We totally blew our budget in Nicaragua. Its actually shocking. We had been advised that Nicaragua was cheaper for day to day living then Ecuador, and that maybe true but our month ended up way more than the estimated budget of $125/day. In a nutshell the majority of the difference comes down to our unplanned splurge on the Corn Islands, for which the airfare along was $850, and the decision to live a little more comfortable after Zuki's accident. As an aside, still loving the travel app, trail wallet. So here it is...
Cordoba: 26 C to $1
Actual Nicaragua Budget:
Total Nights in Nicaragua: 31
(Includes one overnight layover in Panama)
Pre-trip estimated budget: $3875 ($125/day)
Costs:
Average $ per day: $214
Original Estimate Budget: $3875 ($125/day)
Difference from Estimated budget: $2,972 !!!!!!!
To really see what it cost as a family of 4 per day, we can take out the Corn Islands airfare ($828) and the surplus for the fancy hotel for 2 nights in Managua ($220/nt at intercontinental) after Zuki's hospital visit, the daily total goes down to $179/day. This is still an inflated number as we choose to stay at an a house for $120/nt for the final week for Zuki to recover. As a comparison we were staying on Ometepe for $25/nt, where we were quite comfortable, before Zuki's fall from the bunk bed. So take home message is there is a lot of different options for accommodations in Nicaragua that can fit all budgets.
We did not include the hospital bill of $345 as we will be reimbursed by our World Nomad Insurance.
Looking ahead we need to make adjustments to our estimated budget to make up for the extra $3k spent.
(Includes one overnight layover in Panama)
Pre-trip estimated budget: $3875 ($125/day)
Costs:
- Accommodation: $2517 (ranged from $25-$220/night)
- Food & Drinks: $1993 ($64/day, which surprised us but we did eat a lot of seafood)
- Transport: $1487 (includes airfare blue fields-big corn-managua)
- Entertainment: $389
- Tips: $14
- visa/airport fees $77
- Misc supplies: $371
Average $ per day: $214
Original Estimate Budget: $3875 ($125/day)
Difference from Estimated budget: $2,972 !!!!!!!
To really see what it cost as a family of 4 per day, we can take out the Corn Islands airfare ($828) and the surplus for the fancy hotel for 2 nights in Managua ($220/nt at intercontinental) after Zuki's hospital visit, the daily total goes down to $179/day. This is still an inflated number as we choose to stay at an a house for $120/nt for the final week for Zuki to recover. As a comparison we were staying on Ometepe for $25/nt, where we were quite comfortable, before Zuki's fall from the bunk bed. So take home message is there is a lot of different options for accommodations in Nicaragua that can fit all budgets.
We did not include the hospital bill of $345 as we will be reimbursed by our World Nomad Insurance.
Looking ahead we need to make adjustments to our estimated budget to make up for the extra $3k spent.
