Fuego y Agua Travel Packages

Fuego y Agua is working with MundoVentura Travel to provide Travel Packages, Lodging, Transportation and even Flights for 2014. Contact them for information or to book your travel now! *English and Spanish Spoken.

Shuttles are available to/from Managua and the Ferry Port of San Jorge --> CLICK HERE FOR SHUTTLE SCHEDULES!

Traveling in Nicaragua is Safe and Easy

Travel in Nicaragua is generally inexpensive. Of course, the prices will vary significantly depending on the type of travel you enjoy.

The currency in Nicaragua is called the Cordoba (C$).  Check the exchange rate before traveling.

If you are interested in traveling to Fuego y Agua, it would be beneficial for you to join the Fuego y Agua Facebook Group. It is also a great way to meet other runners and glean information from experienced travelers.

IMMUNIZATIONS 

Since the recommendations are always changing, we suggest you read the CDC website for recommended immunizations when traveling to Nicaragua. CLICK HERE FOR CDC Site.

How to get there, in a nutshell -> click on image to expand

How to get there, in a nutshell -> click on image to expand

Air Transportation

Option 1: Fly to Managua, Nicaragua

Fly into Managua International Airport (MGA). Managua, the capitol, has a very nice airport and great service through most major airlines.

General Trip Layout from Managua

  • Flight to Managua International Airport (MGA)
  • Shuttle from Managua to Port of San Jorge (2 to 3 hours)
  • Ferry from San Jorge to Moyogalpa, Isla de Ometepe (1.5 hours)

Option 2: Fly into San Jose or Liberia, Costa Rica

Both places have international airports serviced by most major airlines, but require a border crossing at Peńas Blancas.

General Trip Layout from Costa Rica (San Jose or Liberia)

  • Flight to San Jose (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) International Airports.
  • Bus, Taxi, Car or Shuttle from San Jose Nica/Costa Rica border of Peńas Blancas (6.5 hours)
  • Bus, Taxi, Car or Shuttle from Liberia to Nica/Costa Rica border of Peńas Blancas (1.5 hours)
  • Bus, Taxi, Car or Shuttle from Nica/Costa Rica border of Peńas Blancas to Port of San Jorge (1.5 hours)
  • Ferry to from San Jorge to Moyogalpa, Isla de Ometepe (1.5 hours)

Rental Vehicles

If you want to rent a vehicle, Dollar, Alamo, Budget and Hertz have offices in the Managua airport. Vehicle, motorcycle and bicycle rentals are also available on the island (contact us for more information).

Driving directions:

  • From Managua, take the Pan-American Highway south to the Rivas traffic circle/ crossroads, and then turn north toward the Port of San Jorge. .

  • From Peńas Blancas (Nica/Costa Rica border), continue north on the highway to the same crossroads in Rivas.

To bring a vehicle to Ometepe (Port of San Jorge, large ferries only):
  • Cost: C$365 (approx. USD$20)
  • Make reservations in advance | Phone: 011-505-278-28190 or 011-505-278-28180 | Email: gerencia@transportelacustre.com.
  • Once at the port, notify the dispatcher of your intent to board a vehicle.

*If you decide not to reserve transport through Fuego y Agua affiliates and are taking a taxi from the airport, make sure it has red license plates, all other taxis are not authorized and can be pirate taxis.

Buses

From Managua:

C$40 and C$50 (USD$3 to 4) | Departures every half hour from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  • Bus terminal to Rivas: Mercado Huembes in the eastern section (you will need a taxi to get there from the airport or hotel).
  • Two levels of service: Regular and Express (express is recommended for time).
  • Once in Rivas: Hire a taxi for less than USD$1 for the short trip to the Port of San Jorge.

From Peńas Blancas (Nica/Costa Rica border):

  • On an international bus line, tell the driver to stop in the city of Rivas.
  • Take Taxi to Port of San Jorge C$50 (USD$4).

*Most international bus lines that leave San Jose or Liberia in the morning (Ticabus & Transnica) arrive in time for connections with the ferries to Ometepe.

Ferry to Isla de Ometepe at San Jorge

Port of San Jorge to Moyogalpa, Isla de Ometepe (1.5 hours)

C$50.00 and C$65.00 (about USD$2.50 and USD$3.50) per person (depending on the class of service selected). | 7 days a week, 8 times a day

Two types of ferries:

  • Small: For passengers, cargo, motorcycles and ATVs (Reina del Sur and Karen Maria).
  • Large: For passengers, cars and trucks; different services on three separate decks, air-conditioning, reclining seats, and bathrooms (#1 and #2 and Estrella del Sur).

City of Granada (Municipal pier) to Altagracia, Isla de Ometepe (4 hours):

C$65 (about USD$4) per person, no vehicles | Mondays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. arriving at Altagracia at 6:00 p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR FERRY SCHEDULES

Managua Lodging

*Reservations are highly recommended for hotels.

If you arrive in Managua at night, your best option is to stay near the airport or at Managua Hills Bed & Breakfast in Las Colinas. 

*On a serious budget: take an airport taxi to Barrio Martha Quezada where there are several options on budget hostels and hotels like Hotel Los Felipe.

Welcome to Moyogalpa

Fuego y Agua Races begin and end in the port town of Moyogalpa, this is where the ferry comes in from the mainland town of San Jorge.

Moyogalpa is the largest town on the island and offers all amenities. There are restaurants and grocery stores all over town.

Most of the food is traditional Nicaraguan fare, a staple of beans, chicken and rice, but the American Cafe and the Cornerhouse Restaurant both serve up excellent breakfasts of scones, eggs, toast, coffee, espresso and more.

Getting Around the Island

Part of the roads on Ometepe are paved, but much of it remains unpaved. Some of the road to Volcan Maderas is unpaved and it requires more time to get to this side of the island.

  • Cars, motorcycles and bicycles are available for rent, contact robinson@fuegoyagua.org for these types of reservations.
  • Taxis and shuttles are available for hire (prices are generally higher than the mainland).
  • Buses travel to most locations around the island (public transportation is limited on Sundays). Bus Schedules

Internet is Everywhere

Internet access is available on Isla de Ometepe. There are several Internet café’s in Moyogalpa with computers and WI-FI (wireless). Mobile phone providers on the island are Movistar and Claro.

Check with your provider for international rates and roaming information. If you have an unlocked GSM phone, USD$8 will purchase you a local SIM card for a low cost prepaid service with either mobile network. Mobile phones are available to purchase on the island for about USD$25 to USD$40

Money & No-Hassle, Easy Ways to Pay

Moyogalpa has several ATM's that accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Withdrawals can be made in USD or Nicaraguan Cordobas. The US dollar (USD$) is widely accepted throughout the island in smaller denominations (make sure the bills are not dirty, stained or mutilated). Visa, MasterCard and American Express are regularly accepted in most establishments. (Always ask if credit cards are accepted before consuming.)