Booking choice: The Nicaragua Full Day Tour, from $230 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Forget one item on a beach day and you buy another. Forget your passport or flight proof on a Nicaragua day trip and you do not cross. This list is built from the operators' instructions, official advice and what guests wish they had known.
The quick answer
Passport (valid at least six months after arrival), proof of your flight out of Costa Rica, US dollars in small bills, sunscreen, a hat, a light rain jacket and comfortable shoes. Leave drones, binoculars and e-cigarettes at the hotel.
What documents do you need?
Your passport and proof of your flight out of Costa Rica.
The passport should be valid for at least six months after you arrive in Nicaragua, according to the UK government, and its details go to the operator when you book. Check your visa needs too: see the border crossing guide.
Documents sorted? Check dates for the most reviewed tour.
Check dates for the Nicaragua Full Day TourHow much cash should you bring?
Enough US dollars in small bills for tips, extras and souvenirs: small notes are easiest for tips and stalls.
One guest ran short and had to find an ATM because many vendors did not take cards. The horse carriage in Granada costs extra ($10 to $20, by guests' accounts), and tips are not included on any of the tours here.
What should you not bring?
Drones, binoculars of any kind and professional camera or recording gear, which the operators say Nicaragua does not allow in.
The UK government adds that e-cigarettes are banned in Nicaragua. If in doubt, leave it in your hotel safe.
What should you wear?
Light, comfortable clothes and walking shoes, plus a hat and sunscreen for Granada and the crater viewpoint.
Pack a light rain jacket: one Liberia operator asks guests to bring a raincoat in the April to November rainy season, and rain can turn the boat ride wet.
What helps on the long drive?
Snacks, a charged phone, headphones and something warm for the air-conditioned van.
Bottled water is included on the most reviewed tour, as are breakfast and lunch, but the day runs about 15 hours. Guests say the time in the van is the hardest part.
Prefer a shorter ride? The Liberia expedition runs 9 to 12 hours.
Explore the Liberia expeditionCan you bring a camera?
A phone or small personal camera is fine; professional and journalistic gear is on the operators' banned list.
One guest asked the operator about a small personal camera before travelling. If you carry anything that looks professional, ask your operator first.
What should kids bring?
Their own passport, snacks and something to do: it is a 15-hour day.
On the most reviewed tour children pay the adult price, and the Liberia expedition takes ages 12 and up on its shared tour. Consider whether a long day in the van suits your family before you book.
All packed? Check dates and pickup times for the most reviewed tour.
Check dates for the Nicaragua Full Day TourFrequently asked questions
Do I need cash on a Nicaragua day trip?
Yes: bring US dollars in small bills for tips, extras and shopping, as many vendors do not take cards.
Can I bring binoculars to Nicaragua?
No: the operators say binoculars of any kind, including night vision, are not allowed into Nicaragua, along with drones.
Do I need my original passport?
Yes: bring the passport itself on the day; the operators also ask for its details when you book.
Ready to book
Choose your day
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option here. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Nicaragua Full Day Tour from Costa Rica
- Hotel, condo or house pickup from Tamarindo to Liberia (some resorts pay an extra fee)
- Breakfast, lunch and bottled water
- All taxes, fees and handling charges, plus national park fees
Nicaragua One Day Expedition from Liberia
- Meet at Plaza Santa Rosa mall, Liberia, at 6:00 AM (free pickup inside Liberia)
- Breakfast and lunch; transport on both sides of the border
- Bilingual guide; all taxes, fees and border charges
