|
Tegucigalpa, Honduras’ capital since 1880, is an important urban center, provides the best tourist services as well as the right infrastructure for receiving large groups for conventions. Located in an ample territory, the city houses over a million people.
The history of Tegucigalpa goes back to its legendary beginnings as an important silver and gold mining hub. No agreement has been reached regarding the meaning of the city’s name, but there are those who say it comes from the Nahuatl word for “Silver Mountain”. Others, however, don’t agree with this translation and affirm that it actually means “the place where men gather” or “color stones”.
| Day Tours |
Small towns close to the capital offer new and enriching opportunities that you can easily experience while taking a one day tour.
• Santa Lucia: A very short distance from the city, on the mountains, it is well known for its beautiful scenery, very antique colonial church and its craft shops. It began as a mining town, when silver was found in its surroundings, thus being built on the hillsides. You’ll enjoy walking along the narrow streets encircled with vegetation.
• Valle de Angeles: This is one of the best places to buy souvenirs and crafts, especially those made of wood. It is just an hour by bus from Tegucigalpa. |
At 3.000 feet above sea level, it has the perfect weather for all must-see attractions. You might want to start in the city’s historical center, where you’ll see museums, entertainment centers like bars, restaurants and various businesses, as well as beautiful views from La Leona and United Nations parks.
In spite of numerous encounters with the forces of nature, the city has never had to be rebuilt, which allows for beautiful colonial buildings to stand, such as the Manuel Bonilla theater, inspired by the Athénée Theater in Paris. Colonial churches are also popular, and fortunately most of them are very close to each other.
Some of the most interesting are: St. Michael Archangel Church, in the heart of the city’s Central Park, built in 1782; Los Dolores Church, built in 1732, two blocks West and two blocks North of the central park; San Francisco Church, dates back to 1590 and is the oldest among all of the capital’s buildings; located three blocks East of central park; La Merced Church, built in 1650, is next to the National Art Gallery, which used to be the home of the Parish priest. Don’t forget to visit the Suyapa Basilica, built in honor of the Virgin of Suyapa, the country’s patron saint, and the Tegucigalpa Cathedral.
It’s size, location and numerous hotels to choose from, make Tegucigalpa an ideal base camp for exploring the Pacific coast, as well as the central and southern regions. Whatever your main interest, be it architecture, ancient churches, local crafts or walking through national parks, in Tegucigalpa you’ll find more than you imagined.
Back to the Urban Experience Main Page
|
