Verdad Nicaragua Beach Hotel & Retreat (San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua)

ABOUT THE SURF CAMP

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LOCATION AND SURF CONDITIONS

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Verdad is situated on the hills overlooking the beautiful sandy beach of Playa Escameca, which is on the Pacific side of Nicaragua, just north of Costa Rica and 20-25 minutes south of the town of San Juan del Sur.

Distances:
Town of San Juan del Sur - 20 to 25 minutes
Playa Yankee 15 minutes walk - (Yankee beach) left break and point break combine at the same time, stronger and a bit fast, good at mid-tide and high tide, for surfers that want to move from intermediate to advanced. Waves 3-6 feet.
Playa Escameca 10 minutes walk - (Escameca beach) left and right break perfect for beginner and intermediate with small swell, good for advanced with bigger swell. Waves 2-5 feet.
 
January and February (and possibly March) have stronger offshore winds, smaller waves, and you may need a wetsuit for surfing. 

March to December have light offshore winds and warm water around 80 degrees F.

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CAMP CHARACTER

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At Verdad we have a versatile atmosphere, frequently hosting large parties of multiple families, single travelers from all over the world, and groups of friends chasing good waves and better vibes. Not a backpackers' party hostel by any means, this is luxury at an affordable price. The beauty and serenity of the location will leave you feeling tranquil and relaxed, and you will be well-fed by the talented kitchen staff after long days of great waves. Treat yourself to a massage or yoga after paddling all day! Whatever your age or style, you'll fit right in here.

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CAMP OPERATOR

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Verdad is owned and operated by Marc Schultz, who founded the hotel with fitness and health at its cornerstones. The surf camp is run by lead instructor Wesley Bermudez, a San Juan Del Sur native who has been surfing Nicaragua for thirteen years and instructing for six years. Everyone catches waves after lessons with Wesley - everyone!

ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING

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ACCOMMODATION TYPES

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Ocean View Casitas:
Each of these four casitas are nestled into the hillside with open views of the Pacific Ocean. They all have a queen size bed, an indoor daybed large enough for a third guest, a ceiling fan, a private deck, and an outdoor shower as well as a full bathroom with solar hot water showers that boast ocean views, gorgeous tiles handmade in Nicaragua and rain shower heads.

Ocean & Valley Casita:
This casita is located hillside with both a valley and ocean view. It has a queen size bed, a ceiling fan, an indoor daybed, full bathroom with solar hot water shower, and a private deck with daybed, hammock and two chairs. This casita is a little further away from the others so it's perfect if you want more privacy.

Ocean & Valley Rooms:
Both rooms are poolside with a full-size bed and private bathrooms. Each room has a ceiling fan and air conditioning. They overlook the ocean and valley below. 
All of our bathrooms have a solar generated hot water showers. 

*All rooms and casitas have complimentary wireless internet, cotton bath towels, and 350 thread count sheets.

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CATERING

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 Daily pre-breakfast, full breakfast and dinner.

We prepare all of our simple, delicious and fresh meals in our on-site kitchen. We also have a handmade outdoor oven in which our cooks Nerys, Heidy and Elena prepare exquisite Nicaraguan snacks such as rosquillas, empanadas and canastas.
Verdad's kitchen grows fresh greens and herbs which we use daily. We utilize our local farmer's market for produce and get all of our seafood right from our shores, as well as fresh eggs and homemade yogurt from local suppliers.
Meals are served either in our indoor dining area overlooking the ocean, or pool-side.
Fresh fruit, juices and Nicaraguan coffee are available all day.     

SURF COURSE AND ACTIVITIES

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SURF COURSE DETAILS

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Ratio of participants:instructors is 3:1 or less
Six days of expert surfing instruction, surf theory, daily filming of surf lesson and analysis.

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SURF MATERIALS

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Camp provides surfboards for all lessons, wax, and transport to the beach. Soft-top longboards and fiberglass longboards are available at the hotel. Shortboards are available to rent.

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OTHER ACTIVITIES

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Paddle boarding
Boogie board
Yoga Massage
Horseback riding
Horseback ride to waterfall (seasonal)
Zip lining Boating (2 to 8 people)
Catamaran Volunteer at the Barrio Planta Project (Please inquire for prices as they can change due to service providers. If you would like to book any of these activities, please provide advance notice.)

MORE INFO, HOW TO GET THERE & FAQ

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 SURF CONDITIONS

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Breaks directly at the main spot and at nearby spots Playa Escameca: Beach break, small and medium waves Beginner and Intermediate
Playa Yankee: Beach Break, small and medium waves Intermediate and Advanced 
Playa Hermosa: Beach break, small and medium waves Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Seasonal conditions
Water temperature:

Jan-March 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F) 
Apr-Dec 28 to 33°C (82 to 86°F)
Wind:
Jan-March Stronger offshore
Apr-Dec Light offshore
(October Onshore sometimes) 
Waves:
Jan-March 2-4 ft
Apr-Dec 3-6 ft

Crowd factor and locals 
All the close beaches are pretty quiet. Sometimes Yankee can be crowded. The locals are always friendly.

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 SURROUNDINGS / REGION

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Characterization of surroundings/region
Very rural, quiet, peaceful

Distances
Town of San Juan del Sur - 20 to 25 minutes
Costa Rican border - 1-hour drive
Liberia Airport Costa Rica (LIR) - 2 hours
Granada - 2 hours
Managua Airport (MGA) - 2 hours 30 minutes

Activities and Facilities
Paddle boarding
Boogie board
Yoga
Massage
Horseback riding
Horseback ride to waterfall (seasonal)
Zip lining
Boating (2 to 8 people)
Catamaran
Volunteer at the Barrio Planta Project

Please inquire for prices as they can change due to service providers. If you would like to book any of these activities, please provide advance notice.

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 JOURNEY

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Ways to get to the camp
Airport transfer available:
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (US$100 per person)

Airport transfer available:
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (US$170 per person)

PACKAGES & PRICES

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Verdad Nicaragua weekly surf package: From 1000$ per Week/Person

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 Daily lessons with the group (student-coach ratio of 3:1 maximum).
 Seven night luxury accommodation.
 Daily pre breakfast, full breakfast and dinner.
 Six days of expert surfing instruction.
 Six days of surf theory.
 Daily individualized goal setting and check-ins.
 Daily filming of surf lesson.
 Daily video analysis session.
 Daily use of surfboard and equipment.
 Daily transportation to surf spots by 4x4.
 Daily full-time hosting and activity coordinating.
 Pool, honor bar, fitness and yoga studio.
 Post surf 60 minute massage.
 Fresh fruit, Nicaraguan coffee, purified water and smoothies daily.
 Airport transportation from Managua or Liberia Costa Rica.

COSTS:
6 days/ 7 nights - High season (November-April).
Casita $1450.     Room $1150.

6 days/ 7  nights - Low season (May-September).
Casita $1200.     Room $1000.

* 400 Additional occupancy.