If you’ve got a layover in Tola, don’t let it go to waste sitting at ECI. The city, in Nicaragua, is within easy reach — roughly 60 minutes by Taxi/Shuttle. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Before You Step Outside ECI
Three things to verify before you walk out of ECI:
- Can you legally enter Nicaragua? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Taxi/Shuttle, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the NIO. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
The Best Way Into Tola from ECI
You have two main options for getting from Costa Esmeralda Airport into town:
- Taxi/Shuttle: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Tola, we’d suggest Playa Popoyo and Playa Gigante Fishing Village. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth checking out if your schedule allows. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Tola.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside ECI, you can spend time at Costa Esmeralda Terminal Relaxation or try Local Souvenir Shop. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Magnific Rock Restaurant and Pili’s Kitchen are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Tola.
- At the airport: Terminal Cafe & Bistro and Grab & Go Counter will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
How Much Money You’ll Need
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Tola:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $9 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $24 USD total.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Tola.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at ECI can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Tola for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at ECI, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Tola itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Nicaragua that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at ECI, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Tola count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave ECI. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.