Useful Tips

Rancho Santana is located within driving distance of two international airports that service most major airlines.

• Managua (MGA) serviced by airlines including American, AirMexico, Avianca, Copa, Delta, Spirit, Taca, and United: Drive time to Rancho Santana—2-2.5 hours
• Liberia (LIR), located in nearby Costa Rica, is serviced by AirCanada, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United: Drive Time to Rancho Santana—4+ hours

Rancho Santana can arrange group or private ground transportation for guests arriving or departing from any of the above airports.

Rancho has an all-inclusive dining package and The Good Life Unbounded which allow guests to have an all-inclusive resort experience.

We do recommend vehicles for all guests, as they offer the most freedom and flexibility to get around the property. And for those staying in an ocean-view home, a 4×4 vehicle is required.

Dollar Car Rental Nicaragua offers guests at Rancho rental cars at competitive rates on-site at Rancho Santana and can arrange for pickup at a Dollar Car Rental at any of their Nicaragua locations. All guest vehicles are required to be 4×4.

Rancho Santana also offers a complimentary beach shuttle that leaves from The Inn and stops at the beaches across the property on a dedicated schedule.

To book a ground transfer, arrange a private charter, or rent a car, please contact Concierge at Concierge@ranchosantana.com

Spanish is the national language of Nicaragua; however, most staff members on the property at Rancho Santana are also fluent in English.

Nicaragua observes Central Standard Time all year and does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

To enter Nicaragua, a valid passport is required. Visitors traveling from the US, Canada, and EU countries are not required to obtain a visa in advance. If you are traveling from another country not listed above, check with the embassy about visa requirements.

A visitor visa (or “Tourist Card”) is required to be purchased for $10 USD per person when going through immigration at any border crossing or international airport.

The local currency is cordobas (NIO) The US dollar and US credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Nicaragua. Currency conversion rates can be found at XE Currency Converter. Rancho Santana uses a cashless system for goods and services purchased on the property or arranged by our staff unless otherwise noted. Upon your arrival, you will open an account and everything, including off-property excursions, can be charged back to your room. Rancho Santana accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. If you find yourself needing cash, Concierge can provide up to $100 for a $5 fee.

A 15% IVA (Nicaraguan Sales Tax) will be added to all charges at the Ranch, and a 10% gratuity is automatically included at our dining venues. For all other services, tipping is similar to the United States.

Vaccines are only required if traveling from certain countries in Central and South America and Africa. To see if a country where you live or have recently visited requires a vaccine, you can review the WHO list for places with potential active transmission of yellow fever.

Check-in is 3pm, and check-out is 11am. Early and late check-out is available upon request, and subject to availability.

All of our dining establishments are pet-friendly, with designated outside areas and pets being allowed on a leash.

•  Pets on leashes are welcome on the covered terrace of La Finca y El Mar and El Café, but not in the indoor dining and bar areas. The Sand Dollar Pool and the infinity pool at The Residences are off-limit to pets.
• Pets on leashes are allowed in the outdoor dining areas at La Boquita and La Taquería, but not in the covered areas.
• Off-leash pets are of course allowed at all five beaches. The beaches are the best spot for our little friends.
• There is a weight limit of 30 pounds, and a one-time pet fee of $25 is charged. Guests are allowed only one pet per accommodation.

We are happy that your pets love The Ranch as much as you do. We ask that you kindly follow the guidelines mentioned above while visiting with your furry friends.

Please note that the import and use of drones in Nicaragua is strictly prohibited. Professional equipment for commercial use may be subject to additional customs and import documentation and fees.

Rancho Santana is a casual beach community. There is no dress code on the property. We recommend packing sneakers or other closed-toed athletic shoes if you plan on participating in any of the activities and excursions.

All accommodations are stocked with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and a hairdryer. Complimentary laundry services are provided for linens and towels. Personal items can also be laundered. Laundry is $20 per load.

Rancho Santana underwrites the Roberto Clemente Health Clinic, located just outside of our main gate. The Clinic is fully equipped to handle any vacation-related injury or illness. If an issue requires additional attention, we can assist with transportation to a regional hospital in Managua.

Rancho Santana’s state-of-the-art water purification system provides clean drinking water from our own fresh wells. Bottled water is also available at La Tienda and in all accommodations.

Absolutely. Rancho Santana is a private, gated community. The facilities and amenities are for the sole use of property owners and resort guests.

La Tienda, Rancho Santana’s grocery and dry goods market offers everything from drinks and snacks, to sunscreen and toiletries. Pre-arrival procurement services for those with kitchens are also available through La Tienda.

Souvenirs and gifts can be purchased at the Beach & Surf Club at Playa Los Perros, and the shop at The Spa in El Bosque.

Nicaraguan handcrafts and more can be found at El Cedro, our boutique at The Inn

Nicaragua uses the same electrical current and outlets as the United States (110 volts, 60mz). All accommodations are equipped with backup power to run lights and basic appliances in the event of unplanned outages.

Complimentary high-speed internet is available at all accommodations and clubhouses.

Rancho Santana has four dining options: La Finca y El Mar for lunch and dinner; El Café for coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, and pastries; La Boquita for small plates in the afternoon and evening; and La Taquería for beachside bites in the afternoon.

The Ranch has three outdoor pools: the Sand Dollar Pool, Residence Pool, and the Pool House. Additionally, most homes on the property have private pools.