What to do, when to come and how to get around. Written for people staying with us in Villa Fontana.
When to come
Managua has two seasons, not four
There's no winter or summer here in the European sense. There are six dry months and six rainy months, and that shapes a lot of how your trip goes.
How much it rains in Managua, month by month
Temperature barely moves all year (between 26 and 30 °C / 79–86 °F). What changes is the rain — quite a bit.
Dry seasonRainy season
View the data as a table
Average monthly rainfall in Managua
Month
Rainfall
Season
Jan
1 mm
Dry
Feb
2 mm
Dry
Mar
5 mm
Dry
Apr
27 mm
Dry
May
202 mm
Rainy
Jun
207 mm
Rainy
Jul
115 mm
Rainy
Aug
172 mm
Rainy
Sep
289 mm
Rainy
Oct
313 mm
Rainy
Nov
113 mm
Dry
Dec
8 mm
Dry
Source: long-term climatology from NASA's POWER project for Managua's coordinates.
From November to April it almost never rains. This is high season and the best time to walk around, climb Tiscapa or cross to Granada without worrying about the weather. December and January are the most pleasant months of the year.
From May to October it rains, but it's worth understanding how: it's almost always a heavy mid-afternoon downpour that lasts an hour or two and then clears up. It doesn't rain all day. Planning outings for the morning still makes for a good trip — and there are fewer people and everything is green.
October is by far the rainiest month; avoid it if you can choose.
From the airport
How to get to the guesthouse
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport is about 20 to 25 minutes by car from Villa Fontana, depending on traffic. It is the only international airport in the country, so you will almost certainly arrive there.
The most practical option is an authorised taxi at the terminal or a private transfer arranged in advance. Always agree on the fare before getting in — taxis in Managua don't use meters: the price is negotiated at the start of the trip and paid on arrival.
To explain to the driver where you're going, this is the reference that works: "Villa Fontana, twenty varas north of Club Terraza, house number thirty-two, across from Panadería París." In Nicaragua addresses are given this way, by landmarks, not street names.
If you send us your flight number and arrival time, we can help you sort the transfer and we will be up waiting for you. Message us on WhatsApp.
How much time you have
Three itineraries, depending on how long you stay
Managua can be covered quickly. The good part is it's in the centre of the country: almost everything worth seeing is an hour away or less.
1
One day
If you only have a layover or a free day.
Morning: Loma de Tiscapa. It takes little time to climb, and from the top you understand the city: the crater, Lake Xolotlán and the volcanoes in the background.
Midday: the historic centre. The ruined Old Cathedral, Plaza de la Revolución and the National Palace are all within walking distance of each other.
Afternoon: Puerto Salvador Allende, the lakeside boardwalk, to grab a bite looking out at the water.
Night: back to Villa Fontana. If you want a movie or a relaxed dinner, Galerías is a few blocks away.
2
Two days
A day in the city, plus a short trip out.
Day 1: the itinerary above.
Day 2, morning: Masaya Volcano. It is one of the few volcanoes in the world you can drive right up to the edge of the crater, and see lava. About 40 minutes away.
Day 2, afternoon: the Masaya crafts market, the best in the country for something handmade, and on the way back the Catarina viewpoint over Laguna de Apoyo.
3
Three days or more
Now you have time for colonial Nicaragua.
Days 1 and 2: the above.
Day 3: Granada. A colonial city on the shore of Lake Cocibolca, a little over an hour away. Colourful streets, the yellow cathedral and a boat ride around the islets.
If you have a spare day: Laguna de Apoyo to swim in crater water, or León, with its cathedral — the largest in Central America — and its murals.
In the city
What to see in Managua
Loma de Tiscapa
A volcanic crater turned into a historic park, with the silhouette of Sandino and the best panoramic view of Managua and Lake Xolotlán.
Puerto Salvador Allende
A lakeside boardwalk with restaurants and walkways. A good choice for a relaxed afternoon or a dinner with atmosphere.
Old Cathedral
The ruins of the Santiago Cathedral, damaged by the 1972 earthquake and never rebuilt. The most photographed symbol of downtown.
Plaza de la Revolución
The central square, surrounded by the National Palace of Culture and Rubén Darío Park.
Roberto Huembes Market
One of the city's big markets: crafts, traditional food and a bit of everything.
Galerías Santo Domingo
A few blocks from the guesthouse. Cinema, restaurants, banks, pharmacies and ATMs. The easy option when you do not want to cross the city.
An hour away or less
Day trips from Managua
This is the real reason it is worth sleeping in Managua: it is the base from which you reach everything.
Masaya Volcano ~40 min
One of the few volcanoes in the world with car access to the edge of the active crater. At dusk you can sometimes see the glow of the lava.
Granada ~1 h
The most photographed colonial city in Nicaragua, on the shore of Lake Cocibolca. Colourful houses, La Calzada street and a boat ride around the islets.
Laguna de Apoyo ~50 min
A lagoon inside a crater, with warm, clear water. There are lakeside spots where you can spend the day for very little.
Masaya and the White Towns ~40 min
The Masaya crafts market and the pottery towns around it. The Catarina viewpoint closes the trip with a view of the lagoon.
León ~1 h 30
A cathedral declared a World Heritage Site, the largest in Central America, and a lively university city.
Pochomil and Montelimar ~1 h 15
The closest Pacific beaches to Managua, good for a day at the sea without travelling far.
Times are approximate, by car, under normal traffic. Ask us and we will help you arrange transport.
Before you come
Practical information
CurrencyThe córdoba (C$ / NIO). Dollars are accepted in many shops, but change is almost always given in córdobas. Bring small bills.
Cash or cardMalls, supermarkets and large restaurants take cards without issue. For markets, taxis, street food stalls and buses, cash. There are ATMs at Galerías Santo Domingo, a few blocks from the guesthouse.
Electric power110 volts, with flat two-prong plugs, same as the US. If you are coming from Europe or South America you will need an adapter and, depending on the device, a transformer.
LanguageSpanish. "Vos" is used instead of "tú". In hotels and touristy areas some English is common.
Entry requirementsA tourist card is charged on entry (around 10 dollars) and some nationalities must fill in an online immigration form days in advance. Requirements change: check yours with the Nicaraguan consulate before travelling.
Getting aroundTaxi or private transport is the most practical option, and the fare is agreed before getting in. City buses run and are very cheap, but if it is your first time it is better to go with someone.
Common senseVilla Fontana is a quiet residential area. As in any big city: do not show your phone or camera on the street, use trustworthy transport at night and keep your documents put away.
WaterFor drinking, bottled or purified water is standard. Available at any corner store.
