Managua - General Information
Managua is the capital city of Nicaragua. It is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Managua and was declared the national capital in 1857. Previously, the capital had alternated between the cities of León and Granada. The city has a population of about 1,800,000 composed predominantly of Spanish-speaking creoles and mestizos.
Founded in 1819 and given the name of Leal Villa de Santiago de Managua, the city began life as a rural fishing village. Efforts to make Managua the capital of Nicaragua began in 1824, soon after the Central American nations became independent from Spain. Managua's location between the rival cities of León and Granada made it an ideal compromise site. The city has been witness to the rise and fall of political powers throughout Nicaragua's history, and has suffered two devastating earthquakes over the course of the 20th century.
The name Managua originates from Mana-ahuac, which in the indigenous Nahuatl language translates to "adjacent to the water" or site "surrounded by water." The city stands today on an area historically inhabited by Native American peoples centuries prior to the Spanish conquest of Central America in the 16th century.
Nicaragua was inhabited by Paleo-Indians as far back as 6,000 years ago. This is confirmed by the ancient footprints of Acahualinca found along the shores of Lake Managua, along with other archaeological evidence, mainly in the form of ceramics and statues made of volcanic stone like the ones found on the island of Zapatera and petroglyphs found in Ometepe island.
It was not until 1857 after Granada was destroyed by a U.S. mercenary army led by William Walker, that the capital was firmly established in Managua. Between 1852 and 1930 Managua underwent extensive urbanization; becoming a base of governance, infrastructure and services. The city was hampered by major floods in 1876 and 1885 and a disastrous earthquake in 1931, which destroyed much of the city.
Under the rule of dictator Anastasio Somoza García and his family (1936–1979), it began to grow rapidly. New government buildings were erected, industry developed, and universities were established; Managua had become Central America's most developed city. However, the city suffered a second major earthquake on December 23, 1972, which destroyed most of the city and killed over 10,000 people. The city was cleared, however it never returned to its previous state. The earthquake caused many of Managua's residents to find refuge in the outskirts of the city, and for fear of future earthquakes the centre of the city was never entirely rebuilt.
Geography
Managua is located on the southern shores of Lake Managua (also known as Lake Xolotlan). Lake Xolotlan contains the same fish species as Lake Cocibolca, except for the freshwater sharks found exclusively in the latter. Once a Managuan scenic highlight, the lake has been polluted from the dumping of chemical and waste water since 1927. A waste water treatment project supported by the German government has started to decontaminate the lake.
Managua extends about 30 km (18 mi) along Lake Managua at an altitude of 55 metres (165 ft) above sea level, gaining altitude towards the Sierras de Managua where it is over 970 metres (2910 ft) above sea level.
Managua features four smaller lakes and lagoons within the city limits. The most centrally located is Laguna de Tiscapa (Tiscapa Lagoon), south of the old downtown. Tiscapa Lagoon is of volcanic origin and was formed approximately 10,000 years ago. Asososca lagoon, to the west, is Managua's most important source of drinking water. Asososca is located at the beginning of Carretera al Sur (Southern Highway), close to the connection with the Carretera Nueva a León (New Highway Via León). Nejapa lagoon, south of the Asososca lagoon, is also along the Southern Highway. The fourth lagoon is Acahualinca lagoon, which is located to the Northwest. This lagoon, which gives its name to a nearby district to the east, is located on the shores of Lake Managua. This lagoon is mostly noted for having shallow waters.
Managua, like much of Western Nicaragua except for the Sierras, has a tropical climate with constant temperatures averaging between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius (82 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit). The months of December and January are chilly, whereas March and April are humid and somewhat arid.
Managua, due to its tropical climate, varied topography, naturally fertile soils, and abundant rain and water sources, boasts a great variety of flora. Therefore, many different types of trees (some of them not found in the rest of the world, such as chilamates, madronos, ceibos, pochotes, genizaros, tiguilotes, royal palms and pinuelas) surround the city. During the rainy season (May to November), Managua becomes one of the most lavish cities in the Americas.
Education
Managua is the national education center, with most of universities and higher education institutions based there. Some of the more important universities in Managua include:
Managua is also the home of the Instituto Centroamericano de Administracion de Empresas (INCAE), founded in 1964 with the support of the United States government and other Central American countries. The institution has a close affiliation with Harvard University, as it had played a part in its foundation. The campus is the first of two that the school has, the other being in Alajuela, Costa Rica. According to a study done by America Economia INCAE ranked as the number one business school in Latin America for 2 consecutive years (2004, 2005) and ranked within the top ten business schools in international rankings by The Wall Street Journal.
Economy
Managua is the economic center and a generator of services for much of the entire nation. Unlike many other Latin American countries, it does not suffer from massive migration of country peasants looking for work in the city, since many other cities of Nicaragua have well established economic industries. Nonetheless, as it is the only city with a population exceeding one million inhabitants, it houses many large national and international businesses. It is home to many factories which produce diverse products. Multinational companies such as Wal-Mart, Telefonica, Union Fenosa, and Parmalat have offices and operations in Managua.
Managua is also home to all of the major banks of the nation, Banco de la Produccion (BANPRO), Banco de America Central (BAC), Banco Uno, Banco de Finanzas (BDF), Banco de Crédito Centroamericano (BANCENTRO) and its parent company the LAFISE Group. Several new hotels including Crowne Plaza, Best Western, InterContinental, Holiday Inn, and Hilton currently have facilities in Managua. As well as many hotels, Managua has opened four western style shopping centers or malls, such as Plaza Inter, Centro Comercial Metrocentro, Galerias Santo Domingo, and Multicentro Las Americas. These malls cater to the minority upper class population and foreigners.
There is a huge established local market system that caters to the majority of the Nicaraguan population. The Mercado Roberto Huembe, Mercado Oriental and other locations are where one can find anything from household amenities and to electrical and other contracting supplies. Many of the backpacking, ecotourism types and tourists on a budget use these markets for their supplies. Although one needs to use caution regarding wallets and personal items (as with many public markets around the world) the markets can be the source of high quality and unique items. Tourists looking for an authentic experience should consider these destinations as there is always something interesting to eat and local customs to be experienced.
Managua is also currently experiencing an upsurge in real estate prices and as well as a housing shortage. Foreigners mainly from North America and Europe are becoming interested in considering post-retirement life in Nicaragua. The capital is also a need for modern office space in downtown Managua and as the economy of Managua continues to grow. Economists predict that its demand for commercial real estate will also increase. New office buildings that are currently being constructed along the Carretera Masaya and in Villa Fontana. The most recent inauguration being the Edificio Invercasa.
Arts and Culture
The National library holds a great amount of volumes, and affords abundant bibliographic information for anyone interested in the discovery and independence of Nicaragua. The National Palace of Culture has on show an interesting exhibition of Nicaraguan art from the periods previous to its independence. Also located inside the National Palace of Culture is the National Museum containing some highly interesting archaeological finds with some good examples of pre-Columbian pottery, statues, and other interesting finds. Managua is also home to an array of art galleries which feature pieces by both national and international artists.
Managua is home to many types of museums, some art museums include the Julio Cortazar Museum and the Archivo Fílmico de la Cinemateca Nacional. Natural history museums include the Museo del Departamento de Malacología UCA, Museo Gemológico de la Concha y el Caracol, and Museo Paleontológico “El Hato”. The Santo Domingo de Guzmán Museum is an anthropology museum. History museums include the Museo de la Revolución, Museo Casa Hacienda San Jacinto, Museo Histórico Municipal de Coritno, and Museo Parque Loma de Tiscapa.
Cultural centers in Managua include the Centro Cultural Nicaragüense Norteamericano (CCNN) (Nicaraguan-North American Culture Center), the Centro Cultural Chino Nicaragüense (Chinese Nicaraguan Culture Center), the Alliançe Française de Managua (French Alliance of Managua), among others.
The old Cathedral of Managua was designed in, and shipped from Belgium in 1920. The cathedral was damaged due to the 1972 earthquake, and was condemned, which led to the construction of the new cathedral of Managua, the newest constructed Roman Catholic cathedral. However in recent years the restoration of the old cathedral has appeared to be possible and is currently awaiting its renovation. The Rubén Dario National Theatre is Nicaragua's most important theater, and is one of the most modern theaters in Central America. Both national and international artists present shows, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural performances such as El Güegüense among many others.
The Dr. Roberto Incer Barquero Library, located in Managua, is designated to promote Nicaraguan culture. The library has 67,000 books, free internet, a newspaper archive where users can borrow newspapers and magazines, and economical information of the Central Bank. Furthermore, the library offers a gallery in the same building, where famous Nicaraguan paintings as well as pieces from new, promising artists are exhibited. In the numismatic hall there is a permanent exhibition of Nicaraguan coins, bills, and memorial medals from throughout Nicaragua's history.
National Palace in Managua
The National Palace is one of the most impressive buildings in Nicaragua. It was built by President Juan Bautista Sacasa in 1935 and it houses plenty of history. For more than 50 years, the National Palace was used as governmental office. Now, the building serves several purposes. It houses the National Archive, the National Library, as well as the National Museum--which is open to the public. The museum features paintings, Pre-Columbian statuettes, ceramics, etc. There is a ‘National History’ room as well as a room with the National Symbols. Managua is also home to the Museum of Acahualinca where Ancient footprints of Acahualinca - fossilized human footprints made 6000 years ago are engraved in volcanic ash.
Managua's most famous festival is that of its patron saint Santo Domingo de Guzmán. On the morning of the first of August the "Bajada del Santo" takes place. This involves taking the old statue of Santo Domingo from the church in Las Sierritas to the church located less than one kilometer from the old center of the city. Here it stays until the morning of the tenth, when the "Subida del Santo" takes place, during which the statue is brought back. Thousands of religious people attend this event (to thank the saint for miracles), dancing on the beat of musical bands and some of them dressed in typical costume, with Indian masks or with a painted body. These celebrations take place in the afternoon, and it is also a very crowded happening. Horse breeders and owners parade with their best horses during the horse parade.
Entertainment
Managua features many bars, nightclubs, casinos, theaters and cinemas. Compared to western prices, alcoholic beverages, theatre visits and cinema tickets are relatively cheap. There are cinemas in all major shopping centers; screening both English- and Spanish-language films. Foreign embassies in Managua also sponsor film festivals.
The city also enjoys an array of international cuisine, including Japanese, Brazilian, Chinese, French, Indian, Spanish, Mexican, Italian, Argentine, German and Nicaraguan restaurants. These are accompanied by most of the well-known US fast food chains, as well as national chains such as pollo Tip-Top and Rosti-Pollo.
The national sport of Nicaragua is baseball and is by far the most popular of all sports. This is followed by soccer (or football as it is called in Nicaragua). The Dennis Martínez National Stadium is home to many baseball games of Managua's Boer team. At the time of its construction in the late 1960s, it was the most modern stadium in Central America. It hosted the Baseball World Cup in 1994.
Baseball was first introduced to Nicaragua in 1888 in the Caribbean coastal town of Bluefields, but it didn't catch on in the towns on the Pacific coast region until 1891 when a group of mostly students originating from universities of the United States formed "La Sociedad de Recreo" (Society of Recreation) to play various sports. Baseball was the most popular among them.
Since the anticipation of the World Cup of 2006, there's been growing amateur interest in little football or "futbolin" among teens and adults. New private courts or "canchas" like La Meca del Futbol and La Liga, offer well-conditioned courts for rent by the hour. Such establishments have played a big role in the promotion of amateur games and fun tournaments. On the professional level, the National Nicaraguan Football team has still not had the public support nor the international exposure as the regional counterparts like the Costa Rican or Honduran teams. However, with support of the FIFA, the first ever national football stadium in Managua is under construction.
Beginning in the late 1990s and early 2000, casinos have also become a somewhat popular attraction for wealthier Nicaraguans and foreign visitors. These casinos have created some controversy. Managuans typically enjoy going out with friends and, although losing ground to Spanish and American pop and rock, salsa dancing is a national pastime. Nightclubs and bars abound in Managua; the most popular area is the so-called "Zona Hippos" behind the Hilton hotel near Metrocentro.
Aside from these activities, Managua also has a wide selection to offer in shopping, including everything from local markets, to boutiques and department stores. The Mercado Roberto Huembes is probably one of the best markets in Managua, where shoppers can find everything from furniture, national arts and crafts, to fruits and vegetables, and clothing. Also there are several shopping centers with department stores such as ECLIPSE, CARRION, and SIMAN which house all major Australian, American and European clothing and cosmetic brands for both men and women. Pali, La Union, and La Colonia are the more recognized conventional supermarkets, which are located in several areas of the city, and sell local and imported ingredients from all over the world.
The following website has the schedule for all cultural events, movie schedules and major sports.
Cllck here for all major Managua events
Transportation
Transportation-wise, Managua is one of Nicaragua's best positioned cities. All of Nicaragua's main roads lead to Managua, and there are good public transportation connections to and from the capital. There are four main highways that lead into Managua. The Pan-American Highway enters the city from the north, connecting Managua to Nicaragua's northern and central departments. This highway is referred to as the Northern Highway. The Southern Highway, the southern part of the Pan-American highway, connects Managua to southern departments such as Carazo and Rivas.
The Carretera Masaya connects Managua to the departments of Masaya and Granada. And the New Highway to León connects Managua with León. All of these highways are in good condition, with little traffic congestion. Infrastructure is very-well developed in Nicaragua compared to other Central American countries and there are few unnavigable roads or streets. There are very few towns or cities that have road leading to them that do not have different levels of public transportation. In fact, most buses are continually full even in the smallest of villages. Nicaragua's public transportation system works.
Within Managua, those who commute to and from work will generally travel by bus or taxi; as of yet there are no suburban trains, trams or monorails in Managua. Recently with the assistance of the Japanese government, Managua has commenced operating new modern Mercedes-Benz buses on several bus routes, with the intention of modernizing the city's transport system. Typical Nicaraguan buses are older school buses from the United States. Additionally some buses are painted with religious artwork of Catholic saints.
Managua has several bus terminals for inter-departmental travel, most of them located close to a market. Buses that arrive from or depart to a certain destination can often only be found at one specific terminal. Travelers who pass through Managua on their way from one city to another might need to transfer to another terminal within Managua. Nicaragua had an extensive and functional rail system. It fell into disrepair during the 1980s and the Chamorro government closed the system and sold the cars and rails for scrap.
The Managua International Airport is the largest airport of Nicaragua and recently inaugurated its over US$52 million extensions and renovation partly financed by Spain. The airport has now been converted into the most modern air terminal of Central America. In Nicaragua, it is the most important hub for connections of both at international and at national level. Frequent flights to local destinations like Bluefields, Corn Islands and San Carlos, Nicaragua also depart from this same location. The airport is located at the northern highway, about 11 kilometers (8 miles) east of the city's downtown. Hotels, restaurants, and commercial centers can all be easily reached from the airport by car, taxi, or bus. There are a total of 10 airlines that operate flights to and from the airport. A setback occurred when Air Madrid filed for bankruptcy ending the possibility of transatlantic flights to the Spanish capital. The company has also shown interest in building a hangar for regional maintenance of its aircraft and those of other airlines.
Infrastructure & Communication
In Managua, a water treatment plant is being constructed to clean Lake Managua. With the support of the German government in funding the project, the water treatment plant should show definite results by 2010. Also pending is a mega-project to reconstruct the old center of Managua, and to introduce a monorail system, to alleviate future transportation problems in Managua. Both of these projects will revitalize the old center of Managua and boost tourism, commerce, infrastructure and economic development.
Managua is the home of most national broadcasting television channels as well as the major national newspapers. The largest television channel is followed by Canal 2, Telenica, Canal 10, 100% Noticias, and several others. La Prensa is a newspaper with offices based in Managua along with El Nuevo Diario and other smaller newspapers. There are numerous radio stations in Managua, some of which tend to have political, social, or religious affiliations.
Managua also has many public hospitals (which specialize in certain types of care, maternity, children, skin care etc.) as well some private hospitals. The newest of all hospitals is the private Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas located at km 10, Carretera Masaya. It has a private ambulance service as well. It is the noted as one of the best hospitals in all Central America, with the latest in modern medical equipment and facilities. Very fast emergency service at a cost materially less than the U.S. (example: emergency consultation is typically US$25 and a private room is U.S. $98 a day). Other private hospitals (private hospitals are the only type recommended for tourists vs. the free public system) are Hospital Bautista (Baptist Hospital), and Hospital Militar which is a military hospital but which takes private patients.
Things to See
Old Cathedral of Managua
The old Cathedral of Managua was designed in, and shipped from Belgium in 1920.The cathedral survived the 1931 earthquake but was extremely damaged due to the 1972 earthquake and wascondemned, which led to the construction of the new cathedral of Managua, the newest constructed Roman Catholic cathedral. However, in recent years, the restoration of the old cathedral has appeared to be possible and is currently awaiting its renovation.
Rubén Dario National Theater
The Rubén Dario National Theater is Nicaragua's most important theater, and is one of the most modern theaters in Central America. Both national and international artists present shows, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural performances such as El Güegüense among many others. The National Theater is one of the few buildings that survived the 1972 earthquake that destroyed 90% of Managua.
National Palace of Culture
The National Palace is one of the most impressive buildings in Nicaragua. It was built by President Juan Bautista Sacasa in 1935 and it houses plenty of history. For more than 50 years, the National Palace was used as governmental office and now serves several purposes. The National Palace houses the National Archive, the National Library, as well as the National Museum which is open to the public. The museum features paintings, pre-Columbian statues, ceramics, etc. Also present inside is the National History room, as well as a room with the National Symbols. The National Palace of Culture (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura) was one of few building that survived the 1972 earthquake.
Tiscapa Lagoon (Natural Reserve)
The Tiscapa Lagoon, located inside the Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve is just south of the Managua's Historical Center. Leading up to the Lagoon is the Monumento Roosevelt (Roosevelt Monument). Another interesting monument is the statue of Sandino which is a statue of the Silhouette of General Augusto C. Sandino, Nicaragua's national hero and stands at 59 feet tall. The monument was proposed by Ernesto Cardenal and is protected by the Nicaraguan military. The Sandino monument was constructed on top of the wreckage of Somoza's presidential mansion. Also on the crater lip of Tiscapa is the Las Masmorras, a prison in which Somoza tortured current President Daniel Ortega and many other political prisoners, however, this site is closed to the public.
The reserve is located within city limits of the capital, Managua, and is a popular tourist attraction. Restaurants and stores line the walls of the lagoon. Canopy rides provide a panoramic view of the old downtown where only a few buildings survived the 1972 earthquake that destroyed 90% of the capital city, however, many new buildings and shopping malls have been built since then throughout the city due to the lack of a new center. Many pre-Columbian artifacts have been found in and around lagoon and reserve.
Dr. Roberto Incer Barquero Library
The Dr. Roberto Incer Barquero Library, located in Managua, is designated to promote Nicaraguan culture. The library has 67,000 books, free internet, a newspaper archive where users can borrow newspapers and magazines, and economical information of the Central Bank. Furthermore, the library offers a gallery in the same building, where famous Nicaraguan paintings, as well as pieces from new promising artists, are exhibited. In the numismatic hall there is a permanent exhibition of Nicaraguan coins, bills, and memorial medals from throughout Nicaragua's history.
Museum of Acahualinca
Managua is also home to the Museum of Acahualinca where the Ancient footprints of Acahualinca, fossilized Paleo-Indian footprints made some 6,000 years ago, are engraved in volcanic ash. The museum "Museo Sitio Huellas de Acahualinca" is located in west Managua in the Acahualinca neighborhood. In addition to the footprints, the museum also displays artifacts found in other localities around the country. Artifacts such as mammoth footprints, pre-Columbian tools, a skull from León Viejo, and a small collection of pottery among other archaeological objects.
Dennis Martínez National Stadium
The Dennis Martínez National Stadium was built in 1948 and was the largest stadium in Central America at the end of its construction, it survived the 1972 earthquake. The stadium was named in honor of Nicaragua first baseball player to play in Major League Baseball, it serves as a venue for baseball and football (soccer) games, as well as concerts and religious events. The Dennis Martínez National Stadium has a capacity for 40,000 making it the largest stadium in Nicaragua.
Catedral Metropolitana
The Catedral Metropolitana de la Purisima Concepcion (Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception), more commonly referred to as La Nueva Catedral (The New Cathedral), was designed by the architect Ricardo Legorreta and inaugurated in 1993. The new cathedral was built to replace the old cathedral, which had been damaged by the 1972 earthquake. The new cathedral has created much controversy, particularly about its architectural style and finance.
Eating in Managua
Due to the influence of immigrants and tourists it is frequent to find food specialties of the diverse regions of Nicaragua jointly with international ones. The most common subsistence foods include rice, plantain, beans, varieties of cabbage and cheeses. There exists a local tradition of cheese making and it is not unusual to encounter fried cheese as a side dish with many of the most popular dishes such as fried plantain medallions and "Gallopinto", a regional traditional rice and bean dish. Managua enjoys an array of international cuisine including a some Italian and Spanish restaurants as well as French. Traces of traditional German cuisine can also be found in Selva Negra, an estate near the city of Matagalpa which is a prominent tourist attraction, as well as in the city of Granada. Many Asian restaurants (South Korean, Chinese, and Taiwanese) can be found in the area of the capital and other major cities.
The capital is also conspiculously dotted with many American restaurant chains such as Pizza Hut, McDonalds,Dominos Pizza, Papa John's, and Subway which have sprung up within the last two decades. Local and regional fast food chains exist as well, for example Tip-top, RostiPollo, and Pollo Campero.
A strong tradition of preparing local sweets such as "Cajeta de leche", a sweet condensenced milk as well as sugared coconut and nuts can be found. Some local varieties of chocolate can be found as well, usually prepared with pepper and other spices or nuts. A popular 'fast food' known as "quesillo" is popular throughout the country. Quesillo consits of locally produced chese wrapped in a corn tortilla with cream, onions, and salt. Nacatamales, the Nicaragun version of the tamal, is a local delicacy. Many fruits such as Mangos, "jocotes", and "mamones" are a common snack. Mangoes and jocotes are often consumend while still unripe with salt and vinegar.
Steak preparation is one of the strong points of the local cuisine. It is often accompanied by a special sauce known as "chimichuri" composed of oil, garlic, and herbs. There are many prominent steak restaurants throughout the country among them "Los Ranchos". including, but not limited to, Argentine, Brazilian, Chinese, French, German, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and Spanish restaurants, as well as Nicaraguan. These are accompanied by many U.S. fast food chains, as well as national fast food chains such as Tip-Top and Rosti-Pollo. A new culinary school and restaurant called Culinario Santa Lucia offers fun courses in international and local cuisines.
A good breakfast is Leche Agria - a homemade yogurt like drink. Look for signs advertising it in store fronts and pulperias. Put a little salt on it and eat it with tortilla.
Los Ranchos: steak house that is so good, it spawned a chain in South Florida. Has been popular with locals for lunch and dinner since the days of Somoza. During that time, the politicians on opposite side of the conflict would run into each other here on a regular basis. Service is impeccable. They serve a churrasco that is hard to beat for flavor and tenderness. Order it with a gin Martini for appetizer. Located about 3 blocks north of estatua de Montoya.
La Plancha: Steak house at its best and finest. Dare you to try it and not say its one of the best steaks you ever had tried in your life. Their signature plate is the name of the restaurant: La Plancha. Comes with mashed potatoes and plantains on a hot grill.
Le Café de Paris: the best French restaurant in town. Taken care personally by its proprietor and chef, Jeaninne. Very good wines. Ask for its famous Foiagras, green salad and pepper steak. Located in Los Robles.
La Cocina de Doña Haydée: a good taste of local Nicaraguan cuisine. 3 Locations - Original off the Carretera Masaya km 4.5 (not far from Metrocentro), another near the Rotonda Bello Horizonte and the last in the food court at Metrocentro.
Casa del Cafe for good coffee and breakfast. Four locations, one in Los Robles, one on the second floor of Metrocentro, one in Galerias Santo Domingo and one after the security check at Augusto C. Sandino International Airport.
Sushi Itto, in case you have a craving. Three locations, one in Carretera Masaya (in Plaza Familiar), one in Galerias Santo Domingo, and one in Plaza Caracol.
La Cueva del Buzo - great seafood freshly caught. Must go if you can afford it
El Rincon Salvadoreno - fantastic Salvadorian pupusas and fruit juices in a pleasant outdoor area
Other noted restaurants:
Ola Verde, primera entrada Las Colinas
Al Di La, Res Las Jinotepes 200m a Camino Las Nubes Qta Aldila, El Crucero
Las Cascuelas, Carretera Sur
La Casserola, Km 13.8 Carretera Sur
Casa de Los Noguera, calle principal Los Robles
La Marseillaise, calle principal Los Robles
Tiscapa, on the Laguna (my favorite)
Intermezzo del Bosque, south of Altos de Villa Fontana
Madrid Kul, frente Hotel Colon Los Robles
El Garabato, calle principal Los Robles
La Boheme, en Galerias
Eskimo, Altagracia
Founded in 1819 and given the name of Leal Villa de Santiago de Managua, the city began life as a rural fishing village. Efforts to make Managua the capital of Nicaragua began in 1824, soon after the Central American nations became independent from Spain. Managua's location between the rival cities of León and Granada made it an ideal compromise site. The city has been witness to the rise and fall of political powers throughout Nicaragua's history, and has suffered two devastating earthquakes over the course of the 20th century.
The name Managua originates from Mana-ahuac, which in the indigenous Nahuatl language translates to "adjacent to the water" or site "surrounded by water." The city stands today on an area historically inhabited by Native American peoples centuries prior to the Spanish conquest of Central America in the 16th century.
Nicaragua was inhabited by Paleo-Indians as far back as 6,000 years ago. This is confirmed by the ancient footprints of Acahualinca found along the shores of Lake Managua, along with other archaeological evidence, mainly in the form of ceramics and statues made of volcanic stone like the ones found on the island of Zapatera and petroglyphs found in Ometepe island.
It was not until 1857 after Granada was destroyed by a U.S. mercenary army led by William Walker, that the capital was firmly established in Managua. Between 1852 and 1930 Managua underwent extensive urbanization; becoming a base of governance, infrastructure and services. The city was hampered by major floods in 1876 and 1885 and a disastrous earthquake in 1931, which destroyed much of the city.
Under the rule of dictator Anastasio Somoza García and his family (1936–1979), it began to grow rapidly. New government buildings were erected, industry developed, and universities were established; Managua had become Central America's most developed city. However, the city suffered a second major earthquake on December 23, 1972, which destroyed most of the city and killed over 10,000 people. The city was cleared, however it never returned to its previous state. The earthquake caused many of Managua's residents to find refuge in the outskirts of the city, and for fear of future earthquakes the centre of the city was never entirely rebuilt.
Geography
Managua is located on the southern shores of Lake Managua (also known as Lake Xolotlan). Lake Xolotlan contains the same fish species as Lake Cocibolca, except for the freshwater sharks found exclusively in the latter. Once a Managuan scenic highlight, the lake has been polluted from the dumping of chemical and waste water since 1927. A waste water treatment project supported by the German government has started to decontaminate the lake.
Managua extends about 30 km (18 mi) along Lake Managua at an altitude of 55 metres (165 ft) above sea level, gaining altitude towards the Sierras de Managua where it is over 970 metres (2910 ft) above sea level.
Managua features four smaller lakes and lagoons within the city limits. The most centrally located is Laguna de Tiscapa (Tiscapa Lagoon), south of the old downtown. Tiscapa Lagoon is of volcanic origin and was formed approximately 10,000 years ago. Asososca lagoon, to the west, is Managua's most important source of drinking water. Asososca is located at the beginning of Carretera al Sur (Southern Highway), close to the connection with the Carretera Nueva a León (New Highway Via León). Nejapa lagoon, south of the Asososca lagoon, is also along the Southern Highway. The fourth lagoon is Acahualinca lagoon, which is located to the Northwest. This lagoon, which gives its name to a nearby district to the east, is located on the shores of Lake Managua. This lagoon is mostly noted for having shallow waters.
Managua, like much of Western Nicaragua except for the Sierras, has a tropical climate with constant temperatures averaging between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius (82 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit). The months of December and January are chilly, whereas March and April are humid and somewhat arid.
Managua, due to its tropical climate, varied topography, naturally fertile soils, and abundant rain and water sources, boasts a great variety of flora. Therefore, many different types of trees (some of them not found in the rest of the world, such as chilamates, madronos, ceibos, pochotes, genizaros, tiguilotes, royal palms and pinuelas) surround the city. During the rainy season (May to November), Managua becomes one of the most lavish cities in the Americas.
Education
Managua is the national education center, with most of universities and higher education institutions based there. Some of the more important universities in Managua include:
- University Centroamericana (UCA)
- Polytechnic University of Nicaragua (UPOLI)
- University of Commercial Sciences (UCC)
- National University of Engineering (UNI)
- American University (UAM)
- Catholic University (UNICA)
- The National Agrarian University (UNA)
Managua is also the home of the Instituto Centroamericano de Administracion de Empresas (INCAE), founded in 1964 with the support of the United States government and other Central American countries. The institution has a close affiliation with Harvard University, as it had played a part in its foundation. The campus is the first of two that the school has, the other being in Alajuela, Costa Rica. According to a study done by America Economia INCAE ranked as the number one business school in Latin America for 2 consecutive years (2004, 2005) and ranked within the top ten business schools in international rankings by The Wall Street Journal.
Economy
Managua is the economic center and a generator of services for much of the entire nation. Unlike many other Latin American countries, it does not suffer from massive migration of country peasants looking for work in the city, since many other cities of Nicaragua have well established economic industries. Nonetheless, as it is the only city with a population exceeding one million inhabitants, it houses many large national and international businesses. It is home to many factories which produce diverse products. Multinational companies such as Wal-Mart, Telefonica, Union Fenosa, and Parmalat have offices and operations in Managua.
Managua is also home to all of the major banks of the nation, Banco de la Produccion (BANPRO), Banco de America Central (BAC), Banco Uno, Banco de Finanzas (BDF), Banco de Crédito Centroamericano (BANCENTRO) and its parent company the LAFISE Group. Several new hotels including Crowne Plaza, Best Western, InterContinental, Holiday Inn, and Hilton currently have facilities in Managua. As well as many hotels, Managua has opened four western style shopping centers or malls, such as Plaza Inter, Centro Comercial Metrocentro, Galerias Santo Domingo, and Multicentro Las Americas. These malls cater to the minority upper class population and foreigners.
There is a huge established local market system that caters to the majority of the Nicaraguan population. The Mercado Roberto Huembe, Mercado Oriental and other locations are where one can find anything from household amenities and to electrical and other contracting supplies. Many of the backpacking, ecotourism types and tourists on a budget use these markets for their supplies. Although one needs to use caution regarding wallets and personal items (as with many public markets around the world) the markets can be the source of high quality and unique items. Tourists looking for an authentic experience should consider these destinations as there is always something interesting to eat and local customs to be experienced.
Managua is also currently experiencing an upsurge in real estate prices and as well as a housing shortage. Foreigners mainly from North America and Europe are becoming interested in considering post-retirement life in Nicaragua. The capital is also a need for modern office space in downtown Managua and as the economy of Managua continues to grow. Economists predict that its demand for commercial real estate will also increase. New office buildings that are currently being constructed along the Carretera Masaya and in Villa Fontana. The most recent inauguration being the Edificio Invercasa.
Arts and Culture
The National library holds a great amount of volumes, and affords abundant bibliographic information for anyone interested in the discovery and independence of Nicaragua. The National Palace of Culture has on show an interesting exhibition of Nicaraguan art from the periods previous to its independence. Also located inside the National Palace of Culture is the National Museum containing some highly interesting archaeological finds with some good examples of pre-Columbian pottery, statues, and other interesting finds. Managua is also home to an array of art galleries which feature pieces by both national and international artists.
Managua is home to many types of museums, some art museums include the Julio Cortazar Museum and the Archivo Fílmico de la Cinemateca Nacional. Natural history museums include the Museo del Departamento de Malacología UCA, Museo Gemológico de la Concha y el Caracol, and Museo Paleontológico “El Hato”. The Santo Domingo de Guzmán Museum is an anthropology museum. History museums include the Museo de la Revolución, Museo Casa Hacienda San Jacinto, Museo Histórico Municipal de Coritno, and Museo Parque Loma de Tiscapa.
Cultural centers in Managua include the Centro Cultural Nicaragüense Norteamericano (CCNN) (Nicaraguan-North American Culture Center), the Centro Cultural Chino Nicaragüense (Chinese Nicaraguan Culture Center), the Alliançe Française de Managua (French Alliance of Managua), among others.
The old Cathedral of Managua was designed in, and shipped from Belgium in 1920. The cathedral was damaged due to the 1972 earthquake, and was condemned, which led to the construction of the new cathedral of Managua, the newest constructed Roman Catholic cathedral. However in recent years the restoration of the old cathedral has appeared to be possible and is currently awaiting its renovation. The Rubén Dario National Theatre is Nicaragua's most important theater, and is one of the most modern theaters in Central America. Both national and international artists present shows, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural performances such as El Güegüense among many others.
The Dr. Roberto Incer Barquero Library, located in Managua, is designated to promote Nicaraguan culture. The library has 67,000 books, free internet, a newspaper archive where users can borrow newspapers and magazines, and economical information of the Central Bank. Furthermore, the library offers a gallery in the same building, where famous Nicaraguan paintings as well as pieces from new, promising artists are exhibited. In the numismatic hall there is a permanent exhibition of Nicaraguan coins, bills, and memorial medals from throughout Nicaragua's history.
National Palace in Managua
The National Palace is one of the most impressive buildings in Nicaragua. It was built by President Juan Bautista Sacasa in 1935 and it houses plenty of history. For more than 50 years, the National Palace was used as governmental office. Now, the building serves several purposes. It houses the National Archive, the National Library, as well as the National Museum--which is open to the public. The museum features paintings, Pre-Columbian statuettes, ceramics, etc. There is a ‘National History’ room as well as a room with the National Symbols. Managua is also home to the Museum of Acahualinca where Ancient footprints of Acahualinca - fossilized human footprints made 6000 years ago are engraved in volcanic ash.
Managua's most famous festival is that of its patron saint Santo Domingo de Guzmán. On the morning of the first of August the "Bajada del Santo" takes place. This involves taking the old statue of Santo Domingo from the church in Las Sierritas to the church located less than one kilometer from the old center of the city. Here it stays until the morning of the tenth, when the "Subida del Santo" takes place, during which the statue is brought back. Thousands of religious people attend this event (to thank the saint for miracles), dancing on the beat of musical bands and some of them dressed in typical costume, with Indian masks or with a painted body. These celebrations take place in the afternoon, and it is also a very crowded happening. Horse breeders and owners parade with their best horses during the horse parade.
Entertainment
Managua features many bars, nightclubs, casinos, theaters and cinemas. Compared to western prices, alcoholic beverages, theatre visits and cinema tickets are relatively cheap. There are cinemas in all major shopping centers; screening both English- and Spanish-language films. Foreign embassies in Managua also sponsor film festivals.
The city also enjoys an array of international cuisine, including Japanese, Brazilian, Chinese, French, Indian, Spanish, Mexican, Italian, Argentine, German and Nicaraguan restaurants. These are accompanied by most of the well-known US fast food chains, as well as national chains such as pollo Tip-Top and Rosti-Pollo.
The national sport of Nicaragua is baseball and is by far the most popular of all sports. This is followed by soccer (or football as it is called in Nicaragua). The Dennis Martínez National Stadium is home to many baseball games of Managua's Boer team. At the time of its construction in the late 1960s, it was the most modern stadium in Central America. It hosted the Baseball World Cup in 1994.
Baseball was first introduced to Nicaragua in 1888 in the Caribbean coastal town of Bluefields, but it didn't catch on in the towns on the Pacific coast region until 1891 when a group of mostly students originating from universities of the United States formed "La Sociedad de Recreo" (Society of Recreation) to play various sports. Baseball was the most popular among them.
Since the anticipation of the World Cup of 2006, there's been growing amateur interest in little football or "futbolin" among teens and adults. New private courts or "canchas" like La Meca del Futbol and La Liga, offer well-conditioned courts for rent by the hour. Such establishments have played a big role in the promotion of amateur games and fun tournaments. On the professional level, the National Nicaraguan Football team has still not had the public support nor the international exposure as the regional counterparts like the Costa Rican or Honduran teams. However, with support of the FIFA, the first ever national football stadium in Managua is under construction.
Beginning in the late 1990s and early 2000, casinos have also become a somewhat popular attraction for wealthier Nicaraguans and foreign visitors. These casinos have created some controversy. Managuans typically enjoy going out with friends and, although losing ground to Spanish and American pop and rock, salsa dancing is a national pastime. Nightclubs and bars abound in Managua; the most popular area is the so-called "Zona Hippos" behind the Hilton hotel near Metrocentro.
Aside from these activities, Managua also has a wide selection to offer in shopping, including everything from local markets, to boutiques and department stores. The Mercado Roberto Huembes is probably one of the best markets in Managua, where shoppers can find everything from furniture, national arts and crafts, to fruits and vegetables, and clothing. Also there are several shopping centers with department stores such as ECLIPSE, CARRION, and SIMAN which house all major Australian, American and European clothing and cosmetic brands for both men and women. Pali, La Union, and La Colonia are the more recognized conventional supermarkets, which are located in several areas of the city, and sell local and imported ingredients from all over the world.
The following website has the schedule for all cultural events, movie schedules and major sports.
Cllck here for all major Managua events
Transportation
Transportation-wise, Managua is one of Nicaragua's best positioned cities. All of Nicaragua's main roads lead to Managua, and there are good public transportation connections to and from the capital. There are four main highways that lead into Managua. The Pan-American Highway enters the city from the north, connecting Managua to Nicaragua's northern and central departments. This highway is referred to as the Northern Highway. The Southern Highway, the southern part of the Pan-American highway, connects Managua to southern departments such as Carazo and Rivas.
The Carretera Masaya connects Managua to the departments of Masaya and Granada. And the New Highway to León connects Managua with León. All of these highways are in good condition, with little traffic congestion. Infrastructure is very-well developed in Nicaragua compared to other Central American countries and there are few unnavigable roads or streets. There are very few towns or cities that have road leading to them that do not have different levels of public transportation. In fact, most buses are continually full even in the smallest of villages. Nicaragua's public transportation system works.
Within Managua, those who commute to and from work will generally travel by bus or taxi; as of yet there are no suburban trains, trams or monorails in Managua. Recently with the assistance of the Japanese government, Managua has commenced operating new modern Mercedes-Benz buses on several bus routes, with the intention of modernizing the city's transport system. Typical Nicaraguan buses are older school buses from the United States. Additionally some buses are painted with religious artwork of Catholic saints.
Managua has several bus terminals for inter-departmental travel, most of them located close to a market. Buses that arrive from or depart to a certain destination can often only be found at one specific terminal. Travelers who pass through Managua on their way from one city to another might need to transfer to another terminal within Managua. Nicaragua had an extensive and functional rail system. It fell into disrepair during the 1980s and the Chamorro government closed the system and sold the cars and rails for scrap.
The Managua International Airport is the largest airport of Nicaragua and recently inaugurated its over US$52 million extensions and renovation partly financed by Spain. The airport has now been converted into the most modern air terminal of Central America. In Nicaragua, it is the most important hub for connections of both at international and at national level. Frequent flights to local destinations like Bluefields, Corn Islands and San Carlos, Nicaragua also depart from this same location. The airport is located at the northern highway, about 11 kilometers (8 miles) east of the city's downtown. Hotels, restaurants, and commercial centers can all be easily reached from the airport by car, taxi, or bus. There are a total of 10 airlines that operate flights to and from the airport. A setback occurred when Air Madrid filed for bankruptcy ending the possibility of transatlantic flights to the Spanish capital. The company has also shown interest in building a hangar for regional maintenance of its aircraft and those of other airlines.
Infrastructure & Communication
In Managua, a water treatment plant is being constructed to clean Lake Managua. With the support of the German government in funding the project, the water treatment plant should show definite results by 2010. Also pending is a mega-project to reconstruct the old center of Managua, and to introduce a monorail system, to alleviate future transportation problems in Managua. Both of these projects will revitalize the old center of Managua and boost tourism, commerce, infrastructure and economic development.
Managua is the home of most national broadcasting television channels as well as the major national newspapers. The largest television channel is followed by Canal 2, Telenica, Canal 10, 100% Noticias, and several others. La Prensa is a newspaper with offices based in Managua along with El Nuevo Diario and other smaller newspapers. There are numerous radio stations in Managua, some of which tend to have political, social, or religious affiliations.
Managua also has many public hospitals (which specialize in certain types of care, maternity, children, skin care etc.) as well some private hospitals. The newest of all hospitals is the private Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas located at km 10, Carretera Masaya. It has a private ambulance service as well. It is the noted as one of the best hospitals in all Central America, with the latest in modern medical equipment and facilities. Very fast emergency service at a cost materially less than the U.S. (example: emergency consultation is typically US$25 and a private room is U.S. $98 a day). Other private hospitals (private hospitals are the only type recommended for tourists vs. the free public system) are Hospital Bautista (Baptist Hospital), and Hospital Militar which is a military hospital but which takes private patients.
Things to See
Old Cathedral of Managua
The old Cathedral of Managua was designed in, and shipped from Belgium in 1920.The cathedral survived the 1931 earthquake but was extremely damaged due to the 1972 earthquake and wascondemned, which led to the construction of the new cathedral of Managua, the newest constructed Roman Catholic cathedral. However, in recent years, the restoration of the old cathedral has appeared to be possible and is currently awaiting its renovation.
Rubén Dario National Theater
The Rubén Dario National Theater is Nicaragua's most important theater, and is one of the most modern theaters in Central America. Both national and international artists present shows, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural performances such as El Güegüense among many others. The National Theater is one of the few buildings that survived the 1972 earthquake that destroyed 90% of Managua.
National Palace of Culture
The National Palace is one of the most impressive buildings in Nicaragua. It was built by President Juan Bautista Sacasa in 1935 and it houses plenty of history. For more than 50 years, the National Palace was used as governmental office and now serves several purposes. The National Palace houses the National Archive, the National Library, as well as the National Museum which is open to the public. The museum features paintings, pre-Columbian statues, ceramics, etc. Also present inside is the National History room, as well as a room with the National Symbols. The National Palace of Culture (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura) was one of few building that survived the 1972 earthquake.
Tiscapa Lagoon (Natural Reserve)
The Tiscapa Lagoon, located inside the Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve is just south of the Managua's Historical Center. Leading up to the Lagoon is the Monumento Roosevelt (Roosevelt Monument). Another interesting monument is the statue of Sandino which is a statue of the Silhouette of General Augusto C. Sandino, Nicaragua's national hero and stands at 59 feet tall. The monument was proposed by Ernesto Cardenal and is protected by the Nicaraguan military. The Sandino monument was constructed on top of the wreckage of Somoza's presidential mansion. Also on the crater lip of Tiscapa is the Las Masmorras, a prison in which Somoza tortured current President Daniel Ortega and many other political prisoners, however, this site is closed to the public.
The reserve is located within city limits of the capital, Managua, and is a popular tourist attraction. Restaurants and stores line the walls of the lagoon. Canopy rides provide a panoramic view of the old downtown where only a few buildings survived the 1972 earthquake that destroyed 90% of the capital city, however, many new buildings and shopping malls have been built since then throughout the city due to the lack of a new center. Many pre-Columbian artifacts have been found in and around lagoon and reserve.
Dr. Roberto Incer Barquero Library
The Dr. Roberto Incer Barquero Library, located in Managua, is designated to promote Nicaraguan culture. The library has 67,000 books, free internet, a newspaper archive where users can borrow newspapers and magazines, and economical information of the Central Bank. Furthermore, the library offers a gallery in the same building, where famous Nicaraguan paintings, as well as pieces from new promising artists, are exhibited. In the numismatic hall there is a permanent exhibition of Nicaraguan coins, bills, and memorial medals from throughout Nicaragua's history.
Museum of Acahualinca
Managua is also home to the Museum of Acahualinca where the Ancient footprints of Acahualinca, fossilized Paleo-Indian footprints made some 6,000 years ago, are engraved in volcanic ash. The museum "Museo Sitio Huellas de Acahualinca" is located in west Managua in the Acahualinca neighborhood. In addition to the footprints, the museum also displays artifacts found in other localities around the country. Artifacts such as mammoth footprints, pre-Columbian tools, a skull from León Viejo, and a small collection of pottery among other archaeological objects.
Dennis Martínez National Stadium
The Dennis Martínez National Stadium was built in 1948 and was the largest stadium in Central America at the end of its construction, it survived the 1972 earthquake. The stadium was named in honor of Nicaragua first baseball player to play in Major League Baseball, it serves as a venue for baseball and football (soccer) games, as well as concerts and religious events. The Dennis Martínez National Stadium has a capacity for 40,000 making it the largest stadium in Nicaragua.
Catedral Metropolitana
The Catedral Metropolitana de la Purisima Concepcion (Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception), more commonly referred to as La Nueva Catedral (The New Cathedral), was designed by the architect Ricardo Legorreta and inaugurated in 1993. The new cathedral was built to replace the old cathedral, which had been damaged by the 1972 earthquake. The new cathedral has created much controversy, particularly about its architectural style and finance.
Eating in Managua
Due to the influence of immigrants and tourists it is frequent to find food specialties of the diverse regions of Nicaragua jointly with international ones. The most common subsistence foods include rice, plantain, beans, varieties of cabbage and cheeses. There exists a local tradition of cheese making and it is not unusual to encounter fried cheese as a side dish with many of the most popular dishes such as fried plantain medallions and "Gallopinto", a regional traditional rice and bean dish. Managua enjoys an array of international cuisine including a some Italian and Spanish restaurants as well as French. Traces of traditional German cuisine can also be found in Selva Negra, an estate near the city of Matagalpa which is a prominent tourist attraction, as well as in the city of Granada. Many Asian restaurants (South Korean, Chinese, and Taiwanese) can be found in the area of the capital and other major cities.
The capital is also conspiculously dotted with many American restaurant chains such as Pizza Hut, McDonalds,Dominos Pizza, Papa John's, and Subway which have sprung up within the last two decades. Local and regional fast food chains exist as well, for example Tip-top, RostiPollo, and Pollo Campero.
A strong tradition of preparing local sweets such as "Cajeta de leche", a sweet condensenced milk as well as sugared coconut and nuts can be found. Some local varieties of chocolate can be found as well, usually prepared with pepper and other spices or nuts. A popular 'fast food' known as "quesillo" is popular throughout the country. Quesillo consits of locally produced chese wrapped in a corn tortilla with cream, onions, and salt. Nacatamales, the Nicaragun version of the tamal, is a local delicacy. Many fruits such as Mangos, "jocotes", and "mamones" are a common snack. Mangoes and jocotes are often consumend while still unripe with salt and vinegar.
Steak preparation is one of the strong points of the local cuisine. It is often accompanied by a special sauce known as "chimichuri" composed of oil, garlic, and herbs. There are many prominent steak restaurants throughout the country among them "Los Ranchos". including, but not limited to, Argentine, Brazilian, Chinese, French, German, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and Spanish restaurants, as well as Nicaraguan. These are accompanied by many U.S. fast food chains, as well as national fast food chains such as Tip-Top and Rosti-Pollo. A new culinary school and restaurant called Culinario Santa Lucia offers fun courses in international and local cuisines.
A good breakfast is Leche Agria - a homemade yogurt like drink. Look for signs advertising it in store fronts and pulperias. Put a little salt on it and eat it with tortilla.
Los Ranchos: steak house that is so good, it spawned a chain in South Florida. Has been popular with locals for lunch and dinner since the days of Somoza. During that time, the politicians on opposite side of the conflict would run into each other here on a regular basis. Service is impeccable. They serve a churrasco that is hard to beat for flavor and tenderness. Order it with a gin Martini for appetizer. Located about 3 blocks north of estatua de Montoya.
La Plancha: Steak house at its best and finest. Dare you to try it and not say its one of the best steaks you ever had tried in your life. Their signature plate is the name of the restaurant: La Plancha. Comes with mashed potatoes and plantains on a hot grill.
Le Café de Paris: the best French restaurant in town. Taken care personally by its proprietor and chef, Jeaninne. Very good wines. Ask for its famous Foiagras, green salad and pepper steak. Located in Los Robles.
La Cocina de Doña Haydée: a good taste of local Nicaraguan cuisine. 3 Locations - Original off the Carretera Masaya km 4.5 (not far from Metrocentro), another near the Rotonda Bello Horizonte and the last in the food court at Metrocentro.
Casa del Cafe for good coffee and breakfast. Four locations, one in Los Robles, one on the second floor of Metrocentro, one in Galerias Santo Domingo and one after the security check at Augusto C. Sandino International Airport.
Sushi Itto, in case you have a craving. Three locations, one in Carretera Masaya (in Plaza Familiar), one in Galerias Santo Domingo, and one in Plaza Caracol.
La Cueva del Buzo - great seafood freshly caught. Must go if you can afford it
El Rincon Salvadoreno - fantastic Salvadorian pupusas and fruit juices in a pleasant outdoor area
Other noted restaurants:
Ola Verde, primera entrada Las Colinas
Al Di La, Res Las Jinotepes 200m a Camino Las Nubes Qta Aldila, El Crucero
Las Cascuelas, Carretera Sur
La Casserola, Km 13.8 Carretera Sur
Casa de Los Noguera, calle principal Los Robles
La Marseillaise, calle principal Los Robles
Tiscapa, on the Laguna (my favorite)
Intermezzo del Bosque, south of Altos de Villa Fontana
Madrid Kul, frente Hotel Colon Los Robles
El Garabato, calle principal Los Robles
La Boheme, en Galerias
Eskimo, Altagracia
