A look at some of the best things to do in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua for anyone wanting to stay fit and live an active life on the beach.
San Juan del Sur is by far the most popular beach town in Nicaragua, attracting local and international tourists, plus a growing expat community. It has a reputation as a party town, but there’s more to life here than pub crawls and Sunday Fundays. There are also plenty of things to do in San Juan del Sur to stay fit and healthy. Let’s take a look at some of them:
1. Surfing
Surfing is what put Nicaragua on the map for a lot of foreigners. It still draws thousands each year to its fantastic waves, offshore winds, and pristine beaches. San Juan del Sur is home to many well-known breaks, offering waves for everyone, from beginner to pro. As any surfer will tell you, surfing is not only fun but also a fantastic workout.
2. Gyms
There are two gyms open to the public in SJDS. The Fight Club Gym is the larger of the two. It offers a variety of classes as well as free weights, cable machines, championship boxing ring, exercise & medicine balls, balance boards, TRX straps, padded area for floor work, CrossFit, MMA, and more. There’s also a small gym with the appropriate name of Gymsito (“Little Gym”). This gym has more machines than the other and also has free weights.
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3. SUP and Kayaking
The calm waters of San Juan del Sur Bay are perfect for stand up paddle boarding and kayaking. Many of the local surf schools will rent out SUP boards and kayaks for you, as well as offer lessons and trips to other locations up and down the coast.
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4. Yoga
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning yoga in a town that’s full of yogis. Like most other beach towns in Central America, San Juan del Sur attracts yoga enthusiasts of all abilities. There are a bunch of places to choose from – many hotels, hostels, and surf camps will have a resident yoga instructor. You can also check out Zen Yoga Nicaragua in town.
5. Circus Performance Training
You always know when the Momentom Collective is in San Juan del Sur. Their free performances pop up all over town wowing kids and adults alike. Don’t let the act fool you, though. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to do what these artists do. If you think you’ve got that kind of dedication, or if you’re just curious, they offer daily classes in the different arts of aerials, hula hooping, fire dancing, acro-yoga, yoga, and meditation.
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6. Cycling & Mountain Biking
San Juan del Sur is a great town to cycle around, running your daily errands, and you don’t need a car here at all. For the more energetic, there are a plethora of bike trails through the hills of around town. The most popular trails are off the road to the north beaches called Chocolata.
7. Hiking
San Juan del Sur has many options for hikers, with stunning views at every turn. The hike to the Jesus statue and to the lighthouse are the two most common routes. You can catch the road to the Jesus statue by walking to the north end of the bay and cutting into the neighborhood below the statue. The lighthouse is a bit more difficult to navigate. On the south end, next to the port, is the Acopio fish market, there’s a small trail leading up to the left.
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8. Running
San Juan del Sur consists of a lot of dirt roads, which are perfect for runners. Put on your running shoes, pick a road, and go. When adventuring out to less populated areas, make sure you go during daylight, and leave your valuables at home. It’s best to run in groups. Running on the beach, around the crescent from end to end and back again is also a great option.
9. Skateboarding
There are a couple of designated spots for skateboarding in San Juan del Sur. The most popular and largest is at the Surf Ranch Resort, just outside of town. It’s totally free and they have probably the best skate shop in the region. They also hold skate competitions a few times a year.
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If you’re the active type and you’re looking for healthy things to do in San Juan del Sur, as you can see, there are plenty of options. This growing list will no doubt keep you busy and active.