How To Get Here!

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, who is offering great fares from Ft. Lauderdale, FLorida. 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 Nicaraguan airline comprising of 2 Canadian seaplanes, has suspended its service. The plan was to offer charters to Little Corn from Puerto Asese in Granada. A dock and hangar were planned in Managua's Puerto Salvador Allende to maintain their fleet comprising of a DHC-3 and a DHC-6 twin otter. When they are back on line, Casa Iguana will advertise and book charters for travel to Little Corn, the Pearl Keys and Mosquito keys. We will announce their relaunch if it happens.

To Big Corn Island:

From Managua, fly La Costena to Corn Island. The flight takes only about 1 hour. Sometimes there is a brief stop in Bluefields. Book international flights that arrive at least an hour before these times. We often have guests make the trip between our hotel the West Coast, Chicago or the East Coast in a single day. The cost of a round trip ticket to Corn Island from Managua is about $165 with tax and fuel surcharge. VISA, MC and US dollars are accepted.

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 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] 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.

Update:
La Costena has online booking! www.lacostena.com.ni Use your credit card for payment via the web!

Non-flying Alternatives:

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

To Little Corn Island...LCI/BCI water taxi schedule:

• LCI to BCI Departs 6:30am arrives 7:00am (for 7:45 AM flight departure)
• BCI to LCI Departs 10:00am arrives 10:30am (from the 7:30 AM flight arrival)
• LCI to BCI Departs 2:00pm arrives 2:30pm (for 4:00 PM flight departure)
• BCI to LCI Departs 4:30pm arrives 5:00pm (from the 3:45 PM flight arrival)
  
  All of these times coincide well with the morning and afternoon La Costena flights from Managua. Cost is $6.00 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 have back problems, you may want reconsider your visit or plan on coming during the calmer months of the summer, or better yet, September, October and November).

Hotel in Managua:

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.

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 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. There have been malaria and dengue 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.