Frequently Asked QuestionsThank you for selecting our Pochomil beach vacation rental for your next holiday trip. Below is a list of some of the most common questions previous travelers ask when planing their vacation to the beach in Nicaragua. Should you have additional questions, feel free to contact us. TRAVELQ. What US airlines fly to Nicaragua?A. American, United, Delta and Spirit Airlines have multiple daily flights to Managua, originating from Miami, Houston, Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale respectively; all of these flights are 2 to 3 hours long. In addition, the regional carriers Copa and Avianca-TACA Airlines have multiple daily flights from Managua to hundreds of destinations in North, Central and South America.
Q. Do I need a visa or vaccination certificate?A. Entry to Nicaragua for stays less than 90 days requires a valid Passport for more than 6 months, return ticket and a tourist card. No vaccines are required. This card can be purchased at the airport for U$10 for stays up to 90 days. No previous visa is required for most countries (North, Central & South America -except Haiti and Cuba-, Western Europe, and many more). Citizens of the country exclusion list (Cuba, Haiti, many African and middle eastern countries) must obtain a prior visa from the Nicaraguan Consulate. See http://www.cancilleria.gob.ni/servicios/visas.shtml
Q. What currency should I carry? US Dollars, Euros or should I prepurchase cordobas?A. Nicaraguan Cordoba is the local currency. US Dollars is the most common currency accepted at many tourist destinations, Euros are not popular and rarely accepted except at banks and major hotels. Upon arrival you may exchange them at the airport or at any bank in town. You can find an ATM at most hotels, shopping centers and some gas stations. High end stores and restaurants post their prices in dollars. For currency conversion from US Dollars or Euros use: http://www.exchange-rates.org/converter/USD/NIO/1/Y
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| No. | Nicaragua beach | « | Dept | No. | Nicaragua beach | « | Dept | |
| Honduras Border | 21 | Las Salinas | Rivas | |||||
| 1 | Padre Ramos | Chinandega | 22 | Rancho Santana | ||||
| 2 | Jiquilillo | 23 | Popoyo | « | ||||
| 3 | Aposentillo | 24 | Playa Escondida | |||||
| 4 | Corinto | 25 | Playa los Perros | |||||
| 5 | Poneloya | «« | Leon | 26 | El Gigante | |||
| 6 | Las Peñitas | « | 27 | Brito | ||||
| 7 | Puerto Sandino | 28 | Majagual | |||||
| 8 | Miramar | «« | 29 | Maderas | ||||
| 9 | El Velero | « | 30 | Los Playones | ||||
| 10 | El Transito | « | 31 | Marsella | ||||
| 11 | Quizala | Managua | 32 | Nacascolo | ||||
| 12 | Montelimar | «« | 33 | San Juan del Sur | «« | |||
| 13 | Masachapa | « | 34 | El Remanzo | ||||
| 14 | Pochomil | «« | 35 | El Yankee | ||||
| 15 | Pochomil Viejo | « | 36 | Escameca | ||||
| 16 | La Boquita | « | Carazo | 37 | El Coco | |||
| 17 | Casares | « | 38 | La Flor | ||||
| 18 | Huehuete | « | 39 | Anima | ||||
| 19 | Tupilapa | 40 | Ostional | |||||
| 20 | Chacocente | 41 | Naranjo | |||||
| 21 | El Astillero | COSTA RICA BORDER |
«« Besides good roads, these are the most popular beaches of Nicaragua
Q. Is there good surfing in Nicaragua?
To obtain the best waves for surfing you need cross winds and ocean current. Nicaraguan beaches have great ocean currents to generate waves and two areas of the country have excellent cross wind coming from the two great lakes across a small strip of land and uninterrupted by the mountains.
These zones are:
- On Northern Nicaragua: the southern Leon beach of Miramar at only 1 hour from Managua.
- On Southern Nicaragua: Tola beaches (Include Popoyo, Rancho Santana, El Gigante) at 2-3 hours from Managua.
Surfers enjoy the other beaches for light surfing, except the enclosed bay beaches like San Juan del Sur with calm ocean, but serious surfers prefer the Miramar, Leon and Tola, Rivas beaches, where international surfing tournaments have been held.
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LOCAL CULTURE
Q. Where can I buy fresh fish in Pochomil?
Q. Where can I get groceries and necessities while at Pochomil?
A. Whenever possible, stock up in Managua at La Colonia or La Union Supermarkets, which have many international brands and a large variety. You will find several convenience stores in Pochomil/Masachapa: La Barra is the closest located about 500 meters north of the entrance to Pochomil popular resort. It has basic items such as ice, bottled water, gas, soft drinks, alcohol, and miscellaneous.
For fruits, vegetables and more variety there are several mini markets in Masachapa. Try the Pitaya, a rare tropical fruit, strong red color and great for juices, Margaritas or for dessert with whip cream.
For complete shopping you will have to travel to San Rafael del Sur, about 14 kilometers south of Masachapa, to Pali Supermarket (Walmart subsidiary) with many local popular products but limited variety. Pali is located from the Catholic Church of San Rafael del Sur 1/2 block East (2293-3600) and it is open Mon-Sat 8a-9p, Sunday 8am-5pm. We can also offer the service of prepurchasing the food for you, check out our Concierge page.
The gas station in Pochomil is Petronic (T: 8435-0105), it runs out of fuel regularly, so do not run empty. The groundskeeper can provide you with a fuel container to keep in reserve. If you have a motorcycle, it will consume about one tank full daily (2 ½ gallons).
Q. ¿Can I drink the water?
A. Nicaragua´s water is potable and chlorinated; however, most tourists prefer to drink bottled water. For your convenience, a 5 gallon bottle of water will be available at the Pochomil home upon your arrival, you are responsible for its refill as needed. Bottled water is available at most grocery stores and restaurants.It is safe to eat at most formal restaurants, at informal restaurants ensure you only consume fully cooked meals and not raw products. Unwrapped food in plazas or markets do not follow western hygiene standards and you should avoid them.
Help us save the environment and bring back any plastic products you take to the beach to avoid sea and beach contamination.
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NICARAGUAN CUISINE
A. Nicaragua has the most extensive cuisine in Central America, "La comida Nica," as Nicaraguans call their cuisine, is a Latin creole mix of indigenous and Spanish dishes and ingredients. Corn, beans, plantains, yuca and beef are popular ingredients. Seafood is common along the Pacific and Caribbean coast. Nicaraguans make extensive use of a wide variety of tropical fruits. Due to its history and geographical location, Nicaraguan food uses many Maya indigenous corn dishes, south american Inca plantain dishes, Caribbean seafood and Spaniard influence. You will also find the traditional international meals at most restaurants, such as burgers, pizza, fried chicken and spaghetti, but you should be adventurous and try the local cuisine, you will love it!!!
See a full description on our Nicaraguan Gastronomic Page.
Nicaraguan Snacks
Vigorón (fried pork, Yuca and cabbage salad), Tajadas con queso (Fried plantains and cheese), Quesillo (String cheese on a tortilla with pickled onions), Tacos, tamales de Elote (Corn tamales), Tortilla con queso, Repocheta (Tortilla with melted cheese or fresh cheese), Tostones y frijoles molidos (Fried thick platain with refried grounded red beans), coctel de camarones (Shrimp coctail), ceviche de pescado (fish ceviche), rosquillas (Cheese filled baked corn rings).
(Picture Ceviche and Tajadas)
Nicaraguan Meals
Nacatamales (Breakfast tamal with pork), indio viejo (shredded meat, ground tortilla and spices), gallo pinto (Rice and small red beans cooked together), carne en baho (beef, yuca, platain, vegetables slow cooked with plantain leaves), Churrasco con Chimichurri (prime steak with olive oil sauce), Carne Asada (Beef on a stick), pescado a la tipitapa (Red Snapper fish with fresh tomato sauce), Paellla de Mariscos (Seafood paella), caballo bayo (Self serve tacos with lots of options). Most of these accompanied with rice and small red beans and salad or vegetables.
(Picture Caballo Bayo)
Soups: Sopa de Mondongo (Similar to callos a la Madrileña), Sopa de Cola (Beef tail soup), Sopa Siete mares (Seven seas soup, fish, seafood), Sopa de Punche (Crab soup), Sopa de Pescado (Fish soup), Sopa de Rosquillas (Cheese soup with corn rings), Sopa de Tortillas (or Sopa Mexicana, Spicy soup with tortillas sprinkled on top).
Nicaraguan Famous Desserts
(Picture Tres Leches)
Nicaraguan Drinks
There are three popular alcoholic brands, Ron Flor de Caña (Rum), Cerveza Victoria and Cerveza Toña (Beer). Although Flor de Caña comes in many varieties, clear, dark and different aging up to 21 years old.
Q. Do you have pictures of typical Nicaraguan meals?
A. Below is a collage of pictures of Nicaraguan dishes mentioned above.
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BUCKET LIST NICARAGUA
Q. What are the MUST SEE places in Nicaragua?
A. Among the most popular tourist destinations nearby, within 1 1/2 hours of Pochomil, are:
* Granada
* Isletas de Granada
* Volcan Mombacho
* Masaya
* Volcan Masaya
* Mirador de Catarina
* Leon
* Leon Viejo
* Cerro Negro
Nicaragua is full of history and nature. The most popular and internationally renowned cities are Granada and Leon, both are about one hour from Pochomil but in opposite directions. These cities were founded by the Spaniards in the 15th century and still retain their colonial style, you will enjoy the great churches, museums, restaurants and parks.
Granada has the ISLETAS, small islands off its coast on the great lake of Nicaragua called Cocibolca lake. Taking a boat tour to the islands is highly recommended. About 10 kilometers from Granada is the extinct volcano Mombacho, where you can go canopying or hiking inside its crater.
Leon has the most impressive cathedral built by the Spaniards, it is believed that the blueprints of this cathedral were designed for Lima, Peru, the center of the Inca Empire, but they were mistakenly switched on the boat to America and Lima ended with a small cathedral and Leon with a monumental building. The great Nicaraguan poet, Ruben Dario, is buried in the cathedral.
Masaya Volcano is an active volcano that you must see, along with its volcanic museum. Then travel to the Masaya artisan’s market where you will find the widest varieties of local handmade arts and craft.
To view additional tourism information on these Nicaraguan cities, click here
Q. Do you have pictures of these places in Nicaragua?
A.
Q. Are there some extreme sports in Nicaragua?
A. The bicycle speed world record was broken in Nicaragua at Volcan Cerro Negro by Eric Barone at 107 mph certified by Ripley´s Believe it or not, it has become a popular destination for sand surfers. If you are traveling to Leon and like adventure, Volcan Cerro Negro is close to Leon, Nicaragua, just one and a half hours from Pochomil on León Highway.
This record was later broken by 36 year old Austrian Markus Stockl on the Cerro Negro Volcano when he hit 164.95 km-h on May 17, 2011, breaking the previous record from Eric Barone of France nine years earlier.
Nicaraguan tourism has been featured on CNN en Español in this video, you can search other CNN videos on Nicaragua.
Q. I want to visit unexplored cities, places tourists don´t usually go to, where should I go?
A. Check out our page on other Nicaraguan locations which includes these cities:
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BUCKET LIST POCHOMIL
Q. What are the MUST DO things at Pochomil?
A. Pochomil has a great sandy beach where you can play most sports, swim in the ocean, walk the beach, pick sea shells and much more. Additionally you should go to the Curtains ("Las Cortinas"), an ocean waterfall located about 800 meters north of the house (right), where during high tide you will get an amazing bath.
Walking, jogging or riding south of Pochomil will give you a view of an empty beach for about 20 kilometers, rarely in the world will you see wonderful undisturbed beaches as in this location.
Renting a four wheeler motorcycle at Pochomil resort will give you a great opportunity to see the beach, just keep a slow speed for safety.
Q. If I see a turtle coming out of the ocean, what do I do?
It is estimated that each turtle lays about 100 eggs and only 3 to 5 actually reach adulthood, that is why it is so critical to preserve them. Some eggs are not born, others die digging their way out of the sand, those who make it often are eaten by birds on the way to the ocean, and later the ocean predators eat a few more, that is why nature is so smart to allow turtles to lay so many eggs.
Q. I have young children, how can I keep them entertained all week?
A. Keeping kids busy will be the least of your worries; at the beach, kids become very creative because they are experiencing many new emotions. On the contrary, they will go to bed early because they will be too tired from a full day of games and activities. We have stocked up the Pochomil beach vacation home with enough items and activities to keep them busy. Below is a list of some ideas of games for children:
Kids games in the beach house or pool
Diving for rings: You can buy rings or other water toys at a store that sells pool toys, some are provided in the beach home. If you don’t have any real diving rings, get creative. Instead of neon rings or rods, use bright-colored rocks, seashells, or other natural items that sink in water.
Body Surfing (Boogieboarding): During medium and high tide, kids can body surf with or without a surfing board. A few body surfing boards are available in the home.
Monkey in the middle. For this classic game, all you need is a ball and 3 or more people. With 3 people, one player (the “monkey”) is in the middle and tries to intercept the ball while the other two play catch with it. If the monkey gets the ball, he becomes one of the throwers, and the last person who touched the ball becomes the new monkey. With 4 people, it works best to have two monkeys. You can play with the same rules as just described, OR you can play “Team” Monkey in the Middle: if either monkey gets the ball, both monkeys become the new throwers. This game can be played on the sand but also works especially well in the pool. You can play in shallow water if you only want to get your ankles wet, or you can play in deeper water so the game becomes a mix of swimming and running.
Paddleball. At minimum, you’ll need a paddle and a ball. Different kinds of paddles, balls, and paddle/ball combinations create different levels of difficulty. With 2 players you can cooperate in seeing how long you can keep the ball in the air. This game works great on the beach. If you get tired and your kid wants to keep playing, tell him to see how many times he can keep hitting the ball without letting it touch the ground
Tic Tac Toe: Play tic-tac-toe in the sand.
Night beach games for the kids
This is only a sample of many games that your children can play without much effort from the parents. If you know of other games that you want to share, send us your suggestions to publish them.
Links: Pochomil Beach « Pictures « Amenities « Concierge « Map « Rates « Promotions « FAQ « Contact Us
SERVICE AND GRATUITY
Q. What additional services can you provide us?
Among these concierge services are:
- Full Time Cook: Have a local cook prepare your three meals, snacks and wash the dishes.
- Private Transportation: Provide shuttle service to and from the airport to any member of your group.
- Full Time Housekeeper: Support you in anything you need around the house
- Concierge Shopping: Prepurchase your groceries and drinks prior to your arrival
- Car Rental: Help you reserve from a major car rental company the right vehicle at the best price.
Q. What are the gratuity guidelines for service?
Our suggested gratuity guidelines
take in account the employees that work hard to provide and maintain the
highest level of service while staying at Pochomil Viejo home. Whether working
behind the scenes or serving your meal, our staff makes sure you enjoy every
moment spent at the beach.
The daily amounts below have been calculated with this in mind.
The suggested gratuities are:
|
Employee |
Tip |
Frequency |
|
Housekeeper: |
$1.00 USD |
a day per guest |
|
Groundskeeper: |
$0.75 USD |
a day per guest |
|
Cook: |
$1.25 USD |
a day per guest |
With small groups, a minimum of $10 USD per day is recommended. Gratuities are voluntary and at the discretion of each guest. These guidelines serve as suggestions to help guest express their gratitude for the outstanding service they experience at their Pochomil Viejo beach vacation.
Gratuities for
other service personnel are at your discretion.
Q. What are the gratuity guidelines for restaurants in Nicaragua?
A. Nicaraguan restaurants suggest a minimum of 10% of the entire bill; however, a 15% tip is recommended when you receive outstanding service.
Q. Where else should I tip?
A. It is typical that when you park your car in a public place, children will approach you to "keep an eye on the car". A C$5 to C$10 cordoba tip ($0.25 - $0.50 USD) is customary.
Q. I was so happy on my vacation, how can I tip the owner?
A. The best tip we can receive is a good review on any of the following web pages:
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/reviews/write/p388207#write
http://www.vrbo.com/367705/reviews/write
http://www.flipkey.com/o/311737/
Links: Pochomil Beach « Pictures « Amenities « Concierge « Map « Rates « Promotions « FAQ « Contact Us
