TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Nicaragua has gained popularity over the last few years for their great waves and its diversity both geographically and culturally.
In the 16th century the Pacific coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish colony - today it has a population approaching 6,000,000 and tourism is its second largest industry. Why do people want to visit Nicaragua? Because it has a little of everything ranging from surfers seeking barreling bliss to families on bus tours visiting active volcanoes.

Nicaragua has a range of microclimates, on the Pacific side, invierno (winter), or rainy season, runs May to November. It is at its rainiest in September and October. Verano (summer), or dry season, is November to April, the best time for hiking, camping and partying, and there is still plenty of good surf to be found! (December to March).

Nicaraguan culture has strong folklore, music and religious traditions, deeply influenced by European culture but enriched with Amerindian sounds and flavors. The Pacific coast around Mark and Dave’s Place has strong folklore, music and religious traditions, deeply influenced by Europeans. Nicaragua was colonized by Spain and has a similar culture to other Spanish speaking Latin American countries. Consequently, Spanish is spoken by about 90% of the country’s population.

If you are interested in learning more about Nicaragua in general terms please refer to the resources below.

Lonely Planet Guide to Nicaragua
CIA World Fact book: Nicaragua
Wikipedia: Nicaragua

ITINERARY:

The following information will give you a rough idea about what to expect once you touch down in Nicaragua.

1. Once you arrive into Managua a representative will greet you in the customs area and transfer you to a waiting van or car depending on the size of your group- (THIS SERVICE IS PROVIDED IF PAID FOR) - Car rental is available but not recommended.

2. On the way to the house you will travel back in time through a landscape of grass fields, active volcanoes, and colonial cities that exist as though they have been trapped in time. If you are in one of our vans we make one quick stop in the city of Grenada to pick up lunch for the group, shop at the market for food and drinks for the week, and soak in a little of the local culture.

3. Back on the road we wind our way towards the ocean and eventually onto a 12 mile (35 minutes) dirt road to the main gate to Mark and Dave’s Place.

4. Once inside the gate there is very little reason to leave. With some of the best surf at your doorstep, a private golf course only steps away, and a great restaurant/bar only a five minute walk up the road there is very little reason to leave or to get lost in a rental car!

5. Your daily routine will focus on the waves and activities available inside the compound; however, if you are interested in surfing another beach, going fishing, or doing anything else, our ground staff in Nicaragua will coordinate whatever you desire.

6. Once your trip is complete, you’ve got your last surf in and are ready to go - you will head back to the airport 2 1/2 hours away, catch your flight, and we’ll see you again next year!
A quick look at answers to our most frequently asked questions.

ESSENTIALS:

The best advice when packing for a surf trip is to pack as light as possible. The following list is divided into two categories: In the Water and Out of the Water.

In the Water
1. Surfboards (2 boards in one board bag)
2. Leashes (3)
3. Extra leash tethers
4. Fin Sets
5. Extra fin keys and screws
6. Long Sleeve Rash guard (optional)
7. Spring Suit (optional)
8. Board shorts (2-3 pairs)
9. Wetsuit Top (optional but recommended)
10. Wax

Out of the Water
* PASSPORT /& copy of it *
1. Airline Tickets plus copy
2. Cash - We recommend $400 to be on the safe side.
3. Comb or brush (optional)
4. Contact Lens Kit
5. Deodorant
6. Ding Repair/Sun Cure Resin
7. Drivers License plus copy
8. Eyeglasses
9. Long Sleeve T-Shirt
10. Moisturizer (optional)
11. Mosquito Repellant with DHT
12. Multi-board travel bag
13. Nail Clippers (optional)
14. Pain Medicine (optional)
15. Light weight Pants (1)
16. First Aid Kit
17. Sandals
18. Shaving Kit
19. Shoes
20. Socks
21. Sun Hat
22. Sunglasses
23. Sunscreen
24. Surf Towel
25. Toothbrush and toothpaste
26. Travel backpack
27. Waterproof jack

Q & A:

Frequently asked questions:

1. What do I need to bring?
Please check out our "Essentials" checklist above.

2. What are the waves like?
You will have Private access to two of the best waves in Nicaragua - Colorado’s & Ponga Drops (Other surfers have to access by boat or walk 45-60 minutes) Most of our guests prefer to stay at the house and surf the waves on our beach exclusively, our guide can also book a charter boat or take you to other surfing locations. find out why we are in the best location possible by visiting our "Waves" section.

3. What health precautions should I take?

Please consult your doctor before any international excursion. In general you will need to update your tetanus shot and hepatitis series shots as well. Remember to bring any prescription medication with you.

4. Can I check my e-mails and get online?
Yes! Wireless Internet is available at the Hacienda Iguana offices - bring your laptop and plug in - electrical outlets are the same as the United States.

5. How much money do I need to take?
We recommend $400+ … US dollars are accepted everywhere, so you can always take what you don’t use home.

6. What happens when I arrive in Managua?
Please visit our "Travel Information"

7. How do I check on availability and reserve my trip?
Please click on "BOOK YOUR TRIP" located at the top right hand corner of each webpage.