Family Travel Ideas
Edit ThisAlthough it is a major city and capital of the country, Managua offers tranquil and appealing activities for families and tourists. There's no shortage of daytime escapes from the busy city life that characterizes Managua.
National Museum
Take a couple of hours to visit the National Museum, which is open to the public seven days per week. Visitors are welcome Monday through Friday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the weekends. The museum displays a wide variety of paintings, ceramics and historical information.
Montibelli Nature Reserve
In order to catch a closer glimpse of Central American wildlife, it is recommended to take a tour bus about thirty minutes outside of Managua to one of the nature reserves, particularly the Montibelli Reserve. Guides are provided and accompany visitors along a hike of the park. Guides are familiar with the wildlife that inhabits the area, so an educational experience is guaranteed. Guests can expect to see several different species including parakeets, monkeys, snakes, squirrels, deer, butterflies, and frogs.
Xiloa Lagoon
The Xiloa Lagoon is also located just outside of Managua and offers guided boat tours on the water. Scuba diving is popular in the calm warm waters of the lagoon. Rocky walls are characteristic of Xiloa-formed by volcanic deposits. A unique feature of the lagoon is the geothermal vents that release naturally heated water. There are several different species of fish that inhabit the warm waters. However, the visibility fluctuates at different depths.
Tiscapa Canopy Tour
Located in the heart of Managua is the Tiscapa Canopy Tour. Surprisingly, it is the only canopy tour in Central America that is situated over a lagoon-providing gliders with a breathtaking view as they soar through the trees. Guided by professionals, the canopy tour is an excellent activity for children as well as adults. The cost is $11.50 per person.
Roberto Huembles Market
For those seeking a raw cultural experience, the Roberto Huembes Market is a safe outside market displaying fresh Nicaraguan produce at native prices. Huembes Market is its own busy little world, so be prepared to have relentless, yet friendly, salesmen approach you. It is recommended to leave valuables at home, not in the car, and take small amounts of cash. The hot rice entrees are excellent and the handcrafted souvenirs are cheap.
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National Museum
Take a couple of hours to visit the National Museum, which is open to the public seven days per week. Visitors are welcome Monday through Friday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the weekends. The museum displays a wide variety of paintings, ceramics and historical information.
Montibelli Nature Reserve
In order to catch a closer glimpse of Central American wildlife, it is recommended to take a tour bus about thirty minutes outside of Managua to one of the nature reserves, particularly the Montibelli Reserve. Guides are provided and accompany visitors along a hike of the park. Guides are familiar with the wildlife that inhabits the area, so an educational experience is guaranteed. Guests can expect to see several different species including parakeets, monkeys, snakes, squirrels, deer, butterflies, and frogs.
Xiloa Lagoon
The Xiloa Lagoon is also located just outside of Managua and offers guided boat tours on the water. Scuba diving is popular in the calm warm waters of the lagoon. Rocky walls are characteristic of Xiloa-formed by volcanic deposits. A unique feature of the lagoon is the geothermal vents that release naturally heated water. There are several different species of fish that inhabit the warm waters. However, the visibility fluctuates at different depths.
Tiscapa Canopy Tour
Located in the heart of Managua is the Tiscapa Canopy Tour. Surprisingly, it is the only canopy tour in Central America that is situated over a lagoon-providing gliders with a breathtaking view as they soar through the trees. Guided by professionals, the canopy tour is an excellent activity for children as well as adults. The cost is $11.50 per person.
Roberto Huembles Market
For those seeking a raw cultural experience, the Roberto Huembes Market is a safe outside market displaying fresh Nicaraguan produce at native prices. Huembes Market is its own busy little world, so be prepared to have relentless, yet friendly, salesmen approach you. It is recommended to leave valuables at home, not in the car, and take small amounts of cash. The hot rice entrees are excellent and the handcrafted souvenirs are cheap.
