el transito, ni

A special little beach town in the central coast. It’s about an hour south of Miramar, and there’s a bit more life from a traveler perspective here. At the same time though it's not really a place that people go. It's more off-the-beaten-path, but if that's what you like then this place is absolutely perfect. It's a slow little lifestyle. There's a few hostels, a small local community, and a beautiful beach. One of the hostels has a bar and people get pretty drunk there every night as they have a huge volunteering staff all the time. When I was there, there were more volunteers than guests. But I really enjoyed El Transito. It's an absolutely tiny little surf town. Not much to do. Not much to see. A few places to eat that are all local and nothing to do but surf, chill, and drink. Not the worst place in the world. There’s a pretty average wave out front that never worked while I was there, but has potential. It's a simple beach break but from what I heard from some of the locals, long-termers, and from the pictures I have seen online the place has potential.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

LOCATION - It's located about an hour south of Miramar and Puerto Sandino. It's certainly not easy to get to. If you are in Miramar or Puerto Sandino, then it's relatively easy to get to but from the rest of the country it is a pain in the ass. A girl I know who worked at one of the hostels was hitchhiking from Managua or Granada whenever she had to get to and from the hostel. So it's a bitch to get to. I am just going to assume you are coming from Managua. No matter where you go from, you will have to go through Managua. I will also only talk about getting there by bus. If you want to hire a private car you can and that's easy, but it's expensive.
- BY BUS - First thing you need to do is get to Terminal Israel in Managua. There are direct buses leaving from Managua to El Transito every day at noon, 1pm, and 2:50. Shouldn't cost you more than about 30 cords, and the journey will take 2 hours. I would recommend checking on the bus before assuming that what I just said is correct.

ACCOMMODATION - There's a few really good hostel housing options here. But there are only a few, the place is so so tiny that after a few days you'll probably know everyone no matter what hostel they are staying at.
1. Free Spirit - This is certainly the most popular and one of the nicest places in town. It's owned by 4 French-Canadian guys who have a sister hostel in Ecuador. This place is right on the beach, has probably the only bar that's going to have partying happening, and they have a huge volunteer staff, so there's a lot of stuff always going on. I enjoyed it here, but it's expensive. It's like $35 a night, but that includes breakfast and family dinner.
2. Solid Surf Camp - A good place to stay if you want surf lessons and stuff. It's right on the beach, and they have a package that includes surf lessons, food, accom., and free drinks at happy hour for $50. You can elect to not do that and the prices are way cheaper.
3. Nimbu - Kind of fancier place on the wrong side of the beach if you ask me. But it's nice and comfortable if that's what you are looking for. Quiet as well.
4. Loads of local options. There's little local options and other spots that you will only find by walking around town. I kind of recommend just getting there without anything booked. The town will absolutely not be full, so you won't have to worry. Show up and figure it out.

EATS - Mainly local options. Your options here for food will be limited. Your hostel will be a main point to eat.
1. El Ancla Bar y Comedor - A tiny spot that is essentially just someone's house. Cheap and delicious homemade local food. Right next to Free Spirit.
2. El Oso - Cute, kind of trendy-looking coffee shop and cafe.
3. Pupusas El Transito - If you find yourself missing Pupusas and El Salvador (I know I do), then come up here and get some good ones. Short walk from the beach.
4. Surf Coffee - Trendy-looking little spot here for breakfast and coffee. The trendifying is beginning!!
5. Comedor Doña Urania - Some bomb, bomb, local food. Only a few options. — Fish, chicken. Take your pick.

NIGHTLIFE - The only place I found to have any nightlife was at Free Spirit. It's really fun, actually.

SIGHTS - Just being here. Surf. The tide pools as well.

SURFING - It's not that hard to figure out. There's a beach break right out front. Like I said, never really worked when I was there but I think it has great potential. It won't be the best surfing you do in Nicaragua, but it can be fun. Also a great place to improve, if that's your game.