The capital of Nicaragua, Managua, is one of the most important cities in the country with a great historical and cultural legacy.
The city is located between lakes, volcanoes and natural parks where you can do hiking trails and many other activities in the middle of nature. In general, Managua is the starting point for a tour of the country (at least if you arrive with an international flight).
The city is relatively small and to get to know it you will only need one day, but if you want to visit the national parks, some volcanoes and surroundings, I recommend adding a few more days.
In this post I talk about the best places to see in Managua, where to stay and what to see in the surroundings.
WHAT TO SEE IN MANAGUA, NICARAGUA
1. The Plaza de la Revolución (Plaza 22 de Agosto), one of the most beautiful places to see in Managua
The Plaza of August 22 was a key place at a historical level. Important events took place there during the revolution, such as the seizure of the National Palace. Currently, it is the perfect place to start a route visiting the city. It is the meeting point for the locals where there are bars, cafes and restaurants.
It is a lively place with stalls and street musicians that create a unique atmosphere and a relaxed atmosphere.
2. The Cathedral of Santiago de Managua
The Cathedral of Santiago is one of the main symbols of the city of Managua Nicaragua. It is a building of colonial architecture and neoclassical style. It was built between 1928 and 1938, and without a doubt, it is one of the essential places to visit in Managua.
3. Port of Salvador Allende
The Port of Salvador Allende is a place full of bars and restaurants. When it begins to get dark, the port comes alive and is a perfect place to go and have something to eat, have a drink... Boat trips on the lake also leave continuously from the port. This area is ideal for disconnecting from the city and being in contact with nature.
4. The Managua Malecon
The Malecón is a beautiful walk along the lake. It is perfect for walking, enjoying the surroundings, and there are even designated areas where you can take a bath.
5. The National Museum of Managua Nicaragua, a key place to visit in Managua
Next to the Plaza de la Revolución you will find the National Museum of Nicaragua. In it, you will find an exhibition where you can learn about the history and culture of the country. In addition to pre-Columbian ceramics, sculptures, and prehistoric utensils, the building houses a large collection of Latin American paintings. It is a recommended visit to do in Managua.
The entrance to the museum costs €2 and the opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
6. The Huellas de Acahualinca Archaeological Museum
This is another of the recommended museums to visit in Managua. In it you will find an exhibition with evidence of human existence during prehistory in Managua Nicaragua. At the end of the 19th century, some fossil footprints were found by chance, around which the museum was built. It is a very interesting visit where you will learn how humans lived thousands of years ago.
The entrance price is €4 and the visiting hours are from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
7. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Managua
Much less beautiful than the previous one, this Cathedral was just built in 1993. It is linear, with an eclectic, Arabic and romantic architectural style. It reminded me of a very modern hospital or museum.
8. The local market of Managua
I am fascinated by local markets and I never miss any. In the local Managua market you will find stalls selling fresh products, cooked meals at very low prices and there are even some stalls with local products and textiles, such as scarves and embroidered garments, perfect items to give someone as a souvenir.
9. The Chocoyero National Park
This park gets its name from the large number of parrots called chocoyos that live in it. It is a park full of waterfalls and dense forests. In this natural park you can go trekking or even camping. There are many routes that will take you to see waterfalls in the jungle. It is advisable to do the routes with a local guide so as not to get lost.
From the center of Managua Nicaragua you can go by bus for 90 córdobas. The buses leave the Mercado Huembres every weekday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on weekends between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
10. Masaya, the volcano of Managua Nicaragua
Just 22km from Managua is the Masaya volcano, one of the 7 still active volcanoes in the country. And one of the most essential places to see in Nicaragua.
Its crater is located 635 meters high and inside there is a constant lava lake that emits gases such as sulfur dioxide. The park where the volcano is located has an area of 54 square km where you can see two volcanoes, five craters and a volcanological museum. At the foot of the Masaya volcano there is a lagoon that receives the same name and creates a curious contrast with the mountain. You can get there by car, there is even a road that takes you to one of the craters.
A great way to visit the volcano and also the surroundings is to take an excursion with pick up at the hotel, transportation and guide:
If you want to know more about the Masaya Volcano, its eruptions, the treks you can do to reach the crater and much more, I will tell you in the post:
11. The Montibelli Private Nature Reserve
This natural reserve is well known for the great variety of birds that live in it. In fact, it is the perfect place for bird watching. Throughout its 162 hectares of extension you will find different hiking routes that run along the steep slopes full of trees.
The park has different areas with very different heights that reach up to 720 meters, so you can appreciate different types of landscape depending on the altitude. While the upper areas are covered by tropical forests, the lower areas still have some cultivated fields dedicated to lemons, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, avocados and pitahayas.
12. Excursion to the Island of Ometepe
Ometepe is the largest volcanic island in the world located in a freshwater lake. In it is the Charco Verde Natural Reserve, pools of water and thermal baths of volcanic waters.
You can also decide to stay one night on the island. You can take the ferry from Managua. You have all the information on how to visit Ometepe Island for free and what to see on Ometepe in this post.
13. Excursion to the Somoto Canyon from Managua
This beautiful canyon is one of the most beautiful places to see in Nicaragua. The Coco River passes through the canyon, creating natural pools where bathing is allowed. There are many trails where you can go trekking, slide down the river with a float or even have a picnic of local food on the shore.
14. Visit one of the cities near Managua
León and Granada are two essential cities to visit on any trip to Nicaragua. They are close to Managua and you can make a 1-day visit and return to the capital or take advantage and start a route through the colonial cities of Nicaragua.
Posts about cities in Nicaragua that may interest you:
WHERE TO STAY IN MANAGUA, NICARAGUA
Managua is a large city, although its historic center is the main interest of the city. In the center, most of the accommodation is bed & breakfast, boutique hotels or pensions, although there are all categories. If you want a modern hotel that belongs to a hotel chain, you should go a little further to the outskirts of the city.
Some great accommodation options in Managua, Nicaragua:
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Nicaragua a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!
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