FAQ’s

To help with planning your stay, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below.

Do I need a vehicle?
Yes. A vehicle is required for all guests staying in Balcones de Majagual. The community is located 12 km north of San Juan del Sur, and while town is now easily reached in under 15 minutes via the newly paved Costanera highway, the internal roads within the community are still dirt. Accessing the homes on the ridge requires a four wheel drive vehicle.

Do I need a 4x4?
Yes. A four wheel drive vehicle with adequate clearance is required. This is due to the internal roads within the community and for accessing many of the surrounding beaches. This applies year round, including dry season. We can assist with arranging a discounted rental from the airport or in town.

Is Balcones de Majagual a resort?
No. Each home is independently owned and operated, with different layouts, features, and furnishings. Your rental agreement is directly with the individual homeowner.

What airport should I fly into?
You can fly into Managua, Nicaragua or Liberia, Costa Rica. Travel time from either airport is approximately 2.5 hours. If arriving via Costa Rica, rental cars cannot be driven across the border. Shuttle services are available.

What about bugs and wildlife?
Balcones de Majagual is located within an active wildlife corridor. As an eco-conscious community, we do not use heavy pesticides common in many hotels. This allows wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and birds to thrive, but it also means insects are part of the environment. Homes are designed with screened systems to keep interiors comfortable while maintaining airflow.

Do I need a passport?
Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. A $10 USD tourist visa is required upon arrival.

Can I use US dollars?
Yes. US dollars are widely accepted. Change is often given in Nicaraguan Cordobas. Bills should be in good condition and issued after 2000. ATMs are available in San Juan del Sur.

How far is town?
San Juan del Sur is approximately 12 km away. With the Costanera highway, travel time is typically under 15 minutes.

How far is the beach?
The nearest beaches are between 600 m and 1 km away. Walking is possible for those in good physical condition, though the return is uphill. Most guests prefer to drive.

Do you provide linens and towels?
Yes. All homes include fresh bed linens, bath towels, and beach towels. Cleaning services are available, with frequency depending on the home and length of stay.

How many homes share a pool?
Pool access varies by home. Some homes have private pools, while others share. The Papaya Lane homes share a 15 meter infinity pool. Casa Cielo Azul shares a plunge pool with one other home. Details are provided within each listing.

What kind of electrical outlets are used?
All homes use standard three pin North American electrical outlets.

What if I arrive late?
No problem. We can arrange direct shuttle transport to your home and assist the following day with organizing your 4x4 rental and anything else you may need.

How many homes are in the community?
There are fourteen homes in Balcones de Majagual, spaced across approximately 100 acres, allowing for privacy and separation between each property.

What do you mean by eco-conscious or ecologically friendly?
Balcones de Majagual is designed to reduce its impact on the surrounding environment while still providing comfort. Hot water is solar heated, septic systems are bio-microbial, and some homes include reverse osmosis water filtration. Homes are positioned to capture natural breezes, reducing the need for air conditioning.

We do not use heavy pesticides. Many large scale hotels rely on chemical spraying to eliminate insects, which impacts the surrounding ecosystem. Here, wildlife is part of the environment. Monkeys, sloths, parrots, and other species move freely through the area. The trade off is that insects and small reptiles are also present.

Will I see bugs?
Yes. This is a tropical environment within an active wildlife corridor. While homes are designed with screens and we do our best to manage interiors, insects may occasionally be present. Guests may also encounter lizards, and less commonly, species such as tarantulas or scorpions.

Is there someone to assist me with questions when I stay at the house?
Yes. All guests are supported by a local English and Spanish speaking concierge at no additional cost. Your concierge is available via WhatsApp to assist with directions, arrival, and any questions about the home or community. They are also available prior to arrival to help arrange transport and activities during your stay.

How do I get from the airport to the house? Which airport should I fly into?
You can fly into Managua, Nicaragua or Liberia, Costa Rica. We can assist in arranging private drivers or shuttle services from either location based on your preference.

Is Nicaragua safe?
Nicaragua is generally considered safe for travelers, and the people are known for their hospitality. As with any destination, we recommend using common sense. Avoid walking between beaches at night, do not carry large amounts of cash, and avoid driving on major highways at night due to truck traffic.

Drugs are illegal in Nicaragua and penalties are strict. There are no exceptions. We recommend exercising the same level of awareness and caution you would in any country.