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To Get There
Agusto César Sandino Airport is located seven miles from downtown Managua. It is currently undergoing a $20 million expansion and renovation. Visitors, who must have a passport with validity of at least six months before expiration, are charged a $5 arrival tax and a $32 departure tax. US citizens do not need visas.
To Get Around
Addresses in Managua are based on street landmarks. Taxis should not cost more than $5 to go from one end of Managua to the other.
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To Stay
We recommend the Real Inter-Continental Metrocentro Managua (Costado sur Centro Comercial Metrocentro, Tel: 505 278-4545, www.gruporeal.com), one of Managua’s most modern hotels.
To Eat
La Marsellaise (Calle Principal Los Robles; Tel: 277-0224) is a lovely restaurant in a quiet residential area. The excellent French cuisine is complemented by live music and locally inspired décor. Casa del Café has the best pastry and coffee in Nicaragua, as well as an excellent atmosphere in which to relax.
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To Drink
Scenario Bar is the lobby bar at the Real Inter-Continental Metrocentro. For a more local atmosphere, visit Casa de los Mejía Brothers (Tel: 270-4928) where the legendary Carlos and Luis Enrique Mejía perform their repertoire celebrating Nicaraguan culture.
To Unwind
Of interest in Managua are the fossilized footprints of Acahualinca, estimated to be 6,000 years old and are evidence of the presence of prehistoric humans in Central America.
To Buy
Ceramics, woven hammocks, paintings, carved wood objects, leather and coffee. Visit the colorful and exuberant Mercado Huembes. Also try the local rum, Flor de Caña.