Managua

[DavidGarcia]

I intend to go there this month from Costa Rica.

[CrownRoyal]

Go there more often than once in 6 years. The whole police will rub you out story is nonsense. So are $200 US cab rides and the police enforcing it (or caring, frankly) . Managua is probably the safest city in Central America. And the cops are just poor but are they are not running organized extortion scams. I note in no part was the cop putting his hand out for his cut. Why would they be helping some taxi driver fleece a sappy gringo? It does not add up. Maybe the taxista was confused with a fare to LOS Colinas. It's Las Colinas.

With your paranoia and horrible experience combined with the almost 100% risk of going to jail why on Earth are you going back?

By the way what "clubs" around Zona Rosa? There is one, Diamond, a known clip joint. Elite is gone. Hollywood has been gone so long I can't even be sure it was there when you were there. I went once, with a friend. We were the only two customers and girls were $180 and that was more than 5 years ago. Solid Gold looks like crap today, it's a hell of a hike from the Zona Rosa, and frankly I think it's gone also. Even years ago between Hollywood and Diamond you only had Elite which was more of a clip joint than the rest added together, and Solid Gold was the only other one, and a joke..

GP,

You have taken almost every comment I made and twisted into something else. I may not have been there for 6 years but my advice was far more accurate than yours. You know, I used to be a paid subscriber to ISG some time ago but stopped reading and contributing largely due to the number of blowhards ISG has attracted. I see nothing has changed.

At no point did I indicate 'the cops would rub you out'. Your previous post stated the girls were not capable of running a shakedown scam and I countered with the fact the cops are. In most places where this shakedown scam occurs, the girls are recruited by the cops. And the cops in Managua are corrupt.

The $200 extortion attempt occurred, whether you want to believe it or not. And the conversation was "$200 dolares Americano"; I don't see how anyone could confuse that with Cordobas.

I didn't even mention the half dozen times I was pulled over for Driving While White. Actually, the cops pull over the nicest cars driving towards them but they love it when they find a gringo behind the wheel. Gringos have money and they figure they can hand you their little ticket book and get $5 or $10 USD tucked inside when you hand it back, except for the fact I don't pay bribes. Did I mention the cops in MGA are corrupt?

We obviously has different tastes on where to go hunting. What you describe as a 'clip joint' was where I liked to hang out. Hollywood was still open for business when I first arrived in MGA but I think they were closed for some reason during my stay. It was supposed to be temporary but I can't remember if they reopened or not. Regardless, it may have been a 1 mile walk between Hollywood and Diamonds and I don't think that is a great distance to walk. Elite became my favorite 'clip joint' and yeah, they could clean out a wallet faster than any place in Nicaragua; I just don't care what anything costs and am more interested in having a good time, which I did in Elite. BTW, Solid Gold still has an active Facebook page. That might not be a guarantee they are still open but it does seem likely that they are. They are also only a half mile walk from Diamonds, not much of a hike IMHO.

The only reason I have not returned to MGA before was due to flight availability (I thought I made that clear too). The only airport where I live in the US is a small regional airport and previously required 3 hops and an overnight in IAH with a total travel time of roughly 21 hours. It is 14 hours door to door for a trip to Rio de Janeiro and a no-brainier. I only recently discovered I could get to MGA in 2 hops in just over 8 hours.

I am not paranoid, had minimal 'horrible experiences', and was never concerned about spending time in jail. I had connections in MGA and that never would have happened anyway. I had a lot of fun in MGA and my comment was to rebut yours that MGA is perfectly safe. It is not perfectly safe, but requires nothing more than common sense to stay safe, just as it would in any large US city. There are places all over the planet where it is 'white man go in; white man no come out'. Managua is no exception to that.

I speak very little Spanish but US Currency is a worldwide language. I've been in close to 30 countries and never had a problem finding what I want.

[Grand Pollo]

Lowkey, I disagree with GP on the ability of girls to run a scam like this and the girls are only half the equation anyway; the cops being the other half. And anyone that has spent any time in MGA knows the cops there are corrupt. 'Law Enforcement' is definitely a misnomer in Nicaragua. I talked to at least 1 SW while I was living there that warned me about a particular girl who was running this same type of scam with LE. This was 5 or 6 years ago but she hung out in front of a furniture or appliance store on see. Masaya just south of Miguel Obando..

Go there more often than once in 6 years. The whole police will rub you out story is nonsense. So are $200 US cab rides and the police enforcing it (or caring, frankly) . Managua is probably the safest city in Central America. And the cops are just poor but are they are not running organized extortion scams. I note in no part was the cop putting his hand out for his cut. Why would they be helping some taxi driver fleece a sappy gringo? It does not add up. Maybe the taxista was confused with a fare to LOS Colinas. It's Las Colinas.

With your paranoia and horrible experience combined with the almost 100% risk of going to jail why on Earth are you going back?

By the way what "clubs" around Zona Rosa? There is one, Diamond, a known clip joint. Elite is gone. Hollywood has been gone so long I can't even be sure it was there when you were there. I went once, with a friend. We were the only two customers and girls were $180 and that was more than 5 years ago. Solid Gold looks like crap today, it's a hell of a hike from the Zona Rosa, and frankly I think it's gone also. Even years ago between Hollywood and Diamond you only had Elite which was more of a clip joint than the rest added together, and Solid Gold was the only other one, and a joke. I agree with one point. Fenix is a dive. Good Times overcharges, is too loud and dark and has too man locals in it. Cueto Club is hit or miss. And don't walk anywhere.

You want to go to bars and such you better have fluent Spanish and look pretty sharp. These are not places with freelance girls waiting for gringos.

I am not sure of the point you're trying to make. A post with some story about gangs of robbing cops and advice to go to closed strip bars. It's so out of date as to be nothing more than gossip and bad advice.

[BbTraktor]

Hi guys,

Any one there 5/6th of June?

[CrownRoyal]

Lowkey, I disagree with GP on the ability of girls to run a scam like this and the girls are only half the equation anyway; the cops being the other half. And anyone that has spent any time in MGA knows the cops there are corrupt. 'Law Enforcement' is definitely a misnomer in Nicaragua. I talked to at least 1 SW while I was living there that warned me about a particular girl who was running this same type of scam with LE. This was 5 or 6 years ago but she hung out in front of a furniture or appliance store on see. Masaya just south of Miguel Obando.

I had one major problem with the cops in MGA and it occurred one night when I stumbled out of Diamonds at 2 or 3 AM (this happened maybe 5 or 6 years ago). I flagged down the first cab that rolled by and asked him 'quanto' to LOS Colinas. He replied 'doscientos' and I got in. We didn't roll 100 yards before he was telling me he wanted the money up front, but now it is $200 US dollars!! Long story short, we got in a heated argument and he flags down a cop car, pretty much in front of La Union. The cops are telling me that I have to pay the $200 USD or go to jail. I told them to take me to jail and that the US Embassy would sort it out. It took about 30 minutes for these clowns to finally figure out I was not going to pay the $200 USD and they & the cabbie agreed on me paying see $300 cords and the cabbie would take me to LOS Colinas. I paid the see $300 cords but there was no way I was riding with that scumbag anywhere, so I walked up to Elite where I knew most of the cab drivers and grabbed one there to take me home.

Bottom line; the cops are corrupt and there is no reason to take chances. Ask for a Cedula if the girl appears young, and if she doesn't have one, walk. Also compare her to the photo; if it might be her older sister, walk. There are too many low, to no risk options in MGA that you don't have to risk picking up SW's that may be too young. Since you have limited time, I would stick to the clubs but if you want to go after SW's I would suggest see. Masaya within to mile walk of Miguel Obando, both NW and SE. I know there is another SW area near the Rotunda Plaza Inter but I avoided it because there were a lot 3 legged SW's there. If your hotel is not girl friendly, I would suggest Fantasia (autohotel) for a short time romp. It's cheap and close.

It has been 5 or 6 years since I have been in MGA but I would stick to the clubs or bars around Zona Rosa. I used to walk between Hollywood and Diamonds, hitting each strip bar along the way. This was before the government essentially confiscated Elite, but there should still be enough target rich environments. I know a lot of guys on here go to Fenix, but I always thought it was a world class crap-hole. I wouldn't so much as sit on a bar stool in that place let alone bed anything there.

Cost 5 or 6 years ago; I could find street meat for $12 USD along see. Masaya. Some of the girls are beasts but you can occasionally find a gem. I also had a few occasions where I dropped more than $1,000 in Elite in one night, but that hefty amount also included several Nicas and a weeklong hangover and was worth every penny.

Enjoy your stay in MGA. I haven't been there for years but that was mostly because where I live used to require 3 flights and an overnight at IAH. I finally found a flight that is only 2 hops and would put me there before lunch, so I'm hoping to go there in the next few weeks.

As a side note; one of the reasons you are seeing prices in dollars is because there is some type of filter that is stripping anything out in front of the dollar sign. I tried to label the prices I noted in Cordoba's but they were stripped and replaced with 'see'. I caught this when I proof read my post.

[Grand Pollo]

I've read about sketchy girls in downtown and not to get caught with them. What areas should I avoid that these girls are at. I'm not in the mood for central american jail over a "thought to be" 18 year old that's 16! Do they let them in the clubs? This stuff made me nervous in Costa Rica that the girls outside would try to trick you then call cops. I stuck to the clubs there and was fine. Same rule here?

LK.

Read about these "sketchy" girls where?

And there is no downtown in Managua.

This, for Managua, is utter nonsense.

I cannot imagine Managua streetwalkers being able to organize this and the cops won't give a crap about what they do or you do unless you are acting stupid.

[World Travel 69]

I would stay here, as I PMed you:

Hotel Yolaina, 12.1136363, -86.2690258.

Pablo (owner) or Silvo, if he still works there (Guide).

pablou21@yahoo.com, and his phone number is 011 505 895 010 67, and the hotel number is 011 505 227 713 37.

https://plus.google.com/+HotelyolainaNetManagua / about? Gl=us&hl=en.

But, call them.

The map as I sent you.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?h...U.kZk2zhigeh2A

I will be in town June 1-10. I have not picked a hotel yet. Looking for one close to the action. I know I know. RTFF but I have and not found all the exact answers. I will be traveling alone so here are my questions in short.

What is the clean and nicest hotel in the middle of the action? and strong wifi signal

I've read about sketchy girls in downtown and not to get caught with them. What areas should I avoid that these girls are at. I'm not in the mood for central american jail over a "thought to be" 18 year old that's 16! Do they let them in the clubs? This stuff made me nervous in Costa Rica that the girls outside would try to trick you then call cops. I stuck to the clubs there and was fine. Same rule here?

What is average price of some action here. I keep reading its cheap but then see posts of 80-100 bucks??

Is there a map like Cuba dave has for Costa Rica that points out the hot spots and where to go and stay??

Any info on a first timer here would be great. I am experience traveler with basic spanish skills. I promise a nice detail report if I can get some direction. Thank you!!

LK.

[Lowkey1]

I will be in town June 1-10. I have not picked a hotel yet. Looking for one close to the action. I know I know. RTFF but I have and not found all the exact answers. I will be traveling alone so here are my questions in short.

What is the clean and nicest hotel in the middle of the action? and strong wifi signal

I've read about sketchy girls in downtown and not to get caught with them. What areas should I avoid that these girls are at. I'm not in the mood for central american jail over a "thought to be" 18 year old that's 16! Do they let them in the clubs? This stuff made me nervous in Costa Rica that the girls outside would try to trick you then call cops. I stuck to the clubs there and was fine. Same rule here?

What is average price of some action here. I keep reading its cheap but then see posts of 80-100 bucks??

Is there a map like Cuba dave has for Costa Rica that points out the hot spots and where to go and stay??

Any info on a first timer here would be great. I am experience traveler with basic spanish skills. I promise a nice detail report if I can get some direction. Thank you!!

LK.

[Grand Pollo]

Bachata? Reggaeton? Reggae? Hip-Hop? The juke box at Morena is just too loud but the music is listened to by the masses and it is great stuff to do a two-step to if you dance. No worries though. I understand the shitty music reference though. I checked on Venus and that is dead. The Polanco joint changed its name but it is the same thing.

I hit Gloria's a few weeks ago and it was nice.

Managua needs 10 more places to make it really fun.

If you go to Morena as a customer do not be surprised if the music is shitty loud and distorted and they do nothing to turn it down or pay attention to you especially later in the day but not night hours.

Which is frankly not good service for people working on commission.

It's still useful because at times the girls are pretty good, they often speak English and it is a safe part of town and easy to find and get to.

But it is far from perfect.

Polanco would have changed its name because "Aqui Polanco" now would have to be what's written on the poor guy's headstone. It was closed for a long time after his murder, and I do wonder who bought it our took it over? OK, I see on the Facebook this IS the Barcelona Club not near the Barcelona Club.

Regardless that area was and is shady so caution is warranted. I never did too bad at the few times I was in Polanco. The manager gave me a tour including the dressing rooms while the girls were dressing, which was interesting.

Downstairs was a pitch dark joint where some girls went with their men and others were freelancing while upstairs was a strip joint, and across the parking lot was a quickie hotel. No idea if that business model is still the case now under a new name.

Venus girls were heifers with a rare occasional non-cow but it comes as no surprise if it's not very good. It wasn't nearly 10 years ago. I doubt these joint improve with age like wine.

I dropped in to Glorias in January and the girls were not even as good as mediocre. I do a lot of day time visits, or I did so that may be what there is in the daytime.

I will be in Managua in about 3 1/2 hours but I have a companion so doubtful there will be side trips to places like this nor any real need to.

[World Travel 69]

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aqui-...45549182197697

http://wikimapia.org/5728259/Aqui-Polanco

Notably about Morena you have to insist they turn that shitty music down though from that huge weird jukebox. If not Morena is anything but relaxing. The good thing for noobs is that they mainly speak English there since most if not all the girls are from Bluefields, and it is in a very safe area and easy to find, notwithstanding the back and forth earlier about how it is or is not near Sinsa and Ceca, which it is.

I didn't realize Aqui Polanco reopened as anything after Senior Polanco was rather rudely dispatched to the great nightclub in the sky. Shot, stabbed, lit on fire and thrown off a bridge. Yikes.

There should also be a club across from the old Polanco that used to be called Club Venus. I don't recall the name but it is a stone's throw away. Not a great barrio at night, so take care there.

[NinoGordo]

Notably about Morena you have to insist they turn that shitty music down though from that huge weird jukebox. If not Morena is anything but relaxing. The good thing for noobs is that they mainly speak English there since most if not all the girls are from Bluefields, and it is in a very safe area and easy to find, notwithstanding the back and forth earlier about how it is or is not near Sinsa and Ceca, which it is.

I didn't realize Aqui Polanco reopened as anything after Senior Polanco was rather rudely dispatched to the great nightclub in the sky. Shot, stabbed, lit on fire and thrown off a bridge. Yikes.

There should also be a club across from the old Polanco that used to be called Club Venus. I don't recall the name but it is a stone's throw away. Not a great barrio at night, so take care there.

Bachata? Reggaeton? Reggae? Hip-Hop? The juke box at Morena is just too loud but the music is listened to by the masses and it is great stuff to do a two-step to if you dance. No worries though. I understand the shitty music reference though. I checked on Venus and that is dead. The Polanco joint changed its name but it is the same thing.

I hit Gloria's a few weeks ago and it was nice.

Managua needs 10 more places to make it really fun.

[Grand Pollo]

128′27″ and 8611′45″ W (Bar la Cabana de York).

The place is kind of run down and it is not for anyone that does not like being around locals. It is rough but down the street from Night Club Barcelona (the old Polancos) and it is basic.
I still though like a mellow and laid back place where you can CHILL and RELAX and the best place for how much you spend, service, etc is Caribbean Morena if you ask me.

.

Notably about Morena you have to insist they turn that shitty music down though from that huge weird jukebox. If not Morena is anything but relaxing. The good thing for noobs is that they mainly speak English there since most if not all the girls are from Bluefields, and it is in a very safe area and easy to find, notwithstanding the back and forth earlier about how it is or is not near Sinsa and Ceca, which it is.

I didn't realize Aqui Polanco reopened as anything after Senior Polanco was rather rudely dispatched to the great nightclub in the sky. Shot, stabbed, lit on fire and thrown off a bridge. Yikes.

There should also be a club across from the old Polanco that used to be called Club Venus. I don't recall the name but it is a stone's throw away. Not a great barrio at night, so take care there.

[Grand Pollo]

How accurate are the GPS cordinates and how would I use them on my phone. Sorry but I need help. Technology not my thing but I am trying to learn. Will be in Managua in 2 weeks if anyone wants to help a newbie. It will be my first time in Managua.

As long as your Spanish is decent and you are smart not to get into taxis with more than one person in the front, and insist on a non-shared ride, you can do fine.

Have the hotel write down the plate when the driver comes in a taxi. The driver will notice this.

Or if money is not an issue the car rental places rent drivers with the cars. They will likely know where everything is and a simple call for "Managua style" directions will do the trick.

I am there next week for a week. Caramba! It's like 38 degrees every day and no rain.

[Grand Pollo]

Dina's Night Club.

120′7″ and 867′18″ W is for Dina's across the road from Caretera Masaya Volcano. 55 to enter and $38 for 30 minutes in one of the back rooms.

The place is set up for lap dances (but not really) and pole dancing (but not really). Girls hustle for drinks to get paid as well.

People need a GPS to take the one highway to a huge volcano and look across the road to find this place? Wow.

As for within Managua I am curious how well only Lat / Long GPS waypoints works since you are not in a helicopter and have to drive on the roads, with various one way streets and such. Do people just do dead reckoning, and keep trying to get progressively closer to the goal, even if the roads are uncooperative?

I think just following a map or using a taxi would be a lot simpler. Managua is pretty small.

[World Travel 69]

I changed some of them on the Map. Use those with Google Earth, then switch to street view on the top bar.

How accurate are the GPS cordinates and how would I use them on my phone. Sorry but I need help. Technology not my thing but I am trying to learn. Will be in Managua in 2 weeks if anyone wants to help a newbie. It will be my first time in Managua.