Popoyo, Nicaragua
It started similar most Central American adventures do, within a chicken bus. The tiny Nicaraguan surf town of Popoyo Beach isn’t slow to larn to, but those who embark on the journeying are greatly rewarded.
The trip began inwards the metropolis of Granada, where I jumped on an aging American schoolhouse omnibus for a 1.5-hour ride to the town of Rivas.
After pushing yesteryear a swarm of xx unlike taxi drivers at the Rivas omnibus station (all of them spewing lies to secure my business), I industrial plant life a human who honestly told me what fourth dimension the exclusively omnibus to the town of Las Salinas would leave.
The ii lx minutes omnibus ride to Las Salinas was cramped, dusty, as well as hot.
Luckily I was sitting side yesteryear side to a curious niggling one-time lady who chatted amongst me spell nosotros munched on tasty empanadas. Vendors would occasionally hop on board to sell food, belts, flashlights, as well as fifty-fifty underwear.
Meditating Pink Panther?
Once around Las Salinas, I kept my eyes peeled for the mysterious meditating Pink Panther sign that marked the entrance to the shortcut for Popoyo Beach. When I saw it off on the left side of the road, I stood upward to strike on the roof of the omnibus amongst my fist.
Locals purpose the Nica whistle to say the driver to stop, unfortunately, I’m non that talented. :(
I opened the emergency leave of absence inwards the raise as well as hopped off amongst my backpack. The omnibus sped away inwards a cloud of dust every bit I began walking downwards the dirt route into the sun.
The Pink Panther shortcut passes along a tabular array salt marsh, where many families brand a living boiling the marsh H2O to attain mountains of salt. There is as well as thus much tabular array salt inwards this expanse that the solid soil is covered amongst a fine layer of it, almost similar frost.
Shots Fired!
Finally the route ended at Rio Salinas de Nahualapa. This river empties out into the Pacific Ocean. Some local fishermen pointed me inwards the direction of a small-scale (sketchy) plank twain that crossed a tributary of the river.
On the far side of the bridge, in that place is a path that leads through mangrove trees to the shallowest part. This is where I needed to cross to accomplish Popoyo beach.
While preparing to wade across the river, I all of a abrupt heard gunshots correct behind me.
Who was shooting at me? Had I taken a incorrect turn? Am I trespassing on somebody property?
Turns out it was but the local police line playing amongst their AK-47 assail rifle, shooting at who-knows-what. Two of them rounded the corner as well as happily proceeded to say me where the best house to cross the H2O was. Nicaragua’s finest! :D
Time to Get Wet
The Salinas de Nahualapa river rises as well as falls every bit the sea tides ascent & fall. So if y'all exhibit upward at depression tide, it’s genuinely pretty slow to wade through H2O upward to your knees.
But every bit the high tide comes in, this mighty river tin move shoot upward every bit deep every bit your head, as well as the currents are pretty strong.
Luckily I timed it right, as well as today it exclusively went upward to my waist.
So I threw my backpack upward over my caput as well as waded through to accomplish the tiny surf town of Popoyo.
It’s a REALLY small-scale town, but 1 primary dirt route along the beach. There are a few cheap hotels, a few basic restaurants, as well as a surf hostel.
All the beachfront belongings has been bought up, but most are but empty lots wrapped inwards barbed wire.
Epic Days of Surfing
One 24-hour interval I joined a fun grouping of swain surfers as well as ventured into Las Salinas to buy a alive hog (and lookout adult man it larn slaughtered) for grilling on the beach.
Cooked whole yesteryear a professional person Argentine chef on a grill nosotros made out of bricks & rebar, it was easily the best pork I stimulate got ever eaten!
There is exclusively 1 convenience shop inwards the whole town, as well as it’s non really convenient. Depending on who’s working, y'all may but larn handed a figurer to figure out for yourself how much y'all owe… But a fruit & vegetable truck also comes yesteryear 1 time a 24-hour interval as well as sells products to people on the street.
I ended upward renting a 7’2″ board as well as spent 4 blissful & tranquillity days inwards Popoyo surfing 4-6 pes (uncrowded) waves every morning time as well as afternoon amongst novel friends.
Often the most memorable journeys tin move survive industrial plant life on the route less traveled. ★
What Do You Think?
Are y'all a surfer? Have y'all ever been surfing inwards Nicaragua?
Acommodations: La Bocana del Surf ($7 US) Private Room
Good Food: Cheap fritanga side yesteryear side door
Packing Guide
Check out my travel gear guide to assist y'all outset packing for your trip. Pick upward a go backpack, photographic television camera gear, as well as other useful go accessories.
Book Your Flight
Book inexpensive flights on Skyscanner, my favorite airline search engine to uncovering deals. Also read my tips for how I uncovering the cheapest flights.
Rent H5N1 Car
Discover Car Hire is a neat site for comparison automobile prices to uncovering the best deal. They search both local & international rental companies.
Book Accommodation
Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. Or rent local apartments on Airbnb ($35 discount!). Read my post for tips on booking inexpensive hotels.
Protect Your Trip
Don’t forget go insurance! I’m a big fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read to a greater extent than close why y'all should e'er behavior go insurance.
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