The Surf

Conditions

APR-NOV: biggest swells 
NOV-JAN: waist to chest high offshore perfection. 
FEB-MAR: mid-size swells, always offshore.

All surf spots are right in front of the lodge or within walking distance. There is absolutely no crowd; our guests are usually the only surfers around. 

Los Cardones is more than a Surf Lodge. Visit our website and discover other things to do for family and friends, private and cozy bungalows, plenty of space to relax. And the food... might just be the reason why you'll come back!

Community

Participate in Arte Accion! Education through art.

We are using art as a medium to teach social, cultural and environmental values through free art classes, crafts and workshops for kids 5-15 years old every Saturday from 9am-11am. Through free classes of painting, drama, and other disciplines, we can teach our students about self-estime, the environment, health issues, children's rights, and how they can play an active role in the improvement of their community. During this privileged time we practice basic English skills with the students. Volunteers needed (infoloscardones@yahoo.com). School, dental, and art supplies as donations and awareness in your community are greatly appreciated!!

In an area that used to depend solely on sugar cane farming, Los Cardones generates income and employment. Los Cardones and our companion project Finca Del Mar employ 36 local men and women, providing fair wages, social security and stability to their families. We are committed to generating income around us by buying local products: fresh fish, local cheese, fruits and vegetables, locally made art, jewelry, clothing. We support local entrepreneurs in their initiatives, such as transportation, furniture making, masonry, horseback-riding tours.

We sponsor local sports teams. Donations at the lodge resource the local schools of California, San Diego, San Bartolo and Zapote with supplies and projects.

Experienced Teachers Work in Local Schools
We host a work exchange program for experienced teachers. If you speak Spanish and are not afraid of riding a bike, Los Cardones Surf Lodge will provide lodging in exchange for teaching in the local schools. Bring you own teaching program!

Conservation and Low-environmental Impact

Several acres of the property are reserved for wildlife observation, providing a precious habitat to local and migratory species. 

Los Cardones is built in a spirit of conservation and minimal impact. Its forest is beautifully wild and we intend to preserve it and its wildlife.   

All construction is designed to blend in with the existing vegetation and adapt to the sites. Native materials and construction techniques are used: local timber, driftwood, thatched palm roofs, straw walls, The designs reflect the principles of environmental architecture and take advantage of sun, rain and wind patterns for cooling and water drainage. 

More on...

Tree Pals: Support local schools and plant trees in deforested communities around Los Cardones by donating to the Tree Pals program! Trees for the Future, a Non-profit 501 (c) 3 based in Silver Spring, Maryland proudly introduces the Tree Pals program, an innovative approach to environmental education and reforestation in the developing world. The Tree Pals program is hoping to continue its success by working in the same area you enjoy so much. Ensure that we can continue to do this important work by clicking the link above.

Thatched palm roof: A unique Nicaraguan technique of building the palm roof.

Management of fresh water: Our well, showers, grey water recycling.

Electricity management: Solar energy.

Composting

Refuse is recycled by thermophillic composting, a simple technique that ensures sanitary conditions while benefiting the environment without contamination.

This pile was recently filled up and is now closed while the composting process takes place. Made of alternate layers of saw dust, kitchen scraps and leaves, the compost pile is designed to provide the right balance of air, moisture, nitrogen and carbon to the microorganisms that digest the organic matter. This process is anaerobic and does not emit odors. The main bacteria responsible for composting generate heat, as high as 60°C. These bacteria are known to efficiently destroy pathogens within hours when the temperature reaches 60°C. The pile temperature is regularly monitored to verify the operation of the pile. In the tropical climate of Los Cardones, it takes between 6 to 12 months to transform the whole pile into rich, pathogen-free humus.

Humus is then used for gardening as it increases the fertility of the soil. It supplies many of the nutrients necessary for plant growth, improves the water-absorption capacity of soil, and binds our very sandy soil. Our first pile of humus was used in January 2003 to plant 12 palm trees. The palms are very healthy and the watering needs are much lower than that of other trees planted without humus.

Los Cardones aims to have a minimal impact on the environment and local culture it operates in, whilst at the same time helping to generate income, employment and the conservation of local ecosystems.

Lodging

Six bungalows are spread out along the coast, enjoying a cool ocean breeze in a private setting of lush vegetation.

Each bungalow has one room and a wide terrace under a thatched palm roof and its own private bathroom with shower and sink. The bungalows are furnished with comfortable beds, mosquito nets, night tables, lounge chairs and, of course, hammocks. 

Listen to the Pacific Ocean rumble out in the dark right from your ocean-front bungalow. Wake up in the morning and catch some fun waves on our sandy beach. A surfer's dream.

please click on photos for a larger view

front view of bungalow	view from front of bungalow
bungalow front porch	inside bungalow

The bungalows do not have electricity. Compost toilets are a short walk away.

Booking

SURF LESSONS

From November to March, the beach break right in front of the Surf Lodge offers clean medium size waves that are perfect for learning to surf and longboarding.   Surf board rental: $10 per half-day or $15 per day. Variety of surfboards to rent, view our boards. Boogy board rental: $5 per half-day. Lessons: $10 per person per hour *all prices are in $US * 15% sales tax and gratuity not included.

~ Click here for more info ~

For more information regarding Ecotoursim and travel/volunteer opportunities please visit Los Cardones at www.loscardones.com