One of Managua's big traditional markets, with an extensive artesanías section of hammocks, ceramics, leather and woodwork alongside everyday produce stalls.
Eastern-central Managua, beside a bus terminal for southern routes
| Type | Public market |
|---|---|
| Area | Eastern-central Managua |
| Known for | Artesanías (crafts) section |
| Also | Produce, flowers, household goods, food stalls |
| Good for | Souvenir browsing, everyday market life |
What it is
Managua has several huge public markets, and Mercado Roberto Huembes is the one visitors most often seek out, mainly because of its large crafts section. Behind the busy outer rows of fruit, vegetables, meat, flowers and household goods, a maze of stalls sells artesanías gathered from workshops across the country. It is a working market first, so you will share the aisles with Managua families doing their weekly shopping.
What you will find
In the crafts area, look for woven hammocks in every colour, pottery from the villages of the Meseta (notably San Juan de Oriente), carved wood, leather goods, embroidered textiles, jewellery, paintings in the bright primitivist style associated with the Solentiname islands, and small items such as painted gourds. Elsewhere, food stalls serve quick lunches and refrescos, and the produce rows are a good introduction to tropical fruits you may not know, such as jocote, mamón and pitahaya.
Background
Markets have always been the commercial heart of Nicaraguan towns, and after the 1972 earthquake scattered the old centre, Managua's trade spread into several large markets across the city. Huembes, in the eastern-central part of the city, became especially associated with crafts and with the bus terminal beside it, which serves routes heading south toward Masaya, Granada and beyond. If you are planning a trip toward Masaya, you may pass through here.
Visiting
Go in the morning, when it is cooler and the stalls are fully stocked. Carry small notes, keep valuables to a minimum and bags in front of you, as you would in any crowded market. Prices for crafts are usually open to friendly negotiation; a smile and a few words of Spanish go a long way. If you plan to buy hammocks or ceramics for the journey home, ask for careful wrapping. For a calmer crafts market, compare with the market in Masaya.
Casa San Juan Guide is independent and is not affiliated with Mercado Roberto Huembes. Programmes, opening times and access arrangements change, so confirm details locally before you visit.