Bogota , General info:
8/10

Bogota, capital of the republic of Colombia, located in a privileged site in the center of the country at an altitude of 2640 meters above of the sea level.sitting on a large plain surrounded by fertile land, harboring friendly population where industrial, agricultural, livestock, artisan activities are developed.

Bogota , Food:
8/10

Bogotá is a cosmopolitan city referring to gastronomy. Thus, in addition to specialized typical Bogotá food restaurants, other restaurants also offer menus from other regions of the country or global cooking. Restaurants for all budgets are available.

In Bogotá people usually take three meals: breakfast served in restaurants and cafeterias up to 9:00 or 10:00 a.m.; lunch between 12:00 m. and 3:00 p.m., and dinner at night up to 11:00 p.m. for most restaurants. Some people also take light snacks “medias nueves” between breakfast and lunch “onces” around mid afternoon

Typical dishes

Ajiaco

Delightful soup from the Cundiboyacense plains. Prepared with chicken, creole potatoes, sabana potatoes, Pasto potatoes, corn and “guascas” (aromatic herb). Served with capers, thick milk cream, avocado and rice on the side each persons takes at their pleasure.

Fritanga (charcoal broiled meats)

A dish consisting of different meats: cow, pork, sausage, tripe, “longaniza” (different sausage type) black pudding, udder, heart and creole potatoes, ripe plantain and griddle cake.

Mazamorra Chiquita

A soup prepared with cow ribs, tripe, meat from the lower cow thigh, long onions, green peas, lima beans, carrots, Pasto potatoes, creole potatoes, corn flour, garlic, pepper and cumin. Accompanied of white rice.

Puchero Santafereño

Bogotá origin dish prepared with meats, Sabana potatoes, Pasto potatoes, yucca, plantain and sweet corn. Bathed with hot “hogao” and decorated with cabbage leafs.

Sancocho de Gallina

Soup eaten over all regions of the country, prepared with hen, potatoes, yucca and plantain. Served with white rice.

Sobrebarriga con papas chorriadas

Tasty meat of the fibrous type recovered with a layer of grease for delicious taste. Served accompanied of “chorriadas” potatoes bathed with “hogao” prepared with long onions, garlic tomatoes and spices.

Managua , General info:
10/10

Nicaragua on the whole is on the mend from hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. People love Americans! However, you must not display your wealth unless you want to hire a guard.

Nicaragua takes its name from Nicarao, chief of the indigenous tribe that lived around present-day Lake Nicaragua during the late 1400s and early 1500s.

Some Nicaraguans know English, but it is a good idea to know some Spanish before you go. You can get by showing what you want with your hands.

Managua , Cheap stuff:
10/10

Getting by on a shoestring is possible, only if you live the Nicaraguan lifestyle--beans, rice, fruit, etc. and native handicrafts. Transportation can be quite reasonable, depending on what you want, taxis, buses, mini-bus or Bluebird school type buses (not recommended).

When you deal with people at the Mercados (marketplaces), generally the price will be a bit high for merchandise. Just say "No" which usually gives you a second price and if you want the item, that is the time to buy it. Another "No" will get you a better price, yes, but then, the merchant gets cheated and is not a good reflection on the Americano.

Managua , Different stuff:
10/10

Nicaraguans are famous for their hammocks and are splendid.

Zip lines are also available in the canopy in Nicaragua; however, this author does not know where they are located.

Managua , Don't miss:
10/10

Be sure to go see The Peace Monument in former downtown Managua in the earthquake zone. Another must see is Granada for its Spanish Colonial Architecture and, also, see Masaya for volcano and handicrafts, such as hammocks.

Managua , Food:
10/10

If you want American, Chinese, or Native Nicaragua meals, and go to a restaurant, expect to pay about the same as in the United States. Otherwise, street vendors have plenty of tropical fruit and bocadillas (chucks of charcoaled grilled meat).

Managua , Hotels:
10/10

There are new hotels available in Managua, as it is a rapidly growing city, so expect to spend about the same amount as in Untied States. The Hotel Intercontinental is the hotel Howard Hughes stayed in the early 70's.

Generally, do not expect hot water to take a shower!

Managua , Safety:
10/10

Generally, it is a good idea to keep valuables well hidden, perhaps in a plastic bag. Displaying wealth of any kind is not recommended, such as, cameras, jewelry, purses, etc. This is generally true in most Central American countries.