Back in June 2017, I flew to Nicaragua for my sister’s wedding — and little did I know it would turn into the best trip of my life. The entire week felt like a dream, from celebrating love in a breathtaking setting to exploring one of the most underrated destinations in Central America.
I’ve shared a few wedding photos here, but to truly appreciate the magic of that day, I recommend checking out the professional shots captured by Chelsea Erwin. Honestly, my sister and her new husband looked like they’d walked straight out of a magazine spread.
But beyond the wedding, this trip was about falling in love with a little coastal town on the Pacific side of Nicaragua: San Juan Del Sur.
Why San Juan Del Sur?
San Juan Del Sur is the kind of place that doesn’t care if you’re a surfer chasing waves, a student backpacking through Central America, a yogi searching for a retreat, or just someone like me looking for sunshine, ocean air, and new adventures. It has a laid-back charm that manages to embrace every kind of traveler.
Before the trip, I spent hours scrolling through @discovernicaragua on Instagram, which became my unofficial travel guide. It’s how I found some of the best spots in town and got a glimpse of the vibrant community that makes San Juan Del Sur so special.
The Realities of Travel
Now, before I paint too rosy of a picture, let’s talk honestly. Nicaragua is a developing country, and San Juan Del Sur is no exception. The gorgeous villas, yoga studios, and restaurants I’m about to describe often sit right next to homes without electricity or reliable running water.
The contrast can feel stark. We stayed in homes with gates, security, and private drivers who not only dropped us off at dinner but waited outside until we were ready to leave. It was a luxury, and I don’t want to gloss over that reality.
The people we met, though, were unforgettable — warm, kind, and welcoming at every turn. Their generosity and spirit gave this trip its true magic. When I later showed my dad photos from the wedding and the town, he chuckled and said, “I feel like you went to a different Nicaragua than I did.” And he wasn’t wrong. Travel, after all, is always a matter of perspective.
That said, I never once felt unsafe, and I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone curious to experience San Juan Del Sur for themselves. Just go with open eyes and an open heart.
Getting Around Town
Here’s one quirky little detail you’ll want to know: addresses aren’t really a thing in San Juan Del Sur. If you ask a driver to take you somewhere, you’re relying on their knowledge (or sometimes sheer luck) that they know the spot you mean. A map of the town makes this a bit easier — there’s essentially one main road that runs along the beach, so when someone says “on the beach,” they mean along that single stretch.
It’s both confusing and charming, the kind of thing that forces you to slow down and embrace a more casual pace of life.
What Made It Unforgettable
Beyond the wedding festivities, here’s what made San Juan Del Sur truly memorable for me:
- The beach town vibe. Everything revolves around that one strip of sand and ocean. From surfers running down the road with boards tucked under their arms to cafés spilling out onto the street, it felt effortlessly alive.
- The sunsets. If you’ve ever seen the sun melt into the Pacific, you know what I mean. Each evening, people gathered on the beach with drinks or just bare feet in the sand to watch the sky transform into fiery shades of orange and pink.
- The food. From beachside restaurants to casual bars, every meal felt fresh, flavorful, and unpretentious. Seafood, plantains, and rum cocktails became the staples of our week.
- The community. Locals and travelers alike made this place shine. Conversations flowed easily, and it didn’t take long to feel like part of something bigger.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, my week in San Juan Del Sur wasn’t just about attending my sister’s wedding (though that was a fairytale in its own right). It was about discovering a slice of Nicaragua that’s vibrant, complex, and utterly unforgettable.
It’s easy to look at pictures of the beaches or the villas and think you’ve captured the essence of the town. But the truth is, San Juan Del Sur is layered — it’s a mix of beauty and hardship, privilege and simplicity, luxury and grit.
And that’s exactly what made it so special.
If you’re considering a trip, don’t just go for the surf or the yoga or the nightlife (though all of those are fantastic). Go because it’s a place that will expand your perspective, fill your soul, and remind you how beautiful the world can be — in ways both expected and surprising.
