Popoyo - Surf Nicaragua

I met a young artist here a few weeks back. Armando comes from one of the most well known artistic families in all of Nicaragua (he is the nephew of Carlos and Luis Enrique Mejia Godoy for those of you for whom that means anything) and a really nice guy. Last week I ran in to Armando again and he told me of his new job. As most artists the world over, Armando's day job has often been in the restaurant and bar biz; and he had just accepted a position to manage a new bar/restaurant/hotel at Popoyo beach. Popoyo is known as one of the best surf spots in the world.... but unless you are a surfer in the know, it is unlikely you will hear of this pristine spot.

Magnific Rock, Popoyo

Last Thursday we took a trip out to Popoyo to visit Armando and see the spot. It took us 3 hours, and at least half of that time was on some of the dustiest, roughest road I have ever experienced. However, we did pass through a lovely lush green valley on the way, had a nice lunch and tour of the hotel, admired the great work Armando and his wife had done on decorating the place, and went swimming on a massive beach where we were practically the only ones there.

Magnific Rock Surf Center Hotel and Restaurant, Popoyo

Although surfers had been out earlier in the morning, the swells had fallen a bit in the afternoon and there weren't any surfers to watch. It's not as good a beach for observing surfing as, say, Maderas (the big San Juan surf beach) as the breaks are far further from the shore. However, it is definitely another beautiful spot in a country with so many beautiful spots. Apparently the biggest waves hit here come June or July.... that would be something to see!


Surfers at Maderas Beach


Some minor waves at Maderas


Popoyo Beach