San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

With a population of just 14,741, this sleepy Nicaraguan beach town is hardly the vibrant, cosmopolitan hub some may expect. The local economy has shifted from fishing to tourism, but bureaucracy remains a persistent headache - the town's 150th anniversary in 2002 was celebrated with an official designation as a "Tourism City of Nicaragua." While the climate is tropical and warm year-round, the heavy rainfall during the rainy season from June to November can be a dampener. Overall, San Juan del Sur seems best suited for a specific type of visitor - one drawn to its picturesque bay, surfing scene, and proximity to filming locations for reality TV shows like Survivor.