This Underrated Country With Secret Islands Named One Of Caribbean’s Most Affordable Fall Getaways

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

Is it hurricane season? Is it still warm? Is it cheaper to visit? Will it be crowded? — all common and valid questions this time of year.

Experts at Travel + Leisure have revealed one such place that ticks off a lot of boxes, but doesn’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 stunning beach paradises boasting Caribbean blue waters — and to answer one of the above questions, yes, there are definitely no crowds there.

But there’s far more than meets the eye than just paradisal shores. Get ready to discover gorgeous lakes, delightful villages, fascinating culture, and as promised, wallet-friendly experiences.

Up For An Adventure? Visit Nicaragua Untamed Caribbean Shores

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

A beach destination? Sure.

It’s smack dab in the middle of Central America, but its Eastern shores are largely undiscovered by the masses, opting for name-brand resorts over footprint-free sand seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

But that’s where the oddly named Corn Islands come into play. Though it sounds more like a Nebraska fishing hole, this textbook hidden gem is actually a real-life postcard destination set in the vast Caribbean Sea and is undoubtedly Nicaragua’s top beach locale this side of the country.

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

Despite being off-path, it’s relatively easy to get to and won’t break the bank. In addition to various boat routes, one-way flights average $180 from the capital city, 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 palm-tree-laden shores.

From Colonial Villages To Waterfront Wonders: Nicaragua Is Very Cheap

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

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

The good news is once you’re here, you won’t have to keep checking your bank account. In fact, digital nomads and expats alike both love the timeless Colonial town of Granada, in close reach to the scenic Lake Colcibolca, home to Ometepe, which is so stunning you’ve likely seen it flash before your eyes on a desktop background before.

No matter where you explore, scoring cheap eats won’t be hard to find. Keep an eye out for savory street food that won’t top $3, local beers can be had around $1, and Nacatamal (essentially Nicaraguan tamales) run for about $2 a pop.

Granada is a must-visit. As such, you’ll want to find an affordable stay. Hotel La Polvora is just the place for $50 per night this fall.

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

Is Nicaragua Safe To Visit?

The best time to visit Nicaragua for great weather is from November through April, so there’s no time like the present to book an epic trip.

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

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

The common consensus for travelers is, at worst, you may find yourself on the receiving end of extra questions at customs.

As long as you go about your business like you would anywhere else, there aren’t many horror stories out there.

**Note: To enter the country you will need to pay $10 US per person. You will not have the ability to use an ATM before customs so make sure you bring this with you!**

For what it’s worth, the U.S. State Department last issued a concerning Level 3 advisory regarding “arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of wrongful detention, and limited healthcare availability” in December 2024.

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

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

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.