FAQs
What immunisations are needed for Nicaragua?
Please note if you are flying in to Nicaragua from the following countries, you will require a yellow fever shot for entry.
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and nearly 30 countries located on the African continent.
Do you accept credit cardS?
We do not accept credit cards. We only accept cash payments in USD or Cordobas. Please ensure your Dollar bills are in good condition, as any notes with tears, ink stains, etc. are deemed unacceptable in Nicaragua (and therefore here at the lodge).
Do you allow kids?
Unfortunately due to the set-up of the lodge, we do not allow kids under the age of 16. However, if you rent out the entire lodge with a family or a group then you are welcome to bring your kids. Please feel free to message us directly for this request.
How does tip work at your hotel?
We never include the tip in the room rate, we would like to leave that up to you! Should you leave a tip, it will all go to our local staff and will be split evenly.
WHich airport should i fly to?
Managua, Nicaragua (MGA) - we are a 3 hour drive from Managua Airport
Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) - we are a 2.5 hour drive from Liberia Airport. This excludes the border crossing time.
HOW CAN I GET TO BUENA VISTA SURF CLUB
We recommend using a private transfer which we are happy to arrange for you. Please email us for pricing.
If you are driving by yourself please note, the conditions of the roads in Nicaragua can be poor (especially in the rainy season). You will a 100% need a 4WD vehicle to get up to the lodge. If you come here with your own vehicle, please make sure you arrive before 6PM, since it is hard(er) to find us in the dark!
The cheapest way to get from San Juan del Sur to Playa Maderas is with the Casa Oro shuttle. Check out the shuttle schedule here. We recommend writing them a message directly on Facebook before relying on their shuttle times.
You can also take a Taxi from San Juan del Sur to Playa Maderas. It`s usually 20USD. From Playa Maderas you will need to walk 10 minutes uphill since taxis do not have 4WD.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
We always recommend bringing good walking shoes, sunscreen, mosquito spray, a small flashlight and your own shampoo/conditioner. Please think green and bring your own water bottle so you can re-fill it from our filtered water we have in the lodge.
Where is the closest atm machine?
San Juan del Sur (20 minutes from Buena Vista Surf Club) has ATM machines where you can withdraw Cordobas or USD. We would usually recommend stopping by there first before coming to our hotel.
You can pay in USD or Cordobas anywhere in Nicaragua. (1USD is around 30Cordobas). If you do carry USD, try to carry it in small bills.
Changing any currency besides USD can become a hassle. We would not advise to bring any other currency besides USD or Cordoba.
HOw far from Playa Maderas beach are you?
We are a 8 minute walk downhill to Playa Maderas. To walk back up it usually takes 10 minutes.
What restaurants are near you?
Glad you asked! We have some great spots in Maderas:
Arte-Sano Cafe/Restaurant - a 15 minute walk from our hotel. This place has delicious food, is tastefully decorated, has a great drinks menu, good music and a pool! The pumpkin bruschetta is one of our favourites.
Hush, Maderas - right next to Arte-Sano you will find Hush. Their simple but delicious food is prepared by their super friendly and local chef Gio. Head to their rooftop and watch a sunset and bring your swimsuit for a dip the pool! We recommend Gios tacos.
Playa Maderas Restaurants - we are a 8 minute walk from Playa Maderas beach where you will find 3 restaurants. They always prepare local Nicaraguan food. Great spot to hang out and grab a well deserved drink after your surf session! We recommend their quesadillas.
Machete Market Cafe - this spot is a must visit! It is roughly a 30 minute walk from our hotel. Machetes is a place where the community comes together to eat delicious food, have a great time with friends and where you can find healthy and unique food at their little market. Need a quiet place to work during the day with high speed internet? Come here! Oh and don`t forget to join their famous Friday Pizza Nights!
Is your water safe to drink?
Our hotel water
At Buena Vista Surf Club we have our own water well which we are connected to, and we get the water checked every year. The water is safe to drink for people who have lived in Central America for a while. For guests visiting, we recommend using our water filters which you are welcome to use free of charge.
CITY WATER
The city water in San Juan del Sur and most Nicaraguan towns can contain more chlorine than you might be used to, and drinking it is not recommended.
What is your RESERVATION policy?
RESERVATION POLICY + DEPOSITS
The quiet and intimate atmosphere at Buena Vista Surf Club is maintained by our deliberate decision to remain small. However, this makes scheduling and booking a vital process. When making a reservation you are committing to occupy the lodge/cabaña(s) for the reserved dates, just as we are making a commitment to have the lodge/cabaña(s) available for you. No-shows, late arrivals and schedule changes can have a big impact on a lodge of just a few rooms. We ask, therefore, that you agree with the terms and conditions of our reservation policy:
Deposits are pre-payments.
Late arrivals are responsible for a cabaña left empty for a night.
Early departures are responsible for the vacant cabaña portion of the reserved stay.
Deposits are non-refundable and we do not give refunds in case of changed travel plans, late arrival or early departure.
You are here at your own risk. BVSC is not responsible for any injuries
Buena Vista Surf Club is not responsible for any damage to or loss of your belongings.
By sending us your deposit, you confirm that you have read and agreed to the reservation policy of Buena Vista Surf Club.
We ask for a 50% deposit paid via PayPal to confirm your reservation. Here is the link: www.PayPal.Me/buenavistasurfclub
If we have not received your deposit within a week, we have the right to cancel your reservation. Should you encounter any difficulties making the deposit, please contact us.
The remaining amount (50%) needs to be paid upon arrival in cash.
Any other questions?
Please feel free to message us and we are more than happy to answer any of your questions!