How to Get Here

The Quick Summary (details and alternatives below)

Fly to Managua (MGA) from the USA or Central America ($300-$800 airfare)
Fly one hour from MGA to Big Corn Island ($165 r/t)
Take a 5 min. taxi from the airport to the dock/wharf ($1 per person typically)
Take the 30 min. water taxi (panga) to Little Corn ($6 o/w)

To Managua

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, Copa, Continental, Grupo Taca, Delta or Spirit. 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 Costa Rica and then up to Managua with Grupo Taca or Copa. Many major airlines offer direct flights to Liberia or San Jose, Costa Rica from major cities in North America and Europe.

One can also take Ticabus or Nicabus from Costa Rica and Panama or Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras respectively. It is safe, inexpensive and easy. The VIP bus is a good way to go.

American Airlines Announcement
By Tim Rogers/ Nicaragua Dispatch, November 11, 2011
MANAGUA—Responding to growing demand from Nicaragua’s tourism sector, American Airlines announced it will add a third daily flight from Nicaragua to Miami starting Nov. 17, meaning there will now be more seats and discount airfares available for travel to and from the United States. ¬ Read more about the AA Announcement

Flying to Little Corn Island

Nicawings, the new Nicaraguan airline comprising of 2 Canadian seaplanes, is currently "grounded." When they reactivate, they will offer charters to Little Corn from Puerto Asese in Granada. A dock and hangar are being constructed in Managua's Puerto Salvador Allende and should be completed shortly. Their fleet comprises of a DHC-3 and a DHC-6 Twin Otter. Currently, Casa Iguana will be able to offer and book charters for travel to Little Corn, the Pearl Keys and Mosquito keys. When they are fully operational, we will announce on our website.

To Big Corn Island

From Managua, fly La Costena to Corn Island. The flight takes just over 1 hour. Sometimes there is a brief stop in Bluefields, which adds 15 min. Book international flights that arrive at least two hours before these times. We often have guests make the trip between our hotel and New York, Chicago or California in a single day.

Managua-Big Corn High Season Schedule Christmas - Holy Week
(Departure time - Arrival time):
6:15 AM - 7:30 AM
2:30 AM - 3:45 AM
Big Corn - Managua
7:45 AM - 9:00 AM
4:00 PM - 5:15 PM

You will be flying on either a 12 seat Cessna Caravan, the 36 seat Short360 or the brand new ATR 42 300 which is a 46 seater. All safe and fun!

La Costena reservations can be made at www.lacostena.com.ni.  Make sure you follow all the way through the on line process and receive a confirmation number. You can also call them at 011-505-263-2142-they only speak Spanish in this department.  Their fax number is 011-(505) 263-1281. The best person to contact there is Julio Caballero. His personal email address is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 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-we've been doing business with him since 1994. Be sure and print out your reservation confirmation and have it in hand when you arrive in Managua.

Non-flying Alternatives

Take the Bluefields Express!!! More info: http://www.bigcornisland.com/river.html

Once on Big Corn you get to Little Corn by taking the water taxi.

Water Taxi (Panga) to Little Corn Island

The water taxi schedule is coincides with the La Costena flights.

To Little Corn Island:

• BCI to LCI Departs between 9:30am and 10:00am arrives around 10:30am (coincides with the 7:30 AM flight arrival)
• BCI to LCI Departs 4:30pm arrives 5:00pm (from the 3:45 PM flight arrival)

From Little Corn to Big Corn

• LCI to BCI Departs 6:30am arrives 7:00am (for 7:45 AM flight departure)
• LCI to BCI Departs 1:30pm arrives 2:00pm (for 4:00 PM flight departure)

Cost is $6.00 per person each way. The trip takes about thirty minutes. Assume that you and your gear will get wet during the ride from splashes or a rain shower. (Helpful Hints: sit in the back of the boat, ask for a life preserver, and sit on it. If you have back problems, you may want reconsider your visit or plan on coming during the calmer months of March, April, June, July, September or October.

Hotels in Managua

If you cannot make the connection the same day, there are two excellent hotels in Managua: Camino Real and Casa Naranja. Please see our FAQ for all the information you need about either of them. If you have to wait for the flight to Corn Island, you can have lunch, a drink, or a dip in the pool at the Camino Real.  The also have a business office, available to the public, with an internet connection.

Hotels in Granada

We recommend Hotel Los Patios in Granada. It's an intimate boutique design hotel situated in Nicaragua's most alluring city – Granada.

Transport and Transfers

Casa Iguana is able to arrange a taxi service for our guests who need affordable and safe private transport to many popular destinations in Nicaragua. Other destinations available. Please inquire if you would like more information about this service.

Immigration and Health

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. A charge of US$10 cash per non-Nicaraguan citizen will be charged at immigration. Citizens of other countries should check with the Nicaraguan consulate in your area. There are no major health problems in this part of Nicaragua.. An updated tetanus shot is not a bad idea just in case.