Book a flight to Managua through your travel agent, or try one of the on-line companies such as Orbitz or Travelocity. There are several airlines flying into Nicaragua: American, LACSA, Iberia, Continental, Aviateca, Grupo Taca or Delta, who is offering great fares from Atlanta. We have found that sometimes we can better understand flight options, and even get better fares, by going directly to the airlines' web pages. Fares are often cheaper flying to San Jose, Costa Rica and then up to Managua with Grupo Taca.
From Managua, we recommend La Costena to Corn Island. The flight takes only about one and one half hours, and leaves twice daily, at 6:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Sometimes there is a brief stop in Bluefields. Book international flights that arrive at least an hour before these times. The return flights to Managua from Corn Island leave Big Island around 8:30am and 3:30pm and arrive approximately 1 1/2 hours later. We have had guests make the trip between our hotel and New York in a single day. The cost of a round trip ticket to Corn Island from Managua is about $150. There is also a fuel surcharge added on to the ticket. VISA, MC and US dollars are accepted.

La Costena can be reached by dialing 011-505-263-2142. Their fax number is 011-(505) 263-1281. The best person to contact there is Julio Caballero. His personal email address is: [email protected].ni You can make your reservations via email as well. Mr. Caballero speaks perfect English. Be sure and tell him you are coming to Casa Iguana. Be sure and print out your reservation confirmation and have it in hand when you arrive in Managua.

Little Corn Island/Big Corn Island water taxi schedule

LCI to BCI Departs 7:00am arrives 7:30am
BCI to LCI Departs 10:00am arrives 10:30am
LCI to BCI Departs 2:00pm arrives 2:30pm
BCI to LCI Departs 4:30pm arrives 5:00pm
All of these times coincide well with the morning and afternoon La Costena flights from Managua. Cost is $7.00 per person. The trip takes about thirty minutes. Assume that you and your gear will get wet during the ride, which can be uncomfortable, and at times a bit of a scare. (Helpful Hints: sit in the back of the boat, ask for a life preserver, and sit on it.)
If you cannot make the connection the same day, there is an excellent hotel in Managua: Camino Real. Please see our FAQ for all the information you need about Camino Real. If you have to wait for the flight to Corn Island, you can have lunch, a drink, or a dip in the pool. The also have a business office, available to the public, with an internet connection. Camino Real is a great place to unwind and relax.

To enter Nicaragua every visitor must have a passport that is valid for at least the next 6 months. Citizens of the USA and the UK do not need a visa. Citizens of other countries should check with the Nicaraguan consulate in your area. There are no major health problems in this part of Nicaragua. There have been malaria carrying mosquitoes, mostly in the summer. See your doctor or local health authority if you have concerns about malaria. An update of your tetanus shot is not a bad idea.


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