Augusto C. Sandino Airport – Managua, Nicaragua
This is the main international airport of Nicaragua. There are several international lines with direct connections here. Once in Managua you can either rent a car (recommended), get a taxi or hop on a local bus. This last option is for experienced tourists only. The trip from Managua to Villa Pavela takes about 2 hours. From the airport you will have to go west towards Carratera Sur. This route follows the Pan-American highway and goes through El Crucero, Diriamba, Jinotepe, Nandaime and Rivas. About 20 km past Rivas, at the white obelisk there is a right turn to San Juan del Sur. From this point on there are signs to Playa Remanso, so you should be able to find it easily.
Liberia Airport – Liberia, Costa Rica
Located in neighbouring Costa Rica this airport is very close to San Juan del Sur. There are buses between Liberia and the border crossing at Peñas Blancas (approx. US$ 3). You may also consider taking a taxi directly from the airport to the border (US$ 60 to 80) and the trip takes about 1–1.5 hour. Be prepared to haggle though to get a decent price. The cost of taking a taxi from the airport to the bus terminal in Liberia is roughly US$ 8 and the trip takes about 15 minutes. There is no bus service between the airport and the city.
Crossing from Costa Rica to Nicaragua at Peñas Blancas
At the border crossing stay clear of all “facilitators” who claim that you need them to get your papers processed. Go straight to the main building and find the Entradas (Entries) wicket. Ask the immigration officer for una forma (an immigration form) and fill it out. There is no charge for leaving Costa Rica this way (on foot). You will have to walk over 1/2 mile (approx. 700 metres) to get into Nicaragua. You may have to show your passport and a copy of the form you just filled out 2 or 3 times. Once you cross into Nicaragua you have to head for the immigration counter which is located at a long dock across from a duty-free shop. Remember to turn right when you pass a little park on the right. When entering Nicaragua you will have to present your passport, the form you filled out before at the Costa Rican border and a payment of US$ 7. Politely refuse help from “facilitators” there.
ALAMO car rental is located on the Nicaraguan side. You may also get a local taxi to take you to Villa Pavela. The cost will be US$ 25-30 and it takes about 30-40 minutes to get there.