Less than a 30 minute bus trip from Leon, on a newly paved road,  are the North Pacific Beaches of Poneloya and Las Penitas.

Poneloya has long been popular with wealthy Nicaraguans who have luxury beachfront homes here.

The more popular adjacent beach at Las Penitas is a wide sandy beach stretching for about 4km with a fishing village based around the estuary . Small hotels and restaurants are scattered along the length of the beach.

Las Penitas has good surf, is great for bodyboarding and is the better swimming beach.

The nearby rocks are also a good place to fish, sunbathe or just admire the beautiful sunsets.

Poneloya has very strong currents so take care.

Close to the estuary in Las Penitas is Juan Venado Wildlife Reserve a mangrove that is home to many birds and wildlife.

Directions to Las Penitas HERE

Find out more about beach vacations in Nicaragua HERE