The Ultimate Guide to Popoyo, Nicaragua

When you think of Nicaragua’s best beach towns, you might imagine San Juan del Sur, Las Peñitas, or even the Corn Islands. But did you know that the Emerald Coast is quietly home to some of the dreamiest waves in the country? If you want to get off the beaten path and spend your days soaking up the sun and surf, Popoyo, Nicaragua is the utopia for you.

In this ultimate guide to Popoyo, Nicaragua, you’ll discover:

The best things to do in Popoyo (besides surfing)
Deluxe oceanfront hotels for any budget
Tried and true places to eat
Easy ways to get around the region

And plenty of bonus travel tips. Read on to start planning your perfect trip to Popoyo:

What is Popoyo, Nicaragua?

Popoyo is the general name for an expansive beach region on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. It’s known for its world-class surf breaks, peaceful pace of life, and magnificent sunsets.

Unlike its popular cousin a few miles south, San Juan del Sur, Popoyo has a more rural look and feel. Getting stuck behind an ox cart is the closest you’ll come to a traffic jam. The roads are bumpy and unpaved, and there’s no main street lit up at night. Instead, you’ll find local beach bars right on the sand, eco-friendly hotels, and an intimate sense of community.

Things to Do in Popoyo

Popoyo is most popular for surfing at any level thanks to its year-round offshore winds. There are lots of surf breaks to choose from, all fit for different abilities. The best way to find the right time and place to surf around Popoyo is to either stay at a surf camp or hire a local surf guide. Both will know how to personalize their recommendations to your needs. (Contact us if you need guide recommendations.)

If you’re just getting started, you can always take lessons from local guides, or head to Beginner’s Bay for a surfboard rental and lesson. (Ask for Mario!)

Not a surfer? No problem. You can still find a lot to love in Popoyo. With the endless stretch of clean, uncrowded shoreline, visitors have their pick of beaches–each with distinct personalities. Grab a group and set up for sunset watching on the rocks at Playa Santana (or Playa Jiquelite). Head north to Playa Guasacate to swim in the ocean and spot miniature marine life in the tide pools. Elsewhere, you’ll find surf breaks like Lance’s Left, Outer Reef, Colorado, and more–some accessible only by boat.

Want more activities to choose from? Fun things to do in Popoyo include:

Deep-sea fishing excursions
Catamaran sailing
Outdoor yoga classes
Sunset horseback riding
Beach bonfires
Exploring natural tide pools
Stargazing (seriously–it’s incredible here!)

HN Hint: Animal lovers, plan ahead–time your trip right, and you might be lucky enough to see a sea turtle hatching event in Popoyo! This natural phenomenon typically takes place from approximately September to February.

For social events, the hostels are always hosting open mics and live music nights. Plus, check out Popoyo’s Secret on Saturdays. It’s an all-night beach party with international DJs and drinks. Get tickets in advance, and hop a shuttle from Tukasa or Amahula.

Places to Stay in Popoyo

There’s no shortage of beautiful places to stay in Popoyo. From experiential cabañas to acclaimed resorts, there’s something for everyone–and every budget. You’ll feel right at home when you stay at any of these top hotels in Popoyo:

Luxury resorts

Private beaches. Cliffside villas. Five-star concierge service. For the best of the best, you’ll find no finer accommodations than the luxury resorts of Popoyo, Nicaragua. Explore Rancho Santana and Mukul if you want the royal treatment.

Boutique hotels

For a beautiful place to stay right by the beach, Popoyo has some absolutely lovely boutique hotels. Unlike the exclusive resorts, these picks are more integrated with the broader community while still retaining a personal touch in their service. Check out the stylish and sophisticated Costa Oeste, Malibu Popoyo, 99 Surf Lodge, and Hide & Seek.

Beach bungalows

Want a more experiential stay? These charming beach bungalows are ideal for sunrise beach walks and the aesthetic surf life. Try the clean and cozy cabins at SUYO Cabañas, Monoloko Lodge, or Casitas Pacific.

Hostels

Even if you’re not a traditional backpacker, you just might choose to stay at these stunning hostels in Popoyo. With low rates, prime location, and positive vibes, any traveler can fit right in at the social Amahula or chill Tukasa hostels.

Surf camps

Going to Popoyo on a single-minded mission to surf? Then the all-inclusive surf camps are for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new or a seasoned pro–if you’re staying at NicaWaves or Popoyo Surf Lodge, you’ll get a packed itinerary and personal attention tailored to your goals.

Where to Eat in Popoyo

In Popoyo, you can’t go wrong with the local eateries. This area is all about the chill beach bars. It definitely leans casual here, which is part of Popoyo’s appeal for many. But if you want a dinner restaurant where shoes and shirts are encouraged, you can find that, too.

Start with this quick list of the best places to eat in Popoyo, Nicaragua:

Beach bars

Down frosty beers with your toes in the sand at Finca Popoyo, Nica Vibe, and Tipsy Gypsy.

Local eats

Classic Nicaraguan dishes are fresh and affordable at places like Comedor Arbizu, La Loma del Sabor, and Soda Camping Luna (Plus, get your pizza fix at Pizzeria Calabria or Viento Este.)

Cafés

Every beach town has its health nuts. Get your coffee and clean eats at Kooks Cafe, Cafe con Leche, and Mahalo Café.

Nice restaurants

Got an occasion for celebration? Head to Taberna 99 (99 Surf Lodge), Oasis (Hide & Seek resort), or Magnific Rock (great for sunset!).

Bonus: Get huge burritos and quesadillas at the food truck outside DogTown Surf Shop, and find fresh Nicaraguan coffee at the bar inside.

How to Get to Popoyo

So you want to go to Popoyo. Great! What’s the best way to reach the beach?

To get to Popoyo, you have a few transportation options:

Rent a car (most versatile)
Hire a driver (easiest)
Take the public bus (cheapest)

If you choose to take a bus, you will connect through Rivas. Once you arrive, hop aboard the bus to Las Salinas/Tola. These depart somewhat infrequently and can fill up fast. Travel times vary, but it’s generally slow going this way.

If you head to Popoyo by car directly from the airport, expect the trip to take about two to three hours:

Driving distance to Popoyo
From Managua airport: 2.5 hours
From Costa Rica border: 2 hours (plus 1.5 hours from LIR to the border)

(Can’t decide whether to fly into the Managua or Costa Rica airport when you visit Nicaragua? See our guide for help.)

Once you arrive, you will get the most out of your visit if you have a vehicle (unless you’re staying at a resort that provides transportation). You can rent a motorcycle for about $20/day–this is the most popular way to get around Popoyo.

If you want to rent a car, you can either get one at the airport and drive yourself straight to your destination or get one from a regional provider in Popoyo. This option provides the most flexibility, especially for larger groups. Do note that gas is pricey in Nicaragua, so it can also turn out to be the most expensive option, depending on your situation.

HN Hint: Be advised that during the rainy season the local roads in Popoyo may be flooded with muddy puddles. Usually a motorcycle can handle the wet terrain, but at this time of year you may want a vehicle with 4WD, like an ATV.

General tips for Popoyo, Nicaragua

Cash is king, and ATMs are scarce. If you can, bring enough to cover your stay. Many hotels will upcharge if you pay by card.
Getting around takes longer than you’d think. Depending on the route and time of year, going from one side of Popoyo to the other can be a bit of a trek. Factor extra transit time into your plans.
Keep it casual. Popoyo gives “beach bum” a new meaning. Unless you’re going to a high-end resort, don’t feel pressured to wear fancy outfits on your trip.
It gets really dark, really fast. This makes for gorgeous starry skies, but limits visibility after sunset. Pack a flashlight at night.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just want to catch a few sunsets, you’ll find that Popoyo is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Nicaragua. Grab a Toña and take it easy–this is one destination that invites you to slow down and live in the moment.

Need help finding your way around Popoyo, Nicaragua? Contact us by email or Instagram for trusted transportation and tour guide recommendations.

Love Popoyo? Share your best advice in the comments!

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Meet your Tour Guides

Hola! We’re Gail & Luis, a team of two with a deep love for Nicaragua. Luis, a professional tour guide, is the knowledgeable source behind the blog. Gail, an American writer, is the voice.

We started this blog as a way to stay connected from afar and support Nicaragua in our own small way.

Today, our mission is to open hearts and minds to the wonders of Nicaragua and make it easier than ever to start planning your trip.