Nicaragua’s new Pacific Coastal Highway has changed everything. What used to require a rugged 4×4 and hours of dirt road is now a smooth, accessible drive — opening up some
120 of Central America’s most beautiful and uncrowded beaches to any traveler.
La Carretera Costanera es una obra de infraestructura vial que recorre el litoral del Pacífico de Nicaragua, desde el sector de La Virgen (cerca de Rivas) hasta las comunidades costeras del departamento de Rivas y Carazo. Es la ruta más directa para llegar a destinos de playa que antes requerían caminos de tierra en mal estado.
En 2026, la Costanera se ha convertido en el tema de conversación entre los nicaragüenses que buscan escapadas de fin de semana, gracias a que el asfalto y las señales viales han transformado lo que era una aventura 4x4 en un recorrido accesible para cualquier vehículo.
La Carretera Costanera corre paralela al mar, en el departamento de Rivas, al sur de Nicaragua. El punto de acceso principal desde Managua es tomar la Carretera Panamericana hacia el sur, pasando por Nandaime y Rivas, para luego desviarse hacia el Pacífico.
The Nicaragua Coastal Highway runs through the department of Rivas, in the southwestern part of Nicaragua. It parallels the Pacific Ocean and connects several coastal communities and beaches between La Virgen and the San Juan del Sur area.
The drive from Managua to the Coastal Highway is entirely paved and well-signed. Here's what to expect:
Key reference points along the way:
Budget travelers can reach the beaches via public minibuses. From Managua's Huembes Terminal or Israel Lewites Market, frequent minibuses run to Rivas (departing from 4:00 AM onward). From Rivas, local taxis and mototaxis connect to the beach areas. Estimated cost: $2–4 USD from Managua to Rivas, plus $2–5 USD for the beach connection.
Note: Some beaches require multiple connections. If you're carrying luggage or traveling with family, private transport is significantly more practical.
If you're arriving at Managua's Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) or based in Managua, the easiest and most comfortable option is a private transfer directly to the coast.
Infinity Travels & Adventure offers door-to-door private transport from Managua Airport or any hotel to any beach on the Coastal Highway. Fixed prices, air-conditioned vehicles, English-speaking drivers, and no need to navigate an unfamiliar road.
This is especially popular with travelers combining a beach day with the rest of their Nicaragua itinerary.
One of the great advantages of the Coastal Highway is the diversity of beaches within reach. From calm, family-friendly shores to world-class surf breaks — and almost all of them far less crowded than comparable beaches in Costa Rica or Mexico.
Playa Maderas is arguably Nicaragua’s most famous surf beach and one of the best-known waves in Central America. Located near San Juan del Sur, it’s now far more accessible thanks to the Coastal Highway. Its consistent, well-formed waves attract surf schools, traveling surfers, and backpackers from around the world.
El Remanso strikes a perfect balance — good enough waves for surfing, calm enough for non-surfers to enjoy the beach. Its name (“still water” in Spanish) hints at its character: peaceful and unhurried. It’s an ideal full-day beach stop without the buzz of more popular destinations.
Hermosa lives up to its name (“beautiful” in Spanish). It’s one of the longest and least developed stretches of beach on the Coastal Highway — kilometers of dark volcanic sand with virtually no tourist infrastructure. If you want to feel like you have a Pacific beach entirely to yourself, this is it.
Playa El Coco is one of the most accessible and family-friendly beaches along the Coastal Highway. Its relatively calm waters during dry season make it ideal for swimming and relaxing, while local food stands offer fresh seafood at prices that will surprise most international visitors.
Playa Brito is a surfer’s secret that’s no longer much of a secret — but still far less crowded than comparable spots in Costa Rica. Known among local surfers for its consistent and powerful waves, Brito is a rugged, raw beach that rewards those willing to seek it out.
Safety is understandably the first question most international travelers ask about Nicaragua. Here’s an honest answer:
The short version: Yes — the Coastal Highway area and its beaches are safe for tourists in 2026. Travelers visit regularly from the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia without incident.
What you should know:
Travel advisories: Always check your government’s current travel advisory for Nicaragua before your trip. The US State Department, Canadian FCDO, and UK FCDO all publish updated guidance. For the Pacific beach areas specifically, no special security concerns have been reported.
Our take: Nicaragua is one of the safest countries in Central America for tourism. The stigma is often louder than the reality — and travelers who come here consistently report being pleasantly surprised.
Nicaragua has two distinct seasons that significantly shape your beach experience:
The Nicaragua Coastal Highway runs along the Pacific coast in the department of Rivas, in southwestern Nicaragua. It's accessible from Managua via the Pan-American Highway South, with the coastal section beginning near La Virgen at approximately kilometer 128 from Managua.
The Coastal Highway begins approximately 80 miles (128 km) south of central Managua. The drive takes 2.5 to 3 hours under normal traffic conditions, traveling entirely on paved roads via the Pan-American Highway through Nandaime and Rivas.
The main Coastal Highway itself is fully paved and accessible for standard sedans. However, access roads to some specific beaches — particularly Playa Brito during rainy season — may require higher clearance. For the most popular beaches (El Coco, Maderas, El Remanso), a standard rental car or private transfer vehicle is perfectly adequate.
The most popular beaches along the Coastal Highway are Playa El Coco (family-friendly), Playa Brito (advanced surf), Playa Maderas (internationally known surf beach), Playa El Remanso (quiet and versatile), and Playa Hermosa (undeveloped and pristine). Each has a distinct character — we've profiled all of them in detail above.
Yes — the Coastal Highway area and its beaches are safe for tourists. Standard travel precautions apply: don't leave valuables in your vehicle, travel in groups to isolated beaches, and check ocean conditions before swimming. Always consult your government's current travel advisory for Nicaragua before your trip. The Pacific beach areas of Rivas are among the most visited and incident-free parts of the country.
Yes. Infinity Travels & Adventure offers private transfers from Managua's Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) directly to any beach along the Coastal Highway.
The service includes an air-conditioned vehicle, local driver, and flexible pick-up times. Contact us to get a quote for your dates.
The dry season (November through April) is the most popular for international travelers, offering clear skies and calm beach conditions. The rainy season (May through October) brings fewer crowds, lower prices, and better surf — though afternoon showers are common. Both seasons offer a genuine Nicaragua beach experience.
Nicaragua’s Pacific coast is one of Central America’s best-kept secrets — and the Coastal Highway has made it more accessible than ever. Whether you’re chasing waves, searching for an uncrowded beach, or simply looking for a day trip from Managua, the coast delivers.
We’ll take care of the transport. Infinity Travels & Adventure offers private transfers from Managua or your hotel to any beach on the Coastal Highway — air-conditioned vehicles, local drivers who know every beach access, and flexible scheduling around your itinerary.
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