San Juan del Sur: Getting there & around

Buses arrive and depart beside the market, two blocks from the beach. Expresos to Managua (2hr) depart daily. Buses for Rivas (45min), with connections to Managua and the border, depart every 30 minutes from the wee pre-dawn hours to early evening. You can also get a taxi to Rivas.

There are two daily buses heading to Rivas via all the northern beaches, with two departures per day. Three daily buses head south to the Remanso turnoff, Playa El Coco, Reserva la Flor, and El Ostional. Check the timetables, as they vary frequently. There are fixed rates for taxi trips from San Juan to the beaches; it's not always cheap.

The nicest way to reach a beach is by boat. A water taxi (tel: 877 9255) leaves San Juan daily to Majagual, stopping at the beaches along the way. Book your ticket at the kiosk opposite Hotel Estrella. If there's enough demand, it'll also take you to the southern beaches. Casa Oro run a daily shuttle to Majagual and Madera beaches.

The Taxi Cooperative of San Juan del Sur charges a flat rate to get anywhere in town. Taxis congregate close to the market. You can also rent a car or bicycle to get around.

The town center is small enough to explore on foot, and it's also possible to walk to some of the northern beaches.