San Juan del Sur

Where to stay

Most budget hostels cluster within a few blocks of the waterfront, along the beachside strip and the streets immediately behind it. Staying a block or two inland saves money while keeping you under a five-minute walk from the sand.

Getting around

• Water taxis from the main beach out to Playa Maderas cost a couple of dollars each way and are cheaper than hiring a private driver, especially if you're going to surf for the day.
• Semana Santa (Holy Week before Easter) packs this small town hard, with prices to match. If your schedule has any flexibility, shifting your trip by even one week makes a real difference.
• Board rental shops in town charge noticeably less than hostel front desks for the same gear. Walk half a block from your accommodation and compare before you rent through reception.

When to go

Beds are cheapest during the rainy season (May through October), while December through April fills hostels fast, with New Year's week and Semana Santa being the tightest and most expensive stretches.