Blog

<blockquote><h2 style="padding-left: 40px;" data-mce-style="padding-left: 40px;">Introduction to the New Coastal Highway</h2></blockquote><p>A major transformation has arrived on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast with the opening of the new 30-kilometer coastal highway in San Juan del Sur. This modern road now connects the El Naranjo border crossing with Costa Rica directly to the beautiful beach community of Playa Remanso, creating a smooth oceanfront route unlike anything the region has seen before.</p><p>For decades, reaching beaches south of San Juan del Sur required long, bumpy rides on rural dirt roads. Today, thanks to this new highway, the experience has changed completely — and the benefits for tourism, residents, and real estate are enormous.</p><figure id="figure-3ku9y86h27migctai2"><img id="3ku9y86h27migctai2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1970CLkN8X7JhgYulckjZMZbsNaIXAVqqhfXOTqXLzapuMl1QCIFzW90oGqA2CLV.jpg" alt="coastal highway remanso vie" title="coastal highway remanso vie" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1970CLkN8X7JhgYulckjZMZbsNaIXAVqqhfXOTqXLzapuMl1QCIFzW90oGqA2CLV.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3><strong>Enhancing Connectivity and Access.</strong></h3><p>The new highway is a significant improvement over the previous routes, which were often bumpy and indirect. By connecting key areas along the coast, it significantly reduces travel time, making it easier for people to explore the natural beauty of the region. This improved connectivity is expected to boost local businesses and tourism.</p><h3><strong>A Faster, Smoother Journey Along the Coast.</strong></h3><p><br>The 30 km stretch from El Naranjo to Remanso now takes 35–40 minutes, compared to the 3–4 hours it once took through rough, winding paths.</p><p>This improvement means:</p><ul><li>Easier access to the entire southern coastline of San Juan del Sur.</li><li>A more comfortable and scenic drive for visitors and residents.</li><li>Better mobility for local workers, families, and small businesses.</li><li>It officially places Remanso and surrounding beaches on a new map — one defined by connectivity and accessibility.</li></ul><figure id="figure-tmkz35j1xcmigctiac"><img id="tmkz35j1xcmigctiac" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fn58Imhp4o2oiijWEZpGQDrdsgzMbF8M0eBgrBKukfJNwl5gZqZRFbSLtrPM3hYT.jpg" alt="Coastal Highway San Juan del Sur" title="Coastal Highway San Juan del Sur" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fn58Imhp4o2oiijWEZpGQDrdsgzMbF8M0eBgrBKukfJNwl5gZqZRFbSLtrPM3hYT.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>While the highway is a boon for travelers, it is also a game-changer for local communities. Easier access to nearby towns and cities means better opportunities for trade and employment. Additionally, the construction project has already created numerous jobs, contributing to the local economy.</p><h3><strong>Economic Growth and Development.</strong></h3><p>The new highway is expected to attract more tourists to the area, leading to increased demand for services such as hotels, restaurants, and tours. This surge in tourism will likely spur further development and investment in the region.</p><figure id="figure-kvacl87o0nmigctq3e"><img id="kvacl87o0nmigctq3e" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28EeZRCbMYZ1pWuNs4NSXposxvgfg4VUkxoJPDy8LKmclN6VuB1sFVXjIfJ7BYPN.jpg" alt="Local Community - Ostional - San Juan del Sur" title="Local Community - Ostional - San Juan del Sur" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28EeZRCbMYZ1pWuNs4NSXposxvgfg4VUkxoJPDy8LKmclN6VuB1sFVXjIfJ7BYPN.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3><strong>Environmental Considerations.</strong></h3><p>While infrastructure development is crucial, it's important to balance it with environmental conservation. The highway project has incorporated eco-friendly practices, such as minimizing deforestation and protecting wildlife habitats. These efforts ensure that the natural beauty of San Juan del Sur remains intact for future generations.</p><h3><strong>Community Involvement.</strong></h3><p>Local communities have been actively involved in the planning and construction phases, ensuring that their concerns and suggestions are considered. This collaborative approach has helped create a highway that not only meets modern standards but also respects the environment and local culture.</p><figure id="figure-yiy6xdgrbmigctu80"><img id="yiy6xdgrbmigctu80" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23CwfYIKDcfNerQ0Qmnh21T5BApwTd4XPoS9h5aI0B5iFsxcBGcKnAOcqitFZ3tc.jpg" alt="Community San Juan del Sur" title="Community San Juan del Sur" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 45% 20%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="45%" data-positiony="20%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23CwfYIKDcfNerQ0Qmnh21T5BApwTd4XPoS9h5aI0B5iFsxcBGcKnAOcqitFZ3tc.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 45% 20%;"></figure><h3><strong>Looking Ahead.</strong></h3><p>As the highway opens, San Juan del Sur is poised to become an even more attractive destination. The improved infrastructure will likely lead to a rise in property values and spur new business ventures. Both residents and visitors can look forward to a more connected and vibrant coastal region.</p><p>The transformation brought about by the new coastal highway is just the beginning. With further developments planned, the future of San Juan del Sur looks bright and promising.</p>

San Juan del Sur’s New Coastal Highway: Transforming Travel from El Naranjo to Remanso

<p>Buying property in Nicaragua can change your life—but only if you do it the right way.</p><p>The truth is, this is still a developing nation. There’s no MLS, no standardized system, and plenty of land mines for the uninformed. One wrong step can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars and years of frustration.</p><p>This guide reveals the 7 most common mistakes foreign buyers make—and how to avoid them.<br></p><p>We’ve lived them, we’ve seen them, and we’ve built a system to protect our clients from them.</p><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>1. Don’t Get Burned by “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Deals</strong></h3><p>It’s easy to fall in love with a cheap property or a “can’t-miss opportunity.” But many of these so-called deals come with hidden problems: no legal road, no water rights, or ongoing disputes that make the land unsellable.</p><p>👉 At Flamingo Realty, we vet every property for access, utilities, and long-term viability—so you don’t get stuck with a mirage property that drains your savings.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>&nbsp;<br><strong>2. The Seller’s Agent Isn’t Your Friend</strong><br></h3><p>In Nicaragua, most agents represent the seller. Their goal? Get the highest price possible. Without your own representation, you’re walking into a negotiation blind, often paying “tourist prices.”</p><p><em><strong>+ Real Story: The $250,000 Mistake at Remanso</strong></em><br>A couple in our community bought a 25-year-old home for $250,000. It had no ocean view, sat on a dusty road, and needed endless renovations—electrical, kitchen, repainting. Their plan was to add a second floor. By the time they finished, they’d be $400,000–$500,000 in—still with no view, dusty windows, and limited resale value.</p><p>If they had worked with us, we would have shown them an oceanfront lot for $150,000 and introduced them to a trusted builder. For $200,000, they could have built a brand-new home with modern systems, direct oceanfront, and double the equity the day they moved in.</p><p>👉 When you rush, trust the wrong agent, and don’t ask the right questions—you lose. We exist to make sure you don’t.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>&nbsp;<br><strong>3. Clear Title or Clear Trouble</strong></h3><p><br>Not all land in Nicaragua is created equal. Some titles are incomplete, communal, or tied to old disputes. Buy the wrong kind, and you risk losing every dollar you put in.</p><p><em><strong>+ Real Story: Mitch &amp; Alex’s 3-Year Nightmare</strong></em><br>My friends Mitch (Canada) and Alex (Denmark) learned this the hard way. Mitch bought and remodeled a property and ran it as a hotel. When Alex decided to buy it, he moved in with a deposit down—while still owing 80%.</p><p>Then the nightmare began. The original title had errors. To fix it, they needed the original seller to re-sign, who realized his leverage and began extorting them. What should’ve been a simple transaction turned into 3 years of legal battles, tens of thousands in lawyer fees, lost cash flow, and—worst of all—the end of their friendship.</p><p>👉 This is why we work only with trusted attorneys, and why every property we represent is legally titled, registered, and 100% secure before money changes hands.</p><h3>&nbsp;<br><strong>4. Hidden Costs That Catch Buyers Off Guard</strong></h3><p><br>Transfer taxes, legal fees, municipal charges—these can add up to thousands. Many buyers don’t find out until it’s too late.</p><p>👉 We make sure you know the true cost of ownership upfront, and guide you in structuring your purchase to minimize taxes legally.</p><h3><br></h3><h3><br><strong>5. Paying 30% More Than You Should</strong></h3><p><br>Without local comps or insider knowledge, it’s common for foreigners to overpay by 20–30%. That “dream property” might turn into your biggest regret.</p><p>👉 We analyze real market data, provide accurate valuations, and use proven negotiation strategies to get you the right price.</p><p><br></p><h3><br><strong>6. The Closing Process Can Eat Your Money Alive</strong></h3><p><br>Unlike the U.S. or Canada, Nicaragua doesn’t have a standardized escrow system. If you don’t know who to trust, you risk delays—or worse, losing your money in the process.</p><p>👉 We guide you through safe, transparent closing channels, ensuring your funds are secure until the deal is 100% complete.</p><p><br></p><h3><br><strong>7. Buying Without a Long-Term Strategy</strong></h3><p><br>Too many expats buy with their heart, not their head. They picture sunsets and palm trees but forget about rental demand, resale value, and long-term growth.</p><p><em><strong>+ Real Story: How I 3X’d My Own Investment</strong></em><br>During COVID, I was burned out by restrictions. I wanted freedom, healthier food, lower costs, and a life centered around surfing. So I called a trusted broker and bought a beachfront lot—sight unseen. Within weeks, I had signed the contract, hired a builder, and designed my house—all remotely.</p><p>A year later, I stepped onto the pool deck for the first time. It was even better than I imagined. I invested just over $1M into what’s now The Flamingo Experience. The moment I turned the key, it was worth $3M.</p><p>The payoff wasn’t just financial. My health improved. My stress disappeared. My relationships deepened. My lifestyle reset.</p><p>👉 This is the power of buying with strategy and the right connections. When you partner with us, you don’t just buy property—you plug into a proven recipe for success.</p><p><br></p><h3><br><strong>The Bottom Line</strong></h3><p><br><em><strong>+ The stupid way to learn in real estate is trial and error. The smart way is having a trusted guide.</strong></em></p><p>We’ve lived here. We’ve invested here. We’ve built here. And we’ve seen every nightmare and every success story.<br>Our job is simple: help you avoid costly mistakes, and show you how to buy with confidence, clarity, and strategy.</p><p>👉 Ready to explore Nicaragua with confidence? [Book Your Insider Retreat] or [Schedule a Call] and let’s talk about your goals.</p><p>&nbsp;<br></p>

🦩 The Flamingo Realty

Blog

San Juan del Sur’s New Coastal Highway: Transforming Trav...

The Expat Buyer’s Guide: 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying ...