This underrated country of secret islands has been named one of the most affordable vacation destinations in the Caribbean

Wondering where to go next? That’s always a challenge when summer comes to an end.

Is it hurricane season? Is it still warm? Is a visit cheaper? Will it be busy? – all common and valid questions this time of year.

Experts at Travel + Leisure have revealed one such place that ticks a lot of boxes, but can’t even hold a candle (whatever that means) to the likes of Punta Cana, Montego Bay and Cancun due to a variety of factors we’ll dive into.

One reason is that it’s not often considered ‘Caribbean’ per se, but there are indeed beautiful beach paradises with Caribbean blue water – and to answer one of the questions above: yes, there are absolutely no crowds.

But there is much more than just paradisiacal coasts. Get ready to discover beautiful lakes, beautiful villages, fascinating culture and, as promised, wallet-friendly experiences.

Fancy an adventure? Visit Nicaragua Untamed Caribbean coasts

At first glance, you might not think of Nicaragua as a true Caribbean destination, and rightly so.

A beach destination? Certainly.

It’s smack dab in the middle of Central America, but the east coast is largely undiscovered by the masses, who opt for name-brand resorts over footprint-free sand, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

But that’s where it’s called strange Corn Islands come into play. Although it looks more like a Nebraska fishing town, this hidden gem is in fact a true postcard destination in the vast Caribbean Sea and undoubtedly Nicaragua’s best beach location on this side of the country.

And not to sound like we’re at a podiatrist appointment, the islands are distinguished by Big Corn and Little Corn – trust me, they’re much more beautiful than the name suggests.

Despite being off the beaten track, it is relatively easy to get to and inexpensive. In addition to several boat routes, one-way flights average $180 from the capital Managua (the most common entry point in Nicaragua).

Upon arrival, you’ll find friendly locals proudly showcasing Creole-Caribbean culture, vibrant guesthouses and crystal clear waters along the palm-lined shores.

From colonial villages to waterfront wonders, Nicaragua is very cheap

Full disclosure: One aspect that Travel + Leisure overlooks is how expensive it can be to fly here, especially since Spirit can’t get their you-know-what together.

For example, I looked at visiting the Pacific side of Nicaragua earlier this year and a round-trip flight from San Diego was over $800, and not much cheaper from LA.

The good news is that once you get here, you won’t have to check your bank account anymore. Digital nomads and expats both love the timeless colonial city of Granada, near the picturesque Colcibolca Lake, home to Ometepewhich is so stunning that you’ve probably seen it flash before your eyes on a desktop background before.

Wherever you explore, scoring cheap eats won’t be difficult to find. Keep an eye out for savory street food that doesn’t exceed $3, local beers are available for around $1, and Nacatamal (mainly Nicaraguan tamales) cost around $2 each.

Grenada is a must visit. That’s why you want to find an affordable place to stay. Hotel La Polvora is just the place this fall for $50 a night.

Excursions to places like Ometepe and lesser-known cities like Leon aren’t bad for your wallet either, but the cheapest prices are of course less touristy destinations, as Travel + Leisure highlights along Nicaragua’s surprisingly expansive Caribbean coastline.

Is Nicaragua safe to visit?

The best time to Visit Nicaragua for good weather from November through April, so there’s no better time than now to book an epic trip.

However, Nicaragua is unlike any of its neighbors in Central America, given its authoritarian government.

What does this mean for travelers? Well, that all depends on who you ask.

The general consensus among travelers is that at worst you could face additional questions at customs.

As long as you do your business as you would anywhere else, there aren’t many horror stories.

For what it’s worth, the US State Department recently made a troubling statement Level 3 advising on “arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of unlawful detention, and the limited availability of health care” in December 2024.

The US Embassy last issued a security alert regarding mass protests in Managua in July 2025.

Our team visited Nicaragua in 2023 and received nothing but rave reviews, including how safe it felt.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.