If you haven’t noticed yet, Nicaragua is about to explode on the travel scene in the next few years. Right now, it’s still mostly a hidden treasure for backpackers and surf enthusiasts, which is honestly amazing, but soon it might become much busier! After places like Guatemala became super accessible for all kinds of travelers, Nicaragua still feels like the perfect getaway for adventurers who want to unplug and explore.
And what better place in Nicaragua than Popoyo? Popoyo is the cutest little surf town you could ever imagine—super relaxed and not overly developed! I totally fell in love with the place, spending countless hours surfing and just soaking in the chill vibes.
Now, I’m excited to share my favorite spots and tips on where to stay in Popoyo for your next adventure in Nicaragua.
- Where to stay in Popoyo – Best Hotels
- Where to Stay in Popoyo – Best Areas
- Where to Stay in Popoyo for Backpackers: Las Salinas Popoyo
- Best things to do in Las Salinas Popoyo
- Best restaurants in Las Salinas Popoyo
- Where to stay in Popoyo for a Relaxing Atmosphere: Playa Popoyo
- Where to Stay in Popoyo for the Best Hotels: Playa Santana
- Where to stay in Popoyo – Frequently Asked Questions
Where to stay in Popoyo – Best Hotels
Amahula Surf House & Hostel
I feel like Popoyo Hostels are super popular because there are so many backpackers in Popoyo. Amahula Surf House is one of the best hostels in Popoyo, as it’s brand new and has a super cool boutique hostel vibe that I love. It’s right on the beach, close to the best surf spots. It offers board rentals, dorm rooms, private rooms, and a little restaurant with delicious food—perfect for a cold beer after your surf lessons.
Click here for more information & bookings
The Barrel Hostel
For a busier vibe, I would definitely recommend The Barrel Hostel. The Barrel Hostel is right on the beach, next to the other main hostels. They have the best prices in Popoyo, but it also feels the most low-budget. If you don’t mind very basic accommodation and you’re just coming for the surf, ocean views, and good vibes, then this spot is perfect for you.
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El Pez Surf Hotel
One of my favorite hotels in Popoyo is El Pez Surf Hotel, located close to Popoyo Beach. It’s a bit more expensive than the hostels, but it’s worth it for the stunning ocean views and luxurious private rooms. It’s one of the more popular hotels in Popoyo, and it comes with a massive swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and, of course, private bathrooms with hot showers (which is not always a given in Nicaragua)!
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Hotel Punta Teonoste
Quite the luxury pick in Popoyo is Hotel Punta Teonoste. It’s located a little outside the main town, but it’s definitely worth the trip. The hotel is situated on a beautiful stretch of private beach and has stunning ocean views from all its rooms. It offers luxury bungalows with private terraces, tropical gardens, a swimming pool, and a beach bar where they serve delicious drinks and local cuisine.
Click here for more information & bookings
Malibu Popoyo
Last but not least, I have to mention Malibu Popoyo, one of my favorite Popoyo hotels. This fantastic hotel is located on the outer edge of Popoyo Beach and offers a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere compared to the other hotels in town. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with balconies overlooking the ocean. They also offer surf lessons, board rentals, and even yoga classes, which were right up my alley.
Click here for more information & bookings
Where to Stay in Popoyo – Best Areas
Popoyo is super chill but pretty underdeveloped, so having a scooter is key if you want to explore beyond your accommodation. The roads aren’t great, and the town is split by a river that flows into the ocean. You can either stroll along the beach (only at low tide!) or take a longer drive around, which can be a bit of a pain. So, it’s smart to plan where you want to stay before heading to Popoyo.
Most hostels and backpacker spots are in the Las Salinas Popoyo area, which has about 4-5 hostels, a convenience store, and a few restaurants—that’s about it. If you’re looking to venture outside of that zone, you’ll definitely need a scooter or be ready to walk.
Right next door is Playa Popoyo, which is still pretty secluded but closer to town, making it easier to get around.
And then there’s Playa Santana, which I think is the liveliest spot. You’ll find a bit of a town vibe here with several restaurants and most of the hotels located in the area.
Tip: If you’re looking to explore some awesome surf towns in Latin America, you’ve got to check out our guide on where to stay in Mancora!
Where to Stay in Popoyo for Backpackers: Las Salinas Popoyo
If you’re looking to hang out close to the beach and don’t mind a little isolation away from the hustle and bustle, then Las Salinas Popoyo is your spot. Seriously, it’s just a few hostels and a convenience store, but the beach here is nothing short of stunning, which kind of makes up for the lack of infrastructure. Most backpackers usually stay in this area, and it’s easy to see why. All the hostels are right here, creating an awesome vibe where it feels like you’ve got the beach all to yourself.
The surfing here is just so good—oh man, it’s amazing! On top of that, you have beautiful beaches, sunsets that take your breath away, and a great atmosphere in the hostels. Additionally, the hostels often organize group surf trips and party outings to nearby bars and beaches, so you’re always in good company.
Best things to do in Las Salinas Popoyo
Surfing here is absolutely fantastic and perfect for everyone, from newbies to seasoned pros. There are tons of waves just waiting to be caught.
The beaches at Las Salinas Popoyo are some of the most stunning in Nicaragua. I spend so much time just lounging, swimming, and soaking up those rays. You’ll often find a bunch of locals and travelers playing soccer or volleyball on the beach, which is super fun to jump in and join!
And trust me, you don’t want to miss the breathtaking sunsets here. Grab a drink from one of the local spots and watch as the sky transforms into a stunning masterpiece. Most of the hostels offer plenty of activities like happy hours, soccer tournaments, or surf trips to nearby beaches, so there is definitely loads to do and join.
Best restaurants in Las Salinas Popoyo
Dutchy’s Deli: Dutchy’s Deli is one of my all-time favorite breakfast spots in Popoyo! They serve up some seriously amazing coffee, and because it’s a deli, you can find a bunch of delicious sandwiches and hearty breakfast dishes. Just a heads up, they’re only open on the weekends, so be sure to check their hours before you head over.
Kooks Cafe: Don’t miss out on Kooks Cafe, the newest brunch spot in town. It’s your classic western-style boutique cafe, and they’ve got all the healthy goodies like Buddha bowls, avocado toast, and of course, flat whites. Oh, and you HAVE to try their amazing carrot cake—I can’t recommend it enough.
Where to stay in Popoyo for a Relaxing Atmosphere: Playa Popoyo
Playa Popoyo Beach is my favorite chill spot, located between Las Salinas and Playa Santana. Honestly, it’s the quietest area around, which I absolutely love! It’s also just a short walk to Playa Santana, so if you want to dodge the busy beach restaurants and bars but still be close to the action, this is the place to be.
What I really love about Playa Popoyo is its proximity to Beginners Bay, which is perfect for newbie surfers like me. The waves here are consistently small—just right for your very first surf lesson.
Best things to do in Playa Popoyo
First off, if you’re into surfing (or even if you’re not yet a pro!), the gentle waves at Beginners Bay make it the perfect spot for some lessons. There are several local surf schools offering super-friendly instructors who will help you catch your very first wave in no time.
Of course, relaxing on the beach with a good book and soaking up the sun is always an option. If you want to explore more of the area, I highly recommend taking a stroll along the coastline towards Playa Santana and checking out some of the beachfront restaurants and bars.
Best restaurants in Playa Popoyo
Popoyo Republic: The closest thing Popoyo has to a beach club is Popoyo Republic. It’s located right on the beach, and they serve some great food and cheap drinks. It’s also one of the number-one spots for a night out in Popoyo!
Cafe Cerveza: If you want to dive into some local culture, then this spot is perfect for a quick bite to eat. They serve traditional Nicaraguan food and delicious cold beers, all close to the beach.
Where to Stay in Popoyo for the Best Hotels: Playa Santana
If you’re looking for the closest thing Popoyo has to a town, Playa Santana is the place to be. This spot definitely has the most hotels, a few hostels, a handy little supermarket, and some great restaurants. It has a livelier vibe, which is awesome, especially if you’re planning to stick around for a while in Popoyo.
And let me tell you, the beach here is as gorgeous as anywhere else along the coast, but the waves are much friendlier for beginners and intermediates. Seriously, it’s the perfect spot if you’re keen to learn how to surf or just want to chill with some mellow waves.
Honestly, this is probably my favorite area to stay because I love a nice hotel or Airbnb, and there are tons of options here. With Popoyo getting busier, there are so many stunning boutique hotels and adorable Airbnbs popping up that are pretty affordable—especially compared to places in Costa Rica, for example.
Best things to do in Playa Santana
Some of my favorite activities here in Popoyo are surfing and relaxing on the beaches, but there are definitely more things to do.
Horseback riding is a must-do in Playa Santana. You can ride along the beach and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline, making it a great way to explore the surrounding area.
If you’re feeling a bit sore from all that surfing, why not treat yourself to a massage on the beach? Many locals offer massages at very reasonable prices. It’s a wonderfully relaxing experience, and I must admit I had more than just a few during my time in Popoyo.
Best restaurants in Playa Santana
Oasis: Oasis is a fantastic and beautiful spot in Playa Santana. It’s one of my favorite dinner restaurants, and I’ve been there many times. It has a chic vibe, so you might not want to show up in swim shorts (though it’s not exactly fine dining either). Their steak is amazing, and overall, the meals are just delightful.
Taberna 99 (Surf Lodge 99): With a slightly fancier vibe, Taberna 99 offers a great selection of seafood and cocktails. The ambiance is really nice, making it a perfect choice for date nights or special occasions.
Where to stay in Popoyo – Frequently Asked Questions
🚕 How do I get to Popoyo?
To get to Popoyo, you can either fly into the international airport in Managua and take a shuttle or taxi, or fly into Liberia, Costa Rica, and take a taxi or rental car. It’s about a 2-3 hour drive from both airports. However, since there isn’t really reliable public transport to Popoyo, you’ll most likely end up taking a taxi.
🔒 Is it safe to stay in hostels in Popoyo?
Yes, it is generally safe to stay in hostels in Popoyo. However, as with any travel destination, it’s always important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Be sure to research your hostel before booking and read reviews from previous guests! From my experience, all the hostels in Popoyo were perfectly fine to stay at.
🏖️ Are there good surfing beaches in Popoyo?
Yes, Popoyo is known for its excellent surfing beaches! The most popular ones are Playa Colorado and Playa Santana, but there are also other great spots like Popoyo Outer Reef and Punta Mirador.
☀️ What is the best time of year to visit Popoyo?
The best time of year to visit Popoyo depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the biggest waves for surfing, then the peak season runs from March to October. However, if you prefer calmer seas for swimming and snorkeling, then November to February would be a better time to visit.
🏨 Are there good hotels in Popoyo?
Absolutely! With Popoyo becoming more popular, it seems like new hotels are popping up everywhere, and some of them are just stunning! The hotels in Popoyo are usually super affordable and right on the beach—what more could you ask for? Personally, I’m a big fan of Amahula Surf House. It’s a stylish and cheap hotel, and just perfect for a little getaway.
Where to stay in Popoyo – Final Words
As you can see, Popoyo has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From hostels to luxury hotels, there’s definitely a type of hotel for everyone in this beautiful surf town.
In general, Popoyo feels very off the beaten path, but if you’re backpacking or looking for a social detox, then Popoyo is perfect for that. It’s a laid-back, peaceful town with some of the best waves in Nicaragua. I hope this guide on ‘where to stay in Popoyo’ helps you plan your perfect trip to this hidden gem. Happy travels!
