Nearby Hot Springs To
Worldclass Turtle Parks
(5 to 15 miles from Santa Ana)

Less then 5 miles away, hidden amongst tropical old growth trees, the Hot Springs of Las Salinas offer an unexpected treat in the middle of the rugged countryside. During the day, local women use the area to wash clothes and bathe while the children splash about. At night under a moonlit sky, visitors take a long soak after a hard day of surfing, hiking, biking, birding, …

Less than 10 miles away is the Bay of Gigante. Whether you go for a sunset dinner or a Saturday morning visit to the street market, this little community is always inviting with sailboats that linger in the bay with you as you take in the pacific sunsets or sip coffee after a morning of shopping.

Less than 15 miles away is the Chacocente Wildlife Refuge. It is one of the four most important sea turtle nesting sites of the entire Americas Pacific seaboard. At the height of the nesting season, hundreds of Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to lay upwards of 80 eggs at a time. Under the light of a full moon, these arribadas (“arrivals ashore”) are a sight to behold.

Major Port City With Stellar Dining
(25 miles from Santa Ana)

For a taste of the “big port city” there is plenty of life in San Juan del Sur. For a good dose of beach parties and tropical nightlife, San Juan is the place to go. The 10 square blocks of the town center are bursting with restaurants serving international faire, beachside bars, coffee shops, banks, fitness gyms, artisan boutiques and much more.

A Magical Island
(40 miles from Santa Ana, 10 by ferry ride!)

Rising high up out of Lake Nicaragua are Volcanoes Maderas and Concepcion, or better known as Isla de Ometepe. The ferry ride from the town of San Jorge takes you to this magical island where indigenous trees tower high above the forest floor, legends of pre-Colombian Chiefs are still told and natural ojos de aqua (natural springs) take you back in time. And whether hiking up or just gazing at the two massive pyramids of volcanic activity, the experience is sure to leave a long-lasting impression.

Masaya, Laguna de Apoyo & Los Pueblos
(40 miles from Santa Ana)

The great lake valley of Masaya. Volcan Masaya on the north side is one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world with the Masaya crater lake nearby. Another nearby crater-lake, Laguna de Apoyo, is Nicaragua’s largest and the site of a thriving Nature Reserve. The city of Masaya is the folklore and artisan capital of the Pacific Southwest. Its surrounding pueblos (villages) – Catarina, Masatepe, San Juan del Oriente – provide those who are more shopping inclined with endless options for handmade wood furniture, pottery and tropical plant nurseries.

Guanacaste Coast of Costa Rica
(45 miles from Santa Ana)

Guanacaste (originally part of Nicaragua) is offers an international airport (via Liberia International) and countless resort activities to peruse. Your options range from the Four Seasons for a round of golf along the pacific (Torrey Pines like in layout) to a wildlife trek through Parque Nacional Santa Rosa that is considered one of the world’s best wildlife tours that can take on the globe!

Granada
(less than 50 miles from Santa Ana)

The early Spanish colonial jewel of Nicaragua is the quaint town of Granada. All throughout the town center are shining examples of quintessential early Spanish architectures…churches, homes with garden courtyards, the main square. Peruse the tables of handicrafts at the Parque Central, enjoy a silent moment in the Iglesia La Merced or walk the Market Street along with hoards of Granadenos and you’ll feel the magnetism. And fabulous restaurants to boot!