Frequently Asked Questions
Why Nicaragua?
An exotic, tropical location packed with adventure and scenery, but just a short flight from the US! Nicaragua packs quite a punch, crams a lot of natural diversity into a small geographic area and is generally overlooked by the mass tourism market, making it perfect for our style of travel. Our great local connections and wealth of insider knowledge will enable you to discover this off the beaten path gem the best way possible!
What’s included in the trip cost?
The trip price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, airport transfers, 9 nights accommodation, and breakfast is included every morning of your stay
Lunches and Dinners are included as specified in the itinerary including snacks, beer, drinks, transportation, drivers, experienced trip leaders, local logistics team, at least 8 organized events and Club Need swag. In short, just about everything is covered from the moment you land until the moment you leave!
What isn’t included in the trip cost?
The cost does not include flight, alcohol, some meals as specified in the itinerary, tips or personal purchases.
What sort of activities are we doing?
Beyond our signature visits to Cristo Rey for the give back portion of our trip, there are lots of additional activities packed into this one including exploring a beautiful colonial city, boat/kayaking the Isletas bio reserve, checking out an active volcano at sun set, catamaran party, visiting an authentic market, taking the time to enjoy the sunsets and of course, lots of beach time along the Emerald Coast.
What is the weather like?
Nicaragua’s weather is quite consistent year round. Temperatures in April May should be in the range of 25 to 32 celsius. Generally there are fresh coastal breezes on the coast making it great for outdoor adventure!
Can I have my own room at hotels?
Yes, when you book double occupancy. Singles will be matched with another traveler go the same gender in separate beds. We may have a limited number of private rooms available on certain nights for an additional cost but not all. Due to the style of accommodations we do have limited flexibility and capacity so please indicate interest at registration if you would like a private room for a single and we will accommodate as best we can, in the order in which you registered.
What sort of food will we be eating?
Breakfasts will include lots of fresh fruits, often the options of gallo pinto, a Nicaraguan classic of beans, rice, eggs and of course local coffee. For lunch we will sometimes picnic and sometimes go a la carte at a restaurant or cafe. Either way you’ll have plenty of options! For select dinners we will eat at some of the most highly rated restaurants in Nicaragua. A surprising variety of dishes can be expected, everything from local classics like mixed ceviche, and pollo a la plancha (grilled chicken) to asian curries, great pizza and delicious fresh local salads.
Most special diets – vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free – can be accommodated, but if you require a combination of special requirements please check with us before signing up so that we can ensure that we’re able to provide acceptable meals with the ingredients available.
What about the water?
Do not drink water from the faucet or use it to brush your teeth, rather use purified water, which will be available throughout the trip. If you prepare any food yourself you should use purified water.
What are recommended immunizations?
We suggest that you review THIS WEBSITE to stay up to date regarding immunization recommendations for traveling to Central America.
Please note that we highly recommend getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
How much Spanish do I need to know?
We will have an interpreter with us for all group activities and travel during the trip, but during your free time you will be on your own! It’s always appreciated if you attempt to speak Spanish, even if it is the basics (hola, buenos días, gracias).
Will I need a visa?
If you have a passport from the U.S., Canada, and most European countries, you will receive a 90 day tourist visa upon arrival. You don’t have to do anything prior to your trip for this tourist visa. If you hold a passport from another country please check.
Where can I exchange money?
The airport in Managua
ATM – To use an ATM, you will need a 4-digit PIN. If yours is more than 4 digits, please change it prior to coming to Nicaragua.
The banks and some shops in Nicaragua are very particular about what dollars/what amounts they will exchange. Any tear, mark, or stain will be rejected and this can be quite timely, so please plan to exchange at the airport, withdraw from an ATM, or order money through your bank.
Please note:
Let your bank and credit card company know you will be out of the country
1 CAD is approximately 27.67 Nicaraguan Cordoba
1 USD is approximately 36.63 Nicaraguan Cordoba
Is there an age restriction?
Age limit is 12yrs. Minors (under 18) must travel with an adult. Families are welcome!
What sort of vehicles will we be traveling in?
The group will travel in comfortable air-conditioned passenger vans with professional drivers.
How much should I tip?
Your entire trip will be spent with drivers and guides who will go above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience for everyone. Although tips are never expected, they are always appreciated and completely at your discretion.
Most restaurants include the 10% voluntary tips. Check the bill to see if it is included.
Main guides and tour leaders $15 to $25 per day
Local guides and assistants $5 to 10 per day
Drivers $3 to $8 per day
On Club Need trips gratuities for our guide(s) are not included in the total trip cost. Usually, the travelers nominate one guest to make a collection on the final day and as a group they present the gratuity to the guide(s).
I’ve heard about political instability in Nicaragua, should I be concerned about safety?
Nicaragua along with other Central American countries have struggled with a history of political issues. Rest assured, we will be in tourist destinations such as Granada and San Juan Del Sur. As well, we are spending time in Cristo Rey with our guides and partners as we are welcomed into this community to help provide much needed shelter and food programs.
Currently Nicaragua ranks on the same advisory level as the UK. We suggest this website to learn more https://travel.gc.ca
Just like you would in any new place, please always be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye out for petty theft.
If I change my mind or something comes up, can I cancel?
We know that life happens, and on occasion a participant will have to back out of a trip. As most of our costs are paid well in advance, we have set a cancellation policy that applies to all trips. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover potential cancellations on your part.
If you cancel:
25% non refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
90+ days from the trip start date : Deposits are non-refundable
61-90 days from the trip start date: 50% of total payment refunded
60 days or less from the trip start date: No refunds will be given
*If you register using a transfer credit, you may transfer again without penalty within 30 days of signup but will not be eligible for a refund.
Time of cancellation will be when written notice is received by CLUB NEED via email with confirmed email reply from our offices.
Please email [email protected]
Can I switch to another trip?
If you wish to transfer your deposit from one trip to another you must notify us at least 120 days prior to your original departure date. A fee of $150 per person will apply and will be deducted from your original deposit. If you notify us less than 120 days prior to the proposed departure date the refund policy applicable to cancellations will apply. Deposit transfers may only be made once, and must be made to another trip departing within 12 months of your original departure date.
What if Club Need Travel cancels the trip?
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had never cancelled a trip and we hope that going forward we never have to again. But, it is a possibility and here is what happens if it happens:
If we cancel a trip due to low participant numbers, you will be notified no later than 60 days prior to departure and will receive the option of a full refund or transfer to an alternate trip.
If a trip is cancelled at the last minute due to external events outside our reasonable control (natural disasters, terrorism, etc) we will issue full refunds less any unrecoverable costs. This type of scenario is unlikely but always a possibility – get that travel insurance!
You can check out the full Booking Terms & Conditions here.
How do I sign up?
A 25% non refundable deposit will hold your spot and can be paid using the sign up button on the Details page as soon as the trip is open.
Balances are due 90 days prior to the start of the tript.
Who should I contact for more info?
Feel free to contact Calvin Johnson [email protected] with any questions.