Guasacate
Surf camps, budgetThe village on the main beach.
Town guide
Things to do in Popoyo
A surf village on Nicaragua's Pacific coast: consistent waves for every level, offshore winds most of the year, a natural rock pool at Playa Santana, sunsets, and a quieter scene than San Juan del Sur.
14
Hostels in the city
8.1
Average, from 1,078 reviews
Offshore
Winds most of the year
4–5
Days
Waves every day
Popoyo is a small surf village on the Tola coast of Nicaragua's Pacific, about two hours north of San Juan del Sur. The area, which includes the nearby beaches of Guasacate, Santana and Playa Colorado, is known for some of the most consistent surf in Central America, helped by offshore winds blowing from Lake Nicaragua for much of the year.
There is a wave for everyone: beginner sections on the beach breaks, the main reef at Popoyo, and the Outer Reef on big days. On land, the scene is surf camps, small hostels, yoga and sunsets.
There is little else to do but surf, eat and sleep, which is why people come. Give Popoyo four or five days, or a week to learn.
Where to base yourself
Guasacate, the village along the main beach, has most hostels and surf camps; Playa Santana is quieter.
Playa Santana
QuietA beach just north of Popoyo.
Playa Colorado
Advanced surfA beach further south.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 4 top-rated hostels. Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Popoyo
Surf: take lessons on the beach breaks, ride the main reef at Popoyo when you are ready, or watch the experts on the Outer Reef. Surf camps run packages with lessons, board rental and video coaching.
At low tide, swim in the natural rock pool near the Popoyo reef. Take yoga classes, horse ride along the beach and watch the sunset.
Take a day trip to the salt flats and hot springs at Las Salinas, or to the beaches of Playa Colorado and Playa Santana.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
The beaches are free, and so are the rock pool at low tide and the sunsets.
Watching the surf from the beach costs nothing.
Lessons, board rental and yoga charge.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Comedores in Guasacate serve gallo pinto, fish and rice for €3 to €5. Surf cafés serve breakfast bowls and smoothies.
Try fresh fish and ceviche.
There are few shops, so food choice is limited. A 10 per cent service charge is often added to restaurant bills; if it is not, 10 per cent is a fair tip.
Nightlife
Going out
Popoyo is quiet at night. Hostel bars and beach bars host sunset drinks and the odd party.
Most people are up for the dawn surf.
A beer costs €1 to €2.
Getting around
Getting around
Shuttles run from San Juan del Sur (about 2 hours), Granada and Managua airport (about 2.5 to 3 hours). Chicken buses run from Rivas to Las Salinas, near Popoyo, a few times a day.
The village is walkable, and surf camps run boats and transport to the breaks.
Roads in the area are rough in the rainy season.
Costs
What Popoyo costs
Hostel beds start at around €10 to €18 a night. Comedor meals cost €3 to €5.
Surf lessons cost about €25 to €40, board rental about €10 to €15 a day, and surf camp packages vary widely.
There are few or no ATMs in Popoyo, so bring cash in córdobas and dollars.
Safety
Safety and scams
Popoyo is relaxed. The ocean is the main risk: reefs are shallow and currents strong, so surf within your level and ask locally.
Theft from beaches and rooms happens; lock your things. Foreigners are banned from any political activity in Nicaragua, including joining protests, so avoid demonstrations and do not post about politics while you are there. Drones are banned.
Medical care is far away. Drink bottled or filtered water; most hostels have refill stations. In an emergency, call 911, or 118 for the police.
Worth the trip
Beaches and the coast.
San Juan del Sur
The party town.
Granada
The colonial city.
Ometepe
Two volcanoes in a lake.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Surf and holidays.
November to April
Dry season
Popoyo
Clean waves and offshore wind.
Roughly April to October
Big swell season
Popoyo
The Outer Reef breaks.
March or April
Holy Week
Popoyo
Busy with Nicaraguan visitors.
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in Popoyo, live from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
When to go
November to April is dry, with offshore winds and clean waves, good for learning. The biggest swells come roughly from April to October, with afternoon rain. Easter is very busy.
Jan
Dry, offshore
Feb
Dry
Mar
Dry
Apr
Easter
May
Swell
Jun
Rain, swell
Jul
Short dry spell
Aug
Rain
Sep
Wettest
Oct
Wet
Nov
Drying
Dec
Holidays
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded. Hot all year.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Popoyo prices.
Treat these as a guide. Surf costs extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Popoyo questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is Popoyo good for beginners?
Yes, on the beach breaks, with lessons.
How do I get to Popoyo?
By shuttle from San Juan del Sur, Granada or Managua airport.
Are there ATMs?
Few or none; bring cash.
Popoyo or San Juan del Sur?
Popoyo for surf and quiet; San Juan del Sur for nightlife.
Is Popoyo safe?
It is relaxed; watch the reefs and currents.
How many days do I need?
Four to five, or a week to learn.
When is the best time to visit?
November to April, or April to October for bigger waves.
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