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Every year, Mexico seems to be all the rage as if Cancun is the only place suitable for an epic vacation.
But, what’s essentially next door in terms of air travel lies an endless array of vacation options from bustling cities like Panama City, the natural wonders of Costa Rica, newfound hotspots like El Salvador, and historic towns and undiscovered beaches of Nicaragua, perhaps the most overlooked destination of Central America.
Well, there’s no need to overlook it any longer, as Nicaragua just became easier to reach with a new flight from a major U.S. airport.
As Costa Rica was just issued a travel alert, including the main airport, maybe it’s a sign from the travel gods to scope out more of Central America’s hidden gems, and what better starting point than Nicaragua’s sprawling capital city of Managua?
Nicaragua: Central America’s Most Underrated Country
Nicaragua is no one-trick pony; it’s among the most diverse nations of Central America with world-class beaches, lush tropical jungles, islands you’ve never heard of, and timeless towns well worth making your base.
In fact, the general consensus of travelers who’ve visited will tell you to skip the major cities of Managua and Leon in favor of charming villages and laid-back coastal hideaways such as resort-lined San Juan del Sur.
Most travelers, including expats and digital nomads, find themselves in the vibrant Colonial town of Granada, surrounded by numerous lakes and staggering volcanoes in the distance.
Of course, the biggest appeal is Granada’s affordability, especially for long-term stays. Although, short-terms guests can score cheap hostels in the $10 range and private Airbnb’s for $40 (just watch out for sneaky fees like charging for electricity!).
**NOTE: When entering Nicaragua, you are required to pay a $10 fee per visitor that MUST be paid in USD CASH. Don’t expect them to have change, and they do not accept any other form of payment**
Nicaragua’s Secret Caribbean Islands
Like Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica, Nicaragua boasts a Pacific coastline as well as the Caribbean, and that’s where you’ll find some truly stunning islands no one ever seems to talk about.
Although having a funny name, there’s nothing corny about The Corn Islands. Set in the Caribbean off the coast from Bluefields, these blips in the sea are the ultimate Caribbean hideaway for those seeking untouched shores and virtually no crowds like you’ll find in Jamaica, The Bahamas, and of course the always-popular Mexican Caribbean.
The turquoise waters are as pristine as it gets for snorkeling, diving, swimming, or simply relaxing among one of the Caribbean’s most underrated backdrops.
There are multiple hotels and rentals, but no flashy resorts like you might envision for a Caribbean vacation.
The cuisine here is sensational, especially when sitting beachside overlooking turquoise waters and paying bottom-barrel prices like you will at Bar Beach Bar Vybz, walkable from a cozy stay at top-rated Villy’s Cottage.
Avianca’s New Flight To Managua
Avianca is one of Latin America’s top airlines and they have recently announced a major expansion into North American markets.
As such, a new flight to Managua is one of the most anticipated as there were only a pair of U.S. airports directly serving Nicaragua as Spirit Airlines has continually cancelled routes.
To be fair, Spirit does say they have been planning on re-booting their sole Managua route from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), but as someone who has purchased this flight multiple times, the controversial budget airline who is in the midst of deeply-rooted bankruptcy concerns has only pushed the goal posts further back.
Travelers shouldn’t have the same trust issues with Avianca, who will begin serving Fort Lauderdale for the first time in its history.
These are the only 3 U.S. airports directly serving Managua, Nicaragua (MGA) in 2025:
- Miami (MIA) – American Airlines, Avianca
- Houston (HOU) – United Airlines
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Avianca (beginning May 10), Spirit Airlines (seasonally)
Is Nicaragua Safe?
Like any travel advisory, they should be taken seriously but also not serve as a blanket statement.
Truth is crime can happen anywhere, even in destinations deemed as safe havens like Cancun.
The difference with Nicaragua is their government, which is notoriously strict. It’s reasonable to say that you’ll want to avoid any unfortunate run-ins.
A new travel advisory was issued on December 13th, 2024, for such concerns, highlighting ‘arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of wrongful detention, and limited healthcare availability.’
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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