Experience the best of San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur sits in a deep horseshoe bay in the south-west of Nicaragua, a short drive from the Costa Rican border. In the 1850s it was the Pacific end of the route used by travellers crossing Nicaragua on their way to California. Fishing boats, bars and restaurants line the beach and waterfront, and at the north end of the bay a large statue of Christ stands on a headland looking over the town.

Surf beaches such as Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa lie along the coast to the north, with sand coves for swimming. At La Flor wildlife refuge to the south, olive ridley turtles come ashore in large numbers to nest, mostly between July and January. Inland, Rivas and the ferries to Ometepe, an island of twin volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua, are about an hour's drive away.

Fresh fish, ceviche and grilled lobster are served on the beach, alongside gallo pinto, grilled plantain and fresh coconut. The dry season, from December to April, brings steady offshore winds and sunshine, while the green season from May to November is wetter and quieter.