What to do and see in San Juan del Sur, Rivas Department: The Best Day Trips from

March 16, 2022 Agatha Simes

This beautiful fishing village is a Nicaraguan gem, a magnet for surfers and sunbathers. At night, the beach still pulses with activity, thanks to a few popular beachfront bars and nightclubs. Surf clubs abound—catch a wave with an expert instructor if you’re a hang-ten rookie, trying to hang with the surfer big boys.
Restaurants in San Juan del Sur

1. Full-Day Small-Group Shore Excursion from San Juan del Sur

Paseo del Rey, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua Nicaragua Tour Network
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4.1 based on 7 reviews

This full-day, small-group shore excursion takes you from the cruise port in San Juan del Sur to 4 of the must-see locations in Nicaragua: Laguna de Apoyo lookout, the Masaya Volcano, Masaya Market and colonial Granada. The tour will be led by a knowledgeable guide who will provide historical and cultural insights throughout the trip. This tour includes light refreshments, transport by an air-conditioned minivan and port pickup and drop-off.

Inclusions: National Park fees, Fresh fruit & bottled water, Local guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By rksf

This half-day tour was exactly what we wanted for our stop in San Juan del Sur. Nicholas was responsive to our initial emails and gave us perfect instructions on where to meet him. Nicholas was knowledgeable about the history of Nicaragua. The tour included stops at the local church, the Christ of the Mercy statue, and the Adventure Park. Out first stop was the church where Nicholas spend about 10-15 minutes explaining the country's history. We then went into the church (optional) where mass was taking place. Our next stop was the statue. The climb up to the statue (about 100 stairs as reported on the website and by Nicholas when we arrived at the stop) would be challenging for people with limited mobility, but for all others it is doable. Nicholas allows sufficient time to walk up to the statue at your own pace and spend time at the statue visiting the chapel, taking pictures and looking at the amazing views. We then went to the Adventure Park. The drive in the "buggy" is rough, but for us (in our 50's with no back or mobility issues) it was a lot of fun and something we had never done before. At the top we did not do the zip line, so we walked around and saw the amazing views of Lake Nicaragua and the Pacific Ocean. Nicholas then took us to a local restaurant on the beach, where he bought a drink for everyone in the group. He also accommodated us by bringing us to a local grocery store for things we needed. Nicholas was great, and I would highly recommend this tour.

2. Day Trip to Ometepe Island

International Tours Alliance
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3.0 based on 2 reviews

Ometepe Island is one of the most amazing sites you’ll ever see in your life. This amazing island is formed by two volcanoes, Conception & Maderas and sits in the middle of lake Nicaragua.  During the ferry ride across lake Nicaragua you will have the opportunity to view both volcanoes and appreciate the magnitude of lake Nicaragua.  Your guide will drive you to visit Ojo de Agua a crystal clear water spring, Charco Verde a sanctuary with a butterfly farm, Santo Domingo beach and Punta Jesus Maria.

Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle with AC, Round-trip ferry from San Jorge Port to Ometepe Island, Hotel pickup and drop-off, National Park fees

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

Reviewed By Miriamredford15

ITA gave me the experience of a lifetime and surrounded me with warm and welcoming people. The hotel made me feel like a queen, our activities gave me a sense of thrill, the food was delicious, and the overall atmosphere made me feel so accepted. With travel you sometimes say "Maybe ill come back again someday. Who knows." After jumping into this adventure, I KNOW it is a destination I will go back to. There are no "what ifs" or "maybes" for me. It was that memorable and life changing. ITA made sure of it with their amazing team of DOERS!

3. Day Trip to San Juan del Sur with Access to a Private Beach

Bosa Tours & Travel

Go to San Juan del Sur beach town in one day and come back to Managua. This trip is perfect to get relaxed at a private beach, get tanned under the sun, lay down over the sand and take unique panoramic pictures at "El Cristo". San Juan del Sur is well known as one of the best beach towns environments made out by restaurants, bars, music and close beaches.

Inclusions: Guide during the excursion, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private air conditioned vehicle, Entrances to mentioned sites

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Lunch

Reviewed By 19841913

The people at the BosaTour were amazing. We booked a special tour with pick up in Managua, visit Cerro Negro, and drop off in Popoyo. The team was super accommodating and top list of great photos to capture our adventure up the volcano. They even stopped on the side of the road for some fruit. I can’t recommend them enough.

4. Laguna de Apoyo

Avenida Mercado, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua International Tours Alliance

This package is perfect for anybody who wants to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by amazing views, nestle in the heart of a volcanic lagoon. Laguna de Apoyo is a mystical place where time does not exist, the beautiful blue waters. If you are arriving to Nicaragua via Cruise ship, we can work within your allotted port time window.

Inclusions: Hotel Pickup and drop off, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Beverages, Bottled water, All activities, Driver/guide, Tour escort/host

Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcohol or meals, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Airfare

Reviewed By Miriamredford15

ITA gave me the experience of a lifetime and surrounded me with warm and welcoming people. The hotel made me feel like a queen, our activities gave me a sense of thrill, the food was delicious, and the overall atmosphere made me feel so accepted. With travel you sometimes say "Maybe ill come back again someday. Who knows." After jumping into this adventure, I KNOW it is a destination I will go back to. There are no "what ifs" or "maybes" for me. It was that memorable and life changing. ITA made sure of it with their amazing team of DOERS!

5. Day Trip to Cascada Blanca Waterfall in Matagalpa from San Juan del Sur

International Tours Alliance

Escape the chaos and heat of San Juan del Sur and head for the cool climate in the northern mountains of Nicaragua where Matagalpa is home to the famous Cascada Blanca or "White Waterfall." This is one of the largest waterfalls in Nicaragua and has a hotel, restaurant and camping options for people looking to stay the night. Hike down to the waters edge and even go behind the falls on this one of a kind experience that you will never forget.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Transport by private vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Local guide

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By thomassG6742MR

We were picked up by the tour operator Mario and driven to a very secluded beach. At first we were a little skeptical driving out into the remote Country side but Mario assured us all was good and we were really amazed when we arrived at the Beach. The beach was beautiful, uncrowded, and clean. Mario took us to a little bar right on the beach where we found beach chairs, clean restrooms, free cold drinks a food. Great service was provided day all of the staff. The only minor thing I would recommend is a little better pick up location information and a sign or something for the operator to display when getting to shore. Mario was a wealth of information and made our beach experience a memorable day.

6. Granada+Catarina lookout+Masaya volcano+handicraft market from San Juan del Sur

Show Me Nicaragua Tours

Live this eco colonial and volcanic adventure enjoying 3 tours paying only for one. Give yourself the luxery of having your own local tour guide who is knowledgeable, fluent in English who also provides a personal approach. On top of that offers safe private transportation. Since this is a private tour we will not pick up no one else and you will have the full atention of your guide. Explore the islets on lake Granada-Nicaragua, the majestic colonial architecture of the city and feel the adrenaline of taking a stuning picutre with the orange color of the lava in the background at the active volcano in Masaya. Walking tour downtown Granada/hall of churches and chocolate museum. Visit to La merced church and its view point from bell tower. Lunch at la calzada street ( not included). Visit to Masaya volcano at night. ( take breath taking pictures on the top of the hill with the lava in the background.( Sunset beholding)

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Tour guide and driver, Walking tour in the city of Granada

Exclusions: Entrances fees to some churches., Food and drinks, Masaya volcano entrance fee is not included, Gratuities, Pick up from Airport or Managua/ extra fees applies

Reviewed By daniellegF7328YB

I had so much fun. It was me and bae and it was great bc it’s a private tour so we could get to know each better with less distractions. Our tour guides were sweet and patient. I love taking pictures so they waited whenever I wanted to stop for photo ops. The chocolate factory was delicious. The lake was beautiful. The town was colorful and the volcano was crazy. Although I thought we would get a closer view like how I’ve heard it described in Hawaii. But I still could see the lava with their provided binoculars and they provided a selfie stick!! I wish I could remember my tour guide name but I a picture of him!

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