KasiaTravels on a budget: reaching San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Solo backpacking on a budget in Latin America.

[k-a-s-i-a]

Costa Rica is not far from Nicaragua as these are the neighbouring countries. I was heading from Tamarindo to San Juan del Sur, picturesque city 45 min ride from the border. It is known for its charming “downtown” and beach. It also has beautiful, remote and merely visited beaches nearby. Another great benefit of this location was the proximity of Ometepe Island. It is a true paradise, 2 h from the mainland by a local (old and packed with people, so I didn’t feel too secure ;)) ferry. And Ometepe, apart from its green landscapes and lake, has 2 volcanos that can be climbed! So obviously this is what I wanted to do. :)

source

But hey, travelling in the public transport may be challenging, as the timetables are just estimations. So reaching San Juan del Sur took me more time than expected and it was an adventure itself.

First stop – Liberia. I already knew this city, the capital of the Guanacaste province, been here in a hospital, but that’s another story. If you have a car, it would take you 1 h 30 minutes from Tamarindo. If not, you have two possibilities. To use a shuttle that will take you to Liberia directly, without stops, it was around 35 to 45$. Or you could opt for a local bus that departures twice a day, and takes up to 5 hours, but cost 3 $.
If this is not the first post of mine that you are reading, you know that I travel by the local transportation.
In Liberia, in a bus station, you should look for a bus that goes to the border – la frontera de Nicaragua ;) It also cost around 3 $ but this time the ride lasted around an hour.

Next stop is the customs and border office. We arrived late so there were not many people with me, all went smoothly. As a European Union member, I was allowed to be in Nicaragua for 30 days, for a small fee. On the Nicaraguan side, I supposed to take a bus, if available, or share a taxi with someone heading to San Juan del Sur (the taxi should cost around 25$ for a 40 min ride). Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible as I was the only tourist and, after crossing the border, locals disappeared immediately and I found myself alone.

It was past 9 pm. I knew I had no leverage while negotiating with a taxi driver. But I decided to play it cool and tough, haha. He said he will drive me to the city for 45 $. I said no way, that I was not a stupid tourist, that I know that the regular price is 25 $ and this is what I was happy to pay. He reminded me that there are no buses at this time and that he is my only option. I told him not to worry about me, and that I was going to look for a place to sleep for that night. I turned around. And, luckily, he stopped me and agreed to my price. Later on, in the car, we were chatting like besties :)

When I arrived at the hostel “Yajure” it was already around 11 pm. and I was tired, so I fell asleep easily. Especially as I had to wake up early the next day because I was meeting my friend Jeff in “Gato Negro” café in the city centre.

The City itself is really charming, with a nice victorian type of buildings, small local bars, and shops. It is definitely less touristic than Costa Rica, but I cannot say that we were the only tourist there. The beach is rather long, but not too quiet – with the bars playing loud music. Nevertheless, the sunset at the beach was exquisite, as the sun was hiding just in front of us.

During our time in San Juan Del Sur I hung out with Jeff - my American friend from Costa Rica and with 4 other boys that Jeff met earlier in his hostel - Martiin and Joel, both from Netherlands and with Jeff and Omar, both from France.
I must be honest, I really enjoyed this time spent together. It is not always easy to travel solo, especially when you are a girl. But with those guys, it was a pleasure. Although they were behaving like gentlemen, I felt like a partner, and not a girl.

As I love to eat locally, Jeff and me, we found a local market and ate there. Unfortunately, my photos are not too great and will not show you the atmosphere of this place. It was super cheap (around 1 to 2$ for a meal) and very tasty. But let’s be honest, those local markets are not what we, people from West, perceive as hygienic, proper conditions for serving food. There are always several “stations”, each one served by 1 person, usually woman . This person is responsible for preparing the food, cleaning the dishes, getting the money etc. An absolute multitasking, all - in - one. But if you don’t feel discouraged and enjoy eating like locals, on a clean but often ramshackle table, you will get a unique experience. And you’ll be seeing the same look - abashment, blended with amusement and inviting smile.

I would also recommend eating at the street. You can get a tasty chicken, grilled in front of you. Apparently those stands are now called by tourists the ““Chicken Ladies”.

After San Juan del Sur we decided to stay for 2 days in a nearby Playa Hermosa, a tiny spot around 30 min drive from the city. And then I headed to Ometepe. But it is another story… :)

Sending Joy!
Kasia

• More about me here :)

• Some of my recent stories from South America:
  KasiaTravels on a budget: Solo backpacking - on a budget - in Latin America. (Part 1: “When you finally decide to do it!"
  Kasia and the death road - la ruta de la muerte - Bolivia (part 1)
  Kasia and the death road - la ruta de la muerte - Bolivia (part 2)

Comments

[krishankumar]

i like your story and First time reading your story! Very pleasant can’t wait for the next one:) will start following you

[k-a-s-i-a]

im super happy to hear that you enjoyed it! welcome in my world :)

[buddhabrews]

I went to Costa Rica in 2005, would love to go back again soon. Your travels look exciting and fun!

[k-a-s-i-a]

great:) 2005, it must have been a little different that 10 tears later!;)

[itsnicoletv]

Been following your South America posts, and it makes me want to go even more! 😍👏🏻

[k-a-s-i-a]

you should, it's a magical region!:)

[eletelan]

I was there sharing your chicken, your bus ride, hanging with your friends. Your post made me feel like I was traveling with you. So, well written.
I love travelogs that break down the experience in costs, and cost cutting. You travel like I do. I just heard this quote, "don't live ON the island, live IN the island, enjoy being part of the culture, learn something, expand your consciousness. Yes, thank you.

I'm soon buying a Catamaran and plan on coming to rest, maybe indefinitely, to Costa Rica, but don't know anyone yet. I'm sure we'll make plenty of local, flavorful friends.

happy travels

[k-a-s-i-a]

catamaran? that sounds amazing! I don't know if i could do that though. So i hope you gonna write about that:)

[tspink]

Reading your post, while living vicariously through you, I feel like this little kid lol

[k-a-s-i-a]

hahaha! funny ;) thanks for the comment, hope to see you here soon:)

[qberry]

I loved Playa Hermosa when we stayed there a few years ago. Great locals in that area too. We also found a sea turtle reserve to visit close by. Hope you post something about Playa Hermosa soon.

[k-a-s-i-a]

it all sounds like a great trip! :)

[guchtere]

First time reading your story! Very pleasant can’t wait for the next one:) will start following you.

[k-a-s-i-a]

such a great info! im happy that you liked it:)

[herverisson]

Thanks for the read and the photos :) Good job negotiating tough with the taxi driver ;) haha can't wait for the next story!

[k-a-s-i-a]

glad that you enjoyed the read! :) it's always great to hear from you:)

[prch]

Not just only the city has a good view to offer, your hostel has a good view too. Relaxing in a hammock swaying from side to side and enjoying the view, what a moment!

The gentleman with a cap and stripy tee in the 7th photo, he looks like Bruno Mars.

[k-a-s-i-a]

haha, exactly! everyone was telling him the same! ;) thank you for your nice comment :)

[ianalvaro7]

Awesome shot.. i love it.. beuatifull landscape .. keep share up this amazing work and travell

[k-a-s-i-a]

Thank you for that nice comment!:)

[thomasawa]

@ k-a-s-i-a Incredible, as always! Visual delight
Thanks for sharing

[k-a-s-i-a]

thank you for such an encouraging comment!:)

[deboas]

Good post! I love Ometepe and Popoyo beach close to San Juan del Sur

[k-a-s-i-a]

I loved Ometepe too! when did you travel there?

[niemarudz]

Fantastic photos ! breathtaking :)

I want to be there
:)

[k-a-s-i-a]

save some money, make a plan and go ahead!:)

[krystel]

Bellos paisajes, querer es poder. Pudo viajar con poco presupuesto. Se administro muy bien. Felicidades.

[k-a-s-i-a]

Muchisimas gracias Guapa:)

[abdulmanan]

I love traveling and want to.travel.the whole world :( but i.can't :( thank you for letting us see these beautiful places.

[r351574nc3]

whole world :( but i.can't :( thank

[abdulmanan]

There are some reasons that are not letting me fulfill my desire

[k-a-s-i-a]

I hope you will one day soon! good luck:)

[abdulmanan]

yeah, just need your prayers dear.

[rsrestinga]

Very cool

[k-a-s-i-a]

thank you!

[reetabrata]

Beautiful senerio.. beautiful thank you for chance .

[k-a-s-i-a]

thank you!:)

[sahilkhan1221]

Nice place and nice photography i really like your family pic keep posting

[k-a-s-i-a]

thank you dear!

[hearter]

himym. Barney's favorite place :D

[k-a-s-i-a]

:D

[osmar1212]

me encanta

[k-a-s-i-a]

gracias!

[nour-money31]

Looks really beautifull!

[k-a-s-i-a]

it really is!

[cozyrx]

Thanks kasia for this post. Intresting! I would love to travel such place too one day in the near future.

[k-a-s-i-a]

I keep my fingers crossed for that :)

[purpleviolet]

Great picture. I love this kind of photos

[k-a-s-i-a]

thank you!

[olivia7]

Beautiful post.

[k-a-s-i-a]

thank you!

[youcef10]

I want to be here 👣👣😢😢💓💓💓

[rapo]

Costa Rica must be lovely to go on vacation, nice photos

[k-a-s-i-a]

it is! you should visit it:)

[suparman]

Yes nice in god lucky

[k-a-s-i-a]

thanks! you too!

[muhammadkariman]

a very beautiful post
I really like your post very useful for me sendri

[k-a-s-i-a]

Thank you :)

[oadissin]

Very interesting post
I want to visit San Juan del Sur.
Sure will work on my skills in Spanish first.

[k-a-s-i-a]

Spanish is very helpful! ;)

[sidamrani]

travel and photography the perfect combination, great work bro :)

[nguyen-land]

I have the same interests with you, let's give more information to @nguyen-land
I will support you.

[idamaeneri]

This is paradise in my eyes. Thank you for these photos

[k-a-s-i-a]

the pleasure is mine!

[abovethestars]

I love travelling. I have never travelled anywhere beautiful. :(

[k-a-s-i-a]

good luck!

[emotionalsea]

👏👏👏

[k-a-s-i-a]

thanks ;)

[anthonyj]

You should definitely enter my latest contest ! https://steemit.com/contest/@anthonyj/usd6-66-sbd-for-666-followers-contest-or-thousand-word-visuals

[k-a-s-i-a]

i will check that, thanks! :)