Have you ever been to Playa Hermosa near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua? If not, you should! But before that, check out this article to know everything about Playa Hermosa in Nicaragua.
Where is Playa Hermosa?
Playa Hermosa is a wide white sand beach located 12 km South of San Juan del Sur (interlink?), Nicaragua. Once you arrive at the Hermosa Entrance, you will have to pay a fee of $3 (100 Cordobas) that covers the road and facilities maintenance.
Playa Hermosa gives you an infinite sight of the Pacific Ocean with its 2 kilometers open beach. You will enjoy walking barefoot on the fine sand of Playa Hermosa while contemplating the landscapes, including beautiful rock formations.
The local family who owns the vast property giving access to Playa Hermosa decided to keep most of it untouched, making your drive to Playa Hermosa a unique experience. You will first zigzag along the river under the tropical forest before riding hills that lead to stunning ocean views. Pay attention as you could cross the path of some howler monkeys, sloths, and different bird species.
How to Get There?
By taxi or collective shuttle
A taxi (up to four people) from San Juan del Sur to Playa Hermosa costs you around $15-20 one-way. Make sure to ask the price before getting in the taxi; it is way harder to negotiate once at the destination!
You can also take a collective shuttle that should cost $10 round-trip. You can find shuttles at Casa Oro, different surf shops, and El Tresor Boutique.
Our team at La Santa Maria will also be happy to help you coordinate transportation at your convenience.
By car
Playa Hermosa is a lovely 25-30 minutes drive from town.
Leave San Juan del Sur and take a right at the Gancho Corner – the intersection between Pali and the Uno gas station.
There is only one main road; follow it until you get to the Playa Hermosa sign. Pass the entrance road to Remanso, El Socorro’s neighborhood, and drive all the way to Hermosa Entrance.
Right before a river bridge at the bottom of a stiff hill, you will see a colorful sign saying “Playa Hermosa” on your right. Take a right. The road is paved all the way until the Hermosa Entrance gate, where you pay the entrance fee.
The remaining 4 kilometers are dirt roads that can be more or less maintained depending on the seasons and the rains. You will pass a few river bridges and drive up a stiff hill overviewing the Ocean before getting to the parking of Playa Hermosa.
Enjoy this spectacular ride!
Rent a bike/car
If you don’t have a personal vehicle, we can help you get a rental!
Renting a bike costs $10-25 per day depending on how long you rent it while renting a car costs approximately $25-55 per day.
What to Do at Playa Hermosa, Nicaragua?
Playa Hermosa in San Juan del Sur is amazing as there is something to do for everybody.
Relax on the beach
Playa Hermosa is a great beach for those who want to relax and enjoy the sun with friends and family. You will have access to the beach facilities, including hammock wand tables with shade, beach long chairs, outdoor showers, a restaurant, and a yoga deck.
Unfold your beach towel, spread out some sunscreen, and enjoy your day at the beach. Books and games are always great beach companions.
Sip on a drink and enjoy a tasty meal
The restaurant at Playa Hermosa offers many dishes like fresh seafood, pasta, and typical Nicaraguan meals. You can also enjoy their bar menu, including healthy smoothies, soda, and alcoholic beverages.
Note that you do not have to buy from the restaurant to sit at the shaded cabañas or use the long chairs on the beach.
Snorkel or swim around Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa is also an excellent beach for people who like to snorkel since you can see lots of fish and even sea turtles! You can also take long swims from one end of the beach to another.
Hike during low tide
If you are looking for a more active day, hike during low tide! There are fantastic landscapes to explore, including different rock formations, hidden caves, and a small lagoon. Hiking between Playa Yankee and Playa Remanso takes approximately two hours and is best during low tide.
If you decide to go on an adventure, just keep in mind that it gets sweltering and don’t forget to bring water with you!
Surf or paddleboard the Hermosa waves
Playa Hermosa is known for its great waves, perfect for surfing or paddle boarding. The beach break has a right and left, with a variety of lefts and rights depending on the swell.
The waves at Hermosa are usually less crowded and more diversified, making it a perfect spot for all levels of surfers. [Any advanced surfer to complete this section??]
Don’t miss the sunset
Sunsets at Playa Hermosa are incredible and definitely worth going back for! Be ready to witness a memorable colorful sky with hues ranging from blue to pink, with orange and violet tones.
Stay for the night
You can also stay the night at Playa Hermosa at their ecolodge that features four rooms overviewing the infinite Pacific Ocean. Pricing starts at $50 per night.
That is a great way to have an immersive experience at a secluded beach from sunset to sunrise!
Are Pets Allowed at Playa Hermosa, Nicaragua?
Dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they behave. Otherwise, you would have to keep them on a leash.
You are also responsible for your pet’s droppings and must clean up after them.
Playa Hermosa is a fantastic beach for your dogs to run, so make sure to go for a walk playing fetch!
Safety at Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa is very safe, as all the surrounding properties are privately owned and watched. That said, we still highly recommend you not to leave your things unattended as someone might still take them!
Fun Fact: Does It Look Like a Movie?
As you might have heard, a couple of seasons of the famous tv show “Survivor” were filmed in San Juan del Sur and its surrounding. Playa Hermosa was one of the beaches chosen to film mainly all the challenges of season 22.
Playa Escamequita, Playa Escameca, and Playa La Flor are other beaches around San Juan del Sur where “Survivor” has been filmed.
What are you waiting for? Call us to coordinate an amazing day at Playa Hermosa!
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