One fine summer day, while we were out & about, we had a chance encounter with a Kiwi family in Granada, Nicaragua. Their distinct Kiwi accents rose up above the street noise, as they happened to be walking in front of us! So, of course, we have become great friends and enjoyed some hilarious times together when we lived in Nicaragua. These guys are living the good life in San Juan del Sur (SJDS) on the Southwest coast of Nicaragua. We are in regular contact with these guys and keep up to date with what’s going on in.
They know a thing or two about being expats in SJDS so we invited them to join the Dirt Cheap Life blog and share their musings on life in SJDS & Nicaragua.
They are also a family of four with two teens (like us) which always makes things interesting!
Nic is an experienced herbalist – check out her website at https://www.popbotanicals.nz/
Nic and the Fam’s Big Adventure
Having sold up our property in New Zealand in 2022, we thought we would take the family on a road adventure and have landed in SJDS, Nicaragua for awhile.
Nicaragua is known as the land of volcanoes but I like call it the land of beaches, pools, insanely loud wildlife, head-sized avocadoes and never having enough bikinis!
We are accustomed to the bright, blinding skies in New Zealand. Nicaragua feels like we’re in a retro haze; much like my photos from childhood in the ’70s & ’80s. Many expats in SJDS say Nicaragua reminds them of the ’80s. A step back in time when life is slower and the living is easy.
Being a herbalist I am particularly interested in learning about the plants and medicinal properties of the local flora. I am keen to create tinctures and tea’s from the local plants to share with the community.
Our Favorite Places to Eat
Nicaragua does beachfront cafes/bars super well in an island-style relaxed vibe way, making it social and fun. The sea is a huge part of life for locals, especially on a Sunday. Everyone heads to the water and generally makes a day of it.
Juanitas at Majagual Beach – There’s nothing better than being beachfront, feeling the sand between your toes and eating fresh whole fried fish with friends.
Machete Café is our local. It’s famous for it’s community orientated pizza night’s & the best music playlists. A great vibe, the best staff and amazing food.
Tree Casa is a fantastic family spot and a weekly destination for many SJDS families. Wednesday is free admission. It’s a beautiful place with pools, waterslides, high jumps & delicious pizza.
Fresh Fish In SJDS you can buy fresh fish straight off the boat. We quite often see the fisherman cycling straight from the boat (panga) to the fish market with their ‘wares’.
Must Do’s
- Sea Turtles – laying, hatching, and releasing baby turtles at La Flor
- Visit Ometepe – a bliss island with two volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua
- Pretty much all the local SJDS beaches – our fave’s are Playa Yankee, Majagual, Remanso and further afield to Playa Gigante, Redondo Bay and Popoyo. Also Poneloya near Leon
- Whale watching – which is seasonal
Driving Tips
Driving is fairly easy but not so much fun at night with full beam headlights being the norm!
Not only do you have to contend with other cars, trucks, chicken buses but also cows, horses, dogs, pigs, giant lizards, and people strolling all over the road. There is no chance of falling asleep at the wheel in Nicaragua. Some roads around SJDS can be a bit hair raising (especially in the rainy season) and a 4WD is recommended.
My joy is picking up hitchhiking locals in the back of our Toyota Hilux & dropping them anywhere along our journey, little snippets of interaction with the locals help our Spanish. Spanglish should definitely be recognized as a new language while on the path of learning to speak Spanish!
The Teen Perspective
- The best fresh juices
- Friendly people
- No dishwashers
- No good chocolate like New Zealand
- Close Outs clothing shops – these recycling shops are the best!
If you have any questions or would like more info about living in SJDS & Nicaragua, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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