RUN NICA FAQS
Why here?
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, 7 nights accommodation, all meals from lunch on the first day until breakfast on the final day, transportation, drivers, experienced trip leaders, local logistics team, 6 organized runs and hikes, a grand finale private catamaran cruise and Rogue Expeditions 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, tips or personal purchases.
How far do I have to be able to run?
All routes are adjustable in terms of distance and plans will be tweaked according to the ability mix of the group. Daily maximums are listed on the itinerary and there is no time or pace pressure. We will take it day by day and clearly explain each run as they come along so you can adjust to suit your needs!
Keep in mind that many people end up running quite a bit more during our trips than they would at home - when running is your only responsibility for the day, you'll be amazed at how much more you can do!
There are a couple of group hikes built into this trip. Exploration of Nicaragua’s amazing volcanoes is a must, and a group hike is the way to do this - these are not runnable trails and will be challenging for everyone. So, while the overall mileage is lower than what you may see on our other trips, don’t worry - you will finish the week happily and completely exhausted!
What sort of terrain will we be running on?
Most runs will feature a mix of single track trails, often very technical especially in forested areas, dirt roads, some paved road and a little bit of beach.
The volcano hike on Concepcion - the highlight of the week! - is quite technical and very steep. Those who make it all the way up will log 4500 ft / 1400 m of gain in just 2.5 mi / 4km (and then the same back down, of course)! Expect this to be a very full, very challenging day; we encourage everyone to prepare for this as best they can, though there will be several opportunities to turn back for anyone who feels too far out of their comfort zone.
What time of day will we be running?
Typically temperatures are in the 80Fs (mid 20Cs) in the middle of the day so we aim to begin all runs soon after breakfast. Nicaragua has an early rise culture and you’re likely to quickly fall in sync with it, rising at 6am or earlier with the calls of the resident howler monkeys.
What will we do when we aren’t running or hiking?
There are lots of additional activities packed into this one including a coffee farm tour to learn about growing and harvesting the world's favorite drink, exploring a beautiful colonial city, checking out innovative organic farms, swimming in a crater lake, taking the time to enjoy the sunsets and of course, our grand finale catamaran cruise along the Emerald Coast.
Can my non-runner spouse/friend come too?
It’s possible, as long as they understand that each day is primarily scheduled around that day’s run or hike and that our guides won’t be able to arrange alternate activities for them. We suggest contacting us prior to registration to see if it’s a good fit.
What is the accommodation like?
The first two nights are spent on a beautiful private coffee farm with mountain views. The rooms are basic but very comfortable, and the hangout spaces and surrounding cloud forests make this place unforgettable! The next night will be spent in a beautiful colonial-era hotel overlooking the central square, convenient to all the towns most popular sights and attractions. The next two nights will be back on a private farm in a quiet corner of Isla de Ometepe, in cozy lakefront cabins. The final two nights are at a spectacular property on the Emerald Coast featuring modern treetop casitas that fully blend in with the beautiful natural surroundings.
The first two nights will have 2-4 people per room, and the remaining nights will be double occupancy. If a single room becomes available we will offer it to registered participants.
What is the weather like?
Nicaragua’s wet season lasts until mid November or early December which typically means that January is dry but still quite green just after all the rain. Temperatures should be no higher than the 80s and it may even feel chilly in the evenings, especially in the highlands on the first two days. Generally there are fresh coastal breezes on the coast and on Isla de Ometepe making it great for outdoor adventure!
Can I have my own room at hotels?
Possibly! We may have a limited number of private rooms available on certain nights, but not all. Due to the style of accommodations we do have limited flexibility and capacity so you will be able to indicate interest at registration and we will accommodate as best we can, in the order in which you registered, after the group mix is finalized.
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 dinners we will have a private chef for the first two nights and eat at some of the most highly rated restaurants in Nicaragua for the rest of the trip. 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 sort of vehicles will we be traveling in?
The group will travel in comfortable air-conditioned passenger vans with professional drivers.
What are the COVID-19 rules for entering Nicaragua?
We will keep registered participants updated as things evolve, but at the time of writing (September 2022), foreign visitors may enter Nicaragua with either proof of full covid-19 vaccination OR a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival.
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. Any group gratuities will be split evenly amongst the team.
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 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. You should obtain travel insurance to cover potential cancellations on your part.
If you cancel:
Within 30 days of signup (but more than 90 days from departure): Full refund
90+ days from the trip start date (but after the 30 day grace period): 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
*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
**This only applies to participants who have paid their balances on time. If you do not pay the balance by the due date and cancel after the fact, your deposit is non-refundable.
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 Rogue Expeditions 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 $600 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 three months prior to departure.
Who should I contact for more info?
Feel free to contact Gabe Steger at gabe@roguexpeditions.com with any questions!