Situated in Nicaragua, only 10 km north of the well-known tourist destination of San Juan Del Sur, Playa Maderas is a beach of unparalleled beauty with a vibrant atmosphere. This world famous surf spot just off of the Coast Highway road (also known as the Chocolata road) is nestled between two bays; Playa Marsella to the south and Playa Majagual to the north and getting there by car or by shuttle takes normally 15 to 20 minutes.
For a few years now, this neighborhood has been on the radar of savvy foreigners looking for a slice of the paradise that is Nicaragua and there is a number of interesting real estate projects in the area. One of those is Vistas de Cinco Bahias; a gated community located due east on the highest hills overlooking the waters of Maderas Beach. The community of 40 lots is surrounded by pristine dry tropical forest bursting all year round with the sights and sounds of howler monkeys and exotic birds. Vistas de Cinco Bahias offers stunning 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean and the area, including Maderas epic surf and the majestic Statue of Jesus Christ in San Juan del Sur.
Another interesting project near Playa Maderas is Balcones de Majagual; a development located in the hills between Maderas and Playa Majagual to the north. The concept follows the green movement by developing and implementing green solutions to modern building practices. In the spirit of responsible living, Balcones de Majagual bases its construction on principles such as sustainable living, alternative energy, progressive architecture and respect for the environment.
The world class wave of Maderas beach is the result of a beach break and offers lefts and rights with a few peaks that spread the crowd nicely. It is considered by many as the most consistent surf spot in Nicaragua because when no other beach around has surf-able waves, you can usually count on Maderas to deliver. The inside wave at Playa Maderas is a re-form, which is perfect for learners and beginners, and the outside is fast, hollow and fun with a healthy amount of tubes. Maderas beach holds up to a swell of 2.5m (8ft) and works best at mid to high tide. Like for most surf spots in the Rivas province, the wind almost blows exclusively offshore, so you can surf at any time of the day.
Of course there are many things to do here other than surfing like sipping on a delicious cappuccino and reading a good book or furthering your Yoga practice with a session on the sand. You can also receive a relaxing massage or drink an ice cold beer while eating one of the best fish taco in the San Juan Del Sur area. Or, you can simply sit back and watch in wonder the prowess of some of the best local surfers as they rip on incredible waves.
If you are not a surfer but still like a little bit of action, you can always make your way to the nearby Marsella Valley Park where you can play a game of Frisbee disk golf with your friends or take a trail walk in nature to see Nicaragua’s famous howler monkeys. If you prefer walking on the beach, you will love Playa Maderas at low tide with its stunning coastal lines.
At the Marsella Beach Resort, not too far away between Playa Maderas and Playa Marsella, you can participate in activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, diving, zip-lining, horseback riding and fishing. Obviously, playing in the ocean and getting a tan are also some of the favorites around here and don’t forget to stay and watch the amazing sunset at the end of the day.
As one the most popular beach in Nicaragua, Playa Maderas has a young, electric atmosphere. Most days, the beach is buzzing with the energy of young and not so young travelers coming to enjoy this remarkable surf spot. It is clear that anyone traveling to Nicaragua and passing by the Rivas province must plan to come and experience the unique ambiance at Playa Maderas!
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