When you’re ready for a reprieve from León’s unrelenting sun, a quick 20-minute drive will bring you to the dreamy escape of Las Peñitas. The close proximity of one Nicaragua’s most picturesque and uncrowded beaches is just one more reason to love León so much. Leave the hustle and bustle behind for a day, a week, or forever as some expats have done when finding this little gem…
The chilled out beach town is the remedy for all the stress in your life. Nothing much to do but relax, grab a book, and enjoy a cold drink staring at the long stretch of dark volcanic beach that extends in either directions.
Tiny hotels and local seafood joints line the main strip, attracting as much the locals as the backpacking tourists. I stayed at the fantastic family-run Simple Beach Lodge, an eco lodge with only 7 rooms and a small dormitory.
My split-level bedroom was built like an adorable tree-house, with a dreamy bed in an alcove up the stairs.
The window afforded great views of the beach and waves lapping soundtrack to fall asleep at night.
For some quiet time and fresh ocean breeze, I found myself hanging out often on the second floor balcony with its hammocks and antique rocking chair.
The lodge’s café where breakfast, lunch and drinks are served throughout the day is directly on the beach and possibly the best hangout spot in town.
From here you can take a stroll in either direction. Go left to reach the end of the beach and the estuary. Here tours can take you through the nearby mangrove forest and nature reserve of Isla Juan Venado (better when it’s turtle season in from August to December).
Also at the end of the beach – the uber popular (and crowded) restaurant/hostel Barca de Oro.
Fishermen bring their daily catch right on the restaurant’s doorsteps so going with the grilled fish of the day is a smart and scrumptious choice.
Walking back towards the west you can take in all the beach activity which mainly centers around surfing. With waves big and small, it’s a great place to learn with one of the local schools, especially since it’s so uncrowded you’ll get a beach section all to yourself.
For the rest of us who really just want to chill out, well there’s plenty of that too! Simply find a shaded stretch of sand or head to one of the outdoor cafes with hammocks and tables and….do nothing! It’s incredible how one can while away the hours contemplating the rolling waves, the splendid sun, and simply embracing that precious wild side of Nicaragua.
Sunsets are not to be missed over here and anywhere you are you’ll get front row seats to the beautiful spectacle.
The Simple Beach Lodge with its perfect location right in front of the surf break is super crowded by now with live music and good vibes attracting beach goers like bees to honey.
Watching surfers tackle the waves as the sky turns all shades of pink and orange over the ocean is pure beach bliss and you’ll already feel like Las Peñitas has given you everything you came here for…to let go!
