Managua
Addresses in Managua are based on street landmarks. The city’s business center extends mainly along the strip between the New Cathedral and the highway leading to the national volcano park at Masaya. Taxis should not cost more than $5 to travel from one end of Managua to the other.
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To Get There
Augusto César Sandino Airport is located seven miles from downtown Managua. To enter the country, visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months before expiration and pay a $5 arrival tax. There is also a $32 departure tax.
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To Stay
Our favorite hotel in Managua is the Real InterContinental Metrocentro Managua (Costado Sur Centro Comercial Metrocentro, tel: 505-278-4545). Located in the center of the city, every room has high-speed Internet access. Room rates range from $155-$600 plus 15% tax. Visit their website at
www.icmanagua.gruporeal.com or e-mail: reservaciones@gruporeal.com.ni.
The recently remodeled Hotel Crowne Plaza (101 Octava Calle Sur-Oeste, tel: 505-228 3530) has fully upgraded rooms and is just five minutes from the business district. Room rates range from $100-400 plus 15% tax. Visit the hotel’s website at www.crowneplaza.com or
e-mail: managua@ichotelsgroup.com.
To Eat
Los Ranchos (kilometer 3 on Carretera Sur, tel: 266-0526) is known as the city’s best steakhouse. With indoor and outdoor seating and simple décor, Los Ranchos has a traditional Nicaraguan feel and serves excellent food.
Harry’s Grill and Bar (Km 8 Carretera a Masaya, tel: 276-2858) serves grilled and barbequed beef in a warm interior with wooden décor. Its outdoor terrace is lush with trees and greenery, which enhance the dining experience.
La Marselleise (Calle Principal Los Robles; tel: 277-0224) is a lovely restaurant in a quiet residential area called Los Robles. The excellent French cuisine is complemented by live music.
To Drink
Quetal and La Zona Hippos, two bars located behind the Princess Hotel (Km 4.5 Carretera a Masaya) attract a distinguished clientele and serve a wide variety of drinks. La Zona has a distinctive tropical decor and atmosphere. At the Priness Hotel itself, Clancy’s is a good spot for drinks.
We also like Scenario Bar in the lobby of the InterContinental (Costado sur Centro Comercial Metrocentro).
To Unwind
Of interest in Managua are the fossilized footprints of Acahualinca, estimated to be 6,000 years old. Scientists say they are evidence of the presence of prehistoric humans in Central America.
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To Buy
Nicaragua is a good place to buy a variety of ceramics, woven hammocks, wood carvings, leather and coffee. Balsa sculptures, paintings and pottery from San Juan del Oriente are particularly nice. Also try the local rum, Flor de Caña.
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2004 National Holidays July 19 – Sandinista Revolution September 14 – Battle of St. Jacinto September 15 – Independence Day December 8 – Immaculate Conception December 25 – Christmas Day |