Attractions
Granada, the third largest city in the country, lies at the foot of the Mombacho volcano. The Castilian houses and buildings are interesting. The cathedral was rebuilt in neoclassical style. Examples of sacred buildings are also the churches of La Merced and Jalteva and the fortified church of San Francisco.
The Lago de Nicaragua, the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world, is the habitat of the unique freshwater sharks. There are pre-Columbian stone figures on the island of Omotepe.
Cities
The core of the capital, Managua, was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1972 and further serious damage was caused by the civil war (1978-1979). The government rebuilt parts of the old town, parks and recreational facilities were created. The National Palace and Cathedral survived the earthquake and civil war unscathed.
- Top-engineering-schools: Provides detailed population data for major cities of Nicaragua. Also covers geography information including rivers, mountains, lakes, and national borders.
Tourist centers
Several resorts are under construction and some are complete, including Centro Turistico Pochomil on Pochomil Beach, La Boquita (Pacific Coast) and El Trapiche (on the Panama River) and a resort on the Xiloa Lagoon.
Lagoons have been developed into water sports centers and residential areas. Fishing and picnic spots are everywhere, with Laguna de Xiloá being the most popular. At Lago de Managua you can rent boats and visit the active volcano Momotombo and the riverside villages. You need a special permit to climb the volcano. A leisure center was built at the nearby Tiscapa Lagoon. Another attraction is Volcán Santiago in Volcán Masaya National Park.
The university city of Leon features the largest Central American cathedral with interesting works of Spanish colonial painting and several colonial churches. Here, too, the heavy civil war fighting caused a great deal of damage. Léon Viejo, destroyed by an earthquake in 1610, is currently being excavated.
Shopping
Overview
Gold work, embroidery, shoes and paintings. Shop opening hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-18.00, Sat 09.00-13.00.
Nightlife
Introduction
There are several nightclubs in Managua. French, English and Spanish films are shown in the cinemas.
Culinary
Overview
Gallapinto (fried rice with pinto beans) and mondongo (tripe soup) are local specialties. Plantains are commonly used. Papas a la crema (potatoes in cream sauce) is a popular side dish. Drinks: Inexpensive and good bars (Comedores) offer local beers. Internationally renowned drinks are also available in some luxury hotels.
Culture
Religion
85% Catholic; 5% Protestant; also adherents of natural religions.
Social Rules of Conduct
Casual clothing is accepted. Photographing: Military installations and soldiers should not be photographed. Tipping: Hotels and restaurants usually charge a 10% service charge. Porters expect a small tip, but taxi drivers do not.
Climate
Best travel time
Predominant tropical climate. The dry season lasts from December to May, the rainy season from June to November. It is much cooler in the northern mountainous region.
Country data
Phone prefix
+505
Area (sq km)
130,373
Population
6,624,554 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
52.2
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
128