Managua is the capital of Nicaragua. It is located on the south-western shore of Lake Managua. Managua features four smaller lakes and lagoons within the city limits. The most central is Laguna de Tiscapa, south of old downtown. Tiscapa Lagoon is of volcanic origin and was formed approximately 10,000 years ago. Asososca lagoon, to the west, is Managua's most important source of drinking water.

Managua, due to its tropical climate, varied topography, naturally fertile soils and abundant rain and water sources, boasts a great variety of flora. Therefore, many different types of trees (some of them not found in the rest of the world, such as chilamates, madronos, ceibos, pochotes, genizaros, tiguilotes, royal palms and pinuelas) surround the city. During the rainy season (May to November), Managua becomes one of the most lavish cities in the Americas.

The city has been witness to the rise and fall of political powers throughout Nicaragua's history, and has suffered two devastating earthquakes over the course of the 20th century. The city was cleared, however it never returned to its previous state. The earthquake caused many of Managua's residents to find refuge in the outskirts of the city, and for fear of future earthquakes the centre of the city was never entirely rebuilt.

Tourist Offices
There is an Intur tourist information office at Crown Plaza, 1c Sur, 1c Oeste, and another at the airport, in the international terminal.

Dangers and Annoyances
Take care when walking at night in Nicaraguan cities, especially in Managua. It is better to stay in groups or take taxis from one destination to another. There is an increasing amount of gang violence filtering into Nicaragua from Honduras. In Managua, avoid side streets outside the downtown area |(between Metrocentro and around the BAC building.) Avoid unpaved streets as these are typically poor neighbourhoods with a higher crime rate.

Sightseeing
There is a lovely fountain at the Ruben Darío Rotonda that is lit up at night and visible from Tiscapa. There are also canopy rides over the Tiscapa Lagoon. For a fee you can fly across the water in a harness.

Getting there
There are direct bus routes from all major cities stopping at various points. Buses from Masaya, Granada, San Marcos and some from Jinotepe come in through the south-eastern Carretera Masaya entrance and pass by the Centroamerica rotonda before going to either Huembes or UCA. Buses from Jinotepe also come in through Carretera Sur, stopping by 7 Sur, a hub to go to via Carretera Nueva and Vieja Leon and C. Sur. To go to the mountains in the north, buses leave from El Mayoreo.

The Managua International Airport is the largest airport in Nicaragua. Frequent flights to local destinations like Bluefields, Big Corn Island and San Carlos depart from here.

Getting around
There are regular buses running all over the city every 10 to 15 minutes. You normally can't hail them though, you have to be at a bus stop.