Cheap flights to Nicaragua

The rainy season lasts the whole summer – and then some – so book in April and you should get the best combination of warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.

Overview

After enduring a protracted and violent civil war – in which the US had a large hand – Nicaragua has rebounded and become so stable that the tourism industry has grown 300 percent since 2004. Whether it’s the allure of pristine beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the booming business of ecotourism or the good times to be had in the major cities of Granada and Leon and the Nicaraguan capital of Managua, tourists are finding their way here in droves. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that everything in Nicaragua is cheap, and every dollar spent goes a long way.

Nicaragua is a country rich in culture; like most nations in Central and South America, Nicaragua’s history and society is defined by the intersection of Spanish and English colonialism with native cultures. Book a cheap flight to Nicaragua and find out for yourself all that this vibrant nation has to offer, from diverse geography, music, religion, folklore, and food.

How long is the flight to Nicaragua?

Most travelers arrive in the main international airport in Nicaragua, the Managua International Airport also called the Augusto C. Sandino International Airport. The flight depends on the point of departure, with journeys usually taking well ever 4h and 15m. There are many airlines offering direct flights, including American, Spirit, United and Delta.

Which cities offer direct flights to Nicaragua?

The long list of premium airlines offering nonstop or direct flights to Nicaragua includes those listed above, and the cities from which the flights originate depends on the airline selected. For example, American Airlines typically departs on direct flights to Nicaragua from the Miami International Airport, while Spirit Airlines usually leaves from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. United Airlines departs from the George Bush Intercontinental airport in Houston, while Delta Air Lines leaves from the massive Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

What is the best way to travel around Nicaragua?

Traveling around Nicaragua is easy and affordable, and the options vary widely. There are island hopper airlines that are quite commonly used, but there are also ferries on the ocean and rivers, water taxis, city and national bus services, microbuses (vans), and even bicycle taxis. Rentals are possible, and many people enjoy hiring their own cars, bikes, or scooters. However, out of all forms of travel, buses typically rate as the most affordable and fun. Taking at least one journey aboard a bus full of locals is often one of the more memorable parts of any traveler’s experience.

What are some things to do in Nicaragua?

Nicaragua is noted as a place of many regular festivals and events, and it is a good idea to find out if there are any activities of this kind when visiting. There are also a lot of tour providers, and since the landscape of Nicaragua is so stunning, diverse, and beautiful all year long, hiring a professional guide or enjoying a tour is likely to be a wise thing to do. Keep in mind that Nicaragua has areas of preserved rain forest, a dormant volcano (Mombacho), and lots of water sports.Don’t overlook options for purchasing lots of handmade goods while on a visit, with a hand woven hammock one of the essentials, particularly if traveling in the Masaya area. Tasting and buying artisan rum is also an emerging activity. Fans of architecture will also want to spend a day wandering Granada and marveling at the colorful, iconic and highly photogenic architecture of the area.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Nicaragua?

Visa-free travel into Nicaragua is an option for citizens of the United States. Travelers are allowed 90 days without a visa, but must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. They will also have to pay a departure tax of USD $32 which is often built into the total cost of airfare. It is best to always carry all travel documents if passing between the borders of neighboring countries, such as Guatemala, Honduras or El Salvador.

Nicaragua climate

The climate is tropical, with a rainy season from May to October.

Getting around Nicaragua

Bus travel is the best way to get around Nicaragua. Repurposed, old-fashioned, yellow (though often repainted) American school buses transport the country’s people from town to town and city to city. The buses are jam packed – your luggage will be strapped to the roof – and an amazing way to become instantly immersed in Nicaraguan culture. Just as in most developing nations, there are also refitted vans, or ‘microbuses,’ that cram as many as 15 people into a vehicle originally meant to carry eight and transport them cheaply from point to point in big cities. Taxis are also available in cities and the prices should be negotiated.

Nicaragua Travel Information

Nicaragua lives with the unfortunate reality that it sits on a major fault line. A 1972 earthquake destroyed much of the capital of Managua but unfortunately wasn’t an anomaly. Seismologists have estimated that the capital will see major earthquake activity every 50 years or so (it also suffered a brutal quake in 1931).

How popular are flights to Nicaragua this year?

This year has seen a 24% increase in flight searches for Nicaragua.