Help & Info about the pLAY! Acroyoga Festival In Nicaragua

All participants will first meet at Encuentros in the center of Granada. From there, shuttles will take you up to Finca OSOM.

Encuentros is centrally located— frente al Carlos A. Bravo, C. La Calzada, Granada. 

Flying into Managua?

Taxis are available at the airport and typically charge around $55 USD to get to Granada. To save money, we can help arrange a more affordable ride—just email Gretchell at gerente@purenica.com.

Coming from Costa Rica?

Both TicaBus and TransNica offer budget-friendly routes from San José to Nicaragua (around $30 USD). Some buses stop directly in Granada, while others pass through nearby towns. Be sure to confirm your stop before booking. If needed, you can take a taxi or local transport from nearby drop-off points to Granada.

For help or questions about transportation, feel free to email us at info@nicaacro.com.

Shuttles to/from Granada

The shuttles cost C$200 (approx. $5.50) roundtrip or C$100 ($2.75) each way and run between Encuentros and Finca OSOM.

Shuttle route:

Encuentros Club> Convento San Francisco / Kathy’s Waffle House > White Rabbit Hostel > Parque Xalteva / Cafe Xalteva > Finca OSOM

For the return trip, the stops are in reverse—except that the White Rabbit Hostel stop will be at Boca en Boca Hostel (one block away and around the corner).

Departing Encuentros at:

6:45 am – 9 am – 11 am – 2 pm – 5 pm – 8 pm

Departing Finca OSOM at:

8 am – 10 am – 12 noon – 3 pm – 7 pm – 9:30 pm

You can also book a private taxi for approximately US $12.  We’ll provide the names and numbers of trusted taxi drivers with your Festival Welcome Packet.

Yes!

All meals at PLAY! 2026 are crafted by three experienced Nicaraguan chefs in coordination with Nica Acro co-founder April Hyatt Ogden.  Meals are served buffet-style with meat, vegan, and vegetarian options. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions—please let us know your needs in advance.

Absolutely.

Each workshop block will include options for beginner and advanced movers, along with alternative sessions such as dance, yoga, or creative movement practices. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience level.

You can purchase your tickets via our Tickets and More page with any major credit card.  Or send us a screenshot of your Venmo, Zelle or PayPal transfer and we’ll send you a code to purchase your ticket via the Tickets and More page.

Venmo (@NicaAcro) – Paypal (info@nicaacro.com)  

Note: Venmo and Zelle transfers are the best.  No fees!  If you use Venmo or Zelle to buy your tickets, we’ll gift you a free tank top!

The full schedule will be shared closer to the event and available via:

• Email to registered participants

• Our WhatsApp group

• The Festival Welcome Packet on arrival

• PLAY! 26 – Schedule available here

Yes, please!

PLAY! features campfire jams and open mic nights, and musical collaboration is part of the magic. Bring an instrument or your voice and join the celebration.

Because we’ll be focused on setup, we ask that you not arrive until the official start date unless you have specifically communicated with the organizers.

Can I stay at Finca OSOM after the festival?

You may extend your stay at Finca OSOM after the festival ends.

•February 15th: Camp in the main area (with electricity & security)

•February 16th onward: Camp near Casa Quinta at the base of the farm

•Camping: $8/night (or $13 with bedding)

•Dorm stay: $18/night (includes bedding)

Let us know early if you plan to stay longer—we can help with logistics.

Limited.

There is a WiFi signal at Casa Quinta, but not throughout the farm. We encourage a digital detox so you can fully connect with yourself, nature, and the PLAY! community. However, we understand some responsibilities may require online access, so use Casa Quinta as needed.

Yes!

We have a reliable, affordable option to expedite your entry through customs at Managua airport. Email us at info@nicaacro.com for details.

Yes!

Join the group to get updates, connect with other PLAYticipants, and stay in the loop.

•If you provided your phone number when purchasing your ticket, we’ll add you automatically.

•Otherwise, just email us at info@nicaacro.com.

Also check out our community on Facebook and our Facebook Event Page.

What vaccinations are required for Nicaragua?

•No required vaccinations unless you’re coming from a yellow fever-endemic country.

•Visit:

•Vapues Travel Info

•Runway Health

The core organizing team includes:

Nica Acro founders/principals:

• Nicole Malene

•April Hyatt Ogden

•Warren Ogden

With support from returning facilitators such as Nicole Scott, Josh Owen Green, Reda Bear and special guests from around the world.

PLAY! is an outdoor, off-grid, 5-day experience on a volcano in Nicaragua’s dry season. Here’s what we recommend:

•Sunscreen

•Bug spray

•Refillable water bottle

•Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)

•Swimsuit

•Towel

•Flip flops or sandals

•Sturdy shoes for uneven terrain

•External battery charger

•Lightweight layers (hot days, cool nights)

•Yoga mat or towel for movement practice

•Hat or sun protection

•Musical instruments (if you want to jam!)

•Notebook or journal for reflections and notes

oggle Content

Yes, but we highly recommend arriving on time and staying through the end to fully experience the magic of PLAY!  Shuttles are scheduled daily, so transportation can be arranged if your travel plans differ. Email us if you’ll miss the opening circle or need help adjusting your schedule.

Yes.

While PLAY! is vibrant and dynamic, we also honor rest and recovery.

•Quiet hours are generally observed after 10:30 PM in the camping and dorm areas.

•Designated chill spaces and shade lounges are available for naps, journaling, and quiet connection.

Yes.

Finca OSOM offers clean, functional outdoor showers, composting toilets, and handwashing sinks. These facilities are shared, and biodegradable toiletries are encouraged.

PLAY! 2026 is not a family festival, but we aim to be welcoming to families.

Children are present as guests this year, without dedicated programming or childcare. In future editions, we hope to offer a fully family-inclusive experience with children’s programming and infrastructure. PLAY! 2026 is not that year.

We ask parents to participate with realism, responsibility, and respect for the shared space. We’ve established the Guidelines & Expectations below to to protect safety, consent, and the shared festival experience.

1. Supervision & Responsibility (Non-Negotiable)

1. PLAY! does not provide childcare or supervision.
2. Parents or guardians are fully responsible for children at all times.
3. Children may not roam independently.

Age-specific expectations

1. Children 12 and under
2. Must remain within sight of a designated adult at all times
3. Shared supervision among parents is strongly encouraged
4. Children ages 13–15
5. Must remain on the premises of El Respiro and/or Finca OSOM
6. Must inform an adult before moving locations

By bringing a child, parents waive any expectation of supervision by PLAY! staff, teachers, or volunteers.

2. Property Safety & Movement Boundaries

1. Children must remain within open areas and established pathways.
2. The property is rural and undeveloped and includes natural hazards such as:
3. stinging ants, biting snakes and other dangerous animals
4. poisonous or irritating plants
5. uneven terrain and hidden obstacles
6. An unused well ( El “Pozo de la Muerte”) that will be clearly taped off and is strictly off-limits.

Many hazards are not obvious and may cause injury if disturbed.

Children must not explore off-path areas, climb, or bushwhack.

3. Participation in Classes

1. Children under 13 may participate only with explicit prior permission.
2. Children ages 13 and up may participate only with teacher consent.
3. Children may not be in active class spaces during classes unless participating.

4. Equipment & Movement Spaces

1. Aerial equipment may be used by children only with close, active parental supervision.
2. Access to any equipment or space may be restricted at any time for safety.

5. Behavior, Safety & Enforcement

1. Rule violations may result in a warning or immediate removal, depending on severity.
2. Children who create safety risks may be asked to leave on the first offense.
3. No refunds will be issued for removal due to rule violations.

6. Facilities & Amenities

1. No child-specific facilities are provided.
2. Bathrooms are composting toilets only.

7. Tickets & Meals

8. Final Authority

Organizers and teachers may intervene, ask a family member to step out, or remove a participant or guest when necessary. These decisions are final.

In Summary

Parents and guardians are fully responsible for their children.

The land carries inherent risks.

Safety and the integrity of the festival experience come first.

PLAY! 2026 is not a dog-friendly festival by default.

However, some dogs may be permitted on a limited, case-by-case basis.

Trained and registered support dogs are allowed, subject to the safety requirements below.

1. Advance Permission

1. All non-support dogs require prior organizer approval.
2. Permission must be requested in advance and may be denied for any reason.
3. Arriving with a dog without approval may result in being asked to leave and return without the dog.

2. Behavior & Supervision

All approved dogs (including support dogs) must:

1. Be calm, quiet, and non-disruptive
2. Not bark or vocalize during classes or performances
3. Be under control at all times, either supervised or safely tied up

Dogs that cannot remain calm when tied are not appropriate for the festival.

3. Class Spaces & Safety (Strict)

Dogs are not allowed in class spaces during classes.

1. Dogs in movement areas pose a serious safety risk, especially with barefoot, inverted, or fast-moving participants.

This applies to all dogs, including support dogs.

4. Responsibility & Enforcement

1. PLAY! assumes no responsibility for dogs.
2. Handlers are fully responsible for behavior, damage, and removal if required.
3. Dogs that disrupt or compromise safety must be removed immediately.

No refunds will be issued if removal is required.

5. Final Authority

Organizers may approve, deny, or revoke dog permission at any time.

These decisions are final.

In Summary

1. Dogs are not assumed to be welcome
2. Some dogs may be approved with advance permission
3. Support dogs are permitted, with safety restrictions
4. Calm, quiet, controlled behavior is mandatory

When in doubt, leave your dog at home.

There is no public laundry service at the finca. We recommend bringing enough clothes for the full five days or coordinating with your lodging in Granada for laundry before/after the festival.

Possibly.

If you’re an artisan, bodyworker, or facilitator and would like to offer something at PLAY! (e.g., massage, handmade crafts, clothing), email us with your proposal. We have a small vendor area and space for skill shares, but all offerings must be approved in advance.

No.  However, PLAY! is a conscious gathering and encourages presence, connection, and safety.

•Participants are asked to be mindful of their substance use and to prioritize consent, clarity, and groundedness, especially in partner movement spaces.

•We do not allow any alcohol to be brought in from off-site. 

•There will be a (fairly) full bar during limited hours in the evening.

Yes.

There will be a designated First Aid Station provided by the Granada Firefighters for minor injuries or health needs.

For emergencies, we have direct access to transportation to local clinics or hospitals in Granada (~15 min away).  Throughout most of the festival, the firefighters’ ambulance or transport vehicle will be on-site.

Only if you are certified by a PLAY! host.

Fire play (e.g., poi, fire fans, fire hoop) is strictly limited to the designated fire ring and requires:

1. Fire safety certification by a host
2. A dedicated fire safety spotter
3. Proper extinguishing equipment

This is non-negotiable due to the risk of wildfire in the dry forest ecosystem.