Nicaragua is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. It should be at the top of your travel list. In this travel cost guide, we'll break down everything you need to plan your trip's budget. From accommodation to food to sightseeing and transportation, we'll give you the details you need to enjoy every moment of your trip without overspending.
How much does it cost to travel to Nicaragua?
You should plan to spend around $63 (C$2,327) per day on your vacation in Nicaragua. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $24 (C$892) on meals
- $9.86 (C$365) on local transportation
- $33 (C$1,224) on hotels
A one week trip to Nicaragua for two people costs, on average, $880 (C$32,578). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$440
C$16,289
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$880
C$32,578
-
One Month
Per person
$1,887
C$69,810
-
One Week
For a couple
$880
C$32,578
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,761
C$65,156
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,773
C$139,620
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Nicaragua cost?
A one week trip to Nicaragua usually costs around $440 (C$16,289) for one person and $880 (C$32,578) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Nicaragua on average costs around $880 (C$32,578) for one person and $1,761 (C$65,156) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Nicaragua will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Nicaragua on average costs around $1,887 (C$69,810) for one person and $3,773 (C$139,620) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Nicaragua expensive to visit?
Nicaragua is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Central America, Nicaragua is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Central America for its affordability. You can find more affordable countries such as El Salvador, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Costa Rica.
No matter your travel style or budget, Nicaragua has plenty of sights, activities, and places to stay that will meet your needs. Hostels in San Juan del Sur, Granada, and Leon provide budget accommodation, while luxury hotels cater to those who prefer something more upscale, and there are mid-range hotels ideal for families or couples.
Nicaragua offers a luxury experience, but you can still keep your spending in check with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $24 (C$877) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $63 (C$2,327) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $177 (C$6,505) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Nicaragua.
For more details, see Is Nicaragua Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Nicaragua?
The average Nicaragua trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Nicaragua travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Nicaragua cost?
Nicaragua on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$6.60
(C$244)
|
$17
(C$612)
|
$41
(C$1,508)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$3.54
(C$131)
|
$9.86
(C$365)
|
$30
(C$1,116)
|
|
Food 2
|
$9.70
(C$359)
|
$24
(C$892)
|
$58
(C$2,161)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$4.79
(C$177)
|
$12
(C$457)
|
$33
(C$1,208)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-5
(C$61-183)
|
$4-13
(C$159-477)
|
$12-35
(C$427-1,280)
|
The market of Granada, Nicaragua
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to manage your expectations when it comes to your travel budget. While many people like to see themselves as "budget" travelers on a shoestring budget, most find this type of travel uncomfortable. Think about what you enjoy and how you've traveled previously. Are you drawn to resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or do you prefer hostels, instead? How important is eating out to you? And what type of transportation do you prefer? Your answers to these questions will greatly affect your overall travel budget.
Who are Budget Travelers?
It's common to hear that a visit to Nicaragua can cost just $24 a day, but unless you're willing to forgo many comforts, expect to spend significantly more.
Backpackers often find ways to stick to this tight budget, but it generally means staying in hostel dorms, grabbing meals at the cheapest spots or fast food places, relying on public transport or walking, and visiting only free attractions.
Fortunately, Nicaragua is home to numerous hostels, and you'll find the largest number in San Juan del Sur, Granada, and Leon.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
For families and couples traveling for fun, staying in a mid-range hotel, eating at popular restaurants, and visiting famous museums and attractions with entry fees is typical. You'll want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. As you can expect, most of these experiences come at a price, so it's safer to plan for a trip budget around $63 per person each day.
With so many hotels and vacation rentals in Nicaragua, you'll have no trouble finding a place that suits your needs. If you're splitting the cost with a partner, friend, or kids, you'll be able to reduce the daily per-person costs, too. You'll find plenty of family-friendly areas like Granada and Leon where hotels and restaurants cater to little ones. Consider staying at Los Patios Hotel Granada in Granada or Hotel Mariposa in Leon for a kid-friendly experience. Find more hotel options for families and couples in our hotel costs guide for Nicaragua here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
For a lavish experience with the highest level of comfort and service, expect a price tag around $177. Booking five-star hotels, dining at top restaurants, splurging on once-in-a-lifetime excursions, and hiring private drivers will put you in the luxury travel tier. You'll be enjoying the good life in places like Managua and Leon.
Accommodation Budget in Nicaragua
Nicaragua has a surprising range of hotel prices. During peak season, everything gets more expensive, so visit in the off-season for better deals. There's also a big gap between budget and luxury options, but booking early helps keep costs down.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Nicaragua for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $33 (C$1,224). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $17 (C$612) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Nicaragua? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Nicaragua
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $9.86 (C$365) per person, per day, on local transportation in Nicaragua. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Nicaragua is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$9.86
C$365
Food Budget in Nicaragua
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Nicaragua can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Nicaragua is $24 (C$892) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$24
C$892
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Nicaragua is about $24 (C$892) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $10 to $59 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Nicaragua are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $7
- Lunch: $4 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $19
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Like elsewhere in Central America, Nicaraguan food is based on rice and beans. Most dishes have a meat component and fried plantains to accompany it. The meals are usually filling and cheap. Street food is generally a good option if you are looking for cheap snacks. There are also many buffet style restaurants, referred to as fritanga, that offer good lunch and dinner options.
Pipian o ayote: This is a creamy potato stew that is one of the few vegetarian options in Nicaragua. It can be filling and hearty and is available in many restaurants.
Nacatamales: This large tamale dish is made with pork or beef and other seasonings. Making it can be a production so it is typically served on Sundays as part of a large meal or during celebratory meals. It is usually accompanied by bread and Nicaraguan coffee.
Indio Viejo: This meal is made with cornmeal and either beef or shredded chicken and flavored with mint. It is often served with chilero, which is a cured onion and chile mixture.
If you're eating out with children, seek out restaurants that provide a kids menu. This can significantly reduce your dining expenses, as those options are generally lower priced. Some places may not showcase their kids' meals, so it's always smart to ask the waiter before ordering.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Keep a water bottle with you instead of constantly buying drinks. It's a good way to help the environment as well.
When preparing for a tour, make sure you know in advance what meals are included. You might be responsible for paying for some food, which can raise your costs.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Nicaragua. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Tlakualli Food Tour for $19 details
Food and meal prices in Nicaragua, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Nicaragua
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Nicaragua typically cost an average of $12 (C$457) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$12
C$457
A nice way to explore destinations in Nicaragua is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Paddle Boarding and Meditation Wellness Experience in Las Isletas for $30 details
- Ometepe trekking - Volcano Concepcion By Happy Tours for $60 details
- Private Day Tour Exploring Masaya and Granada in Nicaragua for $120 details
- Boat Tour and Granada City Tour for $130 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Nicaragua, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
Nightlife Budget in Nicaragua
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $8.59 (C$318) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Nicaragua per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.59
C$318
Cutting back on drinks while enjoying the nightlife can really help you save money on your trip.
Listed below are typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Nicaragua, as reported by real travelers. These figures should give you an idea of what drinks cost. However, your actual expenses will depend on your nightlife activities and dining choices, how frequently you consume alcohol, and the quantity you order. If you're looking to save on your trip, reducing your alcohol consumption is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your budget.
Traveling in Nicaragua
Granada, Nicaragua
Nicaragua is growing in popularity with travelers from around the world. It still feels less discovered than many countries in Central America, and it's a little more rough around the edges than its neighbor, Costa Rica, but that only adds to its charm and appeal. It's rustic nature also means it is a great budget destination where you can stretch your dollar quite far. As its popularity continues to grow, you can only expect the costs to continue to rise, so now is really the time to visit Nicaragua, while it remains somewhat undiscovered and off the traveler's radar. You'll be surprised at how affordable a vacation in this tropical country can really be.
There are countless things to explore in Nicaragua. There are great beaches with good surfing opportunities, beautiful cities like Granada, and outdoor adventure activites on the island of Ometepe. If you're interested in hiking you will find no shortage of options. If you're a history buff, the area is rich with colonial architecture and history. If you're a beach goer looking to catch some rays and waves, you'll find some isolated and beautiful beaches that are well worth the trip.
Nicaragua is a great travel destination for everyone. Despite its low costs, there are still some tricks for making it even more affordable. Perhaps one of the most important pieces of advice is to carry small bills. If you're crossing the border from Costa Rica in particular, make sure you break down all your larger bills into change. It is virtually impossible in some parts of Nicaragua to find someone to make change. Food options are also very cheap in Nicaragua. In particular, try to dine at restaurants that offer buffets, referred to as fritanga. You will get a great value as the buffet often includes rice, meat, cheese, and salad at a cost of only a few dollars. Another tip for saving a few bucks is to return any glass bottles to the place where you purchased them. Store owners recycle the bottles and will give you a little cash back on your purchase. It's also a great way to help the environment. Also make sure you negotiate for prices, particularly in markets. This is expected and it can be a fun way to experience local culture.
At A Glance
- Tourism is continuing to grow throughout the country. While prices still remain cheap, demand picks up a little more every year and you can expect that to be reflected in the price of everything from hotel rooms to meals soon enough. While it still trails neighboring countries in its popularity, Nicaragua is on the rise and it will only continue to grow in the coming years.
- Many people choose to visit Nicaragua through a volunteer program. There are many different organizations that run programs to the country and, like anything else, some are better than others. Most will require you to a pay a fee for this opportunity. Make sure you understand exactly where your money ends up. Also make sure you're completely knowledgeable of what type of programs you'll be working with and participating in. You do not want to arrive and find there is little to do and worse yet, you don't want to find that you've displaced a local worker and taken a much needed job.
- Nicaragua is famed for its "Chicken Buses." These intercity buses travel throughout the country and service as public transportation for residents and tourists alike. They are most often old American school buses that have been repainted to have a little more style and flare. More often than not there will be some form of lively music playing and you'll find yourself sitting next to some form of livestock. It's a great experience and an opportunity that is not to be missed while you're in the country.
- Be prepared to negotiate hard for your taxi price, particularly in the city of Managua. There is no shortage of taxis so don't be afraid to let one go on by until you find one that offers you a suitable rate. Make sure the rate has been firmly set before you get in the car. Also don't be surprised if the driver picks up other passengers along the way. This is standard practice if there are others who are headed in roughly the same direction.
- It's important that you carry small bills with you while you're traveling throughout the country. Most people don't have change for larger bills and it can be very frustrating to try and pay for something when nobody can make change. If you're crossing the border from a neighboring country head to the bank before you leave and ask them to give you very small Nicaraguan bills. This will help you out tremendously.
Related:
Looking for a party hostel in Costa Rica or Cancun? Looking for a budget hostel in Mexico or Costa Rica?
Top Tourist Attractions
Ometepe: This large and dramatic island in Lake Nicaragua is made from two beautifully distinct volcanoes. A visit to the island offers all kinds of opportunities, from hiking and mountain climbing, to swimming at the base of an impressive waterfalls or exploring a coffee plantation.
Granada: Granada is a popular tourist destination and beautiful colonial city with impressive homes and churches. It is a great place to relax and wander for a few days during your visit to Nicaragua.
Lake Nicaragua: The largest lake in Nicaragua, Lake Nicaragua is home to the famed (although likely extinct) freshwater sharks. It's a unique ecosystem and a popular destination in the country.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.