The history of Coco Loco goes back to 2005 and began with three close friends who met while studying at the University of Ottawa. In 2005, they reconnected during a backpacking journey across Central America, where the idea of creating a small, eco-friendly beach resort first took shape. The vision was to build something long-term; a place that would welcome travelers while also supporting the local community.

In November 2007, the three friends arrived in the small beachside village of El Manzano #1 and explored the entire coastline in search of the right place. When they reached this stretch of land, they knew they had found something special. There were no plants, no buildings-just raw land and ocean. But even then, they felt the dream was meant to begin right here.

Coco Loco first opened its doors on December 31st- starting out as a small, simple hostel by the ocean. What began as a humble place for travelers to rest and connect has slowly grown into what Coco Loco is today. That New Year's Eve marked not just the opening of a hostel, but the beginning of a journey rooted in community, surf, and shared moments by the sea.

Our first yoga retreat took place in March 2012 in the original raised yoga shala. Though the space was smaller at the time, this retreat signaled the beginning of a new direction for Coco Loco — one that would grow into a strong focus on hosting retreats and group experiences.

In 2013, Coco Loco took another step forward with the addition of our pool - a milestone in the transition from a small hostel to a developing resort. It created a new space to relax, cool off after surf sessions, and connect beyond the waves. This expansion marked the beginning of a new chapter, growing thoughtfully while staying true to our laid-back, oceanfront roots.

In 2014, a fourth partner joined the team, completing the ownership group and strengthening the foundation of Coco Loco. Ben "Dos" originally came for just a few weeks of holiday, but the connection and shared vision felt natural from the start. It quickly became clear that he wouldn't just stay as a guest - he would become part of the journey.

In 2016, Coco Loco opened a larger open-air yoga shala designed for retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings. Hosting up to 30 students, the space offers ocean views, natural airflow, and a focused teaching environment. Fully equipped with Manduka mats and all essential props, it strengthened our role as a retreat destination.

In 2017, Coco Loco continued to grow with the addition of the neighboring beachfront property. When the opportunity arose, we knew it was the right moment to take the next step. With this expansion came our beach house, a beautiful home directly facing the ocean.

As political unrest in Nicaragua intensified, Coco Loco was forced to temporarily close its doors in 2018. It was a difficult period, especially for our 25+ local team members whose livelihoods were directly affected. With the support of our wider community, funds were raised to help support employees during the closure. In 2019, we were finally able to reopen - resilient, grateful, and more united than ever.

When COVID hit in 2020, Coco Loco had to close once again due to travel restrictions. It was another unexpected challenge that forced us to pause, adapt, and rethink the next steps. After two quiet years, we reopened in 2022 - grateful to welcome guests back and continue the journey we had started years before.

In 2023, we installed flushing toilets across the property. Until then, we had used compostable toilets to stay aligned with our eco values. Over time, we realized the maintenance placed a heavy burden on our local team. This change reflects our ongoing effort to find a realistic balance between sustainability and comfort.

In 2026, we began consciously shaping and defining the identity Coco Loco has always carried. Not changing who we are, but giving clearer form to our spirit, values, and direction. At the same time, we are developing more of our own retreats inspired by our guests and the unique energy of this place. It's a process still unfolding, but one that feels true to Coco Loco.