What Airport should I fly into?

Managua International Airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Augusto C. Sandino (MGA). We offer 24/7 transportation.
Also, you can fly into Liberia or San Jose Costa Rica and Take a flight with SANSA Airlines (www.flysansa.com) to Costa Esmeralda Airport (ECI).
You can also drive from Liberia or San Jose, Costa Rica, but you must cross the Costa Rica/Nicaragua border.

Will I need to pay an entry fee when arriving to Nicaragua or exit fee when leaving?

There is a $10 entry fee and currently no exit fee.

Where can I rent a vehicle?

There are several car rental agencies at the Managua airport but we highly recommend reserving your vehicle in advance. While you may be able to get by without a 4wd vehicle, we recommend reserving one so that you will not be limited where and when you can go. Below are links to some of the rental agencies at the airport and right here in the gates of Hacienda Iguana.
Budget rental car: http://www.budget.com.ni
Avis rental car: http://www.avis.com.ni
Dollar rental car: http://www.dollar.com.ni
Alamo rental car: http://alamonicaragua.com

Don’t want to travel with boards?

Here in Hacienda Iguana we count with 2 surfshops with rental quivers All board rentals come with fins, leash, and a day bag.

What currency is accepted in Nicaragua?

The local currency is the Cordoba. The current exchange rate is approximately 33 Cordobas = USD $1. In addition to the Cordoba, the US Dollar is accepted everywhere.

Are credit cards accepted?

Credit cards are accepted at most grocery stores, popular restaurants, and some stores. We accept credit cards at AUREA office. We recommend bringing plenty of cash because many businesses only accept cash.
We also have an ATM machine in the commercial zone, the’re also another ATM 10 minutes away from the development, at the Riviera Market and another one at the Costa Esmeralda Airport. Also, there is an ATM about 30 minutes away in Tola.

Are there any specific medicines and vaccines needed prior to a visit to Nicaragua?

Dependent on your airline and country of origin, you may be required to bring your Yellow Fever Vaccine Certificate.

Is there medical care available?

We have a medical clinic in the Hacienda Iguana (Nica HeartBeat). Please note these clinics are suited to treat very basic injuries and medical attention needs. Some clinics are also equipped with a pharmacy. For anything outside of basic medical care, we recommend Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas in Managua, which offers the best care in Nicaragua: http://www.metropolitano.com.ni
Contact an AUREA representative if you need help with a medical emergency.

When is Surf Season?

We generally see the first of the Southern Hemisphere swells in early April. Swells run consistently through November and we even get infrequent offseason swells from December – April. Although we are not located in a position to get hit by hurricanes, we are affected by the tropical depressions and hurricanes tend to form off our coasts during hurricane season. September/October tend to be the most active around here so those two months can bring some unsettled weather (more often in October).

When is the best time for learning to surf?

Lessons can generally be given year-round. The ideal months are November, December, and January. February and March also offer mellow surf, however, those also tend to be months when we see cooler water temps and stronger waves.

What water temps can be expected?

Water temps late April-November are generally nice and warm around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. January, February and March are when we see the coolest water temps (and these dips in temperatures are generally only the case for the southern part of the Pacific coast). Believe it or not, water temps during this timeframe can be anywhere from lower 60’s to mid 70’s. This is due to strong offshore winds and the upwelling of the deep cool water. Visitors coming to Nicaragua during this timeframe should definitely come prepared for cooler temps. Most of the time a long-sleeved top will suffice (it’s still 85 deg air temp) and rarely you’ll want a wetsuit. Email your AUREA rep leading up to your visit for a report on water temps.

What is the weather like in Nicaragua?

Our rainy season is May-October. Do not be alarmed by “rainy season”. A rainy season day generally consists of sunny skies with scattered showers in the afternoons or evenings. It’s usually a welcome break from the sun and heat. The trees and brush are green and we generally see our best surf. Fishing is also better during the rainy season.
November-April are our dry months so it’s a safe bet that these months will bring constant sunshine. For those looking to escape harsh winters, this could be the perfect time to visit. The surf is typically mellower during this timeframe so it’s a great time for lessons. Note the offshore winds tend to blow harder in the January through March timeframe.
For any other question related to Nicaragua, reach out to your AUREA rep. We will answer your questions and help you prepare to get in the #AUREASTATEOFMIND!