5 Things To Know Before Traveling To Managua

5 Things to Know Before Traveling to Managua

So, you’re traveling to Managua, Nicaragua?  Here are five things I wish I knew before heading there myself.

  • US dollars are widely accepted (taxis, grocery stores, hostels etc.), so don’t fret about exchanging everything to the local currency (Nicaraguan Córdoba) right away.  Don’t exchange at the airport, either–you’re likely to get a better rate in the city center.
  • A taxi ride anywhere within Managua should cost between 60-100 Córdoba (about $2.30-3.75 USD), or 180-200 (about $6.80-7.50 USD) between the city center and the airport.  Be suspicious of drivers who try to overcharge, and don’t be afraid to haggle.
  • Managua’s tap water is potable!  It doesn’t taste amazing, but you’ll save money and the environment by filling up your own reusable water bottle.
  • La Catedral de Santiago, or the Old Cathedral of Managua, is a worthwhile sight; this area can be dangerous though, so make sure not to wander east of the plaza and certainly don’t visit alone or at night.
  • In Managua, beer begs to be drank quickly–the weather is so hot, it’ll be lukewarm faster than you can say “Otra cerveza, por favor!”  You’ll be hard-pressed to find import beers in Nicaragua, so you’ll likely have to choose between the Nicaraguan brands Victoria or Toña–I much prefer the latter.

Have you been to Managua? What tips would you add?

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18 comments

  • April

    I wish to check out Managua before the year ends!

    • LaMochilera (author)

      Great! I hope you find some of these tips helpful! 🙂

    • LaMochilera (author)

      Haha I know, right? No matter how much we travel the list never gets shorter, it only grows!

  • Chloe

    I’ll be traveling to Managua and Bethel for a medical mission trip in March, and I’m wondering how you were received by locals? Also, are there etiquette habits to be aware of? (bartering in the market, etc.)
    Thanks! 🙂

    • LaMochilera (author)

      Locals in Nicaragua were lovely! I found them very welcoming across the board. You can bargain for most things, though we did most of our shopping at a supermarket that was very close to our hostel so I don’t have much experience at the local markets. Make sure the taxi drivers don’t overcharge you, as they will try to do! Enjoy your stay!

  • Molly

    HI! I’m traveling to Nicaragua for a week at the end of February. Do you have any suggestions for hostels? We’re looking at traveling through Granada and Ometepe for sure.

    • La Mochilera (author)

      Hi Molly! I’m not sure about hostels in Granada, but on Ometepe we stayed in a lovely place called Hostal Santo Domingo. Excellent location and very affordable, $8 for a dorm bed I believe! Enjoy!

    • La Mochilera (author)

      I would love to come back for another visit, Marcela! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

  • Elke

    Thanks a lot! I am going there for 2 months and visit Costa Rica as well! So, enough reads at your fantastic blog!

    • La Mochilera (author)

      I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by, and happy travels!

  • Sarah at Nomad Capitalist

    I lived in Managua for a few months last year and was positively surprised! People are extremely friendly, although it definitely helps being able to speak Spanish.
    There is not too much to see and do in Managua, which is mainly due to the fact there is no real city centre and everything is spread out. I was lucky and met quite a few local friends who showed me around the city and surroundings, otherwise I think wouldn’t have been able to enjoy my time there as much!
    Even though everyone warned me about living in Managua, i felt relatively safe, I was careful thought, and never took much cash or my credit card with me.
    Sarah at Nomad Capitalist recently posted…What If Being An Expat Is Wrong For You?My Profile

  • Gemma

    Hello! Found your post on Pinterest. We arrive very late (like 1am), can you name any hotels that do a shuttle pick up at that time? Thanks.
    Gemma recently posted…Three Weeks in PeruMy Profile

    • Leah Davis (author)

      Hey Gemma! Sorry but I don’t have any advice for you about hotels that do airport pickup (I assume that’s what you mean) in Managua. I stayed at Hotel Maracuya which is actually a youth hostel. I took a taxi there from the airport. They can arrange one for you at the airport for a fixed price, which is probably the safest way to go at that time of night. Sorry I can’t offer any more advice! Good luck!

  • Annie Rockwell

    Hi Leah! Thanks for the useful post! I am planning a trip with my boyfriend (both digital nomads) and I can’t wait to see Nicaragua. Have a nice day!:) An

    • Leah Davis (author)

      I really hope you guys enjoy it! Cheers!

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