Traveling.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are a good option if you would like the freedom to move around once you reach San Juan del Sur. Be sure that you are able to drive a manual transmission (stick shift). We suggest only driving during daylight hours (completing your drive before 6 pm), as there are often animals and pedestrians in the road that are difficult to see at night, in the dark. Should you decide to rent a car, we recommend a 4x4 vehicle to manage some of the unpaved roads in San Juan del Sur. Alamo Rent a Car has a local office in San Juan del Sur. Budget, Alamo, Dollar, Avis, and Hertz have offices at the airport in Managua. The drive from Managua to San Juan del Sur takes approximately 2.5 hours. Directions to San Juan del Sur are available on the next page.

Shuttle Service

Should you decide to forego a car rental, we are happy to arrange for an air conditioned shuttle service to pick you up at the airport and drop you off at our office in San Juan del Sur. Shuttles are a safe and reliable way to reach San Juan. Please let your rental agent know if you are interested in this service so that we can arrange it prior to your arrival in Nicaragua. The rate is USD$45 for the first person and USD$25 for each additional person.

Buses

Also known as “Chicken Buses,” rehabbed yellow school buses are an available form of transportation for the adventurous at heart. Schedules are difficult to predict and air conditioning is unlikely; however, it is the most economical way to get around. Express buses are slightly more luxurious, providing air conditioning and a more direct route to San Juan del Sur. The bus departs Managua from the Mercado Huembes and drops you in front of the market in San Juan.

Taxis

We generally discourage hiring taxis, particularly in Managua, unless someone you know and trust has given you the name and phone number of a reputable driver.

Weather, Temperature, and Seasons in Nicaragua

Nicaragua has two seasons, invierno (winter), which refers to the rainy season from approximately May to October, and verano (summer), or the dry season, lasting from November to April. December and January are the coolest months and are the most refreshing and lush time to visit Nicaragua. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, and the nights are distinguished by cool air and clear, starry skies. The temperature gradually climbs and the humidity increases from February until the first rains in May or early June. April and early May tend to be hot, dry, and dusty. The rainy season traditionally starts around May 15 and is typically marked by clear blue skies in the morning and then clouds that gather until around mid-day, when the rain begins to fall. The rainy season continues through November or December depending on the region, except for an Indian Summer known as the canícula, which traditionally occurs from the middle of July to the middle of August, during which time the rains temporarily cease. Temperatures generally range from 27C to 32C (81F to 90F) during the rainy season, and from 30C to 35C (86F to 95F) in the dry season.Weather, Temperature, and Seasons in Nicaragua Taxis We generally discourage hiring taxis, particularly in Managua, unless someone you know and trust has given you the name and phone number of a reputable driver.