The full story
Perched high on a breezy hillside above San Juan del Sur, this light-filled two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence offers an exceptional entryway into Central American coastal living. Spanning 90 square meters, the home is intelligently designed to maximize indoor-outdoor flow and capture the refreshing trade winds that sweep across the Rivas isthmus. The interior features an open-concept living and dining area anchored by sleek polished concrete floors and native hardwood accents, creating a cool, modern aesthetic that requires minimal upkeep. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open directly onto a covered terrace, where panoramic views of the shimmering Pacific Ocean and nightly sunsets take center stage. Both bedrooms are generously sized with built-in storage, while the two full bathrooms showcase clean tropical tiling and high-quality fixtures.
For international buyers, Nicaragua presents one of the most straightforward and foreign-friendly property markets in the Americas. Overseas purchasers enjoy the same fee-simple ownership rights as Nicaraguan citizens, meaning you hold direct, unencumbered title to the property rather than a leasehold structure. Property taxes in the municipality of Rivas remain remarkably low, keeping ongoing holding costs to a minimum whether you intend to reside here full-time, use the home as a seasonal escape, or place it on the vacation rental market. The residence sits in a secure, quiet residential enclave on the ridge, providing peaceful privacy while keeping you within easy reach of every convenience.
Situated just 800 meters from the water, the property offers quick access to the vibrant crescent bay of San Juan del Sur. Here, soft golden sand meets warm Pacific waters bordered by dramatic rocky headlands. While the calm main bay is ideal for paddleboarding, casual swimming, and enjoying fresh catch at feet-in-the-sand seafood restaurants, world-class surf breaks lie just up the coast. A ten-minute drive north brings you to famous Playa Maderas, renowned for its consistent beach break and laid-back surf culture, while nearby Playa Remanso to the south offers gentler waves perfect for beginners and longboarders.
The bustling town of San Juan del Sur is a lively hub filled with eclectic dining options, from local 'fritangas' serving authentic gallo pinto and plantains to craft breweries, artisan bakeries, and international espresso bars. Daily necessities are easily gathered at the central municipal market or local supermarkets. Travel access is straightforward: Managua's Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) is approximately 130 kilometers north (a scenic 2.5-hour drive via well-paved highways), while Costa Rica's Liberia International Airport (LIR) is roughly 120 kilometers south across the Peñas Blancas border. With its combination of natural beauty, affordable cost of living, and thriving ex-pat community, this ridge house represents an outstanding value in Pacific coastal real estate.
Around the property
🏝️ The beach
Broad Pacific surf bay flanked by dramatic green headlands
- Sand
- Golden, compact sand perfect for walking and beach sports
- Water
- Warm Pacific ocean with consistent swell for all surfing levels
🍽️ Eat & drink nearby
- ·Local seafood and fish tacos at beachfront chiringuitos
- ·Craft burgers and microbrews at San Juan del Sur Cervecería
- ·Farm-to-table breakfast and artisan coffee in town
🛍️ Shops & markets
- ·Fresh tropical produce at the central municipal market
- ·Surfers' boutiques and local handmade leather goods
- ·Well-stocked local supermarkets for everyday essentials
✈️ Getting there
- ·Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) - 130 km (2.5 hrs)
- ·Liberia Guanacaste Airport, Costa Rica (LIR) - 120 km (2.5 hrs + border)
- ·Local express buses to Rivas hub - 30 km (45 mins)
🏄 Things to do
- ·World-class surfing at Playa Maderas and Remanso
- ·Catamaran sunset cruises across San Juan del Sur bay
- ·Ziplining and horseback riding through coastal forest
- ·Sea turtle nesting tours at La Flor Wildlife Reserve







