Why Should You Visit Nicaragua Now
Nicaragua is a beautiful country to visit, and now is the time! Learn why the properties that we represent in Nicaragua combine for an amazing, fun-filled itinerary perfect for multi-gen families, groups of friends, honeymooners, and more!
Nicaragua: Why You Should Visit Now
Last year during March 2022 I made my way back to Costa Rica, but instead of visiting the lodges there this time, I would immediately make my way to Nicaragua from Liberia, CR for a site inspection of Jicaro Island Lodge, one of the properties under the Cayuga Collection sustainable hotels brand. After arriving in Liberia, CR the Sales & Ops team from Cayuga Collection picked me up in order to cross the border at Peñas Blancas into Nicaragua. I had never been to Nicaragua before this, so I was eager to learn more.
Turning the Page
At this point in time, no flights from the United States or Costa Rica were arriving in Nicaragua. Pretty much the only way to visit was via border crossing from Peñas Blancas, and I quickly learned that it was a long journey. This was my first time visiting Nicaragua, but I had heard stories of the resiliency of Nicaraguan local people, continuously working hard to keep tourism open and welcome to travelers far and wide. Before the 2018 political uprising in Nicaragua, ecotourism was booming and things were looking up for the country of lakes and volcanos. After the dust from political rallies settled, tourism once again began to rise, only to be shut down by a brutal hurricane. Once again, Nicaraguans found themselves cleaning up a mess to bring back tourism, and that is when the COVID-19 pandemic happened.
Just when it seemed like everything was going back to normal, in March of 2020 a complete economic & travel shutdown occurred with no flights entering the country occurred. This was devastating news for the locals who had already been dealt so much adversity. Once again, Nicaraguans remained resilient and did not give up hope.
Photo taken from the lookout tower on Jicaro Island Lodge, March 2022.
Introducing… Rancho Santana!
When we arrived at Peñas Blancas, we waited our turn to get through customs & immigration. The only other people there were some backpackers who were either trying to go surfing, or visiting Nicaragua in hopes that it would be less expensive than Costa Rica. We got through the border crossing, found our driver and made our way to Jicaro with hopes of arriving in time to catch a sunset. In Granada, it was very quiet with hardly any tourists walking around, if any.
After several discussions and non-stop brainstorming among our team, it seemed like there was only one truly viable answer to this solution. That word was patience. We knew flights would eventually reopen, but the question was when… And to remember what the Nicaraguans taught us, to remain optimistic and resilient.
Several months went by after returning home and nothing had changed in regards to flights reopening. However, things began to start feeling different in August of 2022. Clark and I spoke briefly with Rancho Santana who was interested in possibly working with us. However, flights were still not available to Nicaragua. We decided to keep in touch, and told them once flights reopen, we would talk about coming down for a site inspection. Fast forward to November, I remember waking up one morning and seeing news from our team at Jicaro Island Lodge mentioning that American and United were both reopening a daily route to Managua. America from Miami and United from Houston.
So, long story short, Clark and I made our way to Rancho Santana shortly after in January of 2023 on the direct flight with United from Houston. We arrived in Managua, got right through a short customs line, found our driver and were on the way. We couldn’t believe how smooth this process was! Beautiful drive through the countryside with views of lakes and volcanoes along the route, only to end at paradise overlooking the beautiful Emerald Coast. This was way less exhausting and more fun than the border crossing.
Once we pulled up to Rancho Santana (2.5 - 3 hrs driving from Managua Airport), I could instantly tell this was a special place and perhaps the missing piece to a big puzzle that we were trying to solve. Within the Clark Kotula Representation portfolio of hotels, most properties that we work with are small boutique properties, typically with 8-20 rooms at each hotel. However, Rancho Santana has 27 houses to rent from, a 17-bedroom hotel, 6 two-bedroom Garden Casitas, and 30 three-bedroom Beachside Condos. At first thought, it wouldn’t be a good fit due to its size, but as Clark Kotula will tell you, we quickly realized that Rancho Santana is “SO WORTH IT!”
Rancho Santana: Family-Friendly & Eco-Friendly
An Eco-Friendly & Family-Friendly Adventure Resort along the Emerald Coast of Nicaragua, sounds too good to be true, right? Well at Rancho Santana, they have cracked the code and managed to make this dream into a reality. When Vera, the Director of Sales for Rancho Santana, took us around the entire property for a site inspection I was instantly shocked with their operation. Instead of importing a bunch of things such as food, cement, steel, and energy, they create it on the ranch. They have a fully functioning solar farm, steel factory, and construction company all employed by local Nicaraguans. Beyond that, they operate and manage an organic garden & farm. Among the hotel and construction company, over 450 local Nicaraguans are employed here. One thing that amazed me the most was the quality of the hiking and biking trails. Guests are able to immerse in the authenticity of this place because of the friendly and passionate staff members who make it all possible.
Programs such as helping out in Rancho Santana’s Organic Garden are types of activities children can participate in, while parents enjoy much-deserved time to themselves.
Solar Field at Rancho Santana… Learn more here https://ranchosantana.com/sustainability/solar-energy/
Putting All of the Pieces Together
As Clark headed out, I returned to Jicaro Island Lodge for a few nights to see how everything was going. To start, Howard the GM of Jicaro who we call “The Mayor of Granada” took me around the town to see how it has changed. There were travelers all over the place! We got lunch in a wonderful courtyard restaurant downtown Granada and I was jazzed up to see so many people out and about. When I got to Jicaro afterwards, I came to find out that almost every casita for the night was booked. There were people from Colorado, Asia, Europe, and Nicaragua staying there. The staff was thrilled!
Adding Rancho Santana was an exciting addition for us because it combines really nicely with Jicaro Island Lodge. For most travelers, there is a “no-brainer decision” when it comes to stopping by Jicaro Island Lodge before or after going to Rancho Santana. Since Jicaro is only 45-minutes to Managua airport, the drive from Jicaro to Rancho Santana is only about 2 hours. By staying at Jicaro beforehand, it provides the opportunity to visit Mombacho & Masaya Volcano, and to explore the vibrant colorful town of Granada. That way, guests can really enjoy everything that Rancho Santana has to offer.
Also, as someone who has been honored to meet many local Nicaraguan people, and to be invited into their country, helping travelers return is something that I will be forever passionate about. Their resiliency to keep eco-travel alive by showing off the natural beauty of their country is one of the most special things I’ve witnessed in this world. We invite you to come experience it for yourself!
Feel free to email Clark or myself with any questions:
Guest Feedback
Now that all the pieces of the puzzle seemed together, we began sending different travel agencies and groups to experience Jicaro and Rancho Santana in Nicaragua. They had an amazing time, and don’t take my word for it! Check out what they had to say and enjoy the photos. When you’re ready visit Nicaragua and begin sending clients there, do let us know!
Also, don’t forget to check out our Sample Itinerary of Nicaragua featuring Rancho Santana and Jicaro Island Lodge.
“I loved starting our trip by staying in Granada. Jicaro Island Retreat is such a special property -- you have to take a boat to get there as it is an island retreat. The food was exquisite and it was so relaxing. You get the benefit of a quiet island oasis with the culture and activity of colonial Granada, just a quick boat and car ride away. From there, I recommend going to Rancho Santana where you can do everything or nothing. From surfing to horseback riding to spa to a cooking class, there is so much to do! The beaches are stunning and it is one of the most untouched, beautiful places I have ever seen. Jicaro Island Retreat and Rancho Santana make a great combination and a wonderful way to experience Nicaragua.”
— Natalie Kurtzman, FORA Travel
FORA Travel Advisors loving the views of Mombacho Volcano.
“I would absolutely recommend for anyone to visit Nicaragua- in fact I have already told all my friends and will be planning a trip with my family to Rancho Santana whirred there is literally an activity to please all. Jicaro Island is such a magical special place it is hard to describe in words. Some of the highlights were simply waking up In my gorgeous casita tree house listening to the waves lapping against the shore of the lake. Coffee on the front porch and yoga on the lakefront were the perfect ways to start the morning. Hiking mombachu, zip lining and staring into the crater of (insert name I forgot of active volcano) at night were also highlights. And the food, the food! A 5 star menu, the fresh juices and fruit and the sheer variety of menu items were out of this world. And lastly the staff…wonderful kind thoughtful knowledgeable- we were sad to say goodbye when the time came. A truly magical and restorative retreat.
Also the highlights for me at Rancho Santana was surfing Panga drops sat that pristine stretch of beach Perros. Then signing up the rest of the girls for a surf lesson there which was truly joyful. The instructors were so fun and amazing. And then of course having tacos, sublime ceviche and table side guacamole afterwards. And our e-mountain bike ride (guided) was beyond fun. And the yoga, amazing and the spa…the hot and cold plunge pools - now I’m obsessed and doing it everyday at home
Oh and I almost forgot- felt beyond safe traveling there. Safer than other nearby countries”— Alison Van Dis, Friends of Jacqui Kotula
“CLARO QUE SI!!! I absolutely would and have! What an ecologically robust and culturally vibrant country with a ton to offer an adventure traveler! Highlights for me were the day that included - a boat ride, volcano hike, and zip lining was incredible! Also, the day that included mountain biking and surfing! Regarding safety… Yes, absolutely felt safe at all times. There is a sense of safety in a country without blasting volumes of tourism. You feel seen, watched over, appreciated and cared for in a unique way. It's hard to explain if you have not been to less-traveled destinations. Being one of only a spattering of tourists offers a charming sense of community and is a privilege as a tourist.”
— Casey Binstadt, Friends of Jacqui Kotula
“Both properties are 1000x better than they look in the pictures. Jicaro was such a unique travel destination. The level of service there was above and beyond anything I've ever experienced and the food was delicious. Our time there was the perfect mix of activity, adventure and relaxation. The natural beauty of the area and the kindness of the people definitely added to the experience.
Rancho Santana was, of course, incredible. It was nice to have all the amenities of a larger resort without any of the crowds. It felt like we had the place to ourselves at times. It was great for our group to be able to do things on their own or together as a group. The trail system for biking and hiking was incredible and very unexpected.
I've been spreading the word about traveling in Nicaragua and hopefully some others will jump on board soon too.”— Alison Bricker, Friends of Jacqui Kotula
Our Recommended Reading List for Latin America
Want to dive into a country beyond a guidebook? Pick up one of our favorite books and it will have you planning your next trip to Latin America. We have recommendations for Chile, Colombia, Panama, and beyond.
Our Recommended Reading List for Latin America
Want to dive into a country beyond a guidebook? Pick up one of these and it will have you planning your next trip to Latin America.
Chile:
Life and Death in the Andes: On the Trail of Bandits, Heroes and Revolutionaries by Kim Macquarrie consists of short stories along the spine of the Andes from Tierra del Fuego to Colombia. The author’s ability to share so much knowledge and detail on cultural, historical, anthropological, geographical, environmental, aspects but in a way that leaves you not wanting to put the book down and as if you are along on a great adventure story.
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende – The saga of a family across four generations that also traces the turbulent history of an unnamed Latin American country (which pointed similarity to Chile.)
Poetry of Pablo Neruda – Chile’s Noble prize winning poet and later politician. Favorites include Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair, The Captain’s Verses , Odes to Common Things and The Book of Questions
Colombia:
One River by Wade Davis is a rollicking adventure story that crisscrosses the Andes from Colombia down to Peru, that touches on so many topics it’s hard to summarize in a paragraph. Tie together botany, ethnobotany, natural history, indigenous tribes, world history, culture and conquest and you have a book that will leave your head spinning and ready to jump on your next flight to the Andes.
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez – Young and passionate lovers, Fermina and Florentino are separated by social class and grow apart to live separate lives throughout decades. After 50 years of marriage Fermina’s husband finally dies falling out of a mango tree (trying to retrieve his pet parrot) and Florentino confesses his undying love to her once again at the funeral, claiming to maintain a pure heart over the years despite hundreds of affairs and trysts with other women. (also a film)
The General In His Labyrinth by Gabriel Garcia Marquez – Fictional recollection of the last days of Simon Bolivar as he faces death and cynically reflects on his life. Darker than his other books.
Ecuador:
Huaoroni woman of Ecuador.
Savages by Joe Kane takes readers deep and intimately into the Ecuadorian Amazon to tell the tale of the Huaorani Tribe and their fragile tightrope walk between defending their ancestral traditions and history against the onslaught of missionaries, oil companies and the government. A fantastic book about Ecuador.
The Panama Hat Trail by Tom Miller. Most people don’t realize that “Panama” Hats are actually made in Ecuador. This book not only tells you this but uses the Panama Hat as a literary focus to tell the tale of Ecuador from a unique angle.
Nicaragua:
The Jaguar Smile: Salman Rushdie’s first nonfiction book about his travels in Nicaragua in 1986, in the midst of America’s behind-the-scenes war against the Sandinistas. Great story telling about the people, politics, land and poetry of Nicaragua from a perspective that isn’t told in the United States.
Panama:
The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough. Thorough by engrossing epic that traces the creation of the Panama Canal and packs a ton of historical detail that provides the traveler with context for understanding Panama today.
Folks from the Pacific Northwest probably know Stevens Pass, named for railroad engineer John Stevens. But did you know that he was also Chief Engineer on the Panama Canal project from 1905-1907? His experience was instrumental in rebuilding the Panama Railway to serve as a tool to aid the Canal construction and he also convinced Theodore Roosevelt to pursue a plan of locks & dams rather than a sea-level Canal like the French had proposed.
Peru:
Last Days of the Incas by Kim Macquarrie is the definitive historical narrative of the discovery and conquest of the Incan Empire by the Spanish. This is the one book to read if you are going to Peru.
Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams is a great adventure book about exploring the true “lost cities of the Incas” in modern times. Part travelogue and part historical narrative, this book will get you excited about adventuring in the Incan heartland and introduce many characters still involved in the tourism landscape of Peru today.
Death in the Andes by Mario Vargas Llosa. Thriller, mystery & political allegory. Three male laborers go missing in the Andes and two Peruvian Army officers are sent to live among a remote village while they search for them. Weaves the modern terror of the Shining Path with ancient about monsters (pishtacos – a pale vampire) and black magic in the high Andes and the mistrust of people from different worlds.
Miscellaneous:
A Neotropical Companion by John Kricher is the definitive handbook for anyone traveling to the tropical rainforests of Central or South America. Any biologist or naturalist has this in their travel library and uses it until it falls apart apart and they are sent looking for a new one.
The Motorcycle Diaries – Ernesto Guevara’s Memoirs of nine months on the road in Latin America that shaped the future revolutionaries’ beliefs that the only way to correct institutionalized inequalities was to enable the poor to rise up in armed revolution.
The War for Don Emmanuel’s Nether Parts by Louis De Berniers – Hilarious parody on magical realism and many of the themes common to Latin American literature. The first of a trilogy. Highly recommend all three if you enjoy the first one.
The Book of Embraces by Eduardo Galeano – Poems, short stories, illustrations and prose by the Uruguayan author – a mix of autobiography, political commentary and magical realism.
Did we omit a book that should be on this list? Leave a comment and let us know!
Return to Nicaragua and Jicaro Island Lodge
In early April of 2019 I spent a week in Nicaragua with a good friend from college. Using Jicaro Island Lodge as our base, we planned day trips around Granada, Mombacho and Masaya. Here, I share my thoughts on revisiting Jicaro Island, traveler safety in Nicaragua following political unrest in 2018, and the moral dilemma of “should you go?”
Return to Jicaro Island Lodge
In early April of 2019 I spent a week in Nicaragua with a good friend from college. Using Jicaro Island Lodge as our base, we planned day trips around Granada, Mombacho and Masaya.
What would Nicaragua feel like to a visitor now, one year later? Is it safe? Should one travel there? Some form of these questions arrive in my inbox several times each week and the most honest way to answer was to revisit myself. Following are answers to some of the most frequent queries that I receive about Nicaragua and Jicaro Island.
Hiking on Mombacho Volcano, overlooking the Isletas de Granada and Lake Nicaragua.
Is Nicaragua Safe for Tourists?
Without hesitation, yes, tourists can safely travel within the country and have been for some time, since Canada the UK and most EU member nations removed their travel warnings several months ago. In fact, Jicaro Island Lodge was mostly full during our stay; we shared the island with couples from Costa Rica, the UK, Toronto, New York and a family with teenagers from Kentucky.
The only snafu we encountered was on our arrival day and it was the fault of Spirit Airlines (and my friend for opting to book Spirit Airlines, but I suppose that everyone has to learn that lesson once.) Jicaro Island took care of all of our transfers, adjusted plans to compensate for Spirit’s failings and arranged several days of guided touring. In Granada, lingering hints of last year still faintly exist in the form of a quieter town and “cerrado” signs hanging on some of the bars and stores that catered exclusively to tourist crowds. But the market and main square were bustling and vendors were eager to banter, show off their carving skills or have you sample their special version of Vigorón. On our requisite visit to the bell tower in Iglesia La Merced, we took in the views over the town’s colonial rooftops with a group of middle schoolers from Masaya and posed for several selfies.
Serene lake views from the pool deck at Jicaro Island Lodge.
Masaya’s Lava Lake
Who Should Go to Nicaragua?
Even before last year, Nicaragua was a delightfully raw “un sanitized” travel experience, especially when compared to Costa Rica’s tourist-focused Guanacaste region just across the border. From the wildly painted chicken buses following their own rules of the road to the frequently seen vaqueros herding livestock down dirt paths and across fields, traveling through Nicaragua reminds you that you’re far from home. There aren’t too many other places in the world where one can drive nearly to the edge of an active volcano and gaze down into a boiling lava lake, sand board down the side of a volcano, join an entire town in passionately cheering on the local baseball team and surf epic waves without battling crowds of other tourists, all in a long weekend .
But you don’t have to be a thrill seeker to appreciate Nicaragua. Jicaro Island is a wonderful place to disconnect and recharge; from quiet mornings with coffee and birdsong to yoga classes near the Cenote and Spanish practice with Jicaro’s encouraging staff, there are many ways to slow down but still richly engage with and soak in the destination. Travel Advisor Sarah Groen of Bell & Bly Travel Design (an affiliate of Brownell Travel) suggested it as the perfect country for Spanish-language immersion, after living with a family in Leon and studying Spanish herself a few years ago.
And of course there is an economic incentive; Nicaragua is very affordable, even in high season.
Why Stay on Jicaro Island Instead of in Granada?
Of all the Cayuga Collection properties, Jicaro holds a special place for me as it perplexed me the most prior to my initial visit; why would anyone stay out on an island “treehouse” in the middle of Lake Nicaragua instead of within Colonial Granada? Experiencing the property for the first time was an ah-ha moment; after a hot day of hiking, horseback riding or walking the dusty and busy streets of Granada, the breezy fifteen minute boat ride through the Isletas transports you to a private island oasis, perfectly positioned to showcase amazing sunsets over Mombacho Volcano. Friendly staff appear out of nowhere with new tropical refreshment and a cool towel that you didn’t know you wanted. And the food - Jicaro’s menu is an amazing highlight in Central America! If you’ve been, you know.
Rather than visiting Las Isletas de Granada for a ½ day cruise (a popular excursion from Granada), a stay at Jicaro allows travelers to live among the tiny fishing communities that have inhabited these islands for centuries. On a SUP or kayak paddle among the neighboring islands you’ll encounter fisherman tossing traditional circular nets into the lake and children rowing their blue and red boats to their school, which guests of Jicaro are welcome to visit for themselves.
Neighbors on Jicaro Island
Since partnering with the Padre Nello School several years ago, Jicaro Island Lodge and their guests have funded the installation of a water treatment system (that provides clean drinking water for 600 people in the surrounding communities), solar panels to provide electricity to the classrooms and countless school supplies. When tourists stopped coming last year, Jicaro Island Lodge’s owner Karen Emmanuel paid out of pocked to keep as many staff employed as possible and ensure that Jicaro’s projects with the local community received continued financial support.
Arge, just one of the amazing people at Jicaro Island, is an aspiring photographer and a creative mixologist.
What is there to do on Jicaro Island?
While the island is small with only nine “treehouse” casitas on stilts ringing its exterior, it packs a lot in. (See an aerial map of Jicaro Island) Yoga classes are offered complementary every morning, staff regularly host informal Spanish lessons, cooking & cocktail classes and at reception you’ll find a well-stocked selection of games, from giant Jenga to backgammon, chess and Monopoly, as well as birding books and binoculars. SUPs and kayaks are always available for guest use and the floating dock is a marvelous place to sunbathe and swim if you prefer the lake to Jicaro’s pool.
The Jicaro Island Tour Book is a great resource for guided excursions on the lake, in Granada and beyond. With a four night stay we walked Granada’s colorful streets and central market, hiked through the multitude of microclimates ringing Mombacho Volcano, visited the artisan pottery village of San Juan de Oriente (tried – and failed – to throw a pot on a wheel powered only by kicking), sampled traditional Easter sweets and learned about the folkloric dance traditions in Masaya town and of course gazed into Masaya Volcano’s churning lava lake at dusk. A fifth night would have been optimal to spend allow a full day to just chill on the island and make use of the water colors we packed.
Natural pigments and hand carved details are hallmarks of San Juan de Oriente’s unique style of pottery.
I always recommend that travel advisors combine Jicaro Island with Rancho Santana on Nicaragua’s southern coast. The two properties are perfect complements to each other. Begin with a few days at Jicaro to explore the volcanos, lakes and colonial towns near Lake Nicaragua then finish with 3 or 4 nights at the beach, or vice versa.
Latest News from the Properties - December 2018
Here is a roundup of the latest news and happenings from each of the properties, from faster boats and room improvements at Titilaka to the opening of a new spa at Hacienda Urubamba. In addition to updates from our existing properties, we also welcome UNESCO recognized El Otro Lado Private Retreat in Panama to the portfolio this year!
Latest News from the Properties
PERU
After a decade of innovation and setting the bar for exclusive & immersive luxury experiences on Lake Titicaca, Titilaka is in the midst of several renovation & expansion projects. These are being conducted in such a way as to not affect guests staying at the lodge and are set to conclude by mid 2019.
Chief among the improvements are:
Titilaka Corner Rooms
Outdoor hot tub and new-state-of-art motors for faster boats will be available (completed in November 2018)
All rooms, common and social areas as well as terraces are being redecorated while corner rooms are revamped with additional amenities
New services are being implemented including complimentary access to airport VIP lounge for all guest, Wi-Fi in all the hotel's vehicles and boats and enhanced culinary experiences are being put in place.
Titilaka is also adjusting their rates next year, the first increase since 2014. For clients desiring the utmost in privacy and flexibility, this is a great thing as the Titilaka Experience can now be booked on an all-inclusive, private basis. The traditional Titilaka Experience will also remain available for guests who want to participate in set excursions on a shared basis.
Lastly, the team behind Titilaka has announced plans to expand, with new lodges planned for Arequipa (2019) and Cusco (TBD). You can view a full presentation on Titilaka’s upgrades & changes here.
Inkaterra’s Hacienda Urubamba, a Virtuoso Property, recently celebrated the opening of Mayu Spa (“River” in Quechua) in August. With a rustic chic design inspired by traditional Andean architecture, Mayu Spa is located on a low hill between I Hacienda Urubamba’s organic orchard and an enchanting pepper tree forest. Treatments are based in 100% natural products derived from native medicinal herbs; the new wellness center has a plunge pool, four private therapy rooms and a dry sauna and offers a variety of massages, therapies, reflexology and facials. For more details, check out their blog post on Mayu Spa.
Some say that you hear the best stories while sitting at the bar. Axel Romero at Hotel B, the cocktail wizard who was recently awarded the Best Peruvian Bartender 2018 at the Summum 2018 Awards, knows the value of a good bar yarn and uses these as inspiration behind his cocktails. For this experienced bartender, each drink is a chance to write an exquisite and stimulating story in which spirits, juices and spices are cast in the leading roles. He is passionate about his career: after previously working at Astrid & Gastón for several years, he is now at Hotel B where he is committed to making each one of his drinks an experience. Read more about Axel and other winners of the Summum Awards (like the James Beard awards for Peru) here.
COLOMBIA
The team at Hacienda Bambusa has been busy in 2018, creating new activities & excursions and elevating the details of the 8 en suite bedrooms within the Hacienda. New photos are available via dropbox in the Hacienda Bambusa image library and the Activities Book can be easily shared with guests to help them select their desired excursions in advance. Choose the Best of Bambusa option for an all-inclusive experience and a great value for your guests.
COSTA RICA
To cope with increasing tourism in Manuel Antonio, Arenas Del Mar continues to pioneer new experiences for their guests to enjoy in the area. Coming soon are early morning visits to a private nature reserve with great wildlife viewing and mountain biking in the hills above Quepos.
Latitude 10 Resort in Santa Teresa closed for part of October & November to undergo renovations and has reopened looking better than ever! New king-size canopy beds in each suite, soft upgrades & in-room amenities, a completely revamped menu and on-site experiences (like complimentary on-site cooking classes and beachfront yoga) have completely elevated the Latitude 10 experience.
Kurà recently welcomed a new Spa Director (formerly of Hacienda Alta Gracia) and has completely revamped the menu at Spa Shà in addition to creating new breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Ask about full board options for guests, available for booking on request.
Lapa Rios Lodge has added themed dinner nights to their menus - including BBQ, Dock to Dish Night (make your own ceviche) and “Comida Tipica” to showcase local foods enjoyed in Costa Rica. This gives guests staying 3 or 4 nights an excellent variety in meal choice and is also fun & interactive for families.
Lastly, the Cayuga Collection team has been hard at work opening Senda Monteverde, a new boutique lodge just a short walk from town and adjacent to a private Cloud Forest Nature Reserve. Senda officially opens on December 15 and to celebrate, is offering 10% when booked in conjunction with another Cayuga property. Details and restrictions are found via the link.
ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS
If you have any clients looking for a last minute "festive season" option, we just had some unforeseen prime date cancellations at Hacienda Zuleta in Ecuador. Couldn't think of a more welcoming place to be than with the Galo-Plaza family over the holidays - hiking and horseback riding during the day and feasting on farm fresh cheese and wine by the fireplace in the evening. You can either contact your DMC or email mariafernanda@haciendazuleta.com for updated availability over Christmas, New Years and into January.
If you are unfamiliar with Hacienda Zuleta, check out the video below for an overview on this gem of a property. If you would like a copy branded with your own logo as an intro, please send Clark your logo and he can provide it to you.
Mashpi Lodge has always maintained a great blog, but recent posts are particularly helpful for travel advisors from a sales perspective.
Seasonal Weather, Birds & Animals at Mashpi
What’s the Ride to Mashpi Lodge Like? (Good hour by hour breakdown of the journey from Quito to Mashpi)
Family Friendly Activities at Mashpi Lodge (Divided into younger children, older children and teens)
Galapagos Safari Camp owner Stephanie Bonham-Carter recently wrote a great blog post about “Appropriate Luxury”, a concept we applaud and support across all of our properties that operate in remote and fragile environments. Creating a luxury guest experience that is equally respectful of the natural world is a balancing act, and there’s a good reason you won’t find imported fish or out of season produce on the menu or air conditioning in your tented suites.
Check out the full post here: Appropriate Luxury in the Galapagos - The Safari Camp Approach and share this with your clients.
Galapagos Safari Camp also recently become of the Traveller Made consortia in November.
Do you have travelers staying at Casa Gangotena who like to get out and explore on their own?
Share these “Three Recommended Walks Through Quito’s Old Town” for suggestions on great self-guided walking tours to local markets, churches, down interesting side streets and to beautiful vista points. Quito’s Historic Center is best explored on foot and the staff at Casa Gangotena are always happy to suggest activities tailored to your client’s interests.
CHILE & ARGENTINA
Due to last minute cancellations, Awasi Atacama has space in January, which was previously 100% full. Here are the available dates for Awasi Atacama in January 2019.
6-10 January
10-15 January
14-17 January
18-23 January
25-28 January
28-31 January
Contact your DMC or info@awasi.cl to book. Additionally, Awasi Atacama welcomed new General Manager, Nicolás García to the lodge this month.
Need a moment of calm during the always busy month of December? Transport yourself into nature with this video from Awasi Iguazu.
Juan Pablo Culasso was born blind. He taught himself how to identify birds by listening to their song. He has become one of the world’s most respected bird experts; using just his ears, not his eyes. Listen to some of his recordings in Awasi Iguazú:
NICARAGUA
It was a hard year for Nicaragua & for Jicaro Island Lodge. After enjoying a hugely successful year in 2017, tourism in Nicaragua came to a standstill following political protests & violence that began in April of 2018. Jicaro Island was forced to suspend guest operations for a few months, though as many staff as possible remained employed throughout the temporary closure. Laying people off in a time of crisis only contributes to a desperate spiral and owner Karen Emmanuel used her personal resources to keep staff on the payroll through six months of closure.
With a quiet but emotional celebration on November 15, Jicaro Island Lodge officially reopened their doors to guests and Karen was there to share in the experience. In the video below, Karen shares her love for Nicaragua, especially the people who make Jicaro Lodge and the country so enchanting. Special reopening rates are available - contact your local DMC or reservations@jicarolodge.com.
PANAMA
We’re thrilled to welcome El Otro Lado Private Retreat into our portfolio. Located across the bay from Portobelo (which just received UNESCO recognition for the significance of the local Congo Culture), this colorful hideaway is an ideal base for exploring the Caribbean reefs, beaches and rainforests of Portobelo National Park, learning the fascinating legends of the likes of Sir Francis Drake and the pirate Henry Morgan, and immersing oneself in the colors, rhythms and flavors of the Congo Culture. Cozy details in the rooms and public spaces and a new wellness program also make it a perfect retreat to relax & recharge.
New in 2019, El Otro Lado will offer all-inclusive rates (full board, excursions, on-site activities & wellness experiences) and we’ll be hosting an extensive webinar on all of the changes and updates soon. In the meantime, enjoy this short video highlighting the best of Portobelo & El Otro Lado.
Panama is hot right now and Isla Palenque has been enjoying a fair amount of press. Check out the latest Town & Country issue for their guide on Where to Travel in 2019, featuring Panama and Isla Palenque.
Isla Palenque also recently announced their Dock to Dish program, making it the first hotel to Panama offer certifiably sustainable, community-sourced seafood through the award-winning program out of Montauk, NY. Learn more about the mission of Dock to Dish via the link to their website.
The Cayuga Collection - Leaders in Sustainable Luxury
Get to know the mission and values of the Cayuga Collection, a world leader in providing sustainable hospitality experiences. The six properties that we currently represent in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama are all managed by Cayuga.
With the expansion of this portfolio into Central America, we’re excited to welcome six new properties in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama that are all operated by the Cayuga Collection, an industry leader in providing sustainable luxury hospitality experiences.
Founders Hans Pfister and Andrea Bonilla are both graduates of Cornell University’s Hotel School in Ithaca, New York and dedicated ecotourism professionals. (Hans actually began his career managing the Hampton Inn at the San Jose Airport where he made waves in the late 80s by eliminating single use bath products in favor of refillable bottles.) Together, Andrea and Hans started Cayuga in 1994 with the goal to blend true luxury travel with practices that are both environmentally friendly and beneficial to the local communities. They now manage nine individually owned hotels across the region, of which we are currently representing six. These are Jicaro Island Ecolodge, Latitude 10 Resort, Arenas del Mar , Kurà Design Villas, Lapa Rios Ecolodge and Isla Palenque, a new private island resort along Panama's north Pacific coast. In 2017 Cayuga won the National Geographical World Legacy Award in the Earth Changers category.
Andrea and Hans - Founders of the Cayuga Collection
While there is some variation across the properties, the following are hallmarks of the entire collection:
No Single Use Plastic Bottles or Straws: Tap water at the Cayuga hotels is always treated and filtered to international standards and is 100% safe for human consumption. Guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles to refill or can borrow one for the duration of their visit. Additionally, the Cayuga properties did away with plastic drinking straws several years ago, replacing these with a robust, compostable bamboo option which was the brainchild of a gardener at the Harmony Hotel in Nosara. Needless to say, he’s not gardening anymore.
Bamboo straws in cocktails at Jicaro Island
Sustainability on Display: A mission of the Cayuga Hotels is to educate guests on their sustainability practices, even the unglamorous and often overlooked ones like composting and carefully monitoring exact water to load ratios for optimal energy efficiency in the laundry room. Each property offers a complimentary “Behind the Scenes” sustainability tour to showcase the various ways green practices are implemented. This ranges from using solar panels to heat water to raising pigs to break down compostable scraps in order to produce biogas.
Go Natural: You won’t find trimmed grass lawns or perfectly paved walkways at these properties. Most of the hotels exist within the tropical rainforest so lush, natural vegetation is cultivated and in many cases, was left intact and undisturbed when the property was constructed. This equates to more wildlife, especially birds and monkeys who feed on the fruits of established trees.
Natural vegetation means more wildlife overhead or right outside your window
Employ Local: Across the 9 properties and including headquarters in San Jose, Cayuga employs over 400 individuals from Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Staff at each hotel are 80%-100% from the local community immediately surrounding the property. All positions are year round, keeping service standards consistent and fostering cross training among employees who don't have to worry about seasonal layoffs which are typical at many Costa Rica hotels.
Eat & Drink Local: Cayuga piloted the global “Dock to Dish” program in Central America - they connect their chefs with local fishermen and only use responsibly caught seafood. This often leads to unique dishes as the hotels all pledge to purchase and prepare whatever teh fishermen bring in that day. Additionally, their restaurants use only grass-fed beef and hormone-free chicken and as many locally produced and organic fruits and vegetables as possible.
Local fishermen in Puerto Jimenez, part of the Dock to Dish program at Lapa Rios
Community Investment: The company founded and finances a public charity called Earth Equilibrium, which focuses on environmental education & community development. Supported projects range from providing local schools with solar power and a water filtration system to providing residents with educational, infrastructure and sustainable food projects
It's true that the Cayuga Collection properties may not be for everyone; travelers seeking a larger tropical resort experience with AC, dedicated pool butlers, manicured grounds, golf courses or a full gym may be happier with the international name brand resorts typical of Costa Rica's Papagayo Peninsula. But for travelers who seek to experience authentic local culture, have friendly and genuine interactions with members of the community, travel in a style that is environmentally conscious while giving back through travel, Cayuga is for them.