Nicaragua Travel Itinerary
Introduction
Welcome to my blog, reflecting on my soothing and relaxing stay in Nicaragua. I escaped the winter with my friend Alondra. Compared to all of my past travels, this was by far my most relaxing trip to date. After doing some research, we decided to visit two towns: Popoyo and Granada. Popoyo is a quiet surf town on the Pacific Ocean side, chosen for its beach vibes. Granada, being a very attraction-centered town, was the obvious second choice for our stay. Everything about this trip was incredible. I can’t wait for you to continue reading as I share everything about my experience and the tips I learned along the way.
Nicaragua became my hug to myself to start 2024.
“Nicaragua became my escape into wellness and friendship richness.”
99 Surf Lodge
Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life with a retreat to 99 Surf Lodge. Nestled in a serene setting with only seven rooms, this beachfront accommodation offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge. As we arrived at sunset, the iconic view took our breath away, setting the tone for our tranquil stay.
This hotel is tucked away within the un-commercialized paths in the town of Jiquelite, the town adjacent to the larger Popoyo along the coast. The journey to the lodge through dusty roads confirmed the sense of small quiet town our driver mentioned on the journey over. With minimal interaction beyond the attentive staff, our experience felt intimate and exclusive.
During our four-day stay in Popoyo, 99 Surf Lodge served as our sole accommodation amongst fellow travelers and migrants from a variety of countries. I found the hotel's full-service restaurant and bar to have an exceptional kitchen as they served a variety of global dishes well. They had specialty days such as sushi and pizza night with a bonfire which reminded us what day it was at times. Sipping on refreshing drinks (both aguas frescas and juicy cocktails) poolside became a cherished pastime, accompanied by daily complimentary mimosas that added an extra touch of paradise.
The lodge offers an array of activities, from yoga sessions near the beach to exhilarating jet skiing adventures and horseback riding. Our first morning we did the hour and half yoga session that cost $12.
One thing about this hotel, there were ample seating options, including hammocks and beach lounge chairs, which invite guests to unwind and soak in the sun-drenched ambiance. The central swimming pool, with its backdrop of crashing waves, provides a calmness.
Our room exuded a rustic charm, with wooden panels and thoughtful amenities such as strong A/C and spacious storage ensuring a comfortable stay. While the shower's water pressure was a bit lower than accustomed to as well as not the hottest water, I was left unbothered by it after the first shower. Each room also has a private patio seating area that allows you to be outside in privacy.
Venturing beyond the lodge, the beach walks were crowd-less throughout all hours, offering a sense of seclusion similar to a remote island getaway. The attentive staff, mainly women, fostered a warm and welcoming atmosphere as we joked and spoke Spanish with them (being one of the few guests that spoke it comfortably).
With reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, even remote work was a possibility if you plan to work out in Popoyo. Yet, the true essence of 99 Surf Lodge lies in its ability to disconnect and prioritize rejuvenation above all else.
I could see this hotel being a great group trip place to share in the restorative experience. Our time at 99 Surf Lodge was nothing short of perfection, leaving us longing for more moments of serenity surroundings.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Tribal Hotel
Nestled within the urban landscape, one is greeted by an oasis-like atmosphere, adorned with numerous palm trees and collective wall décor centered around an Electicismo Tropical interior style upon entry. A quiet ambiance with only 8 room accommodations. Each morning at Tribal became a cherished experience, thanks to the inclusive breakfast featuring a rotated menu. Our days began leisurely, flipping through Spanish magazines poolside as we strategized our activities for the day.
Throughout our entire trip at both hotels, the warmth and hospitality extended by the Nicaraguan staff enhanced our experience. Because it’s so intimate with the capacity of guests, we felt catered as well as knowledgeable with recommendations and walking directions.
Our balcony view room with a spacious outdoor seating area, seamlessly blended indoor and outdoor spaces through the sliding doors entering into the bed. The meticulously curated décor exuded luxury, complemented by amenities such as a full-length mirror, ample closet space, a generous bathroom counter, and the convenience of a hair dryer. Daily housekeeping ensured our space remained immaculate, with fresh towels provided regularly, along with separate pool blankets for the cabanas.
The central pool emerged as our sanctuary amidst the bustling streets of Granada. While the water may have been slightly cooler due to the shaded location, it offered a refreshing feel from the Nicaraguan heat. There were moments when we had the pool entirely to ourselves, allowing for moments of tranquility, with the attentive staff always on hand to cater to our needs or provide insights into local attractions.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Surfing Lessons
I’ve never surfed before, but Nicaragua influenced me to take my first lesson in Beginner’s Bay. Known for its friendly, calm waves, we stumbled upon a surfing lesson company just a 10-minute walk from our hotel. The $35 price tag sold us, and we booked a sunset lesson. As the day went on, I built up nerves since I wear contacts and it was a new activity for me.
They provided long sleeve shirts and assigned us our instructor, David. He took me, Alondra, and a third person to the sandy beach to practice our surfing form on land first. I appreciated the clear direction, helpful feedback, and repetitive steps.
Once we got in the water, all the practice on land became second nature as we recreated the motions. David had us take turns to minimize any risk. While waiting for our turns, we stayed in the canal area where the waves weren’t as strong. Our instructor offered feedback to help us improve while also boosting our confidence. We also chatted about the differences between Mexican and Nicaraguan culture. Despite similar backgrounds, the unique aspects of each Latino culture are one of my favorite things about visiting Latin American countries—it feels like meeting a distant primo.
The surfing lesson lasted 1.5 hours in total. Watching the beautiful sunset while waiting for my turn made me appreciate the blessings of being in this position and the courage I found to try something out of my comfort zone. We loved it so much that we came back for a sunrise session. Across the two sessions, I managed to get up around seven times, and it felt amazing to ride the waves.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Beach Front Yoga Class
One of the activities offered by our hotel was an early morning yoga class. It was 90 minutes for $12. Although I don’t usually do yoga, the instructor made the class accessible for various skill levels with alternatives. It was a yang style class, so we held poses for a long time. I did find that challenging at times, but the instructor once again created a welcoming environment. I soaked in the sun and listened to the waves crashing as I tuned in with my body. Overall, I had a great experience and was glad I made time to move my body in new ways during my vacation.
Overall Rating: 4/5
99 Surf Lodge Restaurant
Having a boutique hotel with amazing food created so much ease in our day. We got our usual table and always had an enjoyable time with the staff, who were primarily Nicaraguan women. They appreciated that we spoke Spanish, as not many guests did. The menu had a great variety, and everything was delicious—from ceviche to chicken burgers, the selection was diverse. The specialty days, like pizza and sushi night, added extra excitement for us. I appreciated the hotel for keeping things fresh by changing up the activities and menu throughout the week.
The small environment of the hotel, made it easy to access staff and order from anywhere. We also got to pay our total at the end of our stay instead of having to pay each time, which was convenient and hassle-free.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Magnific Rock
Review coming soon
Treehouse Rave
Review coming soon
Volcán Mombacho Ziplining
Review coming soon
Laguna de Apoyo
Review coming soon
Garden Cafe
Review coming soon
NM
Review coming soon
Asarte
Review coming soon
Transportation
Review coming soon
