Finding a destination that keeps tweens, teens, parents, and grandparents equally happy isn’t easy. Rancho Santana is one of those rare places that somehow does it all! This July, our multigenerational family—ten of us, ranging in age from 11 to 78—spent five unforgettable nights on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, and it became one of our favorite family vacations ever! If you’re considering a trip to Rancho Santana, I hope sharing our experience helps you plan your own adventure here!

My friend Nataliya introduced us to Rancho Santana and raved about her experiences there, encouraging me to plan a visit. She wasn’t exaggerating… Rancho Santana exceeded every expectation, and everyone in our family left talking about when we could come back!

Nestled along Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, Rancho Santana is a 2,700-acre beachfront community with five private beaches, miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, a working ranch and farm, beautiful farm-to-table restaurants, and thoughtfully designed accommodations that blend into the surrounding landscape. Our family enjoyed exploring the beaches, joining the complimentary Good Life Experiences, learning how to surf, going horseback riding and taking an offsite tour of Granada. We also spent time slowing down: relaxing in hammocks, dipping in the pool, bonding over multigenerational ping pong tournaments at our villa and playing pickleball on the main courts.

Rancho Santana is quietly luxurious. While incredibly comfortable with impeccable service, it felt down-to-earth and deeply connected to nature and the local community. Every staff member we met was so warm and welcoming. The concierge team was super responsive, with seamless communication through WhatsApp. Whether we needed restaurant reservations, transportation, or had a last-minute request, they made it happen quickly and effortlessly.

I was really impressed by Rancho Santana’s commitment to the local community. The homes, much of the construction, and the furniture throughout the property are built by local craftspeople. Our villa driver, who has worked at Rancho Santana for more than 20 years, proudly shared that the resort employs more than 700 Nicaraguans. Throughout our stay, we also learned about their efforts to care for the land – from protecting sea turtle nesting sites to expanding their use of solar energy and sourcing much of the ingredients served in their restaurants from their own farm and gardens. Learning about these efforts gave us a deeper appreciation not only for Rancho Santana, but also for the people and natural beauty that make this part of Nicaragua so special.

What was really special about our experience at Rancho Santana was that there were so many things we could all do together as an extended family, as well as activities we could do separately based on our interests. Whether you’re planning a multigenerational family reunion, celebrating a milestone birthday, traveling with family or friends, or simply looking for a luxury beach escape away from the crowds, it’s a perfect destination with something for everyone. Be sure to read to the end where I share an exclusive offer for the Everyday Adventure Fam community!

In this Guide:

• Getting There
• Where We Stayed
• What We Loved About Rancho Santana
• Included “Good Life” Experiences
• Signature & Off-Site Experiences
• Farm-to-Table Dining
• Is Rancho Santana Worth It?
• Exclusive Offer

Getting There:

We flew nonstop on Alaska Airlines from Los Angeles (LAX) to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR). From there, Rancho Santana coordinated all of our transportation to the Peñas Blancas border crossing and onward to the resort. The entire process was easy and seamless because they handled every detail. At the border, we walked through immigration while Rancho Santana arranged for bicycle couriers to transport our luggage between the Costa Rica and Nicaragua checkpoints. Once we cleared immigration, another Rancho Santana driver was waiting to take us the rest of the way to the resort.

Here are a few things to know before you go:

• Rancho Santana is accessible from either Managua International Airport (MGA) in Nicaragua or Liberia International Airport (LIR) in Costa Rica.
• We chose to fly into Liberia because we continued our vacation in Costa Rica afterward.
• Rancho Santana can arrange private or shared airport transfers from either airport.
• If entering Nicaragua by land from Costa Rica, you’ll purchase a Tourist Card at the border. At the time of our visit (July 2026), the fee was $14 USD per person, plus a $1 municipal fee (cash is recommended—bringing small bills or exact change makes the process easier).
• U.S. citizens need a valid passport but do not need to apply for a visa in advance for tourist travel. (Be sure to check the latest entry requirements before your trip, as they can change.)
• Border officials may ask to see proof of onward travel, so it’s helpful to have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary available.
• Note: Nicaragua does not allow drones or binoculars to be brought into the country, so leave those at home.

For the latest transportation and airport information, you can check Rancho Santana’s Getting Here page.

Where we stayed:

One of the things that is so great about Rancho Santana is the variety of accommodations they offer. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or larger group like ours, there’s an option to fit your travel style and budget. From cozy rooms at The Inn to stunning oceanfront villas, every stay is thoughtfully designed to help you slow down, connect with nature, and embrace “La Buena Vida.”

We stayed in Villa Paraíso, a 9-bedroom, 9- bathroom oceanview home in the Playa Rosada section that can accommodate up to 18 guests. It was an incredible home for our multigenerational family, with panoramic Pacific Ocean views, a private pool, outdoor showers, a gourmet kitchen, and multiple indoor and outdoor gathering spaces where everyone could spread out and hang out.

Rancho Santana offers accommodations for every type of traveler. You can explore all of Rancho Santana’s accommodation options here, but here’s a quick overview of who I think each one is best suited for.

Other Accomodation Options:

Rancho Santana offers accommodations for every type of traveler. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a large group trip, there are options to fit a variety of group sizes and budgets . You can choose from:

The Inn – A boutique beachfront hotel that’s perfect for couples and smaller families.

Garden View Casitas – Ideal for families of 4–6 who want extra space, a full kitchen, and easy access to the beach.

Pacific Condos & Residential Suites – Spacious two- and three-bedroom residences with full kitchens and ocean views, making them a great option for larger families or groups traveling together.

Private Ocean View Homes & Villas – Ranging from cozy beach houses to spectacular luxury estates like the one we stayed in, these are ideal for multigenerational family vacations, milestone celebrations, and group trips.

*Accommodation photos below from Rancho Santana

No matter where you stay, you’ll have access to Rancho Santana’s beaches, restaurants, pools, spa, surf club, and complimentary Good Life Experiences. For the latest accommodation options, photos, and pricing, I recommend visiting Rancho Santana’s website, as availability and rates can change throughout the year.

What we loved about Rancho Santana

What we loved most about Rancho Santana wasn’t just the incredible setting or the exceptional hospitality—it was the balance. You can spend the morning learning to surf, enjoy ceviche and tacos for lunch, relax by the pool in the afternoon, watch the sunset over the Pacific, and end the day reading a book or playing games with loved ones.

Every day felt active without ever feeling rushed. And the food was outstanding in its use of fresh local ingredients and the care with which it was prepared. Whether you fill your days with adventure or simply unwind in a hammock overlooking the ocean, Rancho Santana makes it easy to do both.

Included “Good Life” Experiences

We enjoyed several of the complimentary “Good Life” experiences included with our stay. These activities allowed us to explore more of the property, learn about Nicaragua, and connect with the friendly people who call it home.

Five Beaches Tour

If it’s your first time visiting Rancho Santana, I highly recommend starting with the Five Beaches Tour. It was the perfect introduction to the property, giving us a feel for different areas of Rancho Santana. I’d recommend doing it on your first full day so you can decide which beaches and restaurants you want to revisit throughout your stay.

Our favorite beach was Playa Escondido, with its soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and peaceful, tucked-away setting. Both times we visited, we had the entire beach to ourselves. There’s a tree swing overlooking the ocean, making it one of the most picturesque spots on the property. This is also where Rancho Santana’s sea turtle conservation program is based.

A helpful tip: while all of their beaches are beautiful, Playa Los Perros is the main swimming beach. The waves at Playa Santana can be quite powerful, and Playa Escondido has deep water, so the resort recommends swimming and playing in the waves at Playa Los Perros, as conditions are generally safer there.

Beach Bonfire

If you’ve followed Everyday Adventure Fam for a while, you know I love a good campfire. Rancho Santana’s beach bonfire is offered at the main beach. We watched the sun set over the ocean while roasting marshmallows and making s’mores with Chiky chocolate-covered biscuits – a delicious local twist on the classic.

SoCal friends: I was excited to discover you can actually buy the same biscuits at the Northgate Market! You can also find Chiky biscuits online here.

Monkey Scouting

Monkey scouting was a hit among my family. We spotted several troops of howler monkeys, including mama monkeys carrying babies on their backs, and learned more about the wildlife that calls Rancho Santana home. Seeing them in their natural habitat was one of the highlights of our stay. Here is a video of our experience.

Garden Tour

As a foodie family, it was really cool learn how most of the produce, herbs, and ingredients served throughout the resort are grown right on the property. Walking through the gardens gave us a greater appreciation for the farm-to-table dining we enjoyed all week. Along the way, we spotted more monkeys and sampled local fruits and vegetables. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try termites (which I was told have a surprisingly citrusy flavor!)

To learn more about the other Good Life experiences, click here.

Signature and Offsite Activities:

If you’re looking for even more adventure, Rancho Santana offers signature experiences and offsite guided excursions for an additional fee. These are the activities we chose to do during our stay.

Surfing (for beginners)

Although we live in Southern California, we don’t actually surf much. The water is really cold, and if I’m being honest, our local sharks make me a little hesitant to give it a try. Surfing at Rancho Santana gave me the confidence to get on a board.

The instructors at Playa Los Perros were phenomenal. Although we signed up for group lessons, there was nearly a one-to-one instructor-to-student ratio, so everyone received personalized coaching. They carefully selected the right waves for each person and met everyone where they were—whether it was their very first time on a surfboard or they were looking to improve their technique. Every member of our family left feeling comfortable in the water. My husband and sons loved surfing so much, they signed up for two more sessions before we left!

Visiting in July means warm Pacific water, so wetsuits weren’t necessary. Playa Los Perros is known as a beginner-friendly surf beach. Whether you’re learning to surf for the first time or already chasing the perfect wave, Rancho Santana offers surf breaks for every skill level.

Horseback Riding

We went on one of the most beautiful horseback rides we’ve ever been on at Rancho Santana. One evening, we rode through jungle trails before emerging onto the beach and passing through a nearby village. Friendly locals waved as we rode by, and it gave us a small glimpse into everyday life beyond the resort. It was peaceful, scenic, and one of my favorite ways to experience the beauty of Nicaragua.

Rancho Santana offers rides for every comfort level, from scenic beach and jungle rides to longer excursions for more skilled riders.

Granada Offsite Tour

If you’re staying at Rancho Santana for several days, I’d highly recommend setting aside one day to explore beyond the resort. We joined the full-day excursion “Tour the Colonial City of Granada” which started off with ziplining at the Mombacho Volcano. For an adrenaline filled introduction to our family, watch here!

After ziplining, we headed for a relaxing boat ride through the beautiful Islets of Granada on Lake Nicaragua.

We stopped for delicious steak lunch at the beloved local restaurant El Zaguán, and strolled along the colorful streets of Granada, one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas.

We ended our day in Granada at the Bate Bate Chocolate Factory where we learned about Nicaragua’s cacao heritage (and enjoyed plenty of samples, of course!)

This offsite tour was a wonderful way to experience Nicaragua’s history, culture, and natural beauty all in one day. If you’re debating whether to spend every day at the resort or venture beyond the gates, we felt this excursion was absolutely worth it. It gave us a deeper appreciation for Nicaragua while still leaving time to enjoy the resort.

Note: When we visited in July, it was pretty hot and humid. I recommend wearing lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and bringing plenty of water and sunscreen. PS: If you’re interested in a packing guide/ shopping our family’s Central American travel outfits and gear – I’ve linked items that are available here.

Farm-to-Table Dining

The food deserves its own section because it was amazing. Rancho Santana embraces a farm-to-table philosophy, with much of the produce, herbs, and ingredients coming directly from its own farm and gardens. Every meal was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and memorable. With several restaurants on the property, we made sure to try them all!

La Finca y El Mar: Located in the main clubhouse, La Finca y El Mar showcases elevated Nicaraguan cuisine featuring locally sourced seafood, premium meats, and fresh seasonal produce. Every meal here felt like a special occasion. While the menu changes with the seasons, two dishes we can’t stop talking about were the whole fried snapper at lunch and the local lobster at dinner. The service, presentation, and flavors were impeccable.

La Taqueria: If we absolutely had to choose a favorite restaurant on site, this would be it. Located just steps from Playa Los Perros, La Taquería serves beachside tacos, ceviche, and fresh guacamole in a relaxed, open-air setting. These were hands down some of the best tacos we’ve ever had, and that’s saying a lot considering we live in Southern California and travel to Mexico often. Tip: You must order the tableside guacamole, made with enormous local avocados!

La Boquita: For a relaxed dinner with incredible views, head to La Boquita . Overlooking Playa Rosada (and conveniently across the street from Villa Paraiso), it’s the perfect place to settle in and watch the sun set over the ocean. The menu is eclectic and fun, featuring wood-fired pizzas, sushi, and paella.

El Cafe: El Café , in the main inn, is the place to go morning coffee or a quick breakfast. One morning, we grabbed some breakfast burritos from here and picnicked at the table overlooking Playa Escondido before enjoying a beautiful and quiet morning at the beach.

Private Chef Experience

Our private chef experience in our villa was one of the most memorable meals of the trip! We chose the Latin BBQ menu, and everything was outstanding, from perfectly grilled meats to fresh sides and salads, to the desserts. The portions were so generous that we happily enjoyed the leftovers the next day!

Dining Tips: There are so many options for dining at Rancho Santana. You can dine à la carte at any of the restaurants, book a private chef for a special evening, or choose an all-inclusive meal plan. The all-inclusive option is available for either two (typically lunch and dinner) or three meals per day. With the all-inclusive meal plan, you’ll choose an appetizer, entrée, and dessert from the menu. Just note that beverages, including juices, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, are additional. If your accommodation has a kitchen and you’d like to cook, you can pick up groceries on your way to Rancho Santana or purchase ingredients from the small market on the property.

Is Rancho Santana Worth it?

After our stay at Rancho Santana, it was easy to see why so many guests return year after year. Before we had even left, our boys asked if we could come back for surf camp next summer! What made this trip especially memorable was how well it worked for our multigenerational family. Our tweens and teens stayed active with surfing, horseback riding, hidden beaches, and pickleball, while the grandparents could join in or relax and enjoy the incredible scenery. It’s rare to find a destination that works for every generation, but Rancho Santana managed to do exactly that!

Before visiting Nicaragua, several friends asked whether we felt safe traveling there. I can only speak from our own experience, but throughout our stay we felt incredibly welcomed, comfortable and safe, thanks to the lovely staff at Rancho Santana. From our concierge and villa driver to the surf instructors, restaurant staff, and guides, everyone genuinely wanted us to have an amazing experience. Learning how Rancho Santana invests in the local community and is committed to conservation and sustainability efforts, made us appreciate our stay even more.

We came to Rancho Santana hoping to find a place where our entire family would enjoy spending time together. We left with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for Nicaragua. When a destination leaves three generations wanting to return, you know you’ve found somewhere special.

Exclusive Offer for Everyday Adventure Fam readers:

If you’re thinking about visiting Rancho Santana, they’ve generously extended an exclusive offer for our community. With Code: FWong , you’ll receive the following savings and perks:

• Stay 5 nights, get the 6th night free
• $150 resort credit
• Daily breakfast
• Round-trip airport transfers
• Book by June 14, 2027. Valid for travel through July 14, 2027. Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with other promotions
• *Just a heads-up: sometimes people accidentally enter the code into the coupon code field, but it should be placed in the “special codes and rates” –> corporate/ promotion code section for it to work correctly.

To start planning your trip, here is link to their website with more information!

Disclosure: Rancho Santana hosted our accommodations and generously extended this exclusive offer for the Everyday Adventure Fam community. As always, all opinions, experiences, and recommendations are entirely our own. We only share destinations we genuinely love and would recommend to our own family and friends. We also paid separately for several activities, meals, gratuities, and transportation during our trip. Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.