>>Destinations>> Managua

The city of Managua is the capital of Nicaragua, and its population is estimated at one million inhabitants. It originated as a small indigenous city.

After celebrating the country’s independence from the Spanish Crown in 1821, Managua was elevated to a city in 1846, and became the capital of the Republic of Nicaragua in 1852.

The name Managua comes from the Nahuatl "managuac", and means “Surrounded by Lakes”; it is commonly know as “the Bride of Xolotlan” (the Nahuatl name for Lake Managua).

Like the rest of Nicaragua, Managua has a strong folkloric heritage and deep-rooted traditions. The customs and habits of its residents also identify the capital as a happy, caring, hard-working and, above all, optimistic place which has been able to move beyond adversity and continues to unite efforts to overcome it. Along with other cities and towns around the country, Managua has its own special cuisine.

On the shores of Lake Xolotlan, Managua offers some interesting sights:

The Musical Fountain offers a spectacle of lights and Nicaraguan folkloric music everyday at dusk. It is bounded by the modern Presidential Building to the north and the Palace of Culture to the south. The latter houses the National Museum, as well as valuable murals. On the east side is Santiago Cathedral, partially destroyed by the 1972 earthquake. However, it is still possible to appreciate the architectural beauty of its interior.

A few steps away, you will find the handsome engraved marble fountain honoring the Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario. Directly north and a few meters toward the lake, is the Ruben Dario National Theater, a place of intense artistic and cultural activity. Through the enormous glass windows of the hall, you can appreciate the beauty and immensity of the lake and the Momotombo and Momotombito Volcanoes. To the west is the statue honoring the “Liberator” Simon Bolivar and to the east is the Parque de La Paz, (Peace Park) with its large obelisk.

The Loma de Tiscapa (Tiscapa Hill) is an interesting site to visit, offering a fabulous view of the city and the lake, especially at dusk. To the west are the famous Huellas de Acahualinca (Footprints of Acahualinca), testimony to the flight of thousands of animals and the first human inhabitants more than 10,000 years ago, during the eruption of a volcano in the area.

To the south of the Tiscapa Crater Lake, along the Avenida Ruben Dario, are most of the modern buildings of Managua, including the new Catedral de la Purísima Concepción (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) and the Ruben Dario Fountain, splendidly illuminated at night, along with large shopping centers, hotels and offices.

The high quality of artists means that visitors should not miss the art galleries and the Central Market, also known as the Roberto Huembes Market where there is a great selection of national crafts.

The “Festival of Music and Youth” is celebrated in February, the festival of Managua’s patron saint, Santo Domingo de Guzman, is held in August, and the Feast of La Purísima (the Immaculate Conception of Mary), patroness of Nicaragua, is celebrated in December. See calendar.

Tourist Attractions

Historical: The center of old Managua, with the ruins of the old cathedral, the Palace of Culture and the Ruben Dario National Theater; the promenade along the lakeshore; the new cathedral; Las Huellas de Acahualinca (the Footprints of Acahualinca); the historic San Jacinto Ranch (to the east of the city on the North Highway).

Scenic: Lake Managua with the Momotombo Volcano; the Chiltepe Peninsula and the Apoyeque, Asososca, Nejapa and Tiscapa Crater Lakes; the Nejapa and Ticomo Valleys, the panoramic view offered by Las Nubes in the town of El Crucero, and the extensive beaches of Montelimar, Masachapa and Pochomil.

Ecological: The Natural Reserve of the Chiltepe Peninsula and El Chocoyero Ravine near Ticuantepe.