Hi there!
I'm a solo female backpacker and will be visiting Nicaragua in December/January. I'd like to stay somewhere near San Juan Del Sur during the last leg of my trip, but I've heard that SJDS isn't the safest for solo women. Is there a good nearby town that would be safer? I'd still check out SJDS during the day, but then head back to my hotel at night.
Thanks!
I am not aware of that issue, but has something been reported as of late? It is a popular Backpacker/Surfer/Adventure/Need a beach fix and let your hair down kinda place, for a few decades. There may be random issues, but nothing to deter me from saying you would be fine if you follow the typical precautions.
Just so you know, the issue with SJDS for most is its touristy, a lot of gringos and you have to commute to the good beaches and surf breaks. Otherwise, if your headed to Leon, consider the beaches near there, the where the locals from Leon go.
Ometepe is a very relaxing islands that is magical and detached from the mainland. Corn Islands would be a 5 day side trip, but few make it there, though safety at night can be an issue if solo, male or female. But i Have not been there, just repeating what past posters have reported...do your homework and know where not to go.
SJDS is a party town and has a lot of (drunk) tourists. If you use common sense you should be fine. Just don't wander around on your own when streets are empty or in deserted areas. Don't flash valuables. Common sense. As stated above the beach in town is not the best (some people say not to swim there but we did and we were fine). Nice sunsets though. Lots of restaurants, bars, nightlife.
No real towns close to SJDS. There are great beaches north and south of SJDS but it will just be the beach and a few hotels, maybe a restaurant.
If you go to Leon (great colonial city and volcanoes) you could check out Las Penitas, a fishing village with a nice beach, fun waves and a nature reserve. Only 30-45 minutes from Leon by bus. There is also Jiquilillo, 3 hours from Leon, a rural area with deserted beaches, might be too isolated for you. Check out Rancho Esperanza for lots of info about that area.
I was in San Juan del Sur last year and it seemed real tame. Lots of solo female travelers all around day and night.
It's attached to the mainland, unlike Ometepe and Islas Maiz.
What's your overall plan/route or this trip, will give a better idea on what to recommend.
Don't think SJDS is dangerous, just touristy and not that scenic, I found the place boring.
There are a lot better places, IMO, where you'll be less then 1/2 day or less from Managua if that's what you looking for.
If you want a party place SJDS will work for you.
I didnt get a great charge out of the place either Joe. Just stayed there a little bit to see what it like for myself. But now there's a "san juan del sur cervezeria" a micro brewery. Places like that can be pretty cool sometimes. If it's not too far out of the way I recommend SJDS for a look-see but dont get your hopes up too high.
Yeah, I enjoy a good local brew as well Doodle and I know you love the micro's, no fruit in the cerveza I hope, which is just plain wrong!
Thanks for the tips, guys!
My itinerary includes Leon, Corn Islands, Granada, Isla de Ometepe, and Las Penitas. It sounds like I would be okay if I went to SJDS on my own, but that it also wouldn't be the end of the world if I missed it.
Good place to stay just before departure flight is Laguna Apoyo just outside Granada. Hour to airport by taxi. I tried Monkey Hut, Laguna Beach club and Paradiso. Paradiso was most to my liking. Reserve a few days before, especially if arrive on a week end. It is popular and with good reason.
Costa Rica has 1000s of people who are living full time in the country without legal residency, the perpetual tourist. to enable this they simply leave every 90 days and return and get a fresh visa stamp. A very popular short jaunt is to cross over to Nicaragua and come back but why not have some fun? San Juan del Sur is just a jump from the border and is the sweetheart of the expat visa runner. The hotels , restaurants and bars cater to this side of the business so expect to see a rather older party crowd. Retirees gone wild.