Transportation Questions

  • We are happy to schedule all taxi pickups here in Remanso. Please schedule these in advance to ensure availability and a timely pickup.

    Rates and time:

    • SJDS: $20 (15min)

    • MGA Airport: $110 (2.5hrs)

    • Granada: $80 (2hrs)

    • Ometepe Ferry: $45 (45min)

    • Popoyo: $70 (1.5hr)

    • Costa Rica Border: $50 (1hr)

  • There are only two airport choices. MGA in Managua, Nicaragua and LIR in Liberia, Costa Rica. 

    Both have advantages and disadvantages, which I’ll outline below. But here is my initial recommendation: Search flights to MGA, and if that suits you, stick with MGA. If you’re looking for a better flight, look at LIR and consider the pros/cons I mention below.

    MGA Airport Pros:

    • No need to cross another border with immigration and customs.

    • It’s an easy and beautiful 2.5-hour taxi ride from MGA to Flamingo.

    • More affordable airport to Flamingo taxi. ($110 from MGA vs $190 from LIR) Click here for info about booking airport transport.

    MGA Cons:

    • Limited choice of airlines. American Airlines,  United, and Avianca are the three major airlines that fly to MGA. 

    • Airfare can be pricier and flight times limited.

    LIR Pros:

    • Lots of major airlines fly there. 

    • Changes and cancellations are easier with some of the airlines. 

    • Airfare can be more affordable.

    LIR Cons:

    • You have to exit the taxi and tote your luggage about 300m total across pavement and an un-airconditioned customs building. It will likely be hot or raining during this process.

    • You have to wait in line at the Nica border with no AC and things do not move quickly at this border line. It’s the slowest I’ve ever experienced. 

    • Plan to spend a total of 45 minutes (+/- 15min) crossing the border in the heat with no AC. 

    • Taxi transportation is more expensive from LIR than from MGA. 

  • For a reasonable fee, we have a trusted transportation provider and frequently book guests reliable, fast, and comfortable door-to-door transportation to and from the airport. I recommend using our transport because the drivers know exactly how to get here quickly and all the logistical nuances. 

    Airport shuttle prices:

    • MGA: $110 (2.5hrs)

    • LIR: $195 (3hrs)

    Terms:

    • Prices are One-Way

    • Up to 3 passengers

    • Reserve 1-day in advance

    • *LIR includes border crossing assistant

    • Whatsapp us to reserve.

  • My short answer is NO. If you’ve never been to Nicaragua then take a taxi here from the airport and enjoy the beach and local life.

    If you want to explore then rent a 4x4, atv, or moto locally here in town at RentaNica. These are reasons why I don’t recommend any of my friends or family rent a car.

    1. You CAN NOT rent a car in Liberia and drive here. Rental cars are not allowed to cross the border. The only option is a taxi. We can arrange that for you from door to door by Click here for more info.

    2. It’s costly and they will charge you for the insurance fee because this is Nicaragua and your insurance is not “trusted here” and they want to make more money.

    3. It’s time-consuming to pick up and drop off. The rental lots are not at the airport. Often times guests miss a half day at the beach and sunset, arriving confused after dark because they were delayed by renting a car. 

    4. Police checkpoints are everywhere and they literally stand in the road randomly pulling cars over. They are nice but particular when it comes to writing you a ticket and this can delay you a significant amount of time and cost you “bribe” money.

    5. Navigation in this country is not easy. Google Maps is not accurate. There is not signal everywhere. There is no street names or road signs. You can get lost easily. It’s not fun missing sunset while you’re driving in the dark on rural roads.

    6. The roads here are rough, unkept, full of fender bender potholes, and there is frequently dogs, chickens, and kids in the street. Taxis know the area and how to drive safely. You don’t want to have an accident here. It will be costly and time-consuming with the police.

    7. Finally, most people arrive in a rental car only to see it parked outside for the entire stay while they enjoy The Flamingo Experience and Playa Remanso. It’s mostly a waste of money, time, and an extra headache that could be avoided by simply paying a taxi. I’ve had numerous guests checkout and say, gosh I wish I’d just taken a taxi because it would’ve been easier, cheaper, and faster.

    8. Uber and Lyft are not allowed here in Nicaraga. We use old school taxi system and can happily book one of our trusted drivers for you. Just message us on WhatsApp. Taxi drivers are professional and kind here. This is their profession and you can support the local economy. Click here for more info.

  • Yes small cars can arrive easily. Update! As of Dec 1, 2024 the roads are now fixed and the entry is smooth.

  • You will receive an email/message with detailed arrival instructions 3 days prior to arrival. Please read the instructions and follow them. Message us with any questions.

    This is the google map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dz7yhNGYVWpSKAAG8