Traveling between Costa Rica and Nicaragua should feel like an adventure, not a logistical burden. We handle the timing and the local coordination so you feel certain about every step from the first message.
Macua Tours is a boutique operator helping travelers based in Costa Rica explore Nicaragua with clear planning and expert coordination. Since 2009, we have focused on safety, transparency, and real cultural connection instead of rushed, mass tourism schedules.
Most guests come from the United States, Canada, and Europe and want to experience Nicaragua without the guesswork. We support your journey with four practical pillars:
Realistic drive times and comfortable pacing.
Step by step expectations and preparation.
English and Spanish communication.
Cultural context beyond surface sightseeing. We show you the markets, colonial streets, and lake viewpoints that define the region.
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Every traveler imagines Nicaragua differently. Some want a focused one day introduction; others prefer a multi day route connecting several regions at a slow pace. These experiences start in Costa Rica and include structured logistics and realistic timing.
Share your vision – Tell us where you are staying in Costa Rica, your dates, and your interests. For airport arrivals, provide your airline name, flight number, and ETA so our team is ready to meet you at any Costa Rican airport.
Review your plan – We recommend realistic options and explain the border flow in simple terms. We confirm every detail in writing so there is no confusion.
Travel with certainty – You choose the pace that fits your group. Our bilingual team coordinates the details and stays reachable if your plans change.
Cross border travel is not just about the drive. It is about trusting the team managing the details behind the scenes. We work with a boutique approach, supporting a limited number of guests so each trip remains organized and responsive.
We guide you through sensitive document requirements with a step by step tutorial and the most current official forms. We stay reachable throughout the crossing to ensure your arrival is structured and easy.
We collaborate with trusted local hosts and guides, including drivers and activity specialists. Their knowledge adds context while keeping your day comfortable and safe.
We prioritize reliable, well maintained vehicles. Options include sedans, SUVs, vans, and private shuttles. We can also provide specific vehicle types upon special request for your group.
You control the pacing, pickup points, and activity level. We adjust the route whenever possible so the journey fits your group's natural rhythm.
Guests often ask us about border logistics, timing, and safety. These reviews reflect real experiences with our responsiveness and how easy the journey feels when details are handled in advance.
This gallery shows real moments from trips planned with clarity. You will see colonial streets, lakeside views, and local faces. Every photo started with a simple question: can we make this trip easy? Our job is turning that question into a clear itinerary.
If you want to visit Nicaragua with clarity instead of uncertainty, share your travel dates and your preferred pace. We will send a realistic proposal with logistics, timing, and what to expect, supported by a bilingual team from start to finish.
Peñas Blancas is open daily for regular travel. Costa Rica reopened land borders in 2021, and Nicaragua removed health restrictions in 2023. This indicates a return to normal operations. Confirm the latest status close to your arrival and allow extra time for processing at the station.
The border typically opens at 6:00 AM daily. It usually closes around 10:00 PM from Monday to Saturday and near 8:00 PM on Sundays. Verify current hours close to your travel date as schedules can change. Aim to arrive early to reduce waiting time during peak periods or holidays.
Entry depends on your passport type and travel history. Travelers usually need a valid passport with six months remaining and a tourist card. Official online forms and exit plans are also expected. Check consular guidance close to your travel date for the most current entry rules.
Options include international buses, public transport, and private transfers. Private services offer the most control over timing and border coordination. Shuttles provide a balance of comfort and assistance. Buses are available but require more navigation during the crossing process.
Costs vary and fees may apply depending on current rules. You usually pay for a Costa Rican exit fee and a Nicaraguan entry card. Fees can change without notice, so carry small cash in US dollars and confirm the latest guidance from official sources close to your travel date.
Travelers must have proof of onward travel to enter. This includes a return flight or a bus ticket showing you will leave within ninety days. Keep a simple plan available, such as a shuttle confirmation or an itinerary. Authorities have the right to request this document at any time.
Vaccination rules depend on where you have traveled recently. If your itinerary includes countries with risk, you may need a certificate. However, travelers entering directly from Costa Rica usually do not need it. Confirm requirements using official health guidance before your trip.
A day trip is possible with realistic timing and a structured plan. It requires an early start and a clear checklist. Travelers from Guanacaste or Liberia can reach the border in under two hours. Day trips work best when transport and timing are coordinated in advance to avoid closing times.
