Airfare to Managua, Nicaragua

Managua is the capital of Nicaragua, home to nearly 1.7 million people. Although much of the city center was destroyed due to an earthquake in 1972, this uneven development has added to the city's intrigue. The best shopping in town can be found along Mercado Huembes.

Airfare to Managua will be the cheapest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday. Mondays are popular with business travellers and weekends are key dates for holidaymakers wanting the longest trips possible - avoid these dates.

Also consider flights into San Jose, Costa Rica. To get between the cities, you can grab a spot on a train, bus or flight. Look for cheap flights on no frills airlines. Although it will take longer to reach your destination, a bus or train could save you enough cash to make it worth your while.

Another possible money-saving tip is to look for flights that go through San Jose, Costa Rica, or another major gateway city instead of flying direct. Because there are more flights - and competition - from these cities on low budget airlines, you can save some cash over flying non-stop to your destination. It is very common to layover in one of these main cities.

Finally, consider traveling on a lesser-known carrier. Aeronica is the national airline. However, TACA, Delta Air Lines and other airlines also stop in Managua.

The most expensive air tickets to Managua are found during peak holiday travel times, such as the New Year. Also be aware of national events or festivals, which can also cause ticket prices to rise.

Summary of Money Saving Tips:

• Fly mid-week
• Book your holiday during the off-peak season
• Consider flying into San Jose, Costa Rica and traveling overland to Managua via train or bus
• Look for flights that go through large cities, with many flights
• Check out carriers besides the national airline - they may undercut the monopolistic competition

For more information on Managua, check out BootsnAll's Managua Travel Guide.