Pacific coast holidays
Pacific coast holidays at a glance
The Pacific Coast, Nicaragua, offers a world of tranquil beaches, forested headlands and powerful waves, an isolated shoreline that’s only gradually opening up to visitors. Development has come slowly and on a small scale, through eco-lodges and a few secluded, upscale retreats rather than sprawling resorts. It’s a model for Nicaragua eco tourism done well, and the coast has kept its wild, unspoilt character as a result.
San Juan del Sur is the region’s hub. Once a small fishing town, it’s now a lively, laid-back beach town close to the Costa Rican border, with a surf scene that attracts wave-chasers from around the world. It makes an ideal base for exploring the coves and beaches on either side of it.
Away from town, the pace slows right down. Expect long stretches of sand with barely a soul on them, coastal forest tumbling down to the shore and pelicans patrolling the breakers. After the volcanoes, lakes and colonial cities of inland Nicaragua, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Pacific coast
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast combines dramatic scenery, excellent surfing and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, making it one of Central America’s most appealing beach destinations.
When to visit Pacific coast
The coast is hot and tropical all year. The best time to visit Nicaragua Pacific Coast beaches is the dry season, from around November to April.
The dry season here means warm, sunny days and the driest months overall are February and March. Towards the end of May there is an increasing chance of rain as the wet season begins. In November there is a week-long surfing festival in San Juan del Sur.
The wet season starts in June but this area remains slightly drier than the Caribbean coast. Humidity increases making it feel muggy and hot and there is an increased chance of storms as the season progresses.
Top Things to do in Pacific coast
The Pacific Coast offers a mix of beach relaxation, surfing and coastal exploration. Whether you’re drawn by the waves, the scenery or the peaceful atmosphere, this region provides a refreshing contrast to Nicaragua’s inland destinations.
Take a surf course or just rent a board and ride the waves in a world-renowned surfing destination.
Accommodation in Pacific coast
Accommodation along the coast ranges from characterful boutique hotels in San Juan del Sur to secluded eco-lodges and upscale retreats set in private coves. La Posada Azul and the Victoriano Hotel put you within easy reach of town. Morgan’s Rock and Orquídea del Sur offer a more secluded, nature-focused stay. Mukul is a luxurious beachfront retreat on the coast’s quieter stretches.
Homely, quaint guesthouse in a traditional wooden house with an ideal location in San Juan del Sur and a profusion of beautiful folk art.
Rustic, eco-lodge beside a pristine white-sand beach on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, providing a tranquil base for immersing yourself in an unspoilt landscape.
Secluded hotel on a Pacific cliff top, where an idyllic natural setting combines with the warmth and personal attention offered by staff and owners to create a very special atmosphere.
Beachfront hotel in the style of a traditional Caribbean plantation house, with an intriguing history and a distinct seaside vibe.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made Pacific coast Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Self-drive Nicaragua: Adventures by road
Places visited: Matagalpa and the north · Leon · Granada · Ometepe Island · Pacific coast
14 days from £2,350
Signature Nicaragua: Fire, water and revolution
Places visited: Rio San Juan · Granada · Ometepe Island · Pacific coast · Leon
13 days from £3,075
FAQs about visiting Pacific coast
Pacific coast is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- What is the Nicaragua Pacific Coast known for?
Its long, near-empty beaches, jungle-covered cliffs, surf culture and largely undeveloped character.
- Is San Juan del Sur worth visiting?
Yes. It’s a lively, laid-back beach town close to the Costa Rican border that draws surfers from all over the world, and it makes a great base for exploring the coast.
- When To Go
The coast has a typical tropical climate with high temperatures all year round May – Nov is rainy season, but rain is usually restricted to short tropical showers and the foliage is beautifully verdant. The coastal forest dries out in the dry season; in Dec/Jan it is still green but there is little rain. The sunniest and driest months are Feb – Apr. Easter and Christmas holidays are very busy. Hurricanes possible Jun – Nov.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- When is the best time to visit the Pacific Coast?
The dry season, from around November to April, with February and March the driest months.
- What combines well with the Pacific Coast?
Ometepe Island, colonial Granada, the San Juan River and the Solentiname Islands all combine well with time on the coast.
- Language
Spanish.
- Getting Local Currency
Córdoba. Notes can be obtained from exchange houses and also from banks which will supply advances on a debit or credit card. There are ATMs in large towns where you can use a UK credit or debit card. You may have to ask your bank to authorise withdrawals before you leave the UK, and amounts may be limited. Obtain your local currency needs before travelling to the coast.
- Time Difference
GMT -6 hours.
- Combines With
A stay on laid-back, but Latin, Ometepe Island on Lake Nicaragua; a visit to colonial Granada on the shores of the lake; a boat adventure down the tropical San Juan river near the frontier with Costa Rica; a stay on the tranquil historically and culturally fascinating islands of Solentiname in the southern part of Lake Nicaragua.
- Getting There
It’s a 3 hour drive from Managua to San Juan del Sur.
- Can you learn to surf in Nicaragua?
Absolutely. San Juan del Sur is one of the best places to learn to surf in Nicaragua, with lessons available for beginners.
- How far is San Juan del Sur from Managua?
It’s around a three-hour drive.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.