Managua → León and León → Las Peñitas
León is 1 h 30 by minibus from UCA. The beaches of Poneloya and Las Peñitas are 30 minutes further on a bus that leaves from the Subtiava market.
Reviewed Oct 29, 2026
Step by step
Step 1: Managua → León
Express minibuses from UCA every 20 minutes (C$70–80, 1 h 30), or local buses from Israel Lewites (C$55–65, 2 h 15). Both arrive at La Terminal, north-east of León's centre.
Step 2: León → Poneloya and Las Peñitas
The bus leaves from the Subtiava market, west of the centre (taxi C$20–30 per person or a 25-minute walk from the cathedral). It leaves when full, roughly hourly, from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM, C$12–20. It passes Poneloya first and ends in Las Peñitas.
Step 3: Getting back and alternatives
The last bus back from Las Peñitas leaves around 6:00 PM; after that only taxis (C$150–250, agree the price). Several León hostels run shuttles to the beaches and to Cerro Negro volcano for sandboarding.
Approximate cost
Managua–León C$70–80 + beach bus C$12–20.
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Tips
- To continue to Estelí or Matagalpa from León there are a few direct buses a day from La Terminal.
- Currents at Poneloya are strong; Las Peñitas has calmer water and surf schools.
Times and fares in this guide are indicative: they come from public information and traveller reports. Confirm at the terminal before you travel. Travelled recently? Help us verify it.
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