Nicaragua | Costanera Highway Development to Boost Tourism and Activating the Economy on its Southern Coast

Nicaragua, the geographically largest country in Central America, set between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, well known for its dramatic terrain of lakes, volcanoes, pristine beaches, biodiversity, warm tropical climate and a vibrant culture that have made the country an increasingly popular tourist destination is actively working to boost tourism, improving connectivity and activating the economy on its southern coast by the development of the Costanera Highway.

The Central American country is developing its tourism industry, aiming to boost economic growth and improving its services with also recent legislation and government initiative focus on attracting both domestic and international investment in tourism - related infrastructure and businesses.  

This includes tax incentives for investors and a focus on sustainable development and community involvement. 

The Government of Nicaragua through MTI, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is advancing in a relevant project, the construction of the Costanera Highway, a strategic road of 119 kilometres in its first phase, which will connect more than 60 beaches on the Pacific coast.

The Costanera Highway, also known as the Emerald Coast Highway is a major project infrastructure in Nicaragua that will stretches from Peñas Blancas border with Costa Rica to the beaches east of the capital of the Country, Managua, it will have 16 bridges and it is expected to attract more tourists, particularly to areas like San Juan del Sur  and drive demand for real estate in the region.

The development will have an economic impact, is anticipated to create jobs, reduce vehicle operating costs, and facilitate trade and development and in addition it is being adjusted to minimize environmental impact, including preserving coastal ecosystems and wildlife.

This project seeks to improve connectivity between communities and boost the economy, tourism and social development of the region.

Currently the work is 55% complete, with 57 kilometres completed and 26 of the 47 bridges already built. 

The General Director of Roads at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Harold Torrez said that the institution is guaranteeing security and connectivity in areas that were previously cut off during the winter, a move that will improve the lives of more than two million in three departments.

The highway is also moving forward with a strong environmental commitment. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, through its Environmental Management Unit, has soiled more than 180.000 square metres and plans to plant 170.000 trees with native species. About this operation the General Director stated that it's not only toi build of a road but there is also a notable effort to protect nature so this development is sustainable.

Local authorities assure that the Costanera Highway is already generating opportunities. Estela Morales the mayor of San Juan del Sur, a town on Nicaragua's southwest coast, known for a string of nearby Pacific beaches, said that the Costanera is more than a road, it is employment, tourism and well being and there are families who now have income thanks to this project, and more visitors are coming to the local beaches.

The impact is also reflected in local business. A local entrepreneur, Ericka Siézar said that before no one came to Remanso beach because the road was terrible. Today tourists arrive from all over the country and that has improved the sales.

An owner of a bar in the area Suyén Vargas commented that now any vehicle can enter, the establishment is only 10 minutes from San Juan del Sur, and this changed residents life.

With the support of CABEI, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration and the execution of the Government and National Unity, the Costanera Highway is consolidated as a tourist and productive corridor that transforms the Pacific coast and opens the way to new opportunities for thousands of Nicaraguan families.

Link 

https://www.vivanicaragua.com.ni/2025/06/05/sociales/costanera-impulsa-turismo-economia/