Welcome to Nicaragua: Complete Augusto Sandino Airport Arrival Guide (2026)

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA)

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport is Nicaragua's main international gateway, located 11 kilometers east of Managua's city center. Named after the revolutionary leader Augusto César Sandino, this airport serves as the primary entry point for travelers exploring Nicaragua's volcanoes, colonial cities, and pristine Pacific beaches.

While modest in size compared to other Central American hubs, the airport provides efficient service and convenient connections to Nicaragua's most popular destinations.

What to Expect Upon Arrival

Immigration Process

Nicaragua's immigration process is straightforward:

1. Complete the immigration form (available on the plane)
2. Immigration line - Present passport and completed form
3. Baggage claim - Single carousel, efficient
4. Customs - Declaration form, random inspections

Tip: Have your hotel address and itinerary information ready for immigration questions.

Visa Requirements

Nicaragua is part of the CA-4 agreement (with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador), sharing a 90-day tourist allowance.

Citizens from the US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, and many other countries receive 90 days upon arrival. Requirements:

• Valid passport with 6+ months validity
• Proof of onward travel
• Proof of funds ($50 USD per day recommended)
• Accommodation details
• Tourist card fee: paid in cash at immigration (travel sites usually quote US$10; we found no official amount, details in the Córdoba section below)

CA-4 Note: Your 90 days is shared if traveling between CA-4 countries.

Transportation from the Airport

Private Transfer (Recommended)

The most comfortable and safest option, especially for first-time visitors.

• To Managua hotels: $20-30 USD
• To Granada: $40-60 USD
• To León: $50-70 USD
• To San Juan del Sur: $80-120 USD

Book in advance through your hotel or services like Nicatrip or GetYourGuide.

Official Airport Taxis

Authorized taxis with fixed rates operate from the designated stand inside the airport terminal.

• To Managua Centro: $15-25 USD
• To Metrocentro area: $15-20 USD
• To Granada: $35-50 USD

Important: Only use taxis from inside the terminal with fixed-rate tickets. Avoid solicitors outside.

Shuttle Services

Shared shuttles operate to popular destinations:

• Granada shuttles: $15-20 USD per person
• León shuttles: $20-25 USD per person
• Usually depart when full or at scheduled times
• Book through hotels or shuttle companies

Rental Cars

Several agencies operate at the airport:

• Budget, Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Dollar
• Local options: Lugo Rent A Car
• Useful for independent exploration
• Roads vary in quality - 4WD recommended for some areas
• GPS essential

A Córdoba Rate That Will Not Move in 2026

The Banco Central de Nicaragua (official source) set a 0% annual crawl for 2026, so the official rate stays at C$36.6243 per US$1 all year (BCN press note, Oct 2025; checked October 30, 2026). Street and hotel rates sit close to it, so a much lower offer is a bad deal.

The tourist card is a different story. Visa-exempt visitors pay it in cash on arrival, and travel sites usually quote US$10, but we found no official Nicaraguan page with the amount. Carry small US-dollar bills. Kiosk SIM prices are something we could not pin down either.

Connecting to Popular Destinations

To Granada (45 min - 1 hour)

Nicaragua's most beautiful colonial city, sitting on the shores of Lake Nicaragua.

Best option: Private transfer or shared shuttle

Explore our Granada colonial hotels guide and discover the iconic Hotel Plaza Colón.

To León (1.5 - 2 hours)

Nicaragua's intellectual capital, known for colonial churches, revolutionary murals, and volcano boarding at Cerro Negro.

Best option: Private transfer or shuttle

To San Juan del Sur (2 - 2.5 hours)

Nicaragua's premier beach town, famous for surfing, nightlife, and the Sunday Funday pool crawl.

Best option: Private transfer or shuttle

Discover our San Juan del Sur surf lodges guide.

To Ometepe Island (3 hours + ferry)

A unique island formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua.

Best option: Transfer to Rivas + ferry to Moyogalpa

To Corn Islands (1 hour flight)

Caribbean paradise with pristine beaches and world-class diving.

Best option: Domestic flight from Managua (La Costeña Airlines)

Volcano Adventures

Nicaragua is the "Land of Lakes and Volcanoes" with incredible hiking opportunities:

• Cerro Negro: Volcano boarding (near León)
• Masaya Volcano: See the lava lake at night
• Mombacho Volcano: Cloud forest hike near Granada
• Concepción & Maderas: Twin volcanoes on Ometepe

Many tours depart from Granada or León - consider those cities as bases.

Managua: Gateway or Skip?

Most travelers use Managua only as a transit point. However, if staying:

• Worth seeing: Masaya Artisan Market (30 min from city)
• Loma de Tiscapa: City views and historical site
• Limited colonial architecture (destroyed in 1972 earthquake)
• Good restaurants and nightlife in Zona Hippos

Most visitors recommend heading directly to Granada or León. The Nicaragua top 10 compares Granada, León and the beach towns.

Domestic Flights

La Costeña operates domestic flights from Managua:

Destinations:

• Corn Island (BEF) - 1 hour
• Bluefields - 45 minutes
• Puerto Cabezas - 1 hour

Useful for reaching the Caribbean coast quickly.

Departure Information

When leaving Nicaragua from MGA:

• Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights
• Departure tax: $42 USD (sometimes included in ticket)
• Small duty-free area available
• Limited food options after security
• Exchange remaining Córdobas before departure

Nicaragua Travel Tips

Getting Around

• Chicken buses: Cheap but crowded local transport
• Express buses: Better comfort between cities
• Shuttles: Tourist-oriented, door-to-door service
• Taxis: Negotiate rates in advance

Money Tips

• ATMs widely available in cities
• Carry cash for small towns
• US dollars accepted but change given in Córdobas
• Credit cards accepted at hotels and tourist restaurants