Popoyo Nicaragua guide: Everything You Need to Know
Popoyo was the perfect ending to our Nicaragua trip. The small surf town reminded us a lot of Bali: cozy cafés with surfboards on the walls, dusty streets, and a modern, aesthetic style. Popoyo is ideal for relaxing. Modern, yet not overcrowded. You’re right by the ocean and whether you’re surfing or simply sitting on the beach, this is a place where you can unwind and slow down.
For the end of our trip, we chose a slightly more upscale accommodation and spent three full days there. Popoyo is the perfect spot if you want to take a deep breath after a few intense weeks of traveling. It’s quiet enough to relax, but not boring. If you’re looking for sun, the ocean, and a laid-back vibe, Popoyo is the right choice. In the end, we decided to stay longer in Popoyo and skip San Juan del Sur. That turned out to be exactly the right decision for us. Check out our comprehensive Nicaragua roundtrip guide for the perfect Nicaragua itinerary, best time to visit and important tips for you Nicaragua trip.
Best Things to Do & Highlights in Popoyo
In Popoyo, everything revolves around the ocean, the waves, and the relaxed beach lifestyle. The town is known for its surf spots, which are suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. As a beginner, we especially recommend the Beginner Bay. You can rent a surfboard right there for about 10€ and head straight into the waves. Even if you don’t surf, there’s still plenty to do to keep your days filled.
Restaurant Recommendations
We actually cooked for ourselves most of the time in Popoyo. It was practical, not very time consuming and relatively inexpensive. In the evenings we usually ordered food and had it delivered to our accommodation. Breakfast was provided at our hotel and it was a really good mix of Gallo Pinto, fresh fruit or pancakes and coffee from the espresso machine. If you don’t feel like cooking there are also a few small restaurants and beach bars. The selection isn’t huge but you’ll definitely find something:
Where to Stay in Popoyo?
Our Stay in Popoyo
We spent the last few days at Tukasa Popoyo, and it was exactly what we needed after weeks of traveling. The accommodation is modern and cozy, the rooms are clean and bright, and the pool is perfect for relaxing. They offer both, double rooms and shared dorms, so there’s something for every budget. A double room costs around 120€ per night, reflecting the higher-end standard.
The staff is super friendly and happy to help with everything, whether it’s renting a surfboard or giving tips for excursions. If you want a bit of comfort while still enjoying the relaxed, laid-back vibe of Popoyo, Tukasa is a great choice. It’s also a good place to connect with other travelers, as the accommodation organizes e.g. music and movie nights as well as trips, for example to the Secret Beach Party or surf trips. None of this is mandatory though. The only downside is that it’s a bit outside the heart of Popoyo, but we would gladly return here anytime.
Alternative Stays for every budget
Depending on whether you prefer to be near beaches or where there is more activity and more restaurants, you should choose your accommodation location in Popoyo. We were near Playa Santana. It was located very close to the surfing beaches and relatively quiet, although accommodations here are a bit more expensive. Alternatively, you can stay closer to the center of action, around Popoyo’s center, Las Salinas.
budget-friendly € mid‑range €€ luxury options €€€How to get to Popoyo: Transportation & Directions
Whether you’re coming from Managua, Granada or Ometepe, getting to Popoyo is easy by bus. Depending on your route, you may need to change buses in Rivas. It is best to just ask the driver for guidance. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which is especially convenient if you’re returning to Managua, and you can often share the ride with other travelers. The taxi usually costs around 50€–60€.
Once in Popoyo, the easiest way to get around is by renting a motocross bike or scooter. Most accommodations can arrange this for you and even deliver it to your door. Prices are roughly 20€ per day.
