For many couples, a honeymoon is the long exhale after months of planning, and the one part of the wedding experience that is truly yours. Often a trip of a lifetime, it marks your first great adventure together and the beginning of a new chapter. Choosing the right destination sets the tone for everything that follows.
Romantic in a wild and mystical sort of way, Nicaragua's unspoiled beauty makes it a perfect locale for honeymooners looking to escape.
Rugged and adventurous, still pleasantly under the radar, Nicaragua is rich with striking landscapes. Think serene beaches on both coasts, lush rainforest, smoking volcanoes, and colonial towns made for wandering. Your travel budget often stretches further here than in neighboring Central American countries, which can make elevated experiences more accessible after a big celebration.
And if you are weighing Nicaragua against nearby favorites like Costa Rica or Belize, it can be an especially compelling choice for couples who want the feeling of a once-in-a-lifetime trip without the same price pressure. From island hideaways to design-forward eco-lodges, there is room to keep things simple, or layer in a few unforgettable splurges. Read on for Nicaragua honeymoon ideas and advice.
Planning the perfect honeymoon in Nicaragua
Start early.
Whether or not you have a travel expert helping you, beginning early makes it more likely you will get the room you want. It also helps you avoid the disappointment of finding your dream stay fully booked, and in many cases, it gives you better value. The ideal time to book is six to eight months prior to departure, so consider starting planning even earlier.
If you're an enthusiastic honeymooner and have decided to plan the whole thing yourself, the rest of this guide is for you.
Getting to Nicaragua
From North America: several airlines offer direct and connecting flights to Nicaragua’s international airport, Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua (airport code: MGA). Including connection time, flights from the USA typically range from 2.5 to 9 hours in duration, while most flights from Canada range from 9 to 15 hours in duration.
From the UK: there are currently no direct flights to Managua from the UK, but there are several flight options connecting in the United States and/or Canada. Including connection time, flights from the UK typically range from 12 to 18 hours in duration.
If you plan to stay in Nicaragua's south (Granada, Ometepe, and San Juan del Sur), another option is to fly into Costa Rica's Liberia airport (LIR) in the northwestern corner of Costa Rica, and arrange a ground transfer across the border to San Juan del Sur or Granada. Typically, flying into Managua is more convenient, but if your trip is focused on the south, or you would like to split time between Nicaragua and Costa Rica, Liberia can be a great fit.
How to get around
They say that the journey is part of the adventure. Still, getting around Nicaragua can be taxing, especially when using public transportation. The roads in most of the heavily visited tourist areas are excellent, but head off the beaten trail and you’ll find yourself navigating rougher dirt roads, many of which may require a 4WD.
Fortunately, most of the main attractions in Nicaragua are relatively close to one another, within a couple of hours driving time. The only really epic journeys are to explore the interior highlands, or get to the Caribbean by land and sea.
Domestic flights: domestic airline La Costeña offers small-plane flights to airports throughout the country, and they’re ideal for longer journeys (say, to the Corn Islands or Bluefields). On these smaller planes, you’ll be weighed with your luggage, and the baggage rules are generally strict, which can mean hefty fees for excess baggage if you overpack.
Public buses: the public bus system in Nicaragua is chaotic at best. A ride on a “chicken bus” will get you where you need to go, but not without discomfort. Bus drivers generally pack as many people as physically possible on the bus, piling folks on and off at each stop, making for a very slow ride. If you do decide to take a public bus and you’re planning on a long ride, arrive to the bus depot early enough to snag yourself a seat, and keep an eye on your belongings throughout the ride.
Rent a car: renting a car is a great option in Nicaragua, especially if you’re heading to the northern highlands, or if you’d like to get out and explore beyond your resort or hotel. We would mainly recommend car rentals on the mainland. Cars are not needed (nor even possible on Little Corn Island) on the Corn Islands, and shuttling a rental car to Ometepe and back is inconvenient at best. If you opt to rent a car, spring for a four-wheel drive. When you’re bumping along pitted, potholed dirt roads, you won’t regret it.
Car rentals are generally affordable, but it’s wise to shop around. The international airport in Managua has several rental car facilities onsite, and some rental agencies have offices in San Juan del Sur and Granada. Many towns in Nicaragua lack rental car outlets, so if you’re intent on touring the country by car, arrange to do so either in Granada or Managua.
Make sure that you get unlimited mileage, and liability insurance, which you’re required by law to have in Nicaragua. It’s non-negotiable, even if you have insurance through a credit card or your auto insurer at home, so plan for this expense. Liability insurance typically costs somewhere in the region of $15 to $25 per day.
Though the road system in Nicaragua is relatively uncomplicated and easy to navigate outside of Managua, we’d recommend the use of a GPS. You may have coverage on your cell phone, or can download the Google map of Nicaragua before your trip. Alternatively, most car rental facilities will have GPS units that can be rented daily or weekly for the duration of your trip.
Tourist shuttles: the network of shuttles in Nicaragua is an increasingly popular way of getting around the country. Small, private companies will pick you up at your hotel or the airport and transfer you to your next destination, usually offering door-to-door service. Particularly popular for those traveling among the main tourist destinations (Granada, San Juan del Sur, Managua, and León), these shuttles run daily (some more frequently), and are generally reasonably priced, safe, and a major upgrade from public buses.
Private drivers: similar to the shuttle companies, private drivers are available throughout Nicaragua. They’re also usually small, private companies, and will pick you up and offer door-to-door service to your next destination. Significantly more expensive than shuttle companies, these are most appropriate for guests who want to be able to dictate where they stop along the way, or for groups of five or more traveling together.
Nicaragua honeymoon budget and average costs
Considering that Nicaragua and Costa Rica offer many of the same natural highlights, it's almost astonishing how different the prices can feel. A Costa Rica honeymoon often requires a budget similar to that of a Central European country, while Nicaragua is more in line with other countries in Central America.
If planned right, you can still honeymoon in Nicaragua around the $5,000 USD mark, especially if you keep your route simple and mix mid-range stays with a couple of splurge nights. Timing matters. If you want to cut costs, avoid the high season (December through April) and opt for May or November, Nicaragua's shoulder season. You may get a couple of hours of afternoon rain, but not always, and you can count on fewer crowds and lower prices.
There are a few other factors that will influence your budget: length of stay, travel style, the number of destinations you visit, and what activities you're interested in doing.
If you're dreaming of a luxe getaway with five-star hotels, private drivers, and three gourmet meals per day, your budget is going to look a lot different than if you book a private room in a guesthouse or hostel, and eat at small hole-in-the-wall local restaurants, or at popular neighborhood barbecues, called fritangas. Better yet, you can mix and match. Save where you can (food, shuttles, and shared tours) and splurge on a couple of nights of luxury. It is your honeymoon after all.
Two weeks in Nicaragua is the perfect amount of time for an introduction to the country. It's long enough to hit most of the major tourist sites and also allows time to get off the beaten path a bit without feeling rushed. Most honeymooners spend seven to ten days on their trip, and if that's all you have, book the tickets anyway. You won't be sorry.
It's exciting planning a honeymoon, and there's so much to do and see in a place like Nicaragua that it's tempting to try to hit as many destinations as you can. Nobody likes FOMO. But you also don't want to end up feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation. Travel time, plus packing and unpacking at each hotel, cuts into the time you'd otherwise be spending relaxing or exploring. Ultimately, it's not worth it. Split your trip between jungle and beach, or colonial city and beach, and you'll have a great time, even if you don't get to see everything you'd intended.
Flights to Nicaragua: USD $700 to $2,400 for two people
Where you're flying from and the time of year you're traveling has a huge bearing on the amount you'll have to spend on a flight. From the northern US states and Canada, prices often land closer to the mid to higher end of the range; from the southern US states, deals can sometimes come in lower. During holiday periods, including Christmas, Easter Week, and spring break, flight prices can easily jump.
The best time to book your flight is often between three months and six weeks before your trip. From Canada, United is still a common choice via the Houston (IAH) hub, and other major airlines fly to Managua as well, including American Airlines, Copa, Delta, and Aeromexico.
Hotel cost for a one week Nicaragua honeymoon: USD $900 to $6,000+
It's a wide range, we know. With everything from hostels to guesthouses to upscale eco-lodges and private islands, you may not know where to start. The biggest expense in your honeymoon budget will be accommodations, but Nicaragua can work well for a range of travel styles. There are two main tourism seasons in Nicaragua. The green season runs from May through November, and the high season from December to April. During high season, hotel prices are higher, with the highest prices often falling during peak weeks from mid December through mid January.
Generally regarded as the rainy season, we consider the green season a great time to visit Nicaragua. Except in the heaviest months (often September and October), rain usually comes in shorter bursts, temperatures are pleasant, landscapes are greener, and prices are lower.
If you're staying in the city, or plan to spend most of your day exploring, a mid-range option makes sense. If you'd rather spend your time relaxing poolside, enjoying hotel amenities, and savoring slow time together, it's worth the splurge on a luxury stay in a unique location. Yemaya Island Hideaway, Jicaro Island Lodge, and Morgan's Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge are still favorites for good reason.
For the ultimate in luxury, Calala Island is unparalleled, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Current market pricing often points to roughly $30,000 USD and up for an all-inclusive week, depending on season and suite choice.
Food and drink costs in Nicaragua: USD $500 to $1,200 for two people for a week
Most hotels in Nicaragua include breakfast, usually a tasty Nica breakfast with gallo pinto, plantains, and eggs to your liking, or the standard American fare. Some remote upscale lodges (like Jicaro and Calala) include meal packages with your stay, but usually, you'll be on your own for lunch and dinner. In the touristy areas of Nicaragua, there are several options in various price ranges.
At the market, or in local eateries or comedores, typical meals (rice, beans, cheese, meat, plantain and a small side salad) can still be very affordable. In restaurants that cater to tourists and more upscale clientele, expect higher pricing, especially in popular hubs.
In less touristy areas, including the northern highlands and beachfront areas along the central and northern Pacific coast, you can still find great meals for excellent prices. Matagalpa is known for excellent steak, and there are lots of beachfront restaurants that serve large seafood platters (to share between several people) at good value.
It's worth noting that vegetarian restaurants in Nicaragua can be hit or miss, though there are a few notable vegetarian-friendly restaurants starting to crop up around the country, mainly in the south.
Transportation costs in Nicaragua: USD $250 to $1,200+ for two people for a week
If you rent a car, limit your honeymoon to a single destination, or use public buses to get around, transportation can be fairly economical. Rental pricing varies widely by season and availability, plus daily insurance.
Most public buses to areas throughout the western side of the country are inexpensive. You may be charged an extra seat for your bag on crowded routes, so plan for a little extra. Ferry rates are also generally cheap in Nicaragua, including routes to Ometepe and connections from Bluefields to the Corn Islands.
Shared shuttles cost roughly $15 to $45 per person depending how far you're going (and sometimes how many others are sharing the ride), while private transportation and domestic flights cost significantly more and can easily put you at the upper end of the range.
For a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, helicopter flights and chartered planes are also available, starting around $2,500 and ranging higher per leg.
Average budget for a week long honeymoon in Nicaragua
Budget: $2,500 ($1,250 per person)
Mid-range: $4,000+ ($2,000 per person)
Luxury: $7,000+ ($3,500 per person)
Ultra-luxury: $30,000+ ($15,000 per person)
Best Nicaragua honeymoon resorts
1. Jicaro Island Lodge, Granada Isletas
When it comes to Nicaragua honeymoon hotels, Jicaro is one of our favorites. From the moment you step off the lancha onto Jicaro Island Ecolodge’s private paradise, to the moment you open the gate to your private two-story lakefront villa, constructed with warm tropical woods, you feel the calm of the Granada Isletas and the thoughtful, sustainably designed details that make Jicaro special. The shared spaces are beautifully considered, service is warm and attentive, and it’s the kind of place that feels made for unwinding after a day of kayaking or stand up paddle on the lake.
2. Morgan's Rock Ecolodge & Hacienda, Playa Ocotal
Stunningly situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, Morgan’s Rock feels far removed from everyday noise. It’s back to nature, with real comfort built in. Elegant bungalows crafted from reclaimed wood or bamboo open to ocean and rainforest views, many with private plunge pools and open-air design that feels both grounded and wild. Add a postcard-perfect private beach, a working farm, and acres of private rainforest reserve, and you have a stay that feels beautifully complete.
3. Yemaya Island Hideaway, Little Corn Island
With views over the crystalline Caribbean and white sand beaches from every corner of the room, Yemaya’s guest suites are designed to make the most of the landscape beyond. Even without a single “honeymoon suite,” the feeling here is effortless. Ocean views stretch from bed to veranda, and sliding doors let you open the room to salt air and breezes, or close things up for privacy and cool air conditioning. Suites include king beds, ensuite bathrooms with rain showers, and beach towels ready for island wandering.
4. Calala Island, Pearl Cays
Play castaway on an idyllic private island, the first five-star resort in the unspoiled NiCaribbean. Perfect for couples looking to truly get away from it all, Calala Island has only four luxe beachfront suites shaded by towering palms. It’s blissfully remote, allowing you to unplug and settle into sun, sand, and sea, with fine dining, excellent cocktails, and attentive service close at hand.
8 most romantic honeymoon destinations in Nicaragua
1. Corn Islands
At the top of our list of romantic Nicaragua honeymoon spots, Nicaragua's Corn Islands, located 70 km off the country's Caribbean coast, are the absolute fulfillment of every Caribbean fantasy you can conjure. Picture sleepy harbors, gentle ocean breezes, crystalline waters, and a laid-back, Creole-flavored culture. These are some of the best swimming beaches in Nicaragua, with calm water that makes it easy to spend the day in and out of the sea. There are domestic flights from Managua, which is the easiest, quickest way to get there, but a longer route by land and sea can take 20+ hours depending on connections and conditions. Insider tip: visit during lobster season, July through March.
Where to stay in the Corn Islands, Nicaragua
Luxury: Yemaya Island Hideaway from $200 to $350/night
Mid-range: Little Corn Beach & Bungalow from $150 to $300/night
Mid-range: Arenas Beach Hotel from $90 to $150/night
2. Emerald Coast
We’d recommend steering clear of San Juan del Sur if you’re not in search of the party scene, but don’t fret. There are a string of sublime beaches along the central and southern Pacific coast that offer a quieter, more romantic experience better suited to honeymooners. The Emerald Coast is a magical stretch of coastline, relatively untouched and crowd free, with some of the most gorgeous, rugged beaches in all of Nicaragua. Many of these beaches offer great surf, excellent hiking, and a remote, end-of-the-road kind of vibe that feels made for couples.
Where to stay on the Emerald Coast, Nicaragua
Luxury: Morgan’s Rock from $400+/night
Mid-range: Aqua Wellness Resort from $120+/night
Mid-range: Mango Rosa Resort from $115+/night
3. Granada
Granada is a delightfully fun city, full of 17th century adobe houses, courtyard gardens, and elaborate Italianate villas, set against the serene backdrop of Lake Nicaragua. Whether you take a meandering walk through the colonial streets, catch a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, or watch the sunset from the bell tower, it’s easy to fall for this place.
Where to stay in Granada, Nicaragua
Luxury: Hotel Plaza Colon from $140+/night
Luxury: Tribal Hotel from $170+/night
Mid-range: Los Patios Hotel from $130+/night
4. Granada Isletas
Are we the only ones that think lakes are romantic? Maybe it’s water in general, but there’s something so soothing and calm about a beautiful lake view. Thousands of years ago, Mombacho Volcano erupted, throwing enormous chunks of rock into Lake Nicaragua, forming the Isletas de Granada, 365 small islands that vary in size. Now imagine spending a few days hidden away on a small private island in the middle of a lake. Now that's paradise.
Where to stay in the Granada Isletas, Nicaragua
5. León
Located in northwestern Nicaragua, León is a colonial town full of charm. The small size of the city makes it ideal to explore on foot. Follow one another down the colorful streets to get brunch, then climb the steps to the roof of the cathedral for sweeping views over the city and the volcanoes beyond.
Where to stay in León, Nicaragua
Luxury: El Convento Hotel from $150+/night
Mid-range: Hotel Flor de Sarta from $85+/night
6. Matagalpa
Enjoy a cup of the finest coffee in the world in the "Pearl of the North". Matagalpa's steep, hilly streets and clean mountain air can feel more like a Swiss alpine retreat than the tropics. With rural charm and dramatic valley scenery in every direction, it’s a beautiful change of pace. Plus, the altitude brings crisp mountain air and an easy excuse to cuddle up to your new spouse on cooler nights.
Where to stay in Matagalpa, Nicaragua
Mid-range: Montebrisa B&B from $130+/night
7. Ometepe Island
Wildly romantic, with a heavy dose of laid-back, happy-go-lucky charm, this extraordinary island, located on Lake Nicaragua, is the largest island in the world on a body of fresh water. It boasts a striking, otherworldly beauty, two volcanoes connected by a narrow strip of black sand, and a remote, world-apart mystique. It’s the perfect place for adventurous honeymooners to unwind for a few days in paradise.
Where to stay on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
8. Pearl Cays
With dazzling turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush palms and coastal jungle, this stunning group of islands is beachy paradise at its very best, located in Nicaragua's unspoiled, rarely visited Caribbean. Remote and secluded, romance is thick in the salty air on the cays, and the views of the night sky, with no light pollution for miles, is to die for.
Where to stay in the Pearl Cays, Nicaragua
Luxury: Calala Island from $4,500+/night
Things to do on a honeymoon in Nicaragua
Volcano boarding to hiking misty, mysterious cloud forests, to snorkeling the pristine Caribbean sea surrounding the Corn Islands. It's your honeymoon, so we know you'll want to up the romance ante, but how should you fill your days?
Learn to surf near San Juan del Sur
With some of the best surfing in Nicaragua, and a handful of beautiful beaches nearby that beg to be explored, this is a must-do for surf aficionados. And it's a great place to learn if you're just beginning. Pick up a board and catch a wave, or take a beginner lesson to get your bearings. Lessons often start from around $40 per person.
Zip line a volcano
Buckle up and get ready for the ride of a lifetime. Near the base of majestic Mombacho Volcano, carpeted in dry tropical forest, take a zip line adventure through the forest canopy on eleven steel cables and three hanging bridges that connect seventeen platforms. Combine your zip line adventure with a volcano hike or a coffee tour for an added thrill. Tours often start from around $40 per person.
Meander the colonial streets of Granada or León
Walk in the footsteps of Nicaragua’s colonial past, and find yourself transported back in time as you wander the cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, imagining what life may have been like centuries ago.
Lounge hidden beaches on Little Corn Island
Even if Little Corn Island isn't huge, you could easily find a new beach to explore every day you spend here. Hike the perimeter of the island, play in the turquoise surf, and walk jungle paths that wind beneath mango, coconut, and breadfruit trees to find a secluded stretch of sand to call your own for the day.
Find the fountain of youth on Ometepe Island
Ometepe Island's chilled-out, slowed down, back-to-nature vibe is akin to nowhere else in Nicaragua. Immerse yourself in the island's stress-free way of life with a visit to Ojo de Agua, a popular hotspot often described as a “fountain of youth.” Entrance pricing has increased in recent years and is commonly around $10 for foreigners (often with a credit toward food or drinks).
Savor world-class coffee in Matagalpa
Located along Nicaragua's "coffee route" which winds its way through Jinotega, Matagalpa, Estelí, Nueva Segovia and Madriz, Matagalpa is a prime spot to sip some top-notch cafe in a beautiful alpine location. If you're a coffee lover, you might want to check out a coffee tour, and follow the journey that Nicaraguan coffee takes from bean to brew. Tours often start from around $50 per person.
Surf an active volcano near León
Cerro Negro, the youngest volcano in Central America, is an active volcano in the Cordillera de los Maribios mountain range. Strikingly beautiful, Cerro Negro's black, gravelly basalt cinder cone creates a stark contrast against surrounding hillsides and clear blue sky, giving rise to its name, which means Black Hill in Spanish.
Begin your adventure on a winding, gravel road along the entrance to the park, where you'll pick up your sand board and protective gear. Then, hike the rocky slopes to the summit, where you'll get a quick safety overview, and slide down the volcano on your board. Pricing varies widely by operator, group size, and inclusions, but experiences can still be found starting in the general $35 to $60+ range.
Play a part in turtle conservation in Jiquilillo
Discover four species of sea turtles that return each year to nest and lay their eggs along the Pacific Coast: olive ridley, leatherback, hawksbill and green sea turtle. Create unforgettable memories with a visit to a conservation agency in Jiquilillo where you can help to release baby turtles at sunset. By donation.
Peer into an active volcano by night
Don’t miss Masaya Volcano at night. On clear evenings, you can often see the glow from the crater best in the dark, but visibility varies based on volcanic activity, weather, and park access. Tours commonly start around $25 per person, depending on inclusions.
Beat the tropical heat at Apoyo Lagoon
Spend your day inside an extinct volcanic crater in the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, located between the departments of Masaya and Granada in Nicaragua. At the center of the crater, Apoyo Lagoon is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the country, with clean, clear water in hues of blue and turquoise, surrounded by lush, forested slopes. Stunning views and a serene vibe makes Apoyo a popular destination for visitors that come to spend the day hiking, swimming and basking in the sun on the dark volcanic sand beaches.
