gigante, ni

Gigante is a super-charming little town in the Southern section of the Nicaraguan Coastline. It's pretty much in-between San Juan del Sur and Popoyo, but closer to Popoyo. It's also extremely close to the world famous Nicaraguan wave that is 'Colorados'. More on Colorados on the Popoyo Page, but it's privatized. Gigante is next door, and it's where you start the walk to get into the privatized beach. — The only way to get in without a boat or having a residence in Colorados. Gigante itself refers to a giant bay beach. It's one of the most beautiful beaches that I saw in all of Nicaragua actually, and the town is amazing. If I hadn't passed all my time in Popoyo, I probably would have elected to be in Gigante to be honest. There's a big giant beautiful calm beach and bay, then a large cliffside where there's a great hostel that looks down on an amazing wave below. The bay itself doesn't have any waves though. It's a really chill place where people just hang out, surf and enjoy the views. It has even more of a town feel than Popoyo. I didn't spend enough time here, and I wish I spent a little bit more.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

LOCATION - There is a full description on how to get to the Popoyo area on that page. So I won't really get into it here because you will already be in the area likely if you are coming to Gigante. The dirt road that runs through the area is called 62. You need to exit off 62 down this dirt road and it will take you into Gigante. It's about 5 kms down the road to arrive. Gigante is notably before the airport as you enter Popoyo. The drive from Popoyo should take no more than about 45 minutes.

ACCOMMODATION - There's a few options to stay here in Gigante. The first one below is where I would stay.
1. Monkey House - Amazing spot right on top of the cliff with a stunning view of the surf spot in the northern bay.
2. Cascasa Hostel and Beach Bar - Great option with a bar inside that's frequented.
3. Dale Daggers Cool Places to Stay - Right on the beach and the name says it all, no?

EATS - Nothing much more than local options here. Or in your hostel. Just walk on down to town and check out the local options.

NIGHTLIFE - Very mellow spot. Maybe Cascada or Monkey House will have people drinking a little, but it's not a nightlife destination.

SIGHTS - Just being here. Surf.

SURFING - The Popoyo Page really has everything from a surfing perspective in the area.
- Colorados - Here though you are very close to Colorados, and it's where you can walk into the wave, which is otherwise entirely privatized by the gringos who bought the beach and turned it into a country club. You hike over the mountain here and start from the road in Gigante.
- Amarilla - Awesome little wave that breaks off the north side of the cliff in Gigante, to the north of the waveless bay. It gets really good. Left hand point break.