Managua
Managua - The capital of Nicaragua is spread across the southern shore of Lago de Managua and is crowded with more than a quarter of Nicaragua's population. It's been racked by natural disasters including two earthquakes this century, and since the 1972 earthquake the city has had no 'centre'. Much of what was formerly the city centre is still vacant land; in some parts, people have constructed houses out of tin and cardboard boxes on the bare dirt.
Several of Managua's attractions stand around the Plaza de la Republica, including the lakeside municipal cathedral, which was once an impressive edifice but is now in ruins. Near the cathedral is the Palacio Nacional, which has two giant paintings of Augusto Sandino and Carlos Fonseca at the entrance. The Huellas de Acahualinca museum houses the ancient footprints of people and animals running towards the lake from a volcanic eruption. The Museo de la Revolución has interesting historical exhibits with an emphasis on the revolutionary struggle this century. There are also several lagunas, or volcanic crater lakes, which are popular swimming spots.
Barrio Martha Quezada is a residential district with many simple, cheap guesthouses and places to eat. This is where backpackers tend to congregate. On weekends there's dancing and partying around the Plaza 19 de Julio.
Around Managua - The large volcano at the centre of the Volcán Masaya National Park , which still steams and belches, is surrounded by smaller volcanoes and thermal springs. Legends say that the Indians used to throw young women into the boiling lava to appease Chaciutique, the goddess of fire. The Spanish believed it was the entrance to hell, inhabited by devils. Entrance to the park is only 23 km south-east of Managua.
The Laguna de Xiloa, a stunning crater lake 20 km north-west of the city, is a favourite swimming spot. At El Trapiche, 17 km south-east of the city, water from natural springs has been channelled into large outdoor pools surrounded by gardens and restaurants.
Several of Managua's attractions stand around the Plaza de la Republica, including the lakeside municipal cathedral, which was once an impressive edifice but is now in ruins. Near the cathedral is the Palacio Nacional, which has two giant paintings of Augusto Sandino and Carlos Fonseca at the entrance. The Huellas de Acahualinca museum houses the ancient footprints of people and animals running towards the lake from a volcanic eruption. The Museo de la Revolución has interesting historical exhibits with an emphasis on the revolutionary struggle this century. There are also several lagunas, or volcanic crater lakes, which are popular swimming spots.
Barrio Martha Quezada is a residential district with many simple, cheap guesthouses and places to eat. This is where backpackers tend to congregate. On weekends there's dancing and partying around the Plaza 19 de Julio.
Around Managua - The large volcano at the centre of the Volcán Masaya National Park , which still steams and belches, is surrounded by smaller volcanoes and thermal springs. Legends say that the Indians used to throw young women into the boiling lava to appease Chaciutique, the goddess of fire. The Spanish believed it was the entrance to hell, inhabited by devils. Entrance to the park is only 23 km south-east of Managua.
The Laguna de Xiloa, a stunning crater lake 20 km north-west of the city, is a favourite swimming spot. At El Trapiche, 17 km south-east of the city, water from natural springs has been channelled into large outdoor pools surrounded by gardens and restaurants.