Managua

Chosen as the capital of Nicaragua in 1852 as a compromise to end the squabbling between the rival cities of Granada and Leon, Managua is a late bloomer that was tragically stopped in its tracks by a devastating earthquake in 1972, effectively leaving a hole where the city’s heart should be. Now, ambitious infrastructure projects, modern malls, and promenade parks along the lake shore are bringing Managua back to life and giving Nicaragua’s growing number of tourists a reason to stay and explore.