The sloth tour takes place in between San Juan del Sur and La Virgen, roughly 35 minutes from Dharma Shala. A short guided walk through fields on a worn path brings you to a natural habitat for sloths, birds and other creatures, such as anteaters, common pootoo, monkeys, porcupines. The guide speaks in both English and Spanish, making this a great family excursion, giving people to see wildlife in its habitat rather than a zoo or park. The whole trip takes about 90 minutes once you arrive. Prices from $20/person.
Surf Lessons
Dharmashala is located 15 to 20 minutes away from 4 beaches, two of which are a great place to learn or enhance your skills. Playa Remanso is an excellent beach to learn on, with a variety of instructors and packages available. Even waves and a bit of protection from the shape of the bay make it an ideal spot to learn to surf. Restaurants and bars offer spots to get out of the sun and rehydrate. Playa Hermosa offers stunning unspoiled views, provides the most shaded space with tables, hammocks and lounges along a stretch of the beach. There's a restaurant and bar there as well. Surf lessons generally last about 90 minutes and will give you an excellent workout in addition to helping you learn techniques to be riding waves on your own. Further south is Playa El Yankee, which offers a couple of breaks and waves for a more advanced surfer. The beach does not have the amenities of the others, but you can bring your own picnic here and set up in the trees to get some shade if desired.
Horseback riding
Dharmashala is close to Big Sky Stables in Escamequita. They feature different ride options including ones that go down to the beach, giving the opportunity for a pretty magical sunset and or galloping along the beach. Contacts and packages available upon request.
Cristo de la Misericordia
People from all over the world come and climb to the base of the Cristo de la Misericordia statue on the northern slopes of San Juan bay. Sitting 134 meters above sea level the views along the Pacific coastline along the Emerald Coast of Nicaragua. The statue itself is 25 meters tall including the base and is a popular spot for photos.
Lighthouse
A newly paved road leads up the southern ridge of San Juan bay passing a old fort and then curling around the western edge of the bay before descending to the Lighthouse. There is a little cafe and breathtaking views from El Faro. This free activity can be done in as little as an hour by car or will provide a cardio workout if done on foot.
Zip line/canopy tours
Parque de Avenura is just a few minutes east of town. Climb up the hand dug road in side by side Yamaha machines. The adventurous ride will take you past an abundance of wildlife, with frequent sloth sightings on the way up. Once you arrive at the top, you'll get to experience being on the Continental Divide, which determines whether water runoff will eventually end up heading in the Pacific Ocean or the Caribbean Sea. The views of 4 of Nicaragua's volcanoes and a massive expanse of the Pacific coastline will stick with you before you begin the adventure of zipping amongst the canopy. A great family friendly adventure. Total adventure takes about 2 hours. Prices upon request.
Granada
Granada is the oldest colonial city in North America, just celebrating its 500th anniversary. A two hour trip by car, bus or shuttle, you'll pass by three volcanoes and Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America. The colonial architecture of Granada is stunning with views of both Mombacho volcano and Lake Nicaragua. Multiple cathedrals show the history and its influences, both religious and non religious.
