Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Meet buses to León (US$0.75, 40 minutes, 5:40am to 6:40pm, every 50 minutes) at the
empalme
(three-way junction).
Sleeping & Eating
LODGE
$$
Surfing Turtle Lodge
( 8640-0644;
www.surfingturtlelodge.com
;
Isla los Brasiles, across estuary from La Bocanita; tent,
US$5, dm US$10-12, r without bathroom US$32, cabins with bathroom US$40-60; )
Getting
to this Utopian-like beach paradise is half the fun. From La Bocanita, you catch a small
launch (US$0.75 each way), then take a 15-minute walk (or US$0.50 horse-carriage ride)
to this beachfront lodge and hippie hideout on the 7km-long Isla Los Brasiles. There's
good surf right out front (mostly lefts), bonfires at night, and a good chance you'll stay
here…like forever.
The 2nd-story dorm is one of the coolest spots in all of Central America with a giant
view to the ocean. The beds are pretty thin, but hey, what can you do? Camping in pre-set-
up tents will save a few bucks, or you can go for it with a cabin all of your own. Electri-
city starts here at 6pm, and there's an on-site restaurant and turtle-protection program.
Day visitors are welcome as are long-term volunteers.
Posada de Poneloya
( 2317-0378; empalme, 400m N; r US$40; )
You're probably better off in Las Peñitas,
but if you wanna stay in Poneloya, this clean, fresh, bright and overpriced spot at the en-
trance to Poneloya is a decent option. Unfortunately, the beach is still a good way from
this spot.
HOTEL
$$
La Bocanita
About 1km north from the
empalme,
this offers a collection of thatched-roof seafood
shacks at the edge of an estuary.
NICARAGUAN
$
Las Peñitas
When people say they're headed to Poneloya, they usually mean the lazy beach town of
Las Peñitas, a wide, sandy stretch fronted by a fine collection of hotels and restaurants. It
offers the easiest access to the turtles and mangroves of Reserva Natural Isla Juan Venado,
