1 block from the beach Β· San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Ride the Waves.
Sleep like a local.

Your surf base in Nicaragua. Affordable beds, epic sunsets, good people β€” and the Pacific right at your door.

4.8
Google Rating
120+ reviews
1 Block
From the
Main Beach
10+
Years Welcoming
Travelers
5000+
Happy Travelers
from the world
Two travellers laughing at the wooden front desk of Hostal Los Chamos in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
#1 Surf Hostel
SJDS
Our Story

More than a hostel.
A home in Nicaragua.

Hostal Los Chamos is a family-run surf hostel right in the heart of San Juan del Sur. We're a block from the beach, surrounded by good energy, and obsessed with making every traveler feel at home.

Flexible check-in & check-out

Check in from 1pm, check out by 10am. Early/late options available β€” just ask.

Surf culture at its best

We connect you with the best surf spots, local instructors, and board rentals β€” all within walking distance.

Safe, clean & secure

Individual lockers, clean shared spaces, secure WiFi, and a team that actually cares.

Accommodation

Choose your vibe

From social dorms to private doubles β€” all clean, comfortable, and one block from the surf.

Mixed dorm at Hostal Los Chamos β€” wooden bunk beds under a blue vaulted ceiling with a wall-mounted A/C unit
Social & Budget

Mixed Dorm

Our most social option β€” bunk beds, fresh linen and lockers, fan or air-conditioned. Dorm beds aren’t listed in the online system, so message us and we’ll sort you a bed straight away.

πŸ”’ Locker πŸ“Ά Free WiFi πŸŒ€ Fan or A/C 🚿 Shared bath
Room at Hostal Los Chamos with two beds made up in white linen and a private bathroom through the doorway
Groups & Families

Triple & Family Rooms

Rooms with two or three beds for a small group travelling together β€” including a family room with two double beds. Private bathroom, fan, and space to spread out.

πŸ‘₯ Sleeps 3–4 πŸ₯ Breakfast included 🚿 Private bath πŸŒ€ Fan πŸ“Ά Free WiFi
Best Price Guaranteed

Book direct.
Pay less.

No commissions Instant confirmation Best rate β€” always Free cancellation (48 h) Breakfast included

Live availability and rates · free cancellation up to 48 h before arrival

Questions first? Message us on WhatsApp β†’

Things to Do

San Juan del Sur
is your playground

From world-class surf breaks to colonial cities β€” we'll help you make the most of Nicaragua.

Two surfers walking along the beach at sunset in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, carrying their boards

Surf Lessons & Rentals

Hit the waves at the best Pacific breaks. Beginners welcome β€” our local instructors will have you standing in no time.

Four guests raising drinks around a table at Hostal Los Chamos in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Nightlife & Community

San Juan del Sur's legendary nightlife is right outside our door. Bar scene, rooftop parties β€” we'll show you the local spots.

The glowing lava crater of Masaya volcano at dusk, Nicaragua β€” a day trip from San Juan del Sur

Volcano Masaya Day Trip

Peer into one of the world's only lava-active volcanoes. A 2-hour drive that will blow your mind β€” we arrange day trips.

An olive ridley sea turtle on the sand at a nesting beach near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Sea Turtle Release

Witness olive ridley turtles nesting or participate in hatchling releases on nearby beaches. An unforgettable experience.

Photo Gallery
Watch the vibe

See San Juan del Sur for yourself

One block from the Pacific. Real surf. Real people. Real Nicaragua.

Guest Reviews

What travelers say

4.8 ⭐ on Google · Real reviews from backpackers just like you

Excellent location, very clean place, excellent staff β€” it's a small and cozy hostel a few meters from the beach. Without a doubt I'll come back. I had a great time and it was a great experience. From there we took transport to the beaches since you can request their service.

Colombia πŸ‡¨πŸ‡΄
Google

Best hostel I stayed at during my Central America trip! The staff is super friendly and helpful, the location is perfect β€” 1 minute walk to the beach. They helped me organize surf lessons and a day trip to Volcano Masaya. Will definitely be back!

United States πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
Google

Stayed 5 nights and loved every moment. The vibe is amazing β€” met so many cool people from all over the world. Rooms are clean, staff is incredibly helpful. Perfect base for exploring Nicaragua. The sunsets from the beach are unreal.

Brazil πŸ‡§πŸ‡·
Google

Super bien situado, a menos de 2 minutos de la playa. El personal es muy amable y te ayudan con todo β€” tours, transporte, surf. El ambiente es increΓ­ble, conocΓ­ gente de todo el mundo. Imprescindible si vas a San Juan del Sur.

Argentina πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·
Google

I was nervous traveling solo in Nicaragua but the team at Los Chamos made me feel so safe and welcome. Great tips about where to eat, what to avoid, and how to get around. The dorm was perfect β€” clean, secure, great showers.

Australia πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί
Google
How to Find Us

Right in the heart of SJDS

Address 1 block from main beach
San Juan del Sur, Rivas, Nicaragua
WhatsApp (main contact) +505 8546 9479
Check-in / Check-out Check-in: 1:00 PM Β· Check-out: 10:00 AM
Get Directions via WhatsApp
FAQ

Got questions?

Everything you need to know before you arrive.

How far is the hostel from the beach?
We are just 1 block from San Juan del Sur's main beach β€” a 2-minute walk. You can hear the waves from your bed. Perfect for catching that early morning surf session before anyone else is up.
Do you offer surf lessons?
Yes! We connect guests with certified local surf instructors for all levels β€” complete beginners to advanced surfers. Board rentals are also available. WhatsApp us to arrange your session and we'll sort everything out.
Is it better to book directly or through Hostelworld?
Booking directly through our website always gets you the best rate β€” no 10-15% third-party fees. Use the booking widget above or message us on WhatsApp for a personal quote.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 1:00 PM and check-out by 10:00 AM. If you arrive early or need a late check-out, just ask β€” we'll do our best to accommodate. Luggage storage is always available.
How do I get to San Juan del Sur from Managua?
From Managua, you have two options: (1) Shuttle service β€” direct from Managua or Granada, takes about 2-3 hours, most comfortable option. (2) Local bus β€” take a bus to Rivas (~2h), then a taxi/microbus to SJDS (~20 min). We can help arrange shuttles β€” just WhatsApp us before you travel.
Is San Juan del Sur safe for solo travelers?
Yes! San Juan del Sur is one of Nicaragua's most tourist-friendly towns and generally very safe. Our team provides safety tips for every guest and is always available to advise on safe routes, areas to avoid at night, and trusted transport. We have many solo female travelers who return year after year.
What day trips can you organize from the hostel?
We can help arrange: VolcΓ‘n Masaya night tour, Granada colonial city tour, sea turtle releases (seasonal), Ometepe Island, Laguna de Apoyo swimming, and more. Tell us what interests you and we'll find the best local option.
Do you have lockers?
Yes β€” all dorm beds include access to a secure locker. Bring your own padlock or ask us at check-in, we have some available. Private rooms have a lockable door and in-room storage.

Your next adventure
starts here.

Don't overthink it. Book your bed, grab a board, and let Nicaragua do the rest.

or email us at [email protected]