Popoyo

Where to stay

Popoyo is tiny, with budget beds and surf camps clustered along the single paved road that runs from the highway junction down to the beach. Staying near the main break puts you steps from the waves and the handful of eateries, while the few places further south toward Playa Santana are quieter but require a shuttle or motorcycle for daily errands.

Getting around

• The road from the Pan-American Highway (NIC-62) ends at the beach, so there is no through traffic. Most visitors arrive by bus to Rivas or San Juan del Sur and take a shared taxi or shuttle the final stretch. Agree on the fare before you get in, as colectivos fill up before departing.
• Popoyo is fundamentally a surf town, not a party town. If you want nightlife, bars, and a dense cluster of restaurants, San Juan del Sur is a short shuttle ride south. Popoyo itself has a handful of places to eat and drink, but they close early and the vibe is laid-back.
• Bring cash in córdobas. The town is small enough that ATMs are scarce or nonexistent, and most surf camps and comedores operate on cash. San Juan del Sur or Rivas are your best bets for withdrawing money before heading out.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest during the rainy season from May through November, though afternoon showers are common. The dry season from December through April brings the best surf conditions and consistent offshore winds, driving up prices and filling beds, especially around Semana Santa and the December-January holiday stretch.