Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Managua
POP 1,028,800 / ELEV 90M
Why Go?
Managua is a shambles. It is chaotic and broken, poetic and mesmerizing, all at the same
time.
And while most travelers are now skipping the city altogether - and arranging quick air-
port transfers from nearby Granada - stay a day or two and you will see that big, bad
Managua ain't so bad after all, and that this truly is the heartstring that holds the nation's
culture, commerce and conscious together.
Aside from diving into the whir of a magnificent beehive of honking horns, sprawling
markets, garbage and rancor, this low-rise city with its improbable trees, remarkable street
art and spirited monuments also gives you easy access to nearby lagoons, nature reserves at
Montebelli and Chocoyero-El Brujo, a smattering of fun beaches like Pochomil, and the
hot springs at El Trapiche.
When to Go
September through April is the best time of year for bird-watching. It is also good for turtle
tours at nearby beaches and wild encounters in the lagoons and natural attractions just out-
side the city.
December through April are the dry months. Coming around now makes plying the
city's streets easier, market days drier and chance encounters just a little more pleasant. Ho-
tels can be a bit pricey during this time and during Semana Santa, so book ahead.
The best festival days are for the annual Taxi Grand Prix, the last week in March, the
Day of the Revolution on July 19 or the Festival of Santo Domingo, the first 10 days in
August.
Best Places to Eat
»
Doña Pilar (
Click here
)
»
Tercer Ojo (
Click here
)
