Jicaro Island Ecolodge | Granada Isletas, Nicaragua

Frequently Asked Questions about the Hotel, Granada and Nicaragua

 

How to I get to Nicaragua from the US or Europe?

It is actually fairly easy to get to Nicaragua from the US and even from Europe. American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Delta have daily flights to and from Managua. Their connections are from their hubs in Miami, Houston and Atlanta and connect to the rest of the US and Europe. The Central American Airlines TACA and COPA have direct flights from Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. European airlines such as Iberia, Air France, KLM and Lufthansa offer flights that code share with the local airlines and get you to Managua comfortably.

Can you provide ground transport from the airport or another hotel I am staying at? 

We would be happy to arrange a private ground transfer for you from the Managua airport or any other hotel you might be staying in before coming to Jicaro.  We also offer transfers from Costa Rica.  We can get you to Nicaragua with a private transfer and guide from the San Jose or Liberia International airports or any hotel or resort you are staying at. 

Can you provide driving directions from the Costa Rican Border to Jicaro?:

Once you cross the Costa Rica - Nicaragua Border, you will continue approximately for 40 kilometers and pass the city of Rivas. You will continue through Rivas to the city of Nandaime which is 30 kilometers north of Rivas.

2 kilometers after Nandaime, you will reach a fork in the road and turn right towards Granada. After the fork in the road you will continue for approximately 20 kilometers until you reach another fork where you will continue straight (do not go left) towards Granada. Continue another 20 kilometers towards Granada and you will see the cemetery on the left side of the road as you enter Granada.   

Immediately turn right after the cemetery on "Calle Nueva". Continue on this road for approximately 4 kilometers and the paved road will turn into a cobblestone road. Continue on this road to the bottom of the hill and turn right after passing thru a gate. After turning right you will continue for 500 meters on cobblestone road and reach a paved road near the lake. From here turn right and continue for 300 meters and then turn right at the signs for Marina Cocibolca (or Puerto Asese).   

After you turn right down a paved road, please continue for 1 kilometer and then turn left at the fork in the road (again following the signs for Marina Cocibolca). After turning left, you will reach the entrance to Marina Cocibolca and the offices for Marina Cocibolca are inside the Marina.

The approximate travel time from the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border to Marina Cocibolca is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Do you allow children at the lodge?

The Jicaro Island Ecolodge experience is available only for adults and children age 12 and above.

What should I bring on a vacation to Jicaro Island?

The following is a list of suggested items to bring on your holiday:

  • Lightweight, comfortable hiking or walking shoes (waterproof is preferable). Water shoes or sandals.
  • Lightweight, casual clothing appropriate for hiking, such as light pants, shorts and shirts. Our dress code at the property is completely informal, so do not worry about bringing dinner jackets or formal apparel. Don’t forget your bathing suit.
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Light raincoat when visiting us during the rainy season.
  • Camera equipment and plenty of film /memory cards (batteries and chargers). Also binoculars if you have some.
  • Basic medical kit (Aspirin, Plasters, Imodium, Antiseptic Cream, Anti-Histamine Cream, etc.)

Is it safe to visit Nicaragua?

Yes. The only thing you should be afraid of when thinking about a trip to Nicaragua and Jicaro Island Lodge is that you might not want to leave ever again. Yes, Nicaragua has had its share of negative publicity in the past, but you might be surprised to hear that it is one of the safest countries to travel in all of Latin America.

If you have a sense of adventure, you will really appreciate all that Nicaragua has to offer. The Nicaraguans are some of the nicest people you will ever meet and the country´s culture and nature are incredible. If you have doubts about this topic, which is understandable considering the negative PR about Nicaragua in the media, just drop us a note and we will be happy to answer your doubts and concerns.

Visa and Enter Formalities

To enter Nicaragua at the international airport or from any other country, the visitor must present a valid passport (which does not expire for at least six months). For all nationalities a US$5.00 tourist card must be purchased upon entry (subject to change). To leave Nicaragua by air at the International Airport, there is currently a departure tax of US $35.00. (subject to change). Entry visas are not required for U.S. and European Citizens. Please consult us for restrictions to some specific countries.

Do you recommend any other hotels?

The company that manages Jicaro Island Ecolodge operates five other high end resorts in Costa Rica. They all share the same focus on service quality and sustainability:

Latitude 10 Resort (Santa Teresa)

Latitude 10 Resort was built as a private resort and is now available to the public. As the winner of the 2008 Grand Award in the International Class for second homes, the resort leaves nothing to be desired in luxury and elegance in its natural setting, providing interaction with the jungle and it’s beachfront location. Staying at Latitude 10 is like staying with good friends at their luxury beach house. You will experience personalized service and attention to detail in a relaxed, yet classy atmosphere. Breakfast and pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres are included in your rate as well as your private in room mini bar. For more information and reservations please contact them here.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge (Osa Península)

A luxurious 16-bungalow ecolodge overlooking the Pacific Ocean and protecting over 1,000 acres of preserved rain forest, hosting 2.5% of the World’s Biodiversity, soon to be named World Heritage Site. Here, environmental education is fundamental to the employees and international guests’ experiences. This model ecolodge has been consistently voted as one of Latin American’s top resorts by Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure and Andrew Harper. For more information and reservations please contact them here.

Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort (Manuel Antonio)

Arenas Del Mar is a beach and nature resort located next to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This Manuel Antonio resort caters to tourists that are looking for more than just another high end resort experience. Arenas Del Mar Hotel offers a luxurious lodging experience in harmony with Costa Rica's nature in a spectacular beach and rainforest setting. Guest rooms and suites offer spectacular ocean views, upscale dining in two hotel restaurants with a focus on fresh local products and personalized service that exceeds guest expectations. For more information and reservations please contact them here.

Harmony Hotel (Playa Guiones, Nosara)

The Harmony Hotel is the perfect combination of low-key luxury, nature, wellness and sustainability. Situated on the Guiones beach in Nosara, Costa Rica (a spot well renowned for its beautiful surroundings and impressive surf), Harmony Hotel is an excellent place to unwind, relax and get in tune with your natural rhythm. For more information and reservations please contact them here.

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn (Santa Barbara, Heredia)

Easily located 15 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport. Surrounded by coffee plantations, volcanoes and lush gardens, Finca Rosa Blanca is a renowned hideaway, famous for its organic gourmet cuisine, superior comfort and service to their guests. For more information and reservations please contact them here.

What other places do you recommend in Nicaragua?

Of course, Jicaro will be the highlight of your stay in Nicaragua, however, if you are looking to explore other regions of the country, we recommend the following hotels and resorts.

Pacific Coast: Morgan’s Rock Ecolodge

Morgan’s Rock EcolodgePlanning on visiting the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua?  Why not stay at the spectacular Morgan's Rock Ecolodge located a few beaches north of San Juan del Sur.  Morgan's Rock is part of a agro/eco-tourism project that entails over 1,800 hectares of reforestation projects and the first ecolodge in Nicaragua.  Besides being located on a secluded white sand beach that is safe for swimming and a great variety of tours ranging from guided nature hikes and horseback riding to boat and sea kayaking tours, the 15 spacious bungalows offer spectacular Ocean and forest views and are the ideal setting to relax on the open air daybed or to refresh in the outside shower.  The culinary experience is focused on local ingredients, often grown and raised on the Morgan's Rock farm.
www.morgansrock.com, info@morgansrock.com, Tel. (505) 8670-7676

San Juan del Sur: Pelican Eyes Hotel and ResortPelican Eyes Hotel and Resort

Located in the charming town of San Juan del Sur on Nicaragua's stunning Pacific Coast, Pelican Eyes is a truly one-of-a-kind hotel and resort. We proudly offer a distinctive blend of gracious hospitality, luxury accommodations, local charm and community commitment. Here, you’ll enjoy sweeping ocean views from infinity pools, walk through lush, tranquil gardens, dine on outstanding international cuisine, and relax in our newly reopened Casa Tranquila Day Spa. Pelican Eyes Hotel and Resort promises to be your haven away from home while you soak up Nicaragua’s unspoiled beauty and untold adventure.
www.pelicaneyesresort.com, reservations@pelicaneyesresort.com, Tel: (505) 2563-7000

Granada: Plaza Colon

Plaza ColonIs set in an elegant antique colonial house that has been restored to its original architectural style, in order to provide guests with the proper facilities and services. With external courtyards and balconies overlooking Central Park and the Cathedral, it offers twenty seven bedrooms that will take you back to colonial times, offering the most modern amenities such as air conditioning, ceiling fans, hot water, cable TV, internet connection, minibar, hair dryer, safety deposit and private parking lot.
The hotel has a privileged location since it is right in front of Central Park, where you can take a horse drawn carriage and tour the city around.  Don Simon Cafeteria, just aside from the Hotel, will offer you a typical breakfast and a taste of the best Nicaraguan coffee.
www.hotelplazacolon.com, info@hotelplazacolon.com .

Managua: Hotel Los Robles

Hotel Los RoblesThe hotel is ideally located in a residential area, a few minutes away from Managua’s financial and commercial center. Thanks to its small size, they can focus our efforts on service and personalized attention to their guests. It is their wish that your stay in Nicaragua becomes the most enjoyable experience. Hotel Los Robles brings you the following: hot and cold buffet breakfast, 24 hours room service, 24 hours reception and concierge service, laundry and dry cleaning, business center with free Internet acces as well as fax, free wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) throughout the hotel and multilingual staff.
www.hotellosrobles.com, info@hotellosrobles.com

Tola, Rivas: Punta Teonoste Nature Lodges & Beach Spa

Punta Teonoste Nature Lodges & Beach SpaExclusive boutique resort located on the southwestern coast of Nicaragua known as the Pacific Riviera. The spectacular private beachfront setting of more than 1 mille is a secluded desti nation where travelers can experience the beauty of the area, the sounds, the breezes, the wildlife, the local culture and the people. The result of this synergy and style is a sophisticated destination offering exceptional comfort and relaxation along with a touch of adventure. A stay at Punta Teonoste offers the pleasure of simplicity and the luxury of experiencing this untouched area of Central America. The Hotel offers: 16 villas, pool, gym, bar & restaurant, terrace, spa, yoga, surfing, horse back riding on the beach, fishing, snorkeling, thermal bath experience, kayaking, mountain biking, turtles, wi-fi.
www.puntateonoste.com, info@puntateonoste.com

Planning your Honeymoon or a Romantic Escape?

The amazing beaches and natural scenarios, plus the warmth of the local people and the friendly weather are just a handful of distinctive features that make Nicaragua and Costa Rica one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Visit us here and let us plan the honeymoon of your dreams.

Planning a Wellness Retreat?

Wellness is all around in Nicaragua and Costa Rica: weather on deserted beaches, with the song of invisible creatures of the night or on dark-green jungles. Visit us here and let us take you on that journey.

Who operates Jicaro Island Ecolodge?

Jicaro is managed by Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, a Costa Rica based hospitality management company that develops and manages ecolodges, sustainable resorts and green hotels in Latin American and the Caribbean. All Cayuga properties are certified or in the process of being certified for their sustainable practices, nature conservation and the improvement of the local communities where they are located. To learn more about what we do, why we are unique and how we can help you please click here.
Jicaro Island Ecolodge - Granada Isletas, Nicaragua