Category: San Juan del Sur

First World Problems in Nicaragua

It’s been a pretty good life for me the past 2+ weeks- aside from really crap hotel management in Managua, of course! But, I do have a couple of issues with the way things work (or don’t) in Nicaragua. Before I vent, please know I am aware these are first world problems in Nicaragua and not a big deal, but let me vent!

Schedules that are not followed

Caso Oro Shuttles
The shuttle “schedule”

I am talking to you Casa Oro and other businesses in San Juan del Sur that claim to run daily shuttles to the beach! This may be a ridiculous complaint but other travelers to SJDS need to know. Lonely Planet and every other guide seems to believe that Casa Oro makes multiple daily trips to different beaches. They don’t. It’s a bait and switch. You show up for the 1030am shuttle to Remanso or 11am to Hermosa and they say “no. We no going there” and offer you the Maderas shuttle. Every time. OK this has has happened to me 3 times, so maybe that’s not a scientific sample but look who’s president of the U.S. now.

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Cooking Class – Eating Nacatamales in Someone’s Backyard

I got to participate in a really fun activity in San Juan del Sur: a cooking class! We learned to cook a local food at a local’s house. This is my experience cooking and eating Nacatamales in someone’s backyard in Nicaragua.

What are Nacatamales?

Nacatamales are a traditional Nicaraguan food and a twist on the tamales most of us have had in Mexican restaurants. Cooked in banana leaves over a flame for hours (4-5 in this case), they are very big and contain meat, corn meal, rice, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, peppers and mint.

Here in Nicaragua, they are popularly served for special occasions like Christmas and Sunday breakfast.

Learning to Cook Nacatamales

You know my Spanish school organizes all sorts of fun activities to keep us students busy and entertained! Well, one of them was this cooking class. A group from the Spanish school went to a local’s house to learn how to cook nacatamales on a Friday afternoon.

Do you like trying the local food when travelling? Read about the food and drink of Iceland and the Caribbean island of Bonaire

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Things to Do in San Juan del Sur: Pools with a View at Pelican Eyes Resort

I have found an alternative to taking a bus to the beach on a weekday afternoon in San Juan del Sur. It involves walking up the hill from town to lounge in the pools at Pelican Eyes Resort. I went to the resort twice to enjoy the pools and the view. While uphill, I personally don’t think it’s that bad a walk, but you can also get a taxi to take you – it can’t cost much. However you get there, you will enjoy relaxing for the day at Pelican Eyes Resort.

pools with a view at Pelican Eyes Resort
Infinity Pool at Pelican

How I found pelican eyes resort

The first time I visited Pelican Eyes was to drop off the school supplies for Pack for A Purpose. This hotel serves as the drop-off point for the Jean Brugger Foundation, even if most of the employees at the reception area don’t know it!

beautiful resort

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To Do in San Juan del Sur: Visit to Parque Aventura Las Nubes

The school activity of the day today was a trip to an Adventure Park: Parque Aventura Las Nubes. It is an amazing mountain preserve, with hiking trails, beautiful views both east and west, and plant and animal life. If you’re near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, it’s well worth a visit to Parque Aventura Las Nubes.

The VIEWS

Nubes are clouds, and you are in a park in the clouds. The elevation is pretty high – we took a 4 wheeler to get up there – and the payoff is beautiful views. On a clear day you can see the Ometepes to the east. Stunning.

Ometepe Islands view from Parque Aventura las Nubes
View eastward to the volcanoes of Ometepe Islands
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Eating and Drinking in San Juan del Sur

I am getting 3 square meals a day in my home stay, but sometimes a girl needs a change from Nica cuisine. There’s only so much rice and beans and chicken one can take, and I like that food! So I have been exploring the local restaurants and have some recommendations for eating and drinking in San Juan del Sur.

Fortunately, San Juan del Sur has tons of options for eating and drinking. For a small Nicaraguan beach town, SJDS holds a huge variety of bars, cafes and restaurants. Most cuisines are represented: Italian, vegetarian, sushi, Chinese, Indian etc.

Below are my favorite dining spots I have visited since coming to this Nicaraguan surfing town.

San Juan del Sur Cerveceria

Cerveceria eating and drinking in San Juan del Sur
SJDS Cerveceria
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