I will explain you my route, but that is not only Nicaragua. I started my journey on purpose in the neighboring country Costa Rica. I will tell you why?!
Why start your itinerary for Nicaragua in Costa Rica?
Find a Direct Flight
I couldn’t find a direct flight from Amsterdam to Managua, but KLM flies directly from Amsterdam to San José, Costa Rica. It’s always easier to travel directly than with 1 or more stopovers. I searched for a lot of flights before decided to book this direct flight. From San José it is a bus ride (TransNica or NicaBus) away to get to Nicaragua. I planned to stay a couple of days in Tamarindo, Costa Rica anyway and went by Natives Way Shuttle from San José.
Search for Alternative Fights
If you don’t want to do an overnight stay in San José, you can also search for flights to Liberia, Costa Rica. Liberia is even closer to the border of Nicaragua. Daily shuttles are available including border crossing to Rivas and San Juan del Sur.
Other flight way was with a 14-hour long layover in Atlanta, so preferred to start my holiday in Costa Rica instead of Atlanta. You are lucky if you can find a direct flight or with one short stopover from your country to Managua that is perfect!
Keep your options open!
As you will understand Nicaragua is not the most stable country in the world, but Costa Rica is. When booking you flights far in advance you always have a way out when there is trouble in Nicaragua in the period that you have booked your holidays. This way you always have a fall back in your travels in Middle America. You can continue your travels in Costa Rica or travel to Panama or even Colombia. This way you keep your options open!
Take into account the Costs
If you want to make a full Nicaraguan loop it is perfect, not visiting Granada or Managua a couple of times. Ok Costa Rica is much more expensive than Nicaragua, balance the pro and cons to make a wise decision on your route. Nicaragua is not a huge country, the distances are not too bad, to get from A to B.
My 3-weeks itinerary Loop through Nicaragua
San José, Costa Rica: 1 night after my flight from Amsterdam, next morning shuttle (Natives Way Costa Rica) to Tamarindo. Stayed a quite simple room at Luz de Luna (50-60$ p.n.), but clean with warm shower is all you need after a 13-hour flight.
Party and Surf in Tamarindo, Costa Rica: 3 nights to recover from my jetlag and surf the waves of Playa Avellanas, which brought back memories for me. December 2012 was my last trip to Costa Rica with my ex-boyfriend and loved this beach. Wanted to see if it changed a bit, but it was still chill at Lola’s with perfect waves just like I remembered. Compared to Tamarindo, I could barely recognize that place anymore. I stayed at the modern Hotel Elixir (~170$ p.n. including breakfast). The place was beautiful and very new with nice pool. The breakfast and location are great at this hotel. Tamarindo is overpriced so take that into account when booking your accommodation.
Why visiting the stunning Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua: 4 nights Santa Cruz in Finca El Encanto. Lots to do and see on Isla de Ometepe such as; riding a motorbike, go kitesurfing or kayaking, climb one of the volcanos, stroll on the beach and jump in the natural pool Ojo de Agua. Check the full travel blog with all the information and inspirations on Isla de Ometepe here!
All travel information for lovely León, Nicaragua: 3 nights León, Airbnb Coco Calala. Lovely historical town León offers a lot: volcano boarding, Climbing the “White Church,” a must do is the free walking tour León, visit Mercado Central, stroll the city of León and of course chill at the pool or beach in the hottest place of Nicaragua. Check the full travel blog with all the information and inspirations of León here!
Don’t skip the Caribbean Paradise in Nicaragua’s Little Corn Island: 4 nights at the yellow Sunshine Hotel. In love with this little paradise island; walk around the island, chill at the beach or hammock, explore the underwater world with a snorkeling or diving tour, rent a kayak or SUP and enjoy the sunsets! Lots to do, which I could stay forever! Check the full travel blog with all the information and inspirations of Little Corn Island here!
Why you must visit Granada and surroundings in Nicaragua!: 4 nights including 1 at Laguna Apoyo. So much to do in colonial Granada and in the area like; kayaking at Islas de Granada, go swimming or kayaking in Laguna de Apoyo, watch the sunset and spot the lava at Volcano Masaya and visit the market and museums in Granada. Check the full travel blog with all the information and inspirations of Granada here!
Surfing at Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua: 3 nights at Buena Vista Surf Club Playa Maderas. Perfect to work on you tan and surf from morning till afternoon. Chill in between, the perfect Sleep, Eat, Surf, Repeat location! Check the full travel blog with all the information and inspirations of San Juan del Sur, Playa Maderas here!
San José, Costa Rica: 1 night at KC Hotel San Jose. To play it safe I booked the night before my flight to Amsterdam in San Jose. Due to the border crossing and long bus ride (TransNica) wanted to chill and have a good sleep before another 13-hour flight to Amsterdam via Panama the next day. The hotel has a pool, so chilled in the morning and headed to the airport with an Uber (12$).
More tips on your travel to Nicaragua, check out the blogs here!
