The Cheapest Way to Travel through Nicaragua

How to get from Beach To Beach super cheap

Nicaragua is a paradise for beach lovers and budget travelers alike. Whether you’re a surfer, a family on vacation, or an adventurous backpacker, exploring Nicaragua’s beaches doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s your guide for the cheapest way to travel through Nicaragua while making the most of your experience.

Make sure to click on the Highlights to see more information

1. Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Nicaragua offers a wide range of lodging options, from hostels and budget hotels to vacation rentals. Opting for vacation rentals near the beach is one of the smartest ways to save money while enjoying maximum comfort.

There are many hostels literally on some of the best beaches in Nicaragua. Some you can stay at for as little as $7 per night! If you find the right spots, you can get through Nicaragua super cheap. Mind you, this list is ideal for the solo traveler. If you want to travel with a group or as a couple, my next article might be for you. Check it out on our Blog and sign up for notifications of the next article

If you’re ok with roughing it you can bring a tent and camp out on a Beach. A lot of the beaches in Nicaragua are open access and you can easily find a spot to camp out for the night. I’ve camped out on about a dozen beaches in Nicaragua and never had any problems. The temperature at night is usually a pleasant high 70’s, so you won’t need to bring heavy blankets.

2. Travel During the Off-Season

The best way to save money while exploring Nicaragua’s beaches is to visit during the off-season, typically between May and October. While you might encounter occasional rain, you’ll also benefit from lower prices on accommodations, fewer crowds, and cheaper activities.

Beaches like Playa Pochomil, San Juan del Sur, and Playa Gigante remain breathtakingly beautiful year-round, and the lower demand means you can find excellent deals on beach houses and tours.

3. Use Local Transportation

Getting to Nicaragua’s beaches doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Local transportation options like buses or “chicken buses” (colorful, repurposed school buses) are incredibly cheap and provide an authentic travel experience. For example:

A bus ride from Managua to Playa Pochomil costs just a few dollars.
Tuk-tuks and shared taxis are also budget-friendly for shorter distances. On average a 15 minute ride will be about $1.

If you prefer more convenience, renting a car of course is an option but because the insurance in Nicaragua, a rental car can cost quite a bit. Beware! When looking for rental cars online. They usually DONT include the insurance. So when you arrive to pick up your car, it’s a surprise charge.

The insurance puts renting a car out of reach for most travelers looking to save a much as possible.

If you can, rent a motorcycle. You can find some for as little as $10 per day in beach towns like Popoyo.

Because most highways are single lane, with no shoulder and usually very windey, traffic can be very slow. Inevitably, you will get behind someone traveling around 20 miles per hour, and a long line of traffic will occur. If you have a motorcycle, making a pass is much easier, and you can avoid these delays.

4. Save on Food and Drinks

Beachside restaurants can sometimes be pricey, but Nicaragua is known for its affordable and delicious local food. Look for local comedores (small, family-run eateries) offering hearty meals for as little as $5. They are usually little huts on the side of the road. The typical meal will consist of Gallo Pinto (Oil Cooked Rice and Beans), Chicken or Rez ( beef ), Fried Plantains, and salad. The salad is usually white cabbage with a little carrot, onion with a chile and vinegar dressing. Common drinks are Jamaica, ( Sweet Hibiscua Tea ) Limon ( Lime and Sugar drink) and Calalla (a delicious Sweet Passion Fruit drink.) The drinks are essentially Fresh Fruit loaded with sugar and blended.

At Playa Pochomil, enjoy freshly caught seafood from the neighboring fishing town, Masachapa. Find one of the many restaurants on the beach or cook your own meal at a vacation rental. Buying ingredients at nearby markets or fishing towns, can cut food expenses significantly.

5. Opt for Free or Low-Cost Activities

Exploring Nicaragua’s beaches doesn’t require an expensive itinerary. Many activities are free or cost very little. Here’s what you can do on a budget:

At Playa Pochomil: Explore endless sandy beaches, surfing, or enjoy a peaceful sunset stroll.
At Playa Maderas: Bring your surfboard or rent one for $10–$15 and ride some of the country’s best waves.
At Playa Gigante: Hike nearby trails for breathtaking views.

Playa El Gigante Hiking — Hike up El Gigante

If you’re looking for some of the best spots in Nicaragua for Surfing check out this article: THE TOP 15 BEACHES IN NICARAGUA FOR SURFING

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have an awesome beach experience in Nicaragua.

6. Avoid Tourist Traps

Popular tourist spots like San Juan del Sur can sometimes have inflated prices compared to quieter beaches like Playa Pochomil or Playa El Transito. While they’re worth a visit, consider spending more time at lesser-known beaches to stretch your budget further.

Playa San Diego, for example, offers a tranquil, less commercialized experience where you can relax without constant upselling or expensive tours.

7. Book Direct and Save

Booking directly through a vacation rental private website or directly through contacting places on Instagram is a way to save.

PRO TIP: Make sure to plan ahead. Don’t leave yourself trying to book something on the same day. Sometimes, owners won’t check their messages that day, and most places in Nicaragua are VERY laid back. So don’t expect someone to be waiting by the phone for your reservation.

Best Beach Towns for Cheap Stays

Here’s a list of some beach towns that have places where you can stay for under $20 per night. Sometimes as low as $7 per night. Soon, I’ll write an article with links to specific places, so make sure to sign up for notifications for our next article here. BLOG SIGN UP

From South to North:

Plan Your Affordable Nicaraguan Beach Getaway Today

With these tips, enjoying Nicaragua’s beaches on a budget is easier than ever. From choosing the right accommodations to taking advantage of local transportation and activities, your dream beach vacation is well within reach.