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 property or arranged by 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 Rancho Santana's dining venues. For all other services, tipping is similar to the United States. When outside of the resort, most places will accept US dollars. However, we do suggest having small bills on hand in either USD or Cordobas for tips.
We recommend scheduling your stay at Rancho Santana for 4- 5 nights beginning Thursday or Friday night and checking out Monday or Tuesday. If you would like to extend your stay, you are welcome to continue your vacation with Rancho Santana. However, if you hope to explore more areas of the country, we suggest booking another hotel in Granada and/or San Juan Del Sur. This will give you greater options for exploring and hotels in these areas are cheaper. Don't hesitate to ask us for help. We are happy to offer you some suggestions for accommodations and help you plan your itinerary of activities.
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 Rancho Santana that can be accessed commercially from Liberia, Costa Rica or by private charter. Managua (MGA) serviced by airlines including American, AeroMexico, Avianca, Copa, Delta, Spirit 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 Ranch Santana – 4+ hours Costa Esmeralda Airport (ECI) serviced by Sansa Airlines, La Costeña Airlines and Private Charter: Drive Time to Rancho Santana – 15 Minutes Rancho Santana can arrange group or private ground transportation for guests arriving or departing from any of the above airports.
Rancho Santana does recommend vehicles for all guests as it offers the most freedom and flexibility to get around the property. Dollar Car Rental offers rental cars at competitive rates on-site at Rancho Santana, and can arrange for pick-up at a Dollar Car Rental at any of their Nicaragua locations. All guest vehicles are required to be 4×4. For those who do not wish to rent a car, Rancho Santana does offer shuttle service from the airport that must be arranged at least 4 days in advance. Rancho Santana also offers a complimentary beach shuttle that leaves from The Inn and stops at the main beaches across the property on a dedicated schedule.
The use of masks is not required, however, they are recommended especially when indoors. We ask that you please use your best judgement to maintain the health and safety of yourself and others.
Transportation between the airport and Rancho Santana can be made by contacting the Concierge team at Rancho Santana. They can be reached via email at concierge@ranchosantana.com Managua Airport Transportation: Private Transportation for 1 to 4 people is $200 +15% taxes per way. Private Transportation for 5-10 people is $250 + 15% taxes. Liberia Airport Transportation: Cost for guest transportation for 1 to 4 people is $270 + 15% taxes per way. Cost for 5-9 guests for transportation is $350 +15% taxes per way.
All air passengers 2 years or older with a flight departing to the US from a foreign country are required to show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 1 day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight. The bride and groom will be providing COVID tests for guests returning to the US. The test will be provided to you at check-in along with detailed instructions. The test has to be performed while on a video call with the number indicated on the testing instructions. It will be each guests' responsibility to schedule appointments with concierge so that they can set you up appropriately for your testing appointment on their computers. Here is a link with more information if you would need to reference it: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html