relaxed pace of life, all of which create for safe travel. As with anywhere you travel, we recommend never walking alone at night, especially on unlit streets, be cautious with your belongings to avoid petty theft and stick to reputable taxis or shuttles for transportation.

No, it is not recommended to drink tap water directly. While some locals may drink it without issues, visitors are advised to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid potential stomach discomfort or waterborne illnesses. Bottled water is widely available in Managua. Some hotels and establishments offer filtered water for guests. Ask if it’s safe for drinking.

Nicaragua observes Central Standard Time year-round. The country does not adjust to daylight saving time.

The official Nicaraguan currency is the córdoba (it is sometimes referred to as a peso). It is made up of 100 centavos. Money is denominated in notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 córdobas. Coins are made of 1 and 5 córdobas and 50 centavos.

U.S. dollars are widely accepted, such as in many hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is always a good idea to carry small denominations, as getting change in USD can sometimes be difficult. To avoid unfavorable exchange rates, consider exchanging some money into córdobas at banks or authorized exchange offices. Always check the current exchange rate before making transactions.

There are ATMs in town, but be aware that they may run out of cash during busy periods.

You’ll find a pretty eclectic mix of food in San Juan del Sur. You’ll find traditional Nicaraguan dishes like Gallo Pinto and Nacatamales, but also lots of international cuisine. When we were looking for restaurants in San Juan Del Sur we ended up eating a little bit of everything including Thai food, fresh lobster, steak, poutine, and even some really great burgers.

San Juan del Sur’s proximity to the coastline brings fresh seafood such as ceviche and Sopa de Mariscos, a hearty seafood soup with fish, shrimp, and crab in a coconut milk broth.

San Juan del Sur is known for its lively nightlife that includes various bars with live music and DJs. The Sunday Funday pool crawl is a popular event for travelers.

Emergencies: Dial tel. 118 for police, tel. 115 for fire, and tel. 128 for an ambulance.

Hospitals: The closest hospital is in Rivas, though there is a clinic, Centro de Salud, that will take care of minor ailments and injuries. It is 66 ft. southwest of the Texaco station and is open from 7am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to noon on Sunday.

Many pharmacies in Nicaragua have trained staff who can provide basic medical advice and medications.