About Jiquilillo

Jiquilillo is one of three small fishing communities situated on the peninsula of Jiquilillo proper and is located in the department of Chinandega, surrounded by Estuary Padre Ramos (the largest estuary system in Central America) and the Pacific Ocean. Jiquilillo is home to approximately 135 families, with an average of four to five children per family. Therefore, although the village may appear small, a large amount of people actually live here. The majority of the families live in small ranchos (palm roof huts), the typical Nicaraguan home of this region. Families rely on the fishing industry as the main source of income. However, with tourism increasing, we have high hopes for community education projects. Our ultimate goal is to create alternative sustainable income for local families, in turn safeguarding their futures in the inevitable tourism industry.

Jiquilillo's past is a bit rocky and includes tsunamis and hurricanes reeking havoc along the coast. In 1992 a Tsunami destroyed six blocks of the village. Villagers, although devastated, began to rebuild only to encounter Hurricane Mitch in 1998, causing even more damage. Thankfully, the people of the community are dedicated and full of life and have been slowly rebuilding and reaffirming their roots here in the community.

Village life is quiet and laid back; the people are friendly and welcoming. Visitors are still considered a bit of a novelty here, if you speak Spanish and even if you don't, whenever you visit the beach or "pulperias" (corner shops) someone will want to chat.

As Jiquilillo is small and located in the "campo" (countryside) there are only a few services available throughout the village. Only a handful of tiny pulperias exist offering sodas, snacks, cigarettes, rum, and essentials like soap, shampoo, etc.... There is a temporary seasonal fruit stand and several small restaurants, including locally-run restaurant and bar "Vista del Pacifico".

Surrounding area

Jiquilillo features miles of beautiful beach, however if you're in the need for a change of scenery just 20 minutes down the road will take you to the community of Los Zorro's. Here you will find more restaurants including "Tina Mata's" and "Bar Choy" where good food and drinks are served daily. An hour walk north along the beach from Jiquilillo will take you to the community of Padre Ramos. Padre Ramos is located on the beautiful mouth to the largest estuary system in Central America and has several restaurants including "Los Ranchos" and "Bar Zulema". "Los Ranchos" is home to the women's jewelry cooperative.

Three hours north of Jiquilillo, with a turquoise crater lake and stunning views to Honduras, El Salvador and of the Golf of Fonseca, is Volcano Cosigüina. We can help organize guided tours to the volcano, but it is possible to use local bus services and visit the volcano independently from Potosi or the quiet town of Cosigüina. Both towns offer affordable accommodation for travelers and nearby natural hot springs and pools are accessible in a day's hike. It is now possible to reach Potosi directly via boat from El Salvador.

The nearest cities to Jiquilillo are El Viejo and Chinandega located approximately 2 hours south via bus or 1 hour by car or truck. El Viejo and Chinandega offer commodities including banks, pharmacies, and grocery stores.

Weather

The weather in Nicaragua is always hot, regardless of the time of year. The months of November through May are considered dry season, with almost no rain what-so-ever; June through August is the beginning of rainy season with an occasional evening shower; the brunt of the rainy season is September and October when it can rain for weeks at a time without letting up at all.

Temperatures typically stay in the high 80's mid 90's throughout the day, in the evenings temperatures rarely dip below mid 60's. Thanks to our coastal location we have the benefits of the refreshing sea breeze, and the ocean is always at hand to cool off.

Current Nicaragua weather conditions