How to See Nicaragua's Pacific Coast

Add a little swing to your hammock with a trip to Nicaragua's Pacific coast, a rustic place made of equal parts surf, silence, rum, and poetry.

WHEN TO GO

Summer rainy season is lush, green, very wet, and a great option if you want the place to yourself (tourists prefer dry season) or appreciate a good deal (prices are at their cheapest). 

HOW TO GET THERE

Continental (via Houston), American Airlines (via Miami), Taca (via El Salvador).  

WHERE TO STAY

At La Bahia Beach Hotel, the owners are resourceful, gracious, and laid-back — they’re avid surfers with past lives in fashion and photography (which explains the property's streamlined aesthetic and awesome vantage points). They've got wifi and lots of friends who can help you get from the remote Pacific coast to other points of interest in Nicaragua.

There's a pristine pool, open-air lounge, bar, plenty of shaded hammocks, and four airy cabanas (the kind with high thread-count sheets, and private outdoor showers). Book the whole place out with a group of eight! Meals (homemade bread, fish tacos, lobster rolls, red snapper ceviche) are fresh, simple, and delicious.

WHAT TO DO

La Bahia's neighbor is pro surfer Holly Beck. She's available for solo and group lessons.

Green Pathways is a local nature touring organization that can help you navigate the volcanoes, beaches, villages, and estuaries.

Flor de Caña rum is the drink of choice. I highly recommend imbibing while swinging in a hammock.

FOR YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE

Songs of Life and Hope, Ruben Dario
Tropical Town and other Poems, Salomon de la Selva
The Jaguar Smile, Salmon Rushdie