Taste of Nicaragua: Farm-to-table.
We are humbled to have inherited land where we can continue to keep alive the legacy of Nicaragua’s rich culture. Our expansive community boasts 2,700 acres which gives shelter to unique flora and fauna. Tropical temperatures range from the mid-80s to the low 90s, allowing for generously fertile soil year-round. As we prepare to celebrate our 25th anniversary, we continue to reflect on the promise we pledged the first day we discovered The Ranch: to honor the land and our natural resources. One of the ways that we do this is through our farm-to-table program.
Our Garden
At the heart of our sustainability plan is The Santana Farm and Garden. Our garden is peacefully nestled on 1.7 acres where our farmers grow leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables, including tomatoes, corn, papaya, and one of our favorites, the sweet pineapple.
Through the years, we have gardened the land with love, respect, and patience. Instead of using chemical pesticides, The Santana Farm uses herbs, plants, and fungi to fight pests. Furthermore, our team is conscious of making the most of all processes on The Ranch, using waste and manure from The Stables and our kitchens for composting and later fertilizing. By doing so we reduce waste and have greater control over the outcome of our produce.
Our Farm
Discreetly settled on an 80-acre hill lies our farm where all of our animals are ethically, sustainably, and humanely raised. The Santana Farm is a true haven for the cows, goats, chickens, pigs, and sheep that enjoy roaming through the vast property.
We are not fans of chemicals-additives and hormones; for this reason, we use high-quality feed to nourish our livestock. On our spacious farm, we produce prime meat and top-quality dairy products. The great quality of our dairy products translates to a delicious result that our guests can enjoy in the form of eggs, yogurt, and cheese.
Discover Seasonal Flavors
Our guests enjoy flavorsome and fresh meals at any of our four on-site restaurants as well as La Tienda. To continue honoring our commitment to support farm-to-table food, our team of experts work with the ingredients that mother nature provides per season. For this reason, our menus are refreshed every three months.
Guests start their day with a Nicaraguan breakfast at El Café. Order our Nica Bowl featuring gallo pinto, eggs, creole cheese, guacamole, and pico de gallo. This dish is made that much tastier with views from the expansive terrace overlooking our sweeping gardens that lead to our namesake beach, Playa Santana.
Our renowned Chuleta de Cerdo from La Finca y El Mar is our signature dish and one of the few that is served year-round. An example of a seasonal dish is the tasty pescado frito con arroz (fried fish with rice) made with delicious catch of the day, salsa tipitapa, steamed rice, and pinol.
Featuring an open-air kitchen and terrace dining, and a casual menu of wood-fired pizzas, raspas, sushis and other small plates, La Boquita is the perfect spot to catch the sunset and enjoy truly farm-fresh ingredients that were harvested that very same day.
Corn is our star ingredient at La Taquería. This ancient grain can be traced back in history, as the base of the Nicaraguan diet, implemented since native civilizations. From Baja-style tacos to burritos and ceviche, La Taquería is a guest favorite for a reason.
Nicaragua
Rancho Santana embraces and celebrates authentic Nicaraguan culture; from the way we steward the land to the traditional dishes that are incorporated into our menus. During your visit to Rancho Santana, you can look forward to magical sunsets, warm hospitality, and a fine dining experience rich in local culture, creative expression and farm-to-table food.
If you’re interested in learning more about how the food, we serve at The Ranch is grown and sourced you can join one of our on-site guided tours of the Garden and The Santana Farms.
