Location (Directions, Maps, Airlines and Things to do)
How to get to the Surf Ranch?
The Surf Ranch Hotel & Resort is located on the Emerald Coast in Tola, in between the towns of Astillero and Guasacate (Popoyo).
There are many ways to get to Popoyo and the Surf Ranch Resort which includes flying, driving, sailing, or taking our airport shuttle from anywhere in Nicaragua to the resort.
The Surf Ranch Resort is located only 17km from the new Costa Esmeralda Airport, less than an hour drive to Rivas and a 2 hour drive to Managua. The Costa Esmeralda airport currently has flights to and from Managua as well as San Jose & Liberia in Costa Rica.
Things to Do Nearby
Restaurants
Attractions
From Managua, take the Pan-American highway south towards Rivas. The highway will pass through the following cities: Masaya, Catarina, San Juan de Oriente, Nandaime. You can then choose to turn right just past the Ochomogo Bridge (this way saves an hour coming from Managua), or you can continue to Rivas. When you reach Rivas, take a right and follow the signs. Pass through Tola, then keep following the signs. See below for a directional road map.
Airlines & Flights
Flying to Nicaragua from Canada or the US, you will fly into the Managua International Airport (MGA). All of the popular airlines have daily flights to and from Managua. For flights coming from Costa Rica to Nicaragua, there is an alternative way. You can fly to the new international airport in Popoyo (Costa Esmeralda Airport), just an hour drive north of San Juan Del Sur. You will find information on both routes below including airport information, location, flight times, and carriers.
Managua International Airport (MGA)
Once arriving at the Managua International Airport, also called the Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA). You will pass through to immigration. The entry fee you need to pay is $10 USD per person in cash, and your stay is valid for 90 days.
Costa Esmeralda Airport
The single terminal airport was built on a new site only 17 km south of the Surf Ranch Hotel & Resort in Popoyo. The 5,000-foot runway accommodates ATR-42, ATR-72, Gulfstream jets and most turboprop planes.
Costa Esmeralda Airport immerses travelers into the country’s enchanting Emerald coast and welcomes them with a relaxed beach atmosphere in the terminal building. Costa Esmeralda Airport also has a Customs Department and a duty-free shop. There are 14 scheduled commercial flights per week, with two daily flights from Liberia International Airport on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and two daily flights from Managua International Airport on Saturdays and Sundays. Private charter flights are also available to be booked with both airlines. All commercial flights can be booked with your travel agent or directly on the airline websites which you can click on the links below.