Playa El Coco

Eighteen kilometers south of San Juan del Sur [1], this jewel of a beach is great for swimming, fishing, and access to the turtles at La Flor [2]; this is where you’ll find Parque Marítimo El Coco (tel. 505/8999-8069, www.playaelcoco.com.ni [3]), an extensive compound on a wide beach with a popular restaurant called Puesta del Sol (open 8 a.m.–8 p.m. daily) with meals from $7.

Accommodations range from furnished apartments to fully equipped bungalows and houses; prices start at $80 and go to hundreds of dollars per night—weekend packages are very reasonable with a group of people. Houses have air-conditioning, satellite TV, hot water, and kitchen, and sleep up to eight people.

You should come prepared with supplies; there is an on-site minimarket, plus bike rental, Internet, and a new conference facility.