TopFlight-Travel.com
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas
No Result
View All Result
TopFlight-Travel.com
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas
No Result
View All Result
TopFlight-Travel.com
No Result
View All Result
Home Destination

Arriving in Managua, Nicaragua’s Capital

Ashleigh Graham by Ashleigh Graham
0
Arriving in Managua, Nicaragua's Capital

We flew into Managua yesterday through Miami on an American Airlines flight on a 737 plane. The flight was half full, a fact which makes flying in economy class very comfortable. We’ve got three seats to ourselves, and the three seats across the aisle are empty. The flight is about two and a half hours long. We fly over what I think is Cuba and see turquoise blue waters, white sandy beaches, lagoons, maybe coral reefs and then for what seems like ages, nothing but the dark blue-greens of the Caribbean Sea. I am impatient to arrive in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is the land of water. The most characteristic thing about this country is its geography; it is blessed with a coast on each side; it has plenty of lakes and volcanoes that make the landscapes unique.

RelatedPosts

Romantic Beach Getaways: The Most Romantic Destinations for Couples

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia

Wilderness Survival: Learning Skills and Techniques for Emergencies While Backpacking

This is one of the less-visited Latin American countries. The infrastructure for tourism is not as developed as in other neighbouring countries. We think that is a plus because it keeps the authenticity untouched. It inevitably gets lost with the arrival of massive tourism. People in Nicaragua are quiet, warm and pleasant. It’s been a traditional country for backpacking; it’s cheap and adventurous. However, Nicaragua is making efforts to attract tourism and comfort, and ecotourism is improving.

The plane has descended from 37,000 feet, and when I know we are over Nicaragua, we see the jagged wild landscape that is this land of poetry, fire and the revolutionary spirit. The mountains, the volcanoes, the waters of her lakes. How beautiful! Someone calls out, “there is Isla Ometepe!” and we all look to see the Island of Ometepe, formed from two volcanoes, one sleeping for a thousand years and the other volcano still alive. 

managua-nicaragua-ometepe
Source: Independent

Suddenly, the plane makes a steep curve to the left, and the half-empty plane of people gasp in fear, and we see before our eyes the magnificent landscape. It is stunning. As we disembark the plane in Managua, I joke with the captain of this 737 jet plane, “nice curve to the left, stunning views!” and he laughs at my comment. Though he scared the hell out of us, I know he did this little aeroplane trick on purpose.

We go through customs and pay for our tourist card. The cost of the tourist card to Nicaragua is now $10 U.S. INTUR; Nicaragua’s tourism agency has a desk at the airport with a friendly young woman who answers our questions and gives us some maps and hotel information.

Managua’s International airport

The temperature is 34 degrees, so lovely for those who love the heat of summer. We don’t take a taxi at the airport but across the street and find another official taxi just outside the Best Western Hotel. One can’t help but notice that the traffic is pretty chaotic, and crossing the road is somewhat dangerous, especially when we don’t know the rules. So we make sure to get an official taxi – the ones with red stripes painted on the back with red bars across the top and bottom of the license plates. For those seeking an airport hotel in Managua, the Best Western hotel is literally right across the street from the airport. Our taxi driver is an older man, his skin worn and burned by the sun and the harshness of his life. The taxi is old, dirty and not air-conditioned. Still, you’ve come to this country called Nicaragua, and you must accept its realities. I’m not complaining, don’t get me wrong. For me, this is an adventure, and I want to immerse myself in this country to know it.

We don’t speak Spanish, our driver doesn’t speak English. Still, I know just enough words to arrange a price and communicate our destination. He can find our hotel when we show him the address in my little guidebook. My only worry right now is caused by the warnings on the Canadian and U.S. Government travel sites about the dangers of travelling in Nicaragua. Those sites speak about taxi kidnappings, and I don’t know how to tell the driver not to pick up anyone. He does stop when two women hail him down from the side of the road, but they can’t agree on a price, and he drives on. Taxi sharing, we’ve learned, is common in Managua.

The traffic

The traffic in Managua is crazy, fast and confusing. Cars, motorbikes and scooters fill the roads. I am glad that I have chosen not to rent a car in Managua. We could have rented a car and hired a driver from the car rental agency, a driver who would know the streets of Managua, but we choose not to. Buses are cheap, and taxis are everywhere. I’ve driven in many international cities all over the world. Still, I do not know Managua, and the traffic is too mad for my liking.

Additionally, one cannot see any street names, so it would be a complex city to navigate, especially since this is all new. So how do people find their way around this city? One navigates by landmarks that are here and landmarks that used to be.

Driving through Managua

It’s a long way to our hotel. Managua is huge and sprawling, and densely populated. There’s a lot of poverty here, poverty, I am sure, that derives from natural and man-made disasters. It is early afternoon, the people of the city are busy with their daily work, going about their business. Poverty in Nicaragua comes from earthquakes in 1931 and in 1972, severe enough to flatten the city. A fire raged through the city in 1936. Man-made disasters come from the politics of Nicaragua, a history of struggle, oppression and invasion. Driving through Managua, one can see the scars of these troubles. I’m wishing for peace and prosperity for the people of Nicaragua. Perhaps, as tourism grows, this will change because it is predicted that Nicaragua’s economy will show the most growth out of all the nations in Central America over the next few years.

Managua, Nicaragua
Source: Travelwider

Nicaragua has much to offer the world. A little fine-tuning of its tourism industry will become a stiff competition among nations offering the proverbial winter escape for people longing to escape the brutal winters of the North.

ShareTweetPinSendSend
Previous Post

Tips for the Best Vacation to Miami, Florida

Next Post

Central America: A Cruise In the Caribbean

Related Posts

Romantic Beach Getaways: Couple Walking On A White Sandbar (Source: Canva)

Romantic Beach Getaways: The Most Romantic Destinations for Couples

by Gemma Arnold

Escape with your loved one to the most romantic beach getaways around the world. Discover the best destinations for couples

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia - Great wall of China

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia

by Gemma Marks

Discover the Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore the rich cultural heritage of...

Wilderness Survival: Hiker Couple Preparing Tea In Wilderness (Source: Canva)

Wilderness Survival: Learning Skills and Techniques for Emergencies While Backpacking

by Gemma Arnold

Learn essential wilderness survival skills for backpacking emergencies. Discover how to find food, water, and start a fire in this...

Experienced Female Trekker on one of the Challenging Hiking Trails

5 Epic Challenging Hiking Trails for Experienced Trekkers

by Gemma Arnold

Looking for a new challenge as an experienced hiker? Look no further than our list of 5 challenging hiking trails...

Birdwatching Safari: Active Senior Woman Using Binoculars (Source: Canva)

Birdwatching Safari: Spotting Rare and Exotic Birds in Africa’s National Parks

by Gemma Arnold

Discover unique bird species on a thrilling birdwatching safari through Africa's national parks. Spot rare and exotic birds in their...

Best Spots for Jumping off Cliffs

Thrill-Seeker’s Guide to Cliff Diving: Where to Find the Best Spots for Jumping Off Cliffs 

by Gemma Marks

If you're an adrenaline junkie and love the thrill of jumping off cliffs, this travel guide is for you. Discover...

Next Post
Cruise Central America

Central America: A Cruise In the Caribbean

Santa Ana, El Salvador

Santa Ana: A City Full Of History & Architectural Beauty

best bungee jumping spots
Travel Ideas

10 Best Bungee Jumping Spots to Experience

by Gemma Marks

Looking for the best bungee jumping spots in the world? This comprehensive travel guide has got you covered! Explore the...

Read more
Waffles - Food tour in Belgium

Food Tour in Belgium: Plan Your Gastric Itinerary

Perfect Vietnamese Destinations for Food Tour

10 Perfect Vietnamese Destinations for Food Tour

Island hopping in the Mediterranean

14 Things to Know When Island Hopping in the Mediterranean

7 Tips for Backpacking in a National Park

7 Tips for Backpacking in a National Park

10 Things To Do In Maui
Destination

Things To Do in Maui – Follow My Top 10 Suggestions

by Ashleigh Graham

I’ve read enough travel articles that provide evidence that people specifically love lists about travel. That sounds right up my...

Read more

An Overview Of The Best Places to Stay in Tokyo

9 Tips For Staying Healthy While Travelling

Hotels in Rotterdam: 8 Of My Favourites

Have A Look At This List Of 20 Free Things To Do In Madrid!

11 Sun-Drenched Winter Escapes

11 Sun-Drenched Winter Escapes
by Gemma Marks

If you are looking for winter escapes, these eleven destinations are my top-picks for you.

Read more

11 Best Top Places To Visit In The USA

Top Places To Visit In The USA Couple Tourist In Statue Of Liberty
by Gemma Arnold

Discover the top places to visit in the USA, from the historic landmarks of the Statue of Liberty and...

Read more

Top 10 Islands in Vietnam

Top 10 Islands in Vietnam
by Gemma Marks

If you are planning to go to Vietnam, this guide is helpful! You'll know which islands in Vietnam you...

Read more

Important Travel Tips in Thailand

Travel Tips in Thailand Ayutthaya Woman Tourist Reading The Map
by Gemma Arnold

Discover important travel tips in Thailand that will help you interact with locals and expand your business cycle.

Read more
Spending Seven Hours in Magnificent Tallinn

Spending Seven Hours in Magnificent Tallinn

by Ashleigh Graham

If you've ever wondered what you can see and do in a city in a mere seven hours, I have...

Top 8 Church Towers to Climb in Europe

My Top 8 Church Towers to Climb in Europe

by Ashleigh Graham

One of my favourite things to do when travelling anywhere is to find places with high vantage points that give...

Magnificent Beaches in Lefkada

10 Magnificent Beaches in Lefkada

by Ashleigh Graham

Cliffs and coves meet azure, pristine waters through which you can see all way to the bottom. Lefkada is undoubtedly...

Awesome Family Resorts in Minnesota

10 Awesome Family Resorts in Minnesota

by Ashleigh Graham

There are many resorts spread throughout Minnesota. The state, popularly known as "The Land of 10,000 lakes", is home to...

  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

Categories

  • Budget
  • Cold
  • Destination
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Luxury
  • Travel Ideas
  • Unique
  • Warm

Topics

Asia Australia bars Beach Brazil California Canada Caribbean Castle Central America China clubs cruise Denmark Europe Finland France fun Germany Greece hotels India Ireland Irish Island Italy Japan Kilmainham Mediterranean museums Ontario Scandinavia Slovenia snow South America Spain Sweden Thailand travelling Turkey UK US USA vacation WA

Recent News

Group of Friends Enjoying Europe's Music Festivals (Source: Canva)

A Guide to Europe’s Music Festivals: The Ultimate Cultural Immersion

Romantic Beach Getaways: Couple Walking On A White Sandbar (Source: Canva)

Romantic Beach Getaways: The Most Romantic Destinations for Couples

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia - Great wall of China

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia

Wilderness Survival: Hiker Couple Preparing Tea In Wilderness (Source: Canva)

Wilderness Survival: Learning Skills and Techniques for Emergencies While Backpacking

  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

© 2022 topflight-travel.com - Brought to you by The Dinner Media Group.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas

© 2022 topflight-travel.com - Brought to you by The Dinner Media Group.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In