Overview

El Gigante in Nicaragua is a small town consisting of about 500 locals and a growing group of expats. It is known for its laid-back atmosphere with a fantastic bay which is great for swimming and water sports. It is a perfect town to enjoy the great surf, relaxation, and overall beauty.

Things to See and Do

Beach and Surfing

The main attraction of Playa Gigante is its picturesque beach. It’s known for its golden sands and relatively uncrowded, laid-back atmosphere. The beach is suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and, of course, surfing. Surf Playa Amarillo, Playa Colorado or Panga Drops and all three are located to the north of Gigante and all within walking distance. Alternatively, you can hire a boat and surf Manzanillo or other more distant breaks.

One of the nice things about El Gigante Beach as a Surf Destination is that you do not have to book into a surf camp to have access to equipment. Surfboards and pangas are readily available to all surfers for a nominal fee. Normally the fee is around $10 US per day. In addition, there are bilingual guides usually available to teach the newbie’s as well for those who wish to improve their surfing skills. Even if you are not a surfer, the natural beauty will impress you . Beaches, coves and small islands just off the coast are beautiful! Impressive cliffs and sunsets that just have to be among the most colourful in the world are another great asset to this lovely area on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua.

Yoga

While in Playa Gigante, Nicaragua you will find yourself among many yogis! There are a few locations within walking distance that offer guided yoga classes. There are also plenty of incredibly beautiful spaces where you can drop a mat and enjoy your own practice with amazing views!

Fishing

Playa Gigante, Nicaragua is a fishing village! You will see plenty of panga boats strewn down the beach of Gigante Bay. Many of these will be willing to take you out for fishing trips! The catch is typically mackerel, barracuda, needlefish, for good eating, and sometimes tuna! Jack Crevalle is also popular and really gives you a run for your money if you catch one! Ask one of the local fishermen for a real authentic experience or there is also 2 main companies in town that offer excursions, Macheles Place and Pastora Tours.

Hiking

Playa Gigante's name, Pie de Gigante, comes from the cliff on the south end of the beach. It's only about a 20-minute hike to the top, but it offers stunning views all the way to Costa Rica and up the coast. Another hike to enjoy is to the top of the Giant's Foot (1 hour at most, easy climb). Another fun experience is to go on a howler monkey hunt.

Some other fun experiences in Playa Gigante are renting bicycles or motorcycles to explore the area; go snorkeling or spear-fishing at one of the local beaches; have lunch at one of the various beachfront restaurants; play pool with the locals at the local pool hall; take a drive to the local hot springs (30 mins away); or go on a nature walk.

Cuisine

Explore the local food scene and try some Nicaraguan dishes. The cuisine is based around the ubiquitous beans, rice and meat, and everything is cooked with oil. Lunch usually includes chicken, beef or pork, most deliciously cooked a la plancha, on a grill or griddle, and served with beans, rice, plantain and shredded cabbage salad. For breakfast and dinner, the rice and beans are generally fried together to make gallo pinto, served with an egg for breakfast or cuajada (curd cheese) for dinner. Tropical fruit is abundant, cheap and delicious.

As for restaurants, there are several local options in town and the food is generally very good here. The town also boasts a variety of beachfront restaurants and bars. They serve Fresh fish and seafood in a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, and at very affordable prices. Some of the most outstanding options are Restaurante La Gaviota, and Restaurante Margarita.