Getting Here:

The Agosto Sandino International Airport is located in the capital of Managua, about 3 hours from San Juan del Sur. From here, you have several choices to get to San Juan del Sur; Adelante Express Airport Shuttle Service, public taxi or car rental. If you are driving, please see the link below for driving directions from the airport.

Playa Maderas is located just north of San Juan del Sur. As you are driving into San Juan del Sur, just before you enter the town, there will be a road to your right with a sign for Playa Marsella. This road is known as La Chocolata and if you follow it to the end, you end up in Rivas. Turn right here and follow the road for about 15 minutes. You will pass over a very tiny bridge and will immediately take the road to the left. Soon, you will come to the first Y, where you will stay to the left, following the signs for Playa Marsella. At the second Y, stay to the right toward Playa Maderas (left would take you to Playa Marsella). At the third Y, stay to the right, where the road starts up a fairly steep hill. Once you reach the crest of the first hill, make a right turn and continue uphill to the Cinco Bahias Development (If you went straight instead of right, you would proceed down the hill and shortly arrive at Playa Maderas). You will pass the guard house and the gates, and continue all the way up the hill until you reach The Surf Retreat at the very top. Welcome Home!

From Costa Rica, you can take a bus from several different points which will drop you at the intersection of the road to San Juan del Sur. From here, you can catch a taxi to take you into town. The most popular bus lines are Tica Bus, Transnica and Central Line. All are air conditioned and the cost is approximately $20.00 from San Jose, Costa Rica.

Map of Nicaragua
Map of SJDS
Driving directions from Managua