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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- South America
- Nicaragua
- Managua
Managua
Nicaragua's capital, Managua, is the perfect introduction to
this Central American country and an ideal starting point for
destinations across the country as it is situated on the banks of
Lake Managua and midway between Leon and Granada. The city's name
is derived from the indigenous Nahuatl language and means 'town
surrounded by water'. In recent times Managua has been dubbed 'the
Venice of Central America' because of all the makeshift canals used
throughout the city.
Managua is divided into what can be termed pre- and
post-earthquake areas. Two relatively recent and major earthquakes
devastated the town in 1931 and 1972. These earthquakes forced
residents to build businesses and residential areas outside of
Managua rather than in the centre of town, which still contains
older buildings that were not structurally designed to withstand
the earthquakes. The rebuilt Managua does not seem to follow a
particular system and shopping malls, residential areas and parks
are scattered throughout the city. Zona Rosa and Metrocentro are
the main tourist areas
Managua is the cultural and political centre of Nicaragua. It is
also central to trade and industry, which is evident in the
seemingly frenetic activity and constant buzz that the city exudes.
Visitors to Managua will be charmed as it is a meeting point
between old and new. It is also a remarkable beautiful city
surrounded by volcanoes, lakes, mountains and lagoons.
Directions and getting around in Managua are slightly tricky
because of extensive earthquake damage. Years of major earthquakes
and earth tremors have left many parts of the central Managua
without proper addresses or street names. Using the lake as a point
of reference is particularly useful whether you're using a hired
car, taxis or public buses.
Managua boasts a number of tourist attractions including the
National Museum, National Palace and the old and damaged Managua
Cathedral. The town has a selection of quaint markets where
tourists can buy everything from ethnic mementos and souvenirs to
colourful hammocks and paintings. Visitors to Nicaragua will be
charmed by its capital city and enthralled by the country's natural
beauty and extensive scenic surroundings.
Information & Facts
Climate
Managua enjoys a tropical climate with year-round temperatures
averaging between 80F (28C) and 90F (32). From late November
through to early February the climate in Managua tends to be warm
and dry. March through to the end of April Managua's weather is hot
and humid but the city tends to enjoy its wet and rainy season from
May to October with May, June and October being the wettest months.
Visitors to Managua should plan their vacation for the November and
December periods as the weather is warm and there isn't too much
rainfall during these months. Travelling to Managua during March
and April is not advisable as temperatures soar and the humidity is
particularly bad.
Language
The official language in Nicaragua is Spanish. Some
communities on the Caribbean coast speak indigenous languages.
English is understood at some tourist destinations.
Money
The currency is named the Córdoba but commonly referred to as
the peso. American dollars can also be used for common
transactions. Bills must be in good shape to be accepted and
damaged bills can be exchanged at banks. Only some banks will
exchange travellers cheques. All major cities have ATMs and most
hotels and restaurants accept credit card payments.
Time
Local time is GMT/UCT -6.