Rancho Santana sits on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast and is accessible by land or air. View our map for routes and travel details.
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Make the most of your Rancho Santana escape by planning ahead and staying informed.
Rancho Santana sits on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast and is accessible by land or air. View our map for routes and travel details.
Rancho Santana is located within driving distance of two international airports that service most major airlines. There is also a small regional airport 15 minutes from the property that can be accessed commercially from Liberia, Costa Rica, or by private charter.
Managua International Airport (MGA) is the most direct option for international travelers, while Liberia Airport (LIR) in Costa Rica is ideal for those combining regional travel or arriving from select U.S. hubs.
– Managua (MGA) is serviced by airlines including American, AirMexico, Avianca, Copa, Conviasa, and United: Drive time to Rancho Santana—2-2.5 hours
Below is the timetable of direct flights into Managua at present:
American Airlines
MIAMI – MANAGUA
Avianca
MIAMI – MANAGUA
FORT LAUDERDALE – MANAGUA
SAN SALVADOR – MANAGUA
SAN JOSÉ – MANAGUA
United Airlines
HOUSTON – MANAGUA
Copa Airlines
PANAMA – MANAGUA
SAN JOSÉ – MANAGUA
GUATEMALA – MANAGUA
Aeroméxico
MEXICO – MANAGUA
Conviasa
HAVANA – MANAGUA
– Liberia (LIR), located in nearby Costa Rica, is serviced by AirCanada, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United: Drive Time to Rancho Santana—3+ hours
Rancho Santana can arrange group or private ground transportation for guests arriving or departing from any of the above airports.
If you are not a Nicaraguan citizen, you will need to purchase a tourist visa to enter the country. If entering via the land border from Costa Rica, the tourist visa costs $14 and is available for purchase upon arrival. You will also need to pay a $1 fee to the local Cardenas municipality. If arriving to the International Airport in Managua, the tourist visa costs $10 and can also be paid upon arrival.
We highly recommend having exact change to ensure an efficient border and immigration experience.
Vaccines are only required if you are traveling from certain countries in Central America, South America, or Africa, (as listed by the WHO) with proof of yellow fever vaccination required at least 10 days before arrival if applicable.
Travelers do not require COVID vaccination cards or a PCR test.
As of 2025, Nicaragua does not require a negative COVID-19 test to depart the country. However, travelers must follow the entry requirements of their destination, which may include providing a negative test result. If your destination requires a PCR test, it can be scheduled through the Ministry of Health (MINSA) in Managua. At-home antigen tests are not available locally and must be brought with you if accepted by your destination. Our team is available to help with testing coordination and travel arrangements before your departure.
Yes, we can coordinate private transfers from the Peñas Blancas border crossing for guests arriving through Liberia.
Yes, daytime travel from both Managua and Liberia is safe. We recommend using our trusted drivers for the most reliable experience.
Evening arrivals are common. Pre-arranged transportation is strongly recommended, as rural roads may be poorly lit and GPS can be unreliable.
Explore Useful Tips before you travel or visit Our Destination Guide to get familiar with the surrounding region, local activities, and travel prep essentials.
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