Did you know that Popoyo has the most consistent wave of Nicaragua? Tucked away on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, Popoyo is a must-visit destination for backpackers and surfers. Despite its rising popularity, this village remains a serene alternative from more crowded surftowns in Central America like San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua and Puerto Escondido in Mexico. However, with new buildings shooting out of the ground like crazy it is clear that this destination will soon be a lot more crowded with tourists. So the best time to visit Popoyo is now!
Whether you're a surfer chasing waves or a backpacker travelling through Central America, Popoyo offers a unique blend of activities. I will take you through everything you need to know about Popoyo, including how to get to Popoyo, where to stay in Popoyo, and what to do in Popoyo. And yes! That includes where to surf in Popoyo and where to eat in Popoyo - very important :)
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To have internet in Nicaragua I bought an e-sim via Airalo when I was in Nicaragua, which I would recommend because it is super easy and the price was good! Another good esim option is Yesim - with my code 'travelpayouts24' you get a 3 EUR discount until 31st of December 2024 :). Especially if you go for a month or less, these esims cost about the same as a locally bought physical sim.
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About Popoyo, Nicaragua
Located about 100 kilometers south of Managua, Popoyo is a small coastal village with a laid-back vibe and stunning beaches. The village's beaches are lined with golden sand and offer incredible sunsets. Inland, you'll find lush landscapes and small, authentic villages. Popoyo's charm lies in its simplicity and welcoming community, making it an ideal spot for slow travellers looking to unwind and connect with nature.
Popoyo has been growing in popularity among backpackers in recent years, and it’s on its way to becoming as well-known as other surf spots in Central America. Despite the development, Popoyo still maintains a peaceful feel and offers a refreshing alternative to more tourist-heavy destinations in Nicaragua.
When is the Best Time to Go to Popoyo?
The best time to visit Popoyo is during Nicaragua's dry season, which runs from November to April. This period offers the best weather for surfing and exploring the area. The rainy season can bring heavy rains that make the ocean choppy and less ideal for surfing.
How to get to Popoyo?
One of the benefits of Popoyo is that it is relatively easy to reach from various places in Nicaragua.
How to get from Managua to Popoyo:
Local bus + taxi. Take a bus from Managua to Rivas. This takes approximately 2-3 hours and costs around $3-4 USD. They charge you for large backpacks. Then, from Rivas take another bus to Las Salinas or Tola. This costs around $2-3. From Las Salinas or Tola you can walk or take a taxi or moto-taxi to where you are staying in Popoyo. This costs around $10-20.
Shared shuttle. Shared shuttles are around $40-50 per person. If you are with a group, it will likely be cheaper to opt for a private shuttle or taxi. This is around $120-150 total. Don't forget to ask how many people (and bags) fit in though! Private shuttles are sometimes cars and not the minivans.
Direct taxi. Direct taxi costs approximately $100-150.
How to get from Granada to Popoyo:
Bus + taxi. Take a bus from Granada to Rivas. This takes approximately 1.5-2 hours and costs around $2-3. They charge you for large backpacks. Then, everything is the same as when you would come from Managua. So from Rivas take another bus to Las Salinas or Tola. This costs around $2-3. From Las Salinas or Tola you can walk or take a taxi or moto-taxi to where you are staying in Popoyo. This costs around $10-20.
Shared shuttle. Shared shuttles are around $35-45 per person. If you are with a group, it will likely be cheaper to opt for a private shuttle or taxi. This is around $90-120 total. Again, don't forget to ask how many people (and bags) fit in though!
Direct taxi. Direct taxi costs approximately $90-120.
How to get from Isla de Ometepe to Popoyo:
Ferry + bus + taxi. Take the ferry from Ometepe, either Moyogalpa or San Jose del Sur, to San Jorge. This costs around $2-3 and takes about an hour. From San Jorge, take a bus or taxi to Rivas. Bus costs around $1-2 and a taxi around $10. From Rivas take another bus to Las Salinas or Tola. This costs around $2-3. From Las Salinas or Tola you can walk or take a taxi or moto-taxi to where you are staying in Popoyo. This costs around $10-20.
Ferry + shared shuttle. Take the ferry from Ometepe, either Moyogalpa or San Jose del Sur, to San Jorge. This costs around $2-3 and takes about an hour. Shared shuttles are around $40-50 per person. If you are with a group, it will likely be cheaper to opt for a private shuttle or taxi. This is around $80-100 total. Again, don't forget to ask how many people (and bags) fit in though!
Ferry + direct taxi. Take the ferry from Ometepe, either Moyogalpa or San Jose del Sur, to San Jorge. This costs around $2-3 and takes about an hour. Direct taxi costs approximately $50-70 and is honestly the nicest option taking into account the heat and the frequency of switching vehicles otherwise.
How to get from San Juan del Sur to Popoyo:
Bus + taxi. Take a bus from San Juan del Sur to Rivas. This takes approximatley 1 hour and costs around $1-2. They charge you for large backpacks. From Rivas take another bus to Las Salinas or Tola. This costs around $2-3. From Las Salinas or Tola you can walk or take a taxi or moto-taxi to where you are staying in Popoyo. This costs around $10-20.
Shared shuttle. Shared shuttles are around $30-40 per person. If you are with a group, it will likely be cheaper to opt for a private shuttle or taxi. This is around $70-90 total. Again, don't forget to ask how many people (and bags) fit in though!
Direct taxi. This costs approximately $50-70 total.
The suggested prices obviously vary depending on the availability and season. In rainy season prices can go up along with travel time. And always schedule in some extra time to keep your options open, check bus schedules (best to do so by asking locals). One thing to keep in mind is that when you are travelling with three or more in most cases a direct taxi is going to be the most comfortable and sometimes even the cheapest option!
What to do in Popoyo as a (Slow) Traveller?
While slow travelling is all about taking your time to soak in the local culture and atmosphere, Popoyo offers plenty to keep you entertained and relaxed. Whether you're staying for a few days or a few weeks, here are some activities to enjoy:
Surfing in Popoyo
Popoyo is a surfer’s paradise, renowned for its consistent waves and laid-back surf culture. Surfatlas even dared to say that it is now arguably the best all-in-one surf destination in Nicaragua. Indeed, Popoyoa has surf spots for all levels, great surf stays, and is fairly accessible. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, the local surf schools provide lessons and board rentals. Here is a brief overview of some of the best known spots:
Playa Guasacate: A great option for beginners, with manageable waves and nearby surf schools. Playa Guasacate actually runs over the whole length of the town of Popoyo, but the sand bottom is interrupted by bits of reef that create spots for different levels - as found in the list below.
Popoyo Beginner Bay: This spot is ideal for beginners and surfers with some experience but for whom it has been a while that do not right away want to go to the more advanced spots. In the middle of the Bay you find mellow green waves and white water, depending on the tide, and it has a sand bottom. More towards the reef, you will find a nice lefthand wave.
Popoyo Main Break: This spot is ideal for all levels past beginner-level, offering consistent waves and a welcoming surf community. Any swell direction and any tide works here. The wave offers a left and right that is quite long and can get hollow.
Stoneys: Besides a part of Beginner Bay, this is the only true point break in town according to Surfatlas. The size and swiftness of the waves here depend a lot on the conditions, so best is to ask local surfers when to surf here. It is definitely a spot for more experienced surfers and with the South-West swell coming in in the summer, it can get quite high.
Playa Santana: Known for its powerful waves, it’s perfect for experienced surfers. You will find many surf hostels and houses around this place, so there is a vibing surf community here. Depending on the conditions, Playa Santa offers both learning spots and nide and hollow waves for more experienced surfers.
Board rental prices range from $10 to $20 per day, depending on the type and quality of the board. Many surf shops also offer weekly rental deals, so it’s worth asking around.
Enjoy the Beach or Play Beach Volleyball in Popoyo
When you are not into surfing, Popoyo’s beaches are perfect for relaxation. Whether you’re lounging under a palm tree, taking long walks at sunset, or enjoying a yoga session by the ocean, the beach offers a serene backdrop for unwinding. Just be careful with where you decide to go swimming as the tide can be strong in some places! There are also various places where volleyball courts pop up and you will find groups of people playing together. Just ask to join in, and you'll likely be welcomed into a friendly game.
How is the Party Scene in Popoyo?
While I enjoy dancing, I usually prefer starting my days early and saving my budget for other experiences. However, beach parties can be great fun, and Popoyo is particularly known among backpackers for one of them: Popoyo Secret.
Popoyo Secret. This hidden beach party happens once every two weeks, or in different frequencies depending on the season. It costs $25 for entry and $5 for the pick-up from Popoyo town, either at Tukasa Surfhouse or Amahula Surfhostel. This also means you will likely only find travellers here and barely any locals as the entrance fee is out of budget for many locals, especially since it happens so frequently.
Although Popoyo Secret is a popular party in a backpacker destination that seems to be known for its parties, most people I spoke with tended to consider it overrated. So what to do if you do like dancing and socializing, but you prefer local and more budget-friendly events instead?
There are always events and parties in Popoyo hosted by local bars or by local organizations that offer a more authentic travel experience. While I was staying at Tukasa there were plenty of posters announcing events in the upcoming days.
Local bars. I went dancing at a local bar where a live band played. At Popoyo Republic, which is also a hostel, you can also frequently find activities, DJ and live music, and good food while looking out over the beach at sunset.
Fundraising events. I also visited a fundraising event for Sirenitas Surf Club, a local social enterprise that inspires and empowers young girls through surfing, swimming, and education. During the event they showed a documentary on the untold Black history of surfing and aquatic culture. These events offer a chance to connect with locals and fellow travellers while supporting meaningful causes.
Where to Eat in Popoyo?
The culinary scene in Popoyo consists primarily of sea food. Fresh seafood is abundant, with local eateries serving up delicious ceviche, grilled fish, and other coastal delights. For a true taste of Nicaraguan cuisine, don’t miss out on traditional dishes like gallo pinto and nacatamales.
There are also options for vegans and vegetarians, but I have not found a specifically surprising or creative place. However, I have not seen them all and Popoyo is developing rapidly so let me know when you have a recommendation I should add here!
If you are a budget-traveller, note that the restaurants, cafes and supermarkets tend to be quite expensive around the surfhostels. So you might want to bring some products from your previous destination in Nicaragua. Alternatively, there is a truck with fresh produce that passes several places in and around Popoyo around noon daily. These vegetables and fruits are fresh from the land, delicious, affordable, and you support the local economy directly. A win-win-win-win!
Where to Stay in Popoyo?
Based on my own experience and the stories of other travellers, I can recommend two places to stay at in Popoyo:
Tukasa Surf House is by far one of my favourite hostels I have been to. It is very new, owned by two French surf enthusiasts, and they surf a delicious breakfast - either Nicaraguan breakfast or a well-filled bowl with Greek yoghurt, fruits and granola. There is a pool, airconditioned rooms and the vibe is tranquil and friendly. It is a bit out of town and is quiet at night and on walkable distance from most surfspots. Tukasa also offers a great place for digital nomads and working travellers as they have large tables in a half-open space and good wifi. Maybe the only downside is that it is one of the most expensive hostels I have stayed at in Central America, the other being Bostel in Mexico's mushroom mekka San Jose del Pacifico. It costs around 25 USD a night for a dorm. But for me this was absolutely worth it!
Very similar to Tukasa is Amahula Surf House. Nestled in Playa Guasacate, just a 5-minute walk from the world-famous Popoyo break, this surf and lifestyle hostel is designed to cater to travellers. I have heard many good stories about this Surf House and will definitely visit the next time I come to Popoyo. The main downside from this place is that there is no kitchen or breakfast included. However, as it is located more near the center of Popoyo Town you will find more food options around than the other hostels and houses on this list. Prices are similar to Tukasa and absolutely worth going out of budget for for a bit!
Popoyo Republic. This hostel is right on the beach in between Playa Santana and Popoyo Beginner Bay. The beach is incredibly quiet so you will have plenty of space to hang around, swim in the ocean and watch the sunset. Popoyo Republic also hosts many activities including live music and DJ sets, good wifi for digital nomads and their restaurant has really nice food. Including vegetarian and vegan options! The prices are a bit lower than the previous options and are around 15 USD for a dorm.
Conclusion
Popoyo, Nicaragua, offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility for slow travellers. With its top-notch surf spots, welcoming accommodations - like Tukasa Surf House, Amahula Surf House, and Popoyo Republic - and vibrant local culture, it's a destination that shouldn't be missed. Explore beyond the typical tourist spots, support local events, and immerse yourself in the serene and authentic atmosphere of Popoyo.
Pack your bags, grab your surfboard (or rent one), and get ready to experience the best of Popoyo!
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