This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Gigante.
Gigante, Nicaragua, is a small fishing town located between Popoyo to the north and San Juan del Sur to the south with Rivas, the regional transport hub of Nicaragua's South Pacific Coastal region to the east.
The town is basically one unpaved road that runs parallel to the ocean and then up the hill and out of town, and a paved road that runs from the ocean and directly out of town. The intersection of these roads creates the town's centre. Gigante, Nicaragua hostels, hotels, and restaurants are located around this centre and then primarily along the beach, but there are a few other Gigante, Nicaragua hostel options scattered here and there. But don't worry -- everything is reachable in ten minutes of extremely leisurely strolling. It's that kind of place.
There's not much going on in Gigante, and that's pretty much the whole point of the place. The three-hundred-strong local population is filled out by a vibrant but not overwhelming ex-pat contingency, most of whom had rocked up for a few days, liked the place, and decided to try to make a living here. The local population survives off either fishing or the tourism industry (head down to the beach early to buy fish straight off the boats) while ex-pats live a blurred good life of doing and teaching yoga, doing and teaching surfing, and running and patronising bars and restaurants. The mix of ex-pats and warm, friendly locals creates a low-key party scene with something happening nearly every night if you know the right people to ask nicely.
Hostels in Gigante, Nicaragua, are generally of a higher standard than elsewhere in Nicaragua, as is the food with the wealth of fresh, local seafood being put to good use. However, expect to pay a little bit more for a Gigante, Nicaragua hostel than you'd be used to. There is no ATM in town, so bring cash.
Bay Gigante isn't that great for surfing as its protected nature makes it more ideal for swimming and floating, but Playa Amarillo and Playa Colorado to the north are excellent surf beaches and there are other surf beaches that can be reached by lancha. The town's namesake can be hiked in an easy hour.
Written by local enthusiast for Gigante hostels
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