There are some essential traits that every digital nomad looks for in their next destination–reliable internet, ease of access, and cost of living, to name a few. Then there are those intangible qualities that take a place from good to great: gorgeous weather, friendly community, fun options for food and things to do. If you’re an untethered remote worker planning out your next move, then you’ll want to consider the hidden gem that checks every box as an ideal destination for digital nomads: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
This laidback beach town has made a name for itself as a social surf hub in Nicaragua. It’s small enough to feel connected and big enough to never get bored (especially if you’re chasing the world-class breaks). With the high concentration of digital nomads it attracts from around the world, San Juan del Sur is alive with opportunities to work hard and play hard.
Here are the top five reasons why San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua is an ideal destination for digital nomads. Plus, read to the end to find out where to stay and work, whether you’re seeking a long- or short-term rental.
1. Cool coffee shops for remote work
As a digital nomad, the world is your office. Grabbing your laptop and heading to a local hangout is part of the experience. And in San Juan del Sur, remote workers have their pick of aesthetic cafés to grab a drink and get things done.
The coffee shops downtown all offer fast Wi-Fi, beautiful workspaces, and good Nicaraguan coffee. Better yet, many also serve delicious tropical health food, thanks to the active lifestyle that San Juan del Sur encourages. Like Ding Repair, a vegetarian-friendly café with juice shots and fresh sourdough bread. Or Simon Says, an outdoor garden eatery with fresh smoothies. You definitely won’t go hungry while you’re working from this digital nomad destination.
2. Growing digital nomad community
If you choose to work from one of San Juan del Sur’s excellent coffee shops, you won’t be alone. There’s a sizable expat population in this town that’s adding to its number each day. It’s not unusual to meet digital nomads from the U.S., Canada, or Europe around town, which creates a strong sense of community for solo or group travelers.
HN Hint: Nicaragua’s tourist visa, which all visitors purchase upon entry for $10, is good for up to 90 days.
With more and more remote workers in San Juan del Sur, modern coworking spaces have cropped up to accommodate their needs. You can find hot desks at hotels that cater to digital nomads and easily make new connections. After work hours, the town’s thriving social scene offers ample opportunity to find friends at events like skate bowls, open mics, or pizza nights, making San Juan del Sur an ideal destination for digital nomads.
3. Great quality of life
Usually, desirable places to live come with undesirable price tags. But in San Juan del Sur, digital nomads get to enjoy all the perks of life on the beach with a relatively low cost of living. It’s an affordable area that lets you take advantage of its many recreations on a budget.
San Juan del Sur’s sunny skies are another big draw. The beautiful weather in Nicaragua–particularly during the dry season–gives digital nomads a great quality of life. The town runs at an average temperature of 79°F (26°C) all year-round, which means you’ll be breaking out the shorts and sunglasses every day.
4. Walkable town center
Transportation is a hidden cost that comes with navigating a new city. Rental vehicles and gas refills can quickly add up. Luckily for digital nomads, San Juan del Sur is fairly accessible without a car.
The town center itself is geographically small. Boutique surf shops, eateries, local markets, and bars are all easily within walking distance of most hotels. You can find just about everything you need right in the heart of San Juan del Sur. If you want to explore the surrounding region, you can save by hopping aboard a hostel shuttle–they regularly run to all the nearby beaches, and to popular Nicaraguan cities like Granada. The high degree of walkability helps position San Juan del Sur as an ideal destination for digital nomads.
5. Tons of activities
Why become a digital nomad if you can’t enjoy your travels? When you’re done working for the day, San Juan del Sur has no shortage of things to do. With 10+ unique beaches surrounding the town, you can easily get your daily fix of sun and sea. Surfing is a huge draw in SJDS, but you’ll find plenty of other cool outdoor activities if that’s not your thing. Fishing trips, horseback rides, and sunset sails are all readily available ways to fill your days.
Where to Stay As A Digital Nomad in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
If you’re looking for a place to stay in San Juan del Sur, you’ll quickly find an abundance of options. From fun hostels to fine hotels, there’s something to suit every preference. But for digital nomads, you can’t compromise on accommodations. It’s critical to choose a spot that affords you the privacy and stability to work comfortably, without fear of lost internet connection or outside disruptions.
Need some direction? Start with a trusted recommendation for digital nomads in San Juan del Sur: La Santa María. Nestled atop the sprawling hills that surround SJDS, this resort is much more than a hotel. La Santa María offers livable luxury to digital nomads seeking modern amenities in Nicaragua.
LSM has everything you need to live and work in San Juan del Sur. With powerful A/C, an outdoor gym, kitchenettes stocked with fresh water, and a dedicated coworking space overlooking the bay, the spacious suites are designed with remote work in mind. The close proximity to downtown lets digital nomads easily switch from scheduling meetings to sipping mojitos at sunset. Contact the stellar team at La Santa María to explore all your options.
Did you add San Juan del Sur to your list of digital nomad destinations? Tell us why in the comments!
Related content: 8 Best Outdoor Activities in San Juan del Sur / Is Nicaragua Safe to Visit?
