Tegucigalpa, Honduras, is often described as one the most dangerous cities in Central America, if not the world. However this shouldn’t put you off visiting. I found Tegus (nickname for Tegucigalpa) a very interesting and non-touristy city to explore. There is more to do in this sprawling city than you would initially think. Below you will find my type a tips for exploring is historic capital.
Tegus is the capital of Honduras and is its largest city. The population is about 1 million, and most live in poverty. This means that Tegus is an interesting collection of neighborhoods with some safer than others. This sprawling city is surrounded by forested mountains which offer some amazing views. Tegus has the feel of a city coming up- as you wander the streets you come across gorgeous street art, and cute (and yummy) restaurants can be found on many streets. There is also a historic city center to wander, and gorgeous nearby colonial villages to explore.
Top Sights:
-
The Christ at al Picacho
This is actually two sites in one. The park: El Picacho, and the actual statue (located inside the park). The park is almost like an amusement park. There are zip-lines, short trails, and a zoo. However what the park is best known for is it’s incredible views of the city and the Christ statue. I strongly recommend going later in the day, so you can see the city as the sun sets- a beautiful sight!
The Christ statue is only open from 8am-4pm, though the park is open for longer and typically closes at sunset. The Zoo is open from 8am-4:30pm. It cost 10 lempira to see the Christ statue up close, 50 lempira to see the park and 10 lempira to get into the zoo. Make sure you plan your time accordingly!
You can get to the park by either taking a bus or a taxi. Both take about 20 minutes from the city center. When I went to the park I took a taxi, and had the driver wait for me (taxi’s are hard to get at the park). The taxi cost $40 USD for the whole trip. I spent maybe at total of 30 minutes exploring the park, and seeing the breathtaking views of the city.
-
Valle de Angeles
Valle de Angeles is a quaint colonial town about 40 minutes away from Tegus. This is your more classical tourist location. There are lots of cute craft and souvenir shops, along with yummy restaurants and cafes. I easily spent half a day exploring this great town.
Getting to Valle de Angeles is half the fun! You can take a taxi (which will cost you a lot of money) or you can take a bus. You can pick up the bus at the bus station (more like alley) next to Puma San Felipe gas station, which is near the Los Próceres Commercial Park and the Hyatt. You know you have found the correct bus because the final destination (Valle de Angeles) is written on the front windshield. That and the drivers will be more than willing to help direct the gringa to the right location. My friend took a taxi to Valle de Angeles, and the city center and it cost her about $70 USD. I took the bus to Valle de Angeles which cost 23 Lempira. The bus is definitely the cheapest and best option. The bus isn’t air conditioned, but with the windows open you hardly notice. If you don’t like public transportation than the bus isn’t for you, but if you are open to new experiences than take the bus!
-
City Center
The City Center or Historic Center is a small neighborhood that hosts government buildings, churches and most of the cities museums. I was lucky enough to be within walking distance of this area, and enjoyed a nice half day exploring this part of the city.
-
Museum for National Identity
This great museum is housed in a beautiful colonial building in the city center. This museum teaches you about Honduran art and history from the Mayans to the modern era. If you want an introduction to Honduras this is the place to visit. The museum is closed on Mondays, and open from 9am-5pm the rest of the week. Entrance cost is 70 Lempira.
Food:
-
Baleadas
This is a Honduran must have! A Baleada is made of flour tortilla, beans, sour cream and cheese, with option meats, eggs or avocado. I quickly fell in love with Honduran staple and tried various versions of it. While in Tegus I was directed to Baleadas Express, a more fast food restaurant that made some great baleadas. I also had some baleadas from various street vendors that were great as well.
-
Galeano Cafe
This cute industrial style cafe offers some great crepes, coffee, and sandwiches. I also fell in love with their Lempira smoothy.
-
La Truckeria
This restaurant is located right next to the Galeano cafe, and is made up of vintage trucks and parkesque benches. It is open for dinner, and seemed to be busy every time I visited/walked by.
Hotels/Hostels:
-
Palmira
I am not going to lie, I am definitely partial to this great hostel. The owner is incredible nice, and more then willing to help you have a great time while in Tegus. The hostel itself is very clean and well maintained. There is a great roof terrace that has some nice views of the city and of the hill with the Christ statue. The hostel is located in a safe neighborhood, and is close to many attractions and restaurants. There are multiple rooms options that range from hammocks to private rooms. The dorms cost $8.91 USD per night, while the private room cost $28.86 USD per night. To make hostel even nicer there is a friendly sweet dog: Maya. So if you start to miss your pets at home, like I do, than you can pet and play with Maya to fill your void.
-
Hyatt
If hotels are more your cup of tea than the Hyatt is a great choose. The Hyatt is located in a great little shopping area, with many restaurants. The bus station to Valle de Angeles is also close by. The hotel has a wonderful rooftop bar and pool.Their mojitos and margaritas are great!
Type A Travel Tips:
-
- Money: The currency used in Honduras is the Lempira. The most recent exchange rate was 22 Lempira to 1 USD.
-
- Language: Spanish
- Safety: I have heard various things about the safety of Tegus. One consistent thing is that walking the streets of Tegus at night, especially alone, is not the safest. Other than at night, I didn’t feel anymore unsafe in Tegus than I have felt in any other developing nation. Just be smart!
I hope this has helped you in planning your trip. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. I would love to hear from you!
Teresa, the Type A Trekker!
Type A Trekker 