Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa is a bustling city in a lush valley, some 1,000 m (3,280 feet) above sea level. As a result, the city's climate is very refreshing. Tegucigalpa means 'silver hill' in the local dialect and the name derives from the time when the Spanish founded the city as a mining center in 1578. Tegucigalpa is usually referred to as Tegus, or Teguz.
In 1880, Tegucigalpa became the capital of Honduras, after Comayagua had served as the country's capital since its independence in 1841. Tegucigalpa grew steadily and by 1938 the neighboring town of Comayagüela was incorporated into the municipality.
Tegucigalpa is divided into two parts by the Río Choluteca. On the river's eastern banks lies Tegucigalpa, with the city center and the more affluent districts. On the western side is Comayagüela, which is poorer and dirtier. Most of the city's markets are in Comayagüela.
- The Centro Histórico, or Historic Center consists of the original neighborhoods where the city was founded. It is the part of the city, where most of the colonial buildings, monuments, museums, churches and parks are located.
Some places of interest include the 18th-century cathedral, which is one of Tegucigalpa's main landmarks. It has a baroque interior and it boasts numerous fine art works. In front of the cathedral is the Parque Central, from which most of the city's sights are easily reached.
The Antiguo Paraninfo Universitaria (old university) is now an art museum, while the faculty has been moved to newer buildings in the outskirts. The Palacio Legislativo is a modern building, which stands on stilts. Nearby is the Casa Presidencial. The Iglesia de San Francisco was the first church in Tegucigalpa. It was built in the 16th century. - The Centro Contemporáneo is the contemporary part of Tegucigalpa. It features modern buildings and wealthy middle class residential neighbourhoods. Some foreign embassies and upscale restaurants are located there.
Boulevard Morazán and Avenida Los Próceres/Avenida La Paz run parallel through this part of the city. They are lined with shops and businesses. Boulevard Suyapa and Boulevard Juan Pablo II are south of the aforementioned boulevards and they are also important commercial and financial arteries. - North Tegucigalpa is home to both middle class and poor neighborhoods. The area sits on the hill right above the historic downtown area. Further north is El Picacho Hill, where the popular United Nations National Park is located. Beyond the park are upper income neighbourhoods.
- South Tegucigalpa is the area south of Boulevard Fuerzas Armadas. It consists of both middle class and poor neighborhoods.
- East Tegucigalpa is a rural area with mostly impoverished neighborhoods. The BasÃlica of Suyapa is located there.
Most of the cheaper accommodation is in Comayagüela, but that part of the city is unsafe, especially at night. Most places are situated around the El Rey and Aurora bus stations, between 8ª and 9ª calles. If you insist on staying in Comayagüela, don't walk through the market area at night as it is very dangerous. Better, but more expensive accommodation is available in Tegucigalpa, most of which is east of the Parque Central.
Most of the city's restaurants are also located in Tegucigalpa, although you'll find numerous Chinese restaurants in Comayagüela as well. Most of the capital's nightlife is concentrated on Boulevard Morazán and Avenida Juan Pablo II.
Around Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa is surrounded by mountains are covered in pine trees. There are some sites of interest, not too far from the city as well. The huge Gothic Basílica de Suyapa is 7 km (4 mi) southeast of the city center. According to locals, the Virgen de Suyapa, patron saint of Honduras, has performed hundreds of miracles there.
About 13 km (8 mi) east of Tegucigalpa is the lovely Spanish town of Santa Lucia. It boasts a beautiful church and some fine architecture. 11 km (7 mi) further east is Valle de Angeles, an old Spanish mining town that has been completely restored to its 16th century appearance. Northeast of Teghucigalpa is the interesting La Tigra National Park, which covers 7,482 hectares (18,480 acres) of Honduras' most beautiful landscapes. It sits at an altitude of 2,270 m (7,446 ft) and includes a cloud forest that is home to monkeys, ocelots, pumas and quetzal.
; "Image 1 - Tegucigalpa ©Edgard Josue [163kB]")
; "Image 2 - Tegucigalpa by night ©Alex McCarthy [103kB]")
; "Image 3 - Parque Cerro Juana Lainez ©Edgard Josue [157kB]")
; "Image 4 - Tegucigalpa ©José Matute [68kB]")
; "Image 5 - Tegucigalpa ©Alex McCarthy [124kB]")
; "Image 6 - Tegucigalpa ©Edgard Josue [217kB]")
; "Image 7 - Parque Cerro Juana Lainez ©Edgard Josue [70kB]")
; "Image 8 - Cathedral [108kB]")
; "Image 9 - Cathedral
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