One of the things about Nicaragua that people most like to write about is the street address system, or lack thereof, in most of the country. Just today, I saw yet another article describing Nicaraguan addresses: How Far Are You From the Place Bono Sang About?
San Juan del Sur is not really big enough to worry about getting lost in (unlike Managua, where I routinely get lost). However, very interestingly, earlier this year street signs began appearing on the streets of our fair town. All bearing the Flor de Cana logo nevertheless. As far as I know though, no one who lives here is aware of the name of the street they live on. They will, however, know the best way to tell you how to get there… and the names of most of their neighbors.
I receive a lot of mail asking for information and/or advice about San Juan del Sur. I thought it might be helpful if I posted some of it here. I’ve changed the names of those writing… just to be safe and respectful. If you have a question… please feel free to write to me at sandy@sandyiverson.info
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Hi Sandy,
My name is Kaitlin. I am looking to move to San Juan for a bit and was hoping you might tell me a bit about it. I am mostly concerned about getting some work and what visa restrictions I might incur. Do you know if there are any English language schools there? I am a surfer and am told the surf is in abundance there. Is there a lot of breaks within walking distance from town? Anything you can think to tell me would be much appreciated. Hope all is well.
Dear Kaitlin,
Work is hard to come by in San Juan del Sur… but if you do find work you probably won’t have to worry too much about visa restrictions; your employer will likely take care of whatever paperwork they deem necessary. What skills do you have?
You will be more likely to find work if you have a unique skill or are fluent in Spanish and you don’t need to earn very much money. Some skills that could earn you some money in San Juan (esp if you speak Spanish) are: chef; bar-tender; massage therapist; acupuncturist; personal trainer; pilates or yoga instructor. Salaries are very low (about $200-$300 a month) and rent is high (about $75-$200 a month for a shared house). But it is a GREAT place to live!
There are about 4 Spanish Schools I think… but I’m not aware of any English Schools. Some people have eeked a living out of giving private English classes.
The surfing is great I am told (I’m not a surfer) and my friends who live on the far north end of the beach right in town often surf right outside their house. The better breaks are all a short ride out of town…but none are really within walking distance. Once you get to know people you will find ways to get to the beaches.. hitching a ride with friends or taking one of the numerous and fairly cheap shuttles.
“While world tourism numbers dip, tourism in Nicaragua is on the rise, thanks to its competitive prices, natural attractions and central geographic location” writes Nicole Rogers of the Nica Times. See the full story at http://www.nicatimes.net/ntstory1.htm
Maderas Beach was the place to be this weekend. The first competition of the National Surf Circuit was held and over 200 people turned out to compete and watch the fun. It was a great weekend, and the waves were really meeting expectations. Courtesy of www.nicaraguasurfreport.com here are the final results:
Womens:
4th Robin Donaldson
3rd Kathalina Sigmon
2nd Kristen Moss
1st Maite de la Torre
Open (All ages, Nicaraguan and International Competitors):
4th Julio “El Panson” Mairena
3rd Gerardo “El Mope” Miranda
2nd Augusto “La Gaviota” Chamorro
1st Rex “La Bestia” Calderon
“The contest would not have been possible if it was not for Javier Baldovinos the president of the National Surfing Federation, Tony from The Surf Sanctuary, and the boys from NSR and Surfari Charters.”
A number of Cruise Ships have been avoiding Mexican ports since the Flu outbreak and some of them have chosen to make last minute stops in San Juan del Sur, instead. A Holland America Cruise Ship, the MS Zuiderdam stopped in on April 30 and The Coral Princess was in harbour on May 2. With the Island Princess here on a scheduled stop on May 1, San Juan was hopping for 3 days with ship passengers.
Costal Living names Morgan’s Rock Eco Resort, which is just outside of San Juan del Sur, one of the top 10 eco-resorts in the world!! We agree and love everything about the beautiful beaches and jungle surrounding Morgan’s Rock. Check out the full article here.
And if you can’t afford the $438 per couple per night all inclusive, don’t worry, we have the inside on some other great options in the “neigborhood”. Contact us at info@sanjuandelsurguide.com for details and to learn more about our amazing vacation rentals on the San Juan del Sur coast.
