San Juan del Sur

When we were researching Nicaragua prior to moving here, there were 3 potential towns we were thinking about living in:  Leon, San Juan del Sur (SJDS), and Granada.  Despite reading about the beautiful colonial buildings, vibrant and youthful culture, and close proximity to the beach, Leon got axed before ever setting foot in Nicaragua once I read that it was one of the hottest places in the country (we have since visited it and loved it--post coming soon).  That left SJDS and Granada, and obviously Granada won out. 

We visited SJDS on our "scouting trip" in the summer of 2012 and it just didn't feel right for us.  Its a very popular small tourist and surfing town on the Pacific coast, with a lazy, party vibe.  Its also the most expensive city in Nicaragua.  The town is right on the beach ( a calm bay), with lots of restaurants and bars, surrounded by forest and close proximity to great surf beaches. Though we didn't want to live there, we have been back to visit a couple of times, in particular to visit the beautiful, empty beaches near SJDS, popping into town for drinks or fresh seafood.  When our friends Kelly and Giles came to visit last July, we rented a house for 4 days up on the hill, overlooking Majagual beach, about 20 mins on a dirt road outside of SJDS.  It was lovely--we had peace and tranquility in the forest, and were 5 mins from the beautiful beach.  Though we didn't see any, there are monkeys and sloths in the forest, as well as a variety of birds, snakes, and other creatures.  We did have the please of sharing the house with scorpions, frogs, and crabs.  Below are photos from the various visits to and around SJDS.

Photo of a "michelada", one of my new favorite drinks.  Its
beer with lime juice, chile, and Worcestershire sauce and a salt rim.
Very refreshing on a hot day. "Victoria Frost" is one of the local beers.

 

One of the beautiful crabs living at the house we rented in the
"Balcones de Majagual"

The view from our house in Majagual, over the infinity pool.

Majagual beach--there was hardly ever anyone else there.

Waiting for the sunset on Majagual.

Out exploring.

Sunset

Isabel and Raul love playing with the hermit crabs

The forest and dirt road up to our house.

A scorpion that we killed in the house (one of 3) that was almost
inside our luggage.  The coin is about the size of a nickel.

The outdoor living house on the hill.

The beach in the town of SJDS.

Kelly and Giles enjoying a drink and some seafood.

A foot bridge crossing a river or tributary of some sort in SJDS.

 

The beach and restaurants in SJDS.