Honduras is strategically located in the heart of Central America and is surrounded by high tropical
mountains, which provide the country with a variety of different climates. Its northern border is the
Caribbean Sea, offering long stretches of beautiful beach, warm weather and friendly people. Just off the coast, the Bay Islands
are surrounded by the world’s second largest coral reef. Honduras boasts the longest Caribbean coast-line of any country in the
world. The population of Honduras is approximately 7,326,496. Click here for population statistics for various Honduran cities.
Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, got its tongue twisting name from the ancient Nahuatl language, and translated means
"silver mountain" In effect, Tegucigalpa came to being during colonial times as a mining center. "Tegus" as its inhabitants
affectionately call it, is a mix of an old colonial city that has turned into the modern capital of Honduras. As a matter of fact,
Tegucigalpa became the most important mining center in Central America during colonial times.
Tegucigalpa's entry to the list of country capitals came to be by chance. It is said that the society of Comayagua, the long time
colonial capital of Honduras, publicly disliked the wife of President Marco Aurelio Soto, who took revenge by moving the capital of
the republic to Tegucigalpa.
A city with very pleasant climate, Tegucigalpa is a romantic city nestled in a valley at about 3000-ft making its climate ideal. The
residences within the region are concentrated on mountainous levels offers incredible valley views by day and a sea of lights by
night. Rich in tradition, with expansive colorful markets Tegucigalpa is a gateway into Pacific coast, as well as to the numerous
attractions that are located in central and southern Honduras. With a population of approximately 1,500,000 SMSA, including
Comayagua, it is the largest city within Honduras. It is (2) two hours earlier throughout Honduras when it is Daylight Savings time
in the Northeast corridor of the USA, otherwise there it is one hour difference. is the current time in Honduras.
Getting around Tegucigalpa can be a confusing experience. Despite the colonial history of the city, it does not have the typical
Spanish layout of square streets around the Central Park. This is mostly due to the fact that terrain around the city did not allow
this. Originally two separate cities, Tegucigalpa and Comayaguela have grown into one big city. The Choluteca River is still the
official boundary between the sister cities, and Tegucigalpa is by far the better of the two. The majority of colonial buildings and
higher end neighborhoods being located within its boundaries. Today, both cities have been officially joined, sharing the same
city mayor, etc.
The commercial heart of Tegucigalpa is located within the Boulevard Morazán,a modern
bustling district also known as "la zona viva". In this area you will find many of the restaurants,
shops and offices of the higher echelon of all Honduras.
In addition to this pleasant area, you will also find the old historical center of town
very interesting. Within the Historical center you will find old buildings, such as the Cathedral,
dedicated to the patron saint of Tegucigalpa, Michael Archangel. Built between 1765 and
1782,it has an exquisite baroque altar. Another interesting old church is the Iglesia de
Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, located only a few blocks from the Central Park. This church
is livingproof of the importance that Tegucigalpa had during colonial days as a mining center. The buildings around the Plaza de
la Merced all built during the XVII century, were all part of one unit, the Mercedian monks called this home. During the XIX century
these buildings housed the National University of Honduras, and today it houses the Museum of the Honduran Man, known
in Spanish as the "Museo del Hombre Hondureño".
The Manuel Bonilla Theater, whose interior decoration was inspiredfrom the Atheneé Theater of Paris, is
another interesting building where shows are often played. The "Museo Nacional Villaroy",home of Don
Julio Lozano Diaz,one of the late presidents of Honduras,collection of artifacts dating back from
Pre-Colombian to contemporary times The old presidential house which dates back to the
beginning of the century, new Museum depicting the lifestyles of the country's presidents.
Dominating the valley below, the " parque de La Leona" as well as the "Parque de Las Naciones Unidas" or United Nations park
offer green pockets where the locals enjoy their days off. In addition, the "parque de la Concordia" offers you replicas of Mayan
temples in miniature size. Getting to the above mentioned parks can be tricky, however, taxis are plentiful in Tegucigalpa and
these are not expensive, and will usually run under 25 lempiras for a trip. It is however a good idea to negotiate the rate before
you use the service.
The central market is extremely interesting, however we must warn you, as in any
other large market, you must keep an eye out for pick pockets. It is not
recommended at all to venture into the market area after dark.
Also of interest is the Basilica of our lady of Suyapa, the patron saint of Honduras
and most revered site of the Honduran Catholics.
Changing dollars into lempiras in Tegus is easy. There are many banks throughout the city, specially within the Boulevard
Morazanand downtown areas. Banco Atlantida offers cash withdrawals from your Visa cards,and Credomatic located at Bulevard
Morazan offers cash withdrawals for Visa and Master Card. American Express is represented by Credomatic, whose main offices
are located in the Boulevard Morazan
Although Tegucigalpa is no longer famous for its Easter Week celebrations, a big effort is being made to revive the old traditions
that marked this week, the holiest for the Catholic religion. From Good Thursday to Easter Sunday there are a series of
celebrations that include the preparation of colorful sawdust carpets that some of the religious processions will walk over, as well
as religious events at the different churches in the downtown area.
Because the city is deserted during this week by its dwellers, who escape to the beaches,
and the downtown area is closed to traffic in order to prepare the traditional sawdust
carpets, the city becomes a paradise to stroll around and discover all the lovely and
charming old buildings and cobblestoned streets in the downtown area. Hotels are
generally empty, so getting accommodations in the city is no problem at all. So if you are interested in experiencing the colorful
celebrations of Easter Week, you don’t need to go to crowded and pricey Antigua Guatemala, just drop by Tegus and enjoy it all
before it becomes trendy and expensive!
One of the most recent monuments in Tegucigalpa is the massive image of Christ that overlooks the city (See Photo above).
Known as the Christ of the Picacho, because of the mountaintop where it is located, it was built in 1997 but has rapidly become a
favorite image to depict the city. You can travel up to the mountain where the image is located at the Picacho Park, where a
series of other monuments, a small zoo and an impressive view of the city are all available. This park is a favorite spot for the city
dwellers to spend their weekends.
Upscale Neighborhoods in Tegucigalpa:El Hatillo, Lomas del Guijarro, Loma Linda, Miramontes, Palmira, and El Molino.
San Pedro Sula Located in the northern part of the country, San Pedro is only a few miles from the coast and has always played
a major role in Honduran history. The city was founded the 27th of June, 1536 by Don Pedro de Alvarado himself. The Spanish
conqueror founded it with the name of "Villa de San Pedro de Puerto Caballos" and within the next 5 years it was known as San
Pedro Sula, with the name Sula deriving from the local dialect Usula, meaning "valley of birds". The climate is semi-tropical,
ordinarily hot, but with a small drive there are cold crisp flowing rivers to relieve the heat.
There are numerous restaurants serving both native and modern cusines.
San Pedro Sula is a city in the Central American Republic of Honduras. It is located in the
northwest corner of the country, in the Sula Valley, some 60 km south of Puerto Cortés on
the Caribbean Sea. With an estimated population of 900,000 people (2006 estimate) in its
metro area, it is the second largest city in the country behind the Honduran capital
Tegucigalpa, and is considered the industrial center of Honduras. It is the capital of
Honduras's Cortés department.
San Pedro Sula is known as the Industrial Capital of Honduras, due to the many factories,plantations, and
businessesconcentrated around the city. It is also known and recognized by its large Palestinian immigrant population.
The Guamilito market, within walking distance from the central plaza on between the 8a and 9a
Avenidas and 5a y 6a Calles N.O. offers the most complete selection of Honduran handicrafts in San
Pedro Sula.The market is also a good place for vegetables and flowers. When shopping at the market,
always remember to barter, as prices here are not fixed and everyone barters the price down,
The Museum of Anthropology and History of San Pedro Sula is located at 3a Avenida corner with 4a
Calle N.O. Entrance fee is Lps. 10.00 per person, open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m.. (closed on Tuesdays) and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. Children and students with
credentials pay Lps5.00 and elderlies pay only Lps. 2.00. A good tip, the first Sunday of every month
entrance is free for all!
The new Nature Museum (Museo de la Naturaleza) is located on 1st Street and 13th Avenue, where the old Jose Cecilio del Valle
School used to operate. It is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Museum is
managed by the non profit Hector Rodrigo Pastor Foundation and entrance fee is 20 lempiras per person.
Although the new children’s museum ( Mi Pequeño Sula ) is not yet in full operation, they already have the planetarium exhibit up
and running. This is located next to the Municipal Gymnasium building on the exit towards Tegucigalpa. They currently have a
show operating on Fridays at 4:00 p.m.
The Centro Cultural Sampedrano, where the public library is located, also hosts and organizes most of the cultural events going
on in San Pedro Sula. It often has exhibitions and events scheduled, and you may visit the center to obtain more information. It is
located on 4a Avenida with 3a Calle N.O. Telephone is 553 3911
The new Francisco Saybe Theater, located on Avenida Circunvalacion, adjacent to the San Pedro Sula University is the pride of
town, and is regularly showing plays that are well worth while. Long time in building, this is a world class theater and by far the
best in the country. Find out what shows are playing in the local newpapers.
Neighborhoods of San Pedro Sula:
Colonia Trejo, Colonia Bellavista,Colonia La Mora,Colonia Moderna,Colonia Zeron,Colonia Jardines del Valle,Colonia Juan Lindo,
Colonia El Pedregal,Colonia Country,Colonia Bogran,Colonia Ideal,Colonia Villas del Sol,Colonia Universidad,Colonia Fesitran,
Colonia Montefresco,Barrio Guamilito,Barrio Santa Anita,Barrio El Benque,Barrio El Centro,Barrio Paz Barahona,Barrio Suyapa,
Barrio Medina,Barrio Barandillas,Barrio Las Acadias,Barrio Santa Ana,Barrio Los Andes,Barrio Concepcion,Barrio Las Palmas,
Barrio Cabañas,Barrio Suncery,Barrio Rio Piedras
Honduras
