
It is very helpful if you know a little bit of Spanish. In the bigger towns some people may know a little English, but generally speaking, in the Tola region you will be getting by mainly with Spanish. Once here our trilingual management (English/Spanish/Russian) can help you with anything you would need.
All public and private hospitals and medical facilities in Nicaragua will treat foreign visitors in case of emergency, accident, sudden illness or a chronic disease. Most often you have to pay cash for treatment however some private hospitals accept payment by credit card. While medical facilities are rather limited outside of Managua, there are well equipped private facilities in the capital. If you need medical attention while in Nicaragua, the Metropolitano Vivian Pellas Hospital in Managua is a good choice - +505.2255.6900
For minor colds, bumps, scratches, or stitches, the US funded private in Farmacia Iguana has a doctor on site +505.8282.4817 or in Roberto Clemente Clinic (north of entrance to Rancho Santana - +505.8887.7413) - it takes about 40 min for the ambulance to arrive to Iguana, located about 15 minutes north outside of Hacienda Iguana is a good choice as well.
No, everywhere in Nicaragua accepts USD although you may lose a little money when buying things due to discrepancies in exchange rates so sometimes it is good to pay in Cordobas. Many people don’t accept ripped bills so make sure yours are in good condition and bring with you small bills if possible.
Local ATMs dispense both currencies - USD and Cordoba.
The temperature here stays pretty constant year round, only fluctuating between around 85-93 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainy season is from the beginning of May until the beginning of November. May through September there is intermittent rain and the majority of the rain is at night. October is considered the super rainy month, it can rain all day and night for weeks and it wouldn’t be unusual to get “stuck” here as the rivers are often too high to cross at these times. November and December are still green and comfortable as the wind starts to pick up and it is dry from January through April. April is generally the hottest month. What is the water temp?
Most of the year the water is comfortable (around 80 F), sometimes even warmer, but January through March the water can get a bit chilly due to upwelling caused by the constant offshore winds. This time of year I recommend bringing a 1-2mm wetsuit top or short wetsuit.
Emerald Coast International Airport (Airport code – ECI) is literally only a 1 minute drive from Hacienda Iguana’s entrance and 10 minute drive from the properties in Hacienda Iguana and Rancho Santana.
You can also fly into Managua airport (Airport code- MGA) and drive 2.5 hours to Hacienda Iguana / 3h to Rancho Santana.
Liberia, Costa Rica - and we will arrange your taxi services from Liberia to Hacienda Iguana or Rancho Santana, including help crossing the boarder. Driving time from Liberia to HI or RS is about 3 hours plus border crossing.
You bet! We can arrange a private sedan for $100 for up to 4 people. At $160 we have a new microbus that can carry up to 12.
Please just let us know your number of people, preferred type of transportation, exact arrival time, airline and flight number and we can arrange your transportation for you.
Your ride does include a stop at the grocery store as well. We can also set up transportation to and from Liberia Costa Rica Airport also.
During rainy season (May-October) we do advise that you rent a 4X4. Depending on the amount of rain the rivers fill quite a bit and the road this time of year are generally muddy and bumpy. In dry season you do not need 4X4 but keep in mind that the road is dirt and can be bumpy so a larger car with bigger tires will make the ride more comfortable.
For RANCHO Santana we do recommend 4x4 at all times.
There are a few agencies in our area to rent any day. Many people get rentals at the airport in Managua on the way here. We recommend making a reservation for a car in advance as there is limited supply. The car rental company will also deliver the car to you upon request, sometimes rental company will pick you up and take you to the rental place for paper work, ask in advance to avoid confusion.
There are a few agencies in our area to rent any day.
Dollar Car Rental has 2 offices:
Costa Esmeralda Airport +505.5792.8000
Rancho Santana Main Entrance) +505.8237.4844
Near Entrance to Hacienda Iguana there is a rental agency:
Enterprise/Alamo/National +505.2560.3066 www.grupoanc.com
Efren.morales@ehiglobal.ni
ASK for complimentary drop off/pick-up
Hacienda Iguana has 2 convenience stores in the commercial area - Rios Market or Stop and Go Shop - both have good options however if you need to fully stock-up we recommend to stop on the way from the airport in either Pricesmart or La Colonia. Another near by option is Riviera Plaza (located 500m south of Hacienda Iguana Entry)
Your best options are:
Managua: Pricesmart (buy in bulk, basically Costco/Kirkland)
Rivas: La Colonia or Maxi Pali.
We also have weekly fresh deliveries!!!! WhatsApp to order:
Fresh Farmed Eggs (monday deliveries) +505.8257.0219
Fruit/ Veggie truck (mondays, wednesdays, Fridays)+505.8912.1927
Meat delivery San Martin (Javier) +505.8450.0099
Fresh Fish Manuel +505.8649.7973/8580.9746
FRESH Baked sourdough bread - whatsapp Joan to place an order
+1.619.335.3964 - english only
La Tienda convenience stores in Rancho Santana offers organic produce thats grown in RS, ready to eat options (cooked by RS restaurants), frozen pizzas and much more.
If you need to fully stock-up we recommend to stop on the way from the airport in either Pricesmart or La Colonia.
Another near by option is Riviera Plaza (located 500m south of Hacienda Iguana Entry)
Your best options are:
Managua: Pricesmart (buy in bulk, basically Costco/Kirkland), La Colonia.
Rivas: La Colonia or Maxi Pali.
Daily Golf Cart Rental - $40/day
Bicycles – beach cruiser - $10day/$50wk, simple mnt bike $15day/$70wk, pro mnt bike $25day/$120week - available at Scoops and Spokes – located in the commercial center of Iguana.
Taxis and Airport Transportation- Please inquire as rates vary due to group size, distance and mode of transport (car, SUV, van or bus). Usually $100 to $160 from airport - message your property manager.
