November 15th & 16th: San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

San Juan Del Sur is a beautiful surf town on the Pacific Ocean. It is obviously a tourist town as we have seen many Americans and Europeans here. 

We arrived Sunday night just before sunset. We knew we were not crossing the border to Costa Rica so we took a leisurely ride here - about 160 miles. We stayed for the night at a hostel about 1 block from the playa, and swam in the ocean for a while at sunset in some of the biggest waves I’ve ever seen.

At the hostel, we met a couple who is backpacking and they had trouble crossing the border on Sunday. Apparently there is a political issue with Nicaragua allowing Cubans to cross from Costa Rica. That night, a little Google research confirmed their story.

Monday morning we woke and headed down for breakfast, ready to ride. The same couple we spoke with yesterday had just returned to the hostel after another attempt to cross. This time, they said that no one was crossing. We decided to wait another day and chill at the beach instead.

Late afternoon on Monday, a group from the hostel and a neighboring hostel took a hike up to The Christ of Mercy statue. It is about 20 minute walk through a neighborhood with the steepest road I’ve ever been on. And, it was a hot and humid day. Once at the top, the views were breathtaking! We stayed until sunset and I am so thankful we took the hike with an amazing group of people.

Hostels are really a neat experience. Great, kind and friendly people - both staff and patrons - who all love travel and adventure.

Beachside sunset in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

The Christ of Mercy Statue is lit at night, overlooking San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

Sunset behind the Christ of Mercy statue