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Tegucigalpa Travel Guide, Honduras

Tegucigalpa is the capital of Honduras with a temperate climate. It is one of the most pleasant cities of Honduras. It was founded by the Spanish immigrants in 1578. The Spanish rulers called it Tegucigalpa which means “silver hill” in a local language. Actually, the whole area was famous for the silver mining during the Spanish Empire. The importance of Tegucigalpa increased ever since it became the capital of Honduras in 1880.

Tegucigalpa is fondly called as Tegus or la capital by the natives. The city is a flourishing center for activities and has museums, excellent restaurants and shopping arcades. One of the good museums of Tegucigalpa is Museo National de Historia y Anthropologia Villa Roy that depicts stories and illustrations of the ancient city till the contemporary events. The museum has motivating sections that tell about the banana and mining industries of Tegucigalpa. If you are interested in the history of pre-Columbian times, then visit the Museo para la Identidad Nacional. The Galeria Nacional de Arte is the place for the art lovers. It contains some very good photographs of the natives.

There are many well preserved colonial churches in the city. But the 18th century cathedral of St. Michael Archangel and the old 16th century San Francisco church are perhaps the most amazing. Other churches that are worth a visit are Iglesia Los Dolores, La Merced and El Calvario.

The beautiful parks in the city should be a part of the Honduran vacation. The lovely Parque Nacional Unidas El Picacho and the serene Parque La Leona are truly spectacular.

The city’s airport Toncontin International Airport is the second largest in the country. Once you are out of the airport, you have an option to stay in any one of the good hotels in the city. Some of the best hotels are in the downtown area; however, Colonia Palmira area is a safer place to be in. You can find less expensive accommodations in the Comayaguela neighborhood.

Tegucigalpa is a crime ridden city. The tourists have to be very careful about their belongings. It is recommended that you take a taxi at night to travel to your destination. The banks of the Río Choluteca remind of the 1998 Hurricane Mitch. Ever since the Hurricane has passed, the scenario remains the same - huge mud deposits and garbage clogs.

Most of the Tegucigalpa has been under explored. Its main recreation can be found in the winding and slender streets which randomly and lazily go towards the slope of Cerro Picacho which is the city’s mountainous milieu.