Rappelling, Kite Surfing and Horse Surfing in San Juan del Sur?

By Blue, May 11th, 2011

Yes, you can soon add Kite Surfing and Rappelling to the list of activities to get your heart rate up in San Juan del Sur.

Three things recently got me to thinking and my heart rate up:
First – A friend recently sent us an interesting link to the British Horsesurfing Association – it’s like wake boarding off the back of a galloping horse. We have added to the list of things to try here at Rancho Chilamate.
Second – was an invite to a media launch for a new Kite Surf Resort at the wind farm in Rivas .
Third – news of the first Open Tour to Rappel down the cliffs at the foot of the Jesus Statue.

It sounded to me like our fun little town of San Juan del Sur was going to get even more fun! According to the U.S. based Adventure Travel Trade Association, adventure travel may be any tourist activity, including two of the following three components: a physical activity, a cultural exchange or interaction and engagement with nature.

Well there are all sorts of great activities for adventure seekers in San Juan del Sur and a few must-try day trips too.

Here’s my A to Z Guide of San Juan del Sur Adventures guaranteed to make your heart pump a little faster – with some helpful links to get you going.

A is for Abseiling (from German: abseilen meaning “to rope down”), rappelling in English – is the controlled descent down a rock face using a rope

B is for Boarding Down an Active Volcano – yes, a Volcano.

C is for Cock fighting – banned in most parts of the world, is still a spectator sport in Nicaragua where its roots run deep in the culture.

D is for Deep Water Fishing – best April through September

E is for Exploring on Your Own. Don’t be shy. Rent a truck and do it yourself. It’s an adventure around every corner. Ask John at Classic Cruisers

F is for a Full Moon Volcano Hike

G is for Getting Married. Gabby will create your dream destination wedding. “I Do” is sure to stir your heart.

H is for Horseback Riding – your chance to canter horseback on a deserted beach with Rancho Chilamate.

I is for Insect Hunting. Why not? How about a night tour looking to draw Tarantulas out of their holes.. or taunting scorpions but not to get stung.

J is for Jumping off a Panga to catch a wave.

K is for Kite Surfing – exciting news about the new kite surf resort opening soon on the wind farm on Lake Nicaragua. Go Jessica Go!

L is for Lava Tube Exploration at Volcan Masaya… in a dark cave with lots of bats.

M is for Mountain Bike Racing – next San Juan Howler race is December 11th!

N is for Night Fishing

O is for Open Mic Night at Pau Hana’s Beach Restaurant. You’re invited on Stage to get your heart rate up.

P is for Paint Ball – jungle style.

Q is for Quad Biking – ATVing down back roads and on the beaches.

R is for Rodeo. Ask around for dates and location of the next rodeo or Hipica.

S is for Surfing… and it’s probably the number one adrenaline rush in the San Juan del Sur with plenty of operators to help you get it!

T is for Tubing in Somoto Canyon

U is for Underwater Adventures like Snorkeling or Octopus hunting near Ostional.

V is for Volcano Hiking – there’s two on the nearby Island of Ometepe

W is for Wildlife Viewing – up close and personal.

X is for ?

Y is for Yoga. San Juan hosts numerous retreats and yoga teacher training too.

Z is for Ziptrekking or ZipLining – also known here as Canopy Tour.

Food for thought: Humans are the only animals who seek danger and risk their lives for the thrill of it. Go out there – and embrace the human animal that we are!!