If you would like a tour of Managua, contact tours@nicaraguaprivatetours.com for a private tour with bi-lingual tour guide.
Palacio Nacional de la Cultura:
An impressive building that survived the 1972 earthquake, the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura is adjacent to the Old Cathedral in Managua and houses the Museo Nacional.
The museum features paintings, statues and an excellent display of ceramics.
Huellas de Acahualinca:
A must see in Managua, Nicaragua, are the ancient Huellas de Acahualinca.
Estimated to be between 6,000 and 7,000 years old, these human footprints were discovered in 1874 by workmen. Buried more than 12 feet deep under compacted volcanic material, the footprints- made by 10 men, women and children- all lead in one direction, toward the lake.
Scientists think that the footprints may represent a migration rather than a routine fishing or hunting trip as there are no returning footprints. Of course, the people who made the tracks may have just found a way back that avoided the mud. Tracks of deer and mapache (a type of raccoon, are also present. There is a small but interesting museum on site.
Note: Take a taxi to Huellas de Achualinca because the area surrounding it is not particularly safe for tourists. Admission is US$3 and there is a small additional fee if you want to take photographs.
Parque de la Paz:
The 1990 Peace Park is one of Managua's most interesting monuments. Its main attraction is weapons - machine guns, pistols, even a tank - forever encased in concrete by former President Violeta Barrios de Chamorro.
Ruben Dario National Theater:
The Ruben Dario National Theater is Nicaragua's most important theater.
Both national and international artists present shows, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural performances.
Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception ( Catedral Metropolitana de la Purisima Concepcion).
And now for something completely different!
La Nueva Catedral as it is commonly known was partly funded by Tom Monoghan, the founder of Domino's Pizza. The 63 domes-cupolas- on the roof represent the 63 Catholic Churches of Nicaragua.
Parque Histórico Nacional Loma de Tiscapa:
On the highest point in Managua is what is probably the cities most recognizable landmark. A statue of Augusto Sandino.
The statue was built on the ruins of Somoza's old Presidential Palace where Sandino and his men were executed in 1934, whilst attending peace talks.
What looks like a dilapidated parking structure was for decades one of Nicaragua's most notorious prisons, where amongst others, Daniel Ortega spent time.
The top of the hill- Loma de Tiscapa- is also the lip of Volcán Tiscapa's beautiful little crater lake, La Liguna de Tiscapa, with perhaps the best views of the city, both cathedrals and Volcán Momotombo.
