Popoyo in October: Quiet Beaches, Less Crowded Waves, and Where to Find Yoga
October is the slowest month in Popoyo, Nicaragua. Many of the expats who live here head back to their home countries to visit family and friends—and stock up on all the obscure products they can’t find in Nicaragua.
Last year, I did the same. I returned to the States for my best friend’s wedding, then visited family and friends in Arizona. This year, however, I’m (mostly) staying here.
And I’m discovering that low season in Popoyo has its perks.
Life in Popoyo During Low Season
With fewer people around, there’s less going on. Many restaurants close for the season, which means fewer places to eat and fewer opportunities to spontaneously run into an ex-situationship.
But there’s something quite nice about the quiet.
The local community is still here. There’s the familiar bustle in the streets, and songs from the churches drift out into the evening air. Life carries on, even when the expat social calendar takes a nap.
And my favorite part? The waves are less crowded.
Surfing in Popoyo in October
With fewer surfers in the water, I’ve had several opportunities to surf a peak I’ve always found intimidating.
The intimidation isn’t entirely about the wave. It’s about the people: advanced surfers who have been doing this for years, making it look effortless while I’m still trying to convince myself to paddle for it.
When the lineup is busy, it can feel like every move is being judged. Bail on a good wave and suddenly, in my head, I’ve lost everyone’s respect, been downgraded to kook, and sentenced to eat everyone’s spray for lunch.
Whether anyone is actually keeping score is another question.
But with fewer people around, that pressure eases. There’s more room to try, hesitate, make mistakes, and catch another wave. For someone still building confidence, that breathing room makes a difference.
And when you’re taking a break from the waves, low tide brings another way to explore. The tide pools around Popoyo are little worlds of their own, worth slowing down and taking a closer look at. With fewer things on the calendar, there’s more time for that kind of wandering.
Where to Find Yoga and Pilates in Popoyo During October
The quieter season also means fewer options for yoga in Popoyo.
Magnific Rock has closed for the season. In September, I was still getting bookings for private yoga sessions, but October brought those to a halt. Many studios have reduced their schedules, and Surf 99 has closed completely for the season.
There are still a few places to check for yoga, Pilates, and movement classes:
Hide and Seek Resort: Expect a reduced schedule. Classes are $15 and include access to the sauna and ice bath afterward—a pretty lovely way to extend your morning.
Sunflower Wellness: Check directly for the current class schedule.
Pilates Popoyo: An option for anyone looking to keep moving during the quieter month.
Rancho Santana: Check directly for available classes and access for outside guests.
Waves and Wifi: Check directly for the current yoga schedule.
Low-season schedules can change, so confirm your class before heading out.
The Joy of a Quieter Popoyo
If you’re visiting Popoyo in October, expect fewer restaurant choices, a lighter yoga schedule, and a quieter social scene.
But if you enjoy a slower pace, you might find something to love about it.
For me, it’s the space to appreciate the everyday life that’s still happening here—and to paddle for waves I might otherwise let pass.
Popoyo doesn’t need to be busy to be a good place to be.