What Services does Equilibrio provide?
Airport pickup and drop-off, Amazing Unique Lodging experience, Healthy Tasty Nutritious Food, Experienced and certified Yoga and Fitness teachers, Art supplies in each casita, music Instruments, hammocks all over! Kayaks, Boats, Stand Up paddle boards, surf boards, massages, and a great range of activities from horseback riding, temazcal (sweat lodge) on site and all type of games and adventures!
Is it safe?
Nicaragua has the lowest crime rate in all of Central America according to a report published by The United Nations. There is a general misconception about safety and Nicaragua due to the fact that it had a revolution and then a civil war (late 70s and 80s). Some don’t know it’s been a peaceful democracy since the late 80s. Today, it is considered to be the safest country in Central America (more so than Costa Rica) and the United Nations reports it as having the lowest crime rate in Central America.
Equilibrio is its own private world: 22 acres enclosed by a perimeter fence on the outer edge of a small town with friendly neighbors we’ve known for over a decade. Each “room” is also within its own private area (fenced in with tall grass fence/walls hidden behind bushes) … and each casita also comes with two very large “strong boxes” (safety boxes).
Do I need any vaccinations?
No vaccines or shots are required to travel to Nicaragua.
What happens in case of a medical emergency?
The Roberto Clemente Medical Clinic is located 10 minutes from Equilibrio for any minor emergencies. A large modern hospital Vivian Pellas is located in Managua 2 ½ hours by car. Vivian Pellas hospital offers high quality medical care and they are familiar with attending to foreign residents and travelers
Transportation:
We provide transportation from and to the airport, we can pick you up at any time, even at night. It is a two hour and thirty minutes drive and our driver will be waiting for you after customs. There is only ONE spot to exit the airport and finding your taxi driver is simple. We don’t recommend to take a taxi unless you make sure the driver knows where he is going.
If you are on a tight budget, there is public transportation: take a taxi ($15) from the airport to the Roberto Huembes bus station in Managua and take the “Expreso a Las Salinas” that leaves every day except Sundays at 2.30 pm. and arrives at “The Bridge/ El Puente” in Las Salinas at 6pm. It costs around $3. Let us know if you prefer this option.
Having a rental car is not expensive in Nicaragua and gives you freedom to explore. Driving in Nicaragua is unique because there are typically no street signs and most people give directions using landmarks. If you have a car we will send you driving directions, but as a general guideline you will pass through six major towns on your way to Equilibrio, including Tipitapa, Masaya, Catarina, Nandaime, Rivas, & Tola. You can use these towns as reference points in the event you get lost. We recommend our guests avoid driving at night if this is your first time in Nicaragua. If you are arriving in the evening we would be happy to assist you with making hotel arrangements in Granada or Managua
Local Currency and Cash
The local currency is Cordobas. The US dollar is accepted almost everywhere in Nicaragua.
If using the US dollar, it is better to use small US bills ($20) and you will get change in Córdobas (the local currency) from your purchase. Ripped US dollar bills are NOT ACCEPTED – they must be in good shape.
Are there ATMs around the Popoyo-Salinas area?
There is one ATM 20 minutes from Equilibrio. Before traveling make sure you advise your bank that you may be using your ATM/debit/credit card here in Nicaragua.
Do you accept credit cards?
We do accept credit card payment via PayPal. We can send you a PayPal invoice via email and you can pay it with a credit card even if you do not have a PayPal account. It is safe, fast, and reliable.
Is there electricity and WiFi?
Nicaragua uses the same electrical current and outlets as the United States and Canada (110 Volt, 60mz). Most cell phones will work and free Wi-Fi is available in all casitas.
Nicaragua has the most expensive Kilowatt per hour electricity in all of Central America. So, please turn off fans and light after you leave your casita.
What are my options for food?
At Equilibrio we offer breakfast with your room rate, and lunch and dinner by request for an additional $15/meal – unless you are part of an all-inclusive retreat, in which case all meals and snacks are included. There are also a wide variety of dining options at the beach and in town (Sushi, Italian, Uruguayan, and Local). We will assist you to make reservations if you like to go out for lunch or dinner.
What type of excursions are available?
There are a number of available day trips and excursions for those wanting to explore more of Nicaragua. For a full list of recommendations, prices, or to arrange transportation please see our activities page.
What is your pet policy?
No pets are allowed on property at any time.
What should I pack?
PASSPORT and two paper copies of passport, plus save one scanned copy in your email, US$10 ENTRY and $32 EXIT fees, Extra Cash (US Dollars) for tips and excursions, Surfboard (or rent one here, Ziploc Bags, extra Leashes, Wax, Rash Guard, Ding Repair, Sunblock , Sunglasses, Hat, Beach Towel, Bug Spray, Rechargeable Flashlight, Light long pants and shirt for night mosquito protection, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, shampoo/conditioner, yoga mat (we can provide if you prefer not to bring your own), flip flops, one pair of hiking shoes, one pair of jeans for horseback riding.
Can I drink the water?
We recommend not drinking the tap water. Bottled water is available for free in all the casitas and dining areas. Equilibrio prepares all food with purified water and ice is also made with purified water.
Is Managua dangerous?
Managua, like most major cities, has some dangerous areas; but by-and-large is a safe city. We do not recommend just setting out to explore the city without any clue of what you are doing – the roads literally have no name and it is easy to get lost. That said, Managua is the biggest city in Nicaragua and offers lots of interesting and beautiful things for visitors – so it is worth checking out. One point to note is that getting into a random taxi is not a smart move. In the past, thieves posing as taxi drivers have robbed some unsuspecting tourists. In Managua it is best to use a taxi driver you know, or one of the approved airport-registered taxi drivers, or a hotel’s designated taxi service. We can provide connections for taxi service if you let us know. The public bus system is safe, and for the most part, reliable. Please let us know if you decide to travel by bus, and we can assist you further.