Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and there's also good, if not spectacular, surfing here, with smallish regular waves that are
perfect for beginners.
Check at Hotelito Oasis for Isla Juan Venado tours (US$15), surf lessons (US$15) and
board rentals (per half-/full day US$5/9).
Sleeping & Eating
All the hotels mentioned here have restaurants serving Nicaraguan staples as well as fresh
seafood. Las Peñita has quite a few hotels, but few make the cut.
Olazul
( 8435-7936;
www.hotelolazul.com
; empalme, 1km S; dm US$10, r with fan/air-con US$45/50;
)
Set on a wide stretch of open beach, these are the best digs in town. The restaur-
ant overlooks the waves, and out back are five cute little cabins, minimally but stylishly
decorated and quite comfortable considering their compact size. There's a six-bed dorm
and a dirty pool here too.
HOSTEL
$
Hotelito Oasis
( 8839-5344;
www.oasislaspenitas.com
; empalme, 3km S; dm/s/d US$7/18/20; )
A long-time
surfer favorite, the Oasis definitely has that lazy backpacker vibe, helped along by its ab-
solute beachfront location. Rooms are big and plain - save for the cool shell lampshades.
Luckily, they catch some ocean breezes at night. The four-bed dorm is a bit dark and
cramped.
HOSTEL
$
Playa Roca
( 8428-8903;
www.playaroca.com
; empalme, 2km S; r with/without bathroom US$35/25; )
Looking out onto a rocky outcrop with a sweet patch of sand either side, this is the most
scenic setting on the beach. Rooms are OK - big and bare, with cool tiled floors. None
have beach views and some are missing some fundamentals (um…toilet seats?), but over-
all they're a good deal. This is a popular spot for day-trippers.
HOTEL
$$
Getting There & Around
Buses leave for León (US$0.75, 5:40am to 6:40pm, every 50 minutes) from the clutch of
restaurant-bars just north of Barco de Oro. You can also arrange private boats seating at
least four to Salinas Grandes (US$60, three hours), including a tour of the reserve.
