Compare Cheap Hotels in Managua

Once a sleepy pre-Columbian fishing village on the shore of Lake Xolotlan, Managua has become a vibrant metropolis characterized by Colonial architecture and a friendly atmosphere. It is filled with museums and cultural attractions, such as Revolution Square, the National Palace of Culture and the Museum of Acahualinca, which houses ancient fossilized Paleo-Indian footprints. The city is also home to the Dennis Martinez National Stadium, a venue for baseball, soccer and outdoor concerts.

Key facts

Located east of the capital, Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) is the main gateway into the city. Taxis and motorbikes are the most convenient way to travel to city landmarks like the Ruben Dario Rotunda fountain, the Managua Cathedral and the Tiscapa Lagoon, a fresh water-filled crater from an extinct volcano. The Zona Rosa is the center of Managua’s nightlife.

Hints and tips

The tropical climate produces temperatures averaging between 82 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The rainy season lasts from May to October while the distinct dry season runs from November to April. Annual celebrations include the Happiness for Life Carnival in March and the Santo Domingo de Guzman festival in August, honoring the city’s patron saint. These celebrations feature traditional dances, music and traditional dishes such as cajeta de leche, quesillo and nacatamales.