San Juan del Sur: Nicaragua's Coastal Gem

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dees-kool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwahn-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs mwee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs reh-bah-hahr ehl pree-eh-soh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (dies)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oh-ee]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
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• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sehs]
• 7Siete
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• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyes]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Before the arrival of the Spanish, the area that is now San Juan del Sur was inhabited by indigenous tribes, primarily the Chorotega and Niquirano peoples. These groups lived in harmony with the land, relying on fishing, agriculture, and trade.

In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, marking the beginning of European influence. San Juan del Sur became a critical point for Spanish expeditions and trade routes, connecting Nicaragua to the rest of the Spanish Empire.

During the mid-19th century, San Juan del Sur gained international prominence due to the California Gold Rush. Thousands of prospectors traveled through Nicaragua via the San Juan River and Lake Nicaragua, using San Juan del Sur as a key transit point on their way to California.

In the 1850s, American entrepreneur Cornelius Vanderbilt established a transit route through Nicaragua, which included San Juan del Sur. This route provided a faster and safer alternative to the overland journey across the United States, boosting the town’s economy and infrastructure.

In 1855, American filibuster William Walker briefly seized control of Nicaragua and used San Juan del Sur as a strategic location for his military operations. Walker’s presence in the town left a lasting impact on its historical narrative.

During the early 20th century, San Juan del Sur experienced economic growth due to the banana trade. American companies such as the United Fruit Company established plantations and shipping operations in the area, contributing to the town’s development.

In the late 1970s, the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) led a revolution against the Somoza dictatorship. San Juan del Sur played a role in the conflict, with various skirmishes and revolutionary activities taking place in and around the town.

In recent decades, San Juan del Sur has transformed into a popular tourist destination, renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. The town’s history and natural beauty continue to attract visitors from around the world.

San Juan del Sur is located on the southwestern coast of Nicaragua. The nearest international airport is Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua, approximately 140 kilometers away. From Managua, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service directly to San Juan del Sur, which typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by road. Alternatively, you can rent a car for more flexibility. Buses are also available from Managua to Rivas, where you can transfer to another bus or taxi for the final leg to San Juan del Sur.

San Juan del Sur is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available and relatively inexpensive. There are also shared shuttle services for popular destinations like nearby beaches or day trips. Renting a scooter or bicycle can be a fun way to explore the town and its surroundings at your own pace.

The official currency in Nicaragua is the Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO). US dollars are widely accepted in San Juan del Sur, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops. Credit cards are accepted in most larger establishments, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors and rural areas. ATMs are available in town for withdrawing cash.

San Juan del Sur is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night on unlit streets and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Petty theft can occur, so use hotel safes for valuables. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists include the outskirts of town and isolated beaches, so it's best to stay in well-populated areas.

In case of emergency, dial 118 for medical emergencies or 101 for the police. The local hospital, Hospital Gaspar García Laviana, offers basic medical services. For more serious conditions, you may need to travel to a larger city like Managua. Pharmacies are available in town for over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting local neighborhoods. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and remove hats. Public Transport: Do be polite and greet the driver when boarding. Don't be surprised if buses are crowded. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Hola' works well. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like gallo pinto and fresh seafood. Don't drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience San Juan del Sur like a local, visit the town's central market where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss the Sunday Funday pool crawl, a popular activity among both locals and tourists. For a unique experience, hike up to the Cristo de la Misericordia statue for panoramic views of the town and bay.