FAQ’s
1. How should I prepare and pack for my trip?
Yes, please click here to download a PDF version of our ChicaBrava Camp Survival Guide and packing list.
2. Where is Nicaragua?
Nicaragua is located in Central America and is bordered by Costa Rica to the south and Honduras to the north. It is the largest country in Central America and only slightly larger than the state of New York. The country is home to two large lakes, Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua, and countless volcanoes. Nicaragua derives its name from the chief of the area’s leading Indian tribe at the time of the Spanish Conquest.
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3. Why Nicaragua?
Nicaragua benefits from offshore winds almost year round creating perfect conditions and perfectly groomed waves. It is quickly becoming recognized as one of the best places to visit in Central America for surfing. And it’s still un-crowded compared to most any other surf destination in the world. To make things even better, Nicaragua is beautiful and most of the coastline remains undeveloped. Nicaragua has a rich local culture which predominates over the recent increase in tourism. San Juan del Sur itself is a tranquil fishing village set around a beautifully picturesque horseshoe-shaped bay. The town has lots of energy and unique culture. There is a plethora of amazing restaurants and sizzling nightlife! On weekends, locals and foreigners alike travel in hordes to the “discoteca” at the north end of the beach to dance the night away. The people here are as warm and friendly as the weather.
4. Is Nicaragua safe?
Yes. Nicaragua has the lowest reported crime rate and is considered the safest county in Central America. INCAE (the Harvard Business school affiliate in Nicaragua), INTERPOL, and the Inter-American Institute on Human Rights support this claim placing Managua as the safest capital in the region, and Nicaragua as the safest country in Central America and among the safest countries in the world. Recent studies also point to Nicaragua’s low reported crime rate (lower than in Germany, France or the U.S.). Most of the unsettling discussion and travel advisories directed at Nicaragua concern the current perceived political situation. Understanding a bit about Nicaragua’s past may help to put things into perspective.
Throughout the 1980’s, Nicaragua was believed to be and depicted as a dangerous socialist country by the U.S. For many decades Nicaragua was controlled by the oppressive U.S.-backed Somoza dictatorship. After much struggle and strife, the people were able to get out from under the dictator’s control and form their own government, with Daniel Ortega leading the country as President. Their efforts were crushed by crippling economic sanctions and embargoes implemented by the U.S. and by civil war waged by the “contras” (an opposing political party illegally backed by the U.S). You may remember the Oliver North scandal and the Iran-Contra affair under the Reagan administration (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran-Contra_affair). During this time, the U.S. was illegally selling arms to Iran to back the “contras” in war against the Sandinistas in Nicaragua. After undergoing nearly a decade of crippling economic sanctions and civil war with the U.S.-backed “contras”, the Sandinista party agreed to hold elections. In 1990, the Sandinistas were voted out of office, to be replaced by Nicaragua’s first ever woman president: Violetta Chamorro (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violeta_Chamorro). Twenty years of peace ensued and continues to date.
In 2004, the real estate market in Nicaragua started to boom, bringing a marked increase in tourism along with it. In November 2007, Nicaragua held presidential elections and Daniel Ortega (representing the modern Sandinista party) won and now serves as president. When Ortega was re-elected this initially scared many investors as they were primarily from the U.S. and recall the history outlined above. However, within his first months in office, Ortega showed consistently and continually that he was committed to continue encouraging foreign investment, personal property rights, and the promotion of tourism throughout the country. Within a matter of months many U.S. investors re-entered the real estate market noting that the Sandinista party of today is completely distinct from the grass roots revolutionary movement that it was (and had to be by necessity) in the 1970’s and early 80’s. It is merely a political party now, like any other, and in fact does not stray too far from left wing democratic political beliefs in the U.S.
The town where we are located, San Juan del Sur, is tiny. The anonymity relied upon by most criminals in large cities does not exist here, making crimes difficult get away with; and hence there is an extremely low incidence of crime. As a good rule of thumb, you should always plan to exercise a responsible amount of caution while traveling abroad. For participants of our camp though, there is never a moment that you are on your own or unattended. We start by meeting you at the airport before your plane even lands and then transporting you directly to our camp.
5. Do I need a passport to travel there?
Yes, you do need a valid passport to travel to Nicaragua and it must be valid for at least six months past your travel date. All visitors are required to buy a tourist visa card for $5 in U.S. cash upon arrival at customs.
6. Where do I fly into? What airline should I use?
Nicaragua’s international airport is Managua International Airport, located in the capital city of Managua. The airport code is MGA. The Managua International Airport was just completely remodeled in 2006 and is considered one of the best airports in Central America. Facilities within Managua International Airport include a tourist information desk, bank, restaurants, bars, post office, souvenir shops, duty free shop, lounges and more. There is even a VIP lounge available for private check in and refreshments at a small additional cost. Direct flights are offered from various cities. For flights and airfare, we recommend trying all of the major airlines: Continental, American, United, Delta, and Taca Airlines as well. Also check a few of the travel search engines like www.Travelocity.com and www.Kayak.com first. But then check the airlines website directly. Most airlines, such as Continental, www.continental.com offers the lowest airfare for that airline.
7. Do you provide transportation to and from the airport?
Yes, we provide a free shuttle from the airport at 12:30PM on the Saturday of arrival (which takes you through Granada for touring and/or lunching, arriving at the camp around 4:00PM) and from San Juan del Sur to the airport on the Saturday of departure at 7:00AM (arriving at the airport at 9:30AM). Transportation outside of these days/times can be provided for an additional cost of $40/person each way, and $60/each way if requiring nighttime travel. San Juan del Sur is 2.5 hours from MGA. The roads are poorly lit and bordered by farms on both sides, making for frequent animal crossings and thus hazardous conditions for nighttime travel. If you are only able to find flights arriving MGA at night (or departing MGA early morning), then we recommend coming in a day early (or leaving a day late) and staying overnight in Managua for travel to the camp (or airport) the next morning. We pick up and drop off at the two hotels near the airport and at our own CHICABRAVA Satellite B&B in Managua. The nightly rates for each are as follows and include taxes and a light breakfast: CHICABRAVA Satellite B&B ($50/single; $70/double); Best Western ($92/single; $102.50/double); Camino Real ($115/single; 136.50/double). We recommend our Satellite B&B as it’s nicer, less expensive, more fun and located right next to the main shopping, restaurant, and nightlife district in Managua!
8. What if I want to come alone but still share a room?
That is perfectly fine! Many guests choose to join us on their own! As the posted rates are for shared accommodations, we’ll put you in a shared room with one of the other chicas!
9. What if I want a single private room?
We recommend sharing to enhance the surf camp “experience” but we also do understand the value of privacy. Single rooms are available for $2200/person at the Cloud Farm and $1590 at the Surf House.
11. Can I bring my own board?
Yes! If you have a surfboard and would like to bring it, we recommend you do. We provide long boards for beginners and intermediates but it is always preferable to have a board you are familiar with, if you have one! Be sure to check with the airline first as most charge a fee to bring your board.
