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| Managua | ||
| department | Managua Department | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 1.028.808 (2012) | |
| height | 83 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Managua is the capital Nicaragua and at the same time the administrative seat of the eponymous departamento. With a good two million inhabitants, Managua is also the largest city in the country and the main transport hub.
background
An insignificant fishing village until the 19th century, Managua was named capital as a compromise to settle the dispute between León and Granada. Since then, the city has seen almost continuous growth and is expanding more and more into the surrounding area. Originally a grown city with a clearly defined historical center, much of the historical building fabric was destroyed by an earthquake in 1972. After the earthquake, the then government under Anastasio Somoza Debayle decided not to rebuild the city center, so that there has been increased growth in the area since then. Managua is very hot and dusty in the dry season (October to mid-May) and is initially a deterrent for many visitors, not least because of its "centerless" structure. However, if you get involved in the city, you can also have a good time here.
getting there
By plane
The 1 Aeropuerto Internacional Augusto C. Sandino is located on the eastern outskirts and is an international airport. The international connections go mainly to the Central American neighboring countries as well as to the USA. There are no direct connections from Germany, you either fly via hubs in the USA, or via Madrid and then another destination in Central America.
Attention: When changing in the USA, a visa or authorization through ESTA (Visa Waiver) is required, even if you are not leaving the airport.
By train
The last of the few railway lines that the country had was abandoned in 2001, so there are no possibilities to travel by train.
By bus
There are international bus routes to the capitals of the Central American states. In contrast to the connections within the country, the buses are mostly modern and air-conditioned. However, you should plan some time for the trip. There are repeated warnings about crime at the bus stops, so you should be careful on site and avoid late arrival or departure times (the sun never sets in the tropics after 7:00 p.m., even in summer). Tickets can also be bought in advance on the Internet. Well known companies are King Quality, Transnica and Tica bus.
From several markets in Managua there are buses (mostly old Bluebird school buses) to almost every corner of the country. The fares are subsidized by the government and also cheap for tourists. For example, a trip to San Carlos, 300 km away, costs only 150 Cordoba (a little less than five euros). Tickets can be bought at the counter the day before at the earliest (for the same price), which is helpful at peak times (Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter) as you can reserve your seat in this way. The buses are usually in at least a roadworthy condition, but it does happen that buses break down on the way. In most cases, the drivers then organize the further transport. There are buses "expreso" (does not stop everywhere, is therefore a bit faster and usually in better condition but also slightly more expensive) and "ruteado" or "ordinario" (slower and cheaper, really stops everywhere, sometimes buses in poor condition).
From the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA), small minibuses drive shorter distances to popular tourist destinations. The prices are a little higher compared to the normal buses, but significantly cheaper than a taxi. Usually the minibus leaves as soon as all (seat) seats are full. Leon (two hours 80 Cordoba) Granada (one hour 40 Cordoba) and Masaya (three quarters of an hour 32.50 Cordoba) are some of the destinations that are visited. Most western tourists take the minibuses for destinations where this is possible. Especially when the last regular bus to Granada has already left, the minibuses will continue for an hour. The area at the UCA is not too big, so it is relatively easy to change trains and buy a snack or drink in between, but the buses do not wait for each other and occasionally transfer times of up to half an hour can occur. Toilets are also available at the UCA (as usual in Nicaragua for a fee of around five Cordoba), just ask for "servicios sanitarios".
In the street
Managua's city traffic is not for the faint of heart as the streets are congested almost 24/7. In addition, there are self-made horse-drawn carriages and street vendors at almost every traffic light, which make traffic a challenge. In Managua there are a relatively large number of roundabouts, some of which are multi-lane, which some may find strange at first. Most of the roads to and from Managua are in relatively good condition, but this does not apply to the carretera vieja a León (old road to León) and the connections to the Caribbean northeast. The road to El Rama, on the other hand, is one of the best in the country. Cars can also be rented with a driver in Managua, which is a viable, albeit not very inexpensive, alternative, especially for those who do not want to face the city traffic of Managua. In Managua, both in a taxi and in your own car, the following applies: keep windows closed, as theft often occurs through the open window of a car waiting at the traffic light.
By boat
Managua is located on the Xolotlan (also known as Managua Lake), but so far there have only been excursions and no regular line connections. However, the city government of Mangua is trying to revitalize the lakefront and has recently modernized the port, so that may change shortly.
mobility
The "addresses" of the form "of sight / prominent point xy blocks in cardinal direction a, z blocks in cardinal direction b" commonly used in Nicaragua are made more complicated in Managua by the size of the city and by the fact that reference points are often given that are not exist more. A fictitious address in Mangua could be: de donde fue el antiguo cine dos cuadras al lago una arriba (in German: from where the old cinema used to be, two blocks to the lake (only common in Managua instead of "to the north") one block "up" (meaning to the east, this relates to sunrise and sunset.) Since the media in Nicaragua are all very focused on Mangua (and almost all of them have their headquarters there), it is common for one address without specifying the city of Managua. A somewhat easier way of orientation are the kilometer markings of important roads. For example, the official address of the newspaper el nuevo diario is: El Nuevo Diario Km 4 1/2 carretera norte (Managua). The government is trying to establish street names recently, but it is not foreseeable whether this will be any apart from the large roundabouts (rotonda) and important arterial roads whose names (as reference points) are well known will have an effect, especially since many streets have had different names in the course of history, some of which have been changed three times for political reasons in the last 40 years.
taxi
Taxis are practically everywhere in Managua. Unlike in other cities, there are no government-set transport prices, so you have to agree the price BEFORE the journey. If you are traveling as a group, you also have to clarify whether the price is meant per person or as a whole. Even for longer distances you should rarely have to pay more than 100 to 150 Cordoba. The exception is the journey from the city center to the airport, where 200 or 250 Cordoba are often required. Credit cards are not accepted. Dollar bills (no coins) are very welcome, but there can be problems with changing money (as with 500 Cordoba bills). Official taxis are usually safe (recognizable by the driver's ID and the paintwork of the car), but you should with the window open watch out at traffic lights, as thefts through the window do happen.
By bus
The bus system in Managua is well developed and has also been equipped with relatively new buses from Russian and Mexican production for a few years. However, there are no network maps and the stops are barely marked. It is advisable to change at larger stations (e.g. metrocentro, plaza inter or the large markets). The buses can sometimes get very full; that means that you have to watch out for pickpockets here too. But nothing else should happen during the day. Regardless of the length, the trip costs 2.50 Cordoba per person until the next change, then 2.50 Cordoba are due again. For some time now, the city administration of Managua has been trying to convert buses to card payments. The prepaid cards are also available for tourists for a small fee (which is then the first credit). Some buses still allow you to pay with cash (recognizable by the "pago mixto" sign on the windshield). At night there are only buses for students to and from the universities, and it is not advisable for tourists to take buses at night, as various incidents of a criminal nature have already occurred.
On foot
Managua was redesigned as a "car-friendly" city after the 1972 earthquake, so it is very difficult to get anywhere on foot. In addition, there is the oppressively hot climate and - depending on the season - dust or mud. On roads with bridges as overpasses, you should use them, even if the locals usually do not, as motorists are not very considerate of pedestrians and the roads are often four or more lane.
by bike
The same applies to cyclists as to pedestrians, and there are hardly any places in Managua where you can rent a bike.
In the street
Traffic in Managua is heavy during off-peak hours and extreme at peak hours. It is advisable to have a local or local driver. It is common for street vendors to sell newspapers through the windows of traffic lights. In addition, there are still a number of self-made horse-drawn carriages in Managua that hinder traffic for motorized participants.
Tourist Attractions
In general, there is less to see in Managua than in the colonial cities of Granada and Leon, and the distances are much further. However, this city also has its charms.
- 1 Loma de Tiscapa
A volcanic hill that was the seat of the president before the earthquake and a prison in Somoza times is now a beautiful point to see Managua from above. On the top of the hill in 1990, shortly before they had to hand over power, the Sandinista erected a silhouette of Augusto C. Sandino, who was murdered nearby after a peace dinner in his honor.
Historic old town and malecon
Since the earthquake of 1972, when the decision was made not to rebuild it, sunk into a kind of deep slumber, there are still some sights to be found here.
- 2 old cathedral. Entry prohibited due to risk of collapse.
- 3 concha acustica which is used for major events. Since the lake has been too polluted to bathe in for several decades, the restaurants on the Malecon lead a shadowy existence, but a government plan was recently presented to revitalize the area.
Part of it is the modernization of the 4 Puerto Salvador Allende from which you can make excursions across the lake.
5 Catedral Metropolitana de ManaguaDirectly opposite Metrocentro there is an architectural feature: the new cathedral with almost fifty domes does not look like any other church and is well worth a photo.
6 Huellas de Acuahalinca
A little away from the city center, you can marvel at the footprints of some prehistoric people at this archaeological site. The area is considered to be relatively unsafe, so a taxi is recommended.
activities
shop
You have an amazing range of goods and can get practically anything. The markets in particular offer a large selection of fresh foods and are well worth a visit. The Metrocentro at the Rotonda Ruben Dario is a large shopping center with numerous shops, banks, restaurants and a multiplex cinema.
While the Israel Lewites markets and in particular the Mercado Huembes are relatively safe and are also recommended for tourists, the Mercado Oriental can only be discouraged. If you don't know your way around here very well, you quickly end up in a dark, half-covered cul-de-sac and can't find your way out. Crime, including violent ones, is quite common here and there is actually nothing there (except danger) that you couldn't get elsewhere.
kitchen
In Managua there is something for (almost) every budget and taste, from fast food to tgi Friday's and international cuisine to traditional Nica dishes. The food courts in Plaza Inter and Metrocentro also offer an astonishingly good selection, while cheaper and smaller items can be found in the markets at various stalls.
nightlife
Managua now has a wide range of entertainment. The opportunities to enjoy the nightlife have also increased significantly in recent years. In order to find a suitable "entertainment venue", it is best to ask the hotel porter.
El Chaman
The Chaman is not one of the very noble addresses in Managua, but here as a tourist you can definitely venture into it. Due to the gun control at the entrance you can feel reasonably safe here. Because in terms of partying, you can definitely speak of the biggest party in Managua outside of big festivals. On Thursdays and Saturdays you pay just 200 Pesos entry and can enjoy the "Barra libre", i.e. free drinks, until around 2 am (on Thursdays for women only 30-50 Pesos -> Ladies Night). However, you shouldn't spend so long at the bar here anyway, because the dancing should be used to the full here. A hot mixture of reggaeton, charts, salsa, bachata and electronic music ensure an overflowing atmosphere and exuberant dancing on and around the boxing-ring-like dance floor. The Chaman is also worth a visit visually and in terms of furnishings. The Chaman with its main area, a large "Mayan pyramid", also offers a pleasant outdoor area and lots of cool furnishings in the "Indian style". The people are almost all very friendly and experience has shown that arguments or fights are seldom seen here.
accommodation
Cheap
- Hospedaje Luciernaga, Radio Sandino 75 mts east. Tel.: 505 222 6570. Price: US $ 10 room with bathroom.
- 1 Santos Guest House. Tel.: 505 2222 3713. Not a luxury, ideal for backpackers.Price: room with bathroom 7, - US $.
- 2 Hotel Europea. Tel.: 505 2268-2130, 505 2268-2131, 505 2268-4930, 505 2268-2133, Email: [email protected]. Clean rooms.Price: US $ 30.
- 3 Managua Backpackers Inn, Monte de Los Olivos, 1 cuadra al norte (lago), 1 cuadra al oeste y 1/2 cuadra al norte (lago), Casa # 56. Tel.: 505-2-267-0006, Email: [email protected]. Good location and specializes in backpackers. The service includes WiFi, rental computers, a DVD library, a pool and two kitchens. If it is fully booked, there are rooms in another house of the same owner, but the quality (with similar prices) is significantly worse.Price: From US $ 10 for shared rooms. From US $ 25 single room.
medium
- 4 Hotel Yolaina, Reparto San Juan, De Donde Fue Restaurante Quelite, 1C.E.1C.N.1C.E., Managua, Nicaragua. Tel.: 505 22771337, Email: [email protected]. 24 rooms with air conditioning & WiFi. The manager speaks english. There is also a pool.Open: check-in from 1 p.m., check-out until 11 a.m.Price: Rooms between US $ 35-US $ 50.
- 5 Hotel Mansion Teodolinda, From Intur one block south and one block west. Tel.: 505 2228 1050, Fax: 505 2222 4908, Email: [email protected]. Hotel with pool and restaurant. Each room has air conditioning and cable television.Price: double room with breakfast approx. 60 US $.
- 6 Hotel Colon, 19 Avenida Sureste / 4.5km Caretta Masaya, Colonial Los Robles, Centro Pellas 2c. E-mail: [email protected]. Hotel furnished in the style of a hacienda. WiFi and free parking spaces in front of the hotel.Price: Double room with air conditioning US $ 79.
- 7 Art Hotel Managua Nicaragua, De la estatua de Montoya, 3 cuadras al Oeste, 1½ cuadra al Norte. Tel.: 505-2250-0075. The hotel used to be the Hotel Beneficial Las Palmas. Located directly on Parque Las Palmas. Internet, great beds and a pool. Very good breakfast included in the price.Price: Rooms from US $ 53.
- 8 Hotel Dulce Hogar Bed & Breakfast, Residencial Bosques de Altamira # 449. Banco BDF 50 vrs. al Sur. Tel.: 505-2277-0865, 505-2270-5936. Price: Rooms for 30 to 50 US $.
Upscale
- 9 Holiday Inn & Convention Center Managua, Pista Juan Pablo II. Tel.: 505 2255-6010, 505 2255-6015, Email: [email protected].
- 10 Hilton Princess Managua, Avenida Miguel Obando y Bravo Managua 14003. Tel.: 505-225-55777, Fax: 505-227-05710.
- 11 Crowne Plaza Managua, Octava Calle Sur Oeste 101 Managua. Tel.: 505-22283530, Fax: 505-22285208. This historic hotel offers a casino, a large pool and much more, such as a sushi bar.Price: 90 to 120 US $.
- 12 Hotel Intercontinental Managua At Metrocentro Mall, Paseo de la Unión Europea, Managua 14005. Tel.: 505 2 2768989, Fax: 505 2 2768988. Price: Double at around US $ 150 to US $ 600.
Learn
Work
security
Managua is significantly more dangerous than other cities in the country.
In Central America, however, Managua is a lot safer than the capitals of Honduras, Guatemala or El Salvador, which are considered very dangerous. You should definitely take a taxi after sunset, and some districts are not recommended during the day. Many Nicaraguans from the country have a somewhat exaggerated idea of the security level in Managua (among other things due to the news that is very focused on crime and traffic accidents in Managua), but one should not behave carelessly and, moreover, not the impression of a certain wealth that arises anyway reinforce it unnecessarily with expensive-looking jewelry or the like.
health
Managua has a few private hospitals, most of which are of a higher standard than the state hospitals. However, you shouldn't expect the staff to speak English here either. Well-known addresses include the Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas http://www.metropolitano.com.ni/ and the Hospital Central http://www.hcm.com.ni/.
Practical advice
Most of the embassies of foreign countries that even have an embassy in Nicaragua are located in Managua. For a detailed list, please refer to the English Wikivoyage. The German embassy moved in mid-2014 and is now at the following address: Managua, Nicaragua km 5 Carretera a Masaya, del Colegio Teresiano 1c. al sur, 1 c. abajo, Calle Erasmus de Rotterdam. While the Swiss embassy is in Costa Rica, there is a consulate based in Managua. This is also the headquarters of the Development Cooperation Office (COSUDE) and is at the following address: Oficina de cooperación suiza COSUDE y Consulado, Rotonda Jean Paul Genie, 900 mts al Oeste y 150 mts al Norte.
trips
literature
Web links
- http://www.managua.gob.ni - Managua Official Website
