Las Penitas/Poneloya
I've read that while the surf at Poneloya can be dangerous, it's a bit calmer at Las Penitas (better for beginning surfers etc.) But other write-ups make it sound like these two beaches/villages are one and the same. If we are looking for reasonably safe surf (we are bringing young teenagers), is Las Penitas a reasonable choice, or is it still going to be too dangerous? These kids are strong swimmers for their ages, but they are not surfers (nor are we), and most of the info online about Poneloya makes it sound like a crazy idea to let kids swim there. However, we'd like to finish up our trip at a beach not more than 2 hours from the airport, and our last destination before this beach would be Matagalpa. So I was thinking that after 4 days in Matagalpa, we could spend 3 in Leon/Las Penitas before catching a noon flight out.If Las Penitas seems like a bad idea,then I was thinking of heading from Matagalpa to Laguna de Apoyo for the last 2 nights. A third option would be the beaches at Pochomil or Montelimar. Advice?1
While the surf can be heavy at these beaches at the far end of Las Penitas is a protected laguna where at high tide it is very safe to swim.http://mytravelwanders.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/las-penitas-the-bay-e1339637889367.jpg?w=645
Not so good at low tide.
http://cache.virtualtourist.com/15/5835669-s4cbLas_Penitassc_Las_Penitas.jpg
Two different villages but almost side by side.
2
Been a couple of times to La Penitas but never saw anyone surfing. The sea can be rough but at certain places i did swim." Barco Oro " is a nice hostel to stay, garden,parrots, canoes for rent to explore the laguna. I would recommend it but alwyas keep an eye on your kids unless they swim in the laguna. Leon is my favourite town in Nicaragua.Laguna Apoyo was a bit boring to me.
Pochomil was okay for me for a weekend but more a place for the rich nicaraguans in their second houses at the beach, local daytrippers.(maybe a good second choice) Not a lot of backpacker/budgetoptions for lodging. Montelimar is more upscale.
Hope you will like Matagalpa as wel as i did, worked there for half a year and had good time..have fun
