Hostels in TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS

Tegucigalpa – Honduran Capital and City of Monuments

Tegucigalpa, the largest city and the capital of Honduras, is a modern city sprawling across hilly terrains. Its cathedrals, museums and other attractions make it a popular tourist destination.
   
History
The city was established by Spanish people in 1578. The city started to grow as a gold and silver mining centre. It was declared as the Honduran capital in 1880 after it had switched between Tegucigalpa and Comayagua for several times. It was not until the 1970s that the settlement in the city really started to prosper. The 1998 Hurricane Mitch significantly damaged the city.

Popular Places and Attractions
The Cathedral, founded in 1765, is well-known for its religious paintings, pillars and elaborate columns. The Presidential Palace, Legislative Palace and the Basilica of Virgin of Suyapa are some other important city monuments. There are a few good art and history museums in the city such as del Hombre, Nacional Villaroy and the National Gallery of Arts and Natural History.

Jesus Christ’s statue in el Picacho City Park can be seen from all across the city. Plaza Morazan, or the Central Park hosts the statue of Francisco Morazan, a national hero. The Central Park is overlooked by the La Leona Park which provides beautiful views of the city along with a relaxed feeling. The Mercy Park and its church are also popular for their paintings.

Some other attractions in the city are the Bonilla Theatre, Concordia Park and its Mayan temple replicas, La Tigra National Park, Parque Herrera, Cavalry Church, los Dolores Church, Comayagua’s Clock Tower, the National Identity Museum and Chiminikee, which is a children’s museum and park. One can also visit the neighbouring towns of Comayagua, Ojojuna and Saint Lucia for exploring some of the other attractions.

Getting Around
Buses, taxis, rapiditos, rented cars and motorcycles and colectivos (shared taxis) are the various options available for getting around the city, a good guide is to have some change handy to pay for your travel.

Places For Entertainment
The city has several restaurants, cafes, cinemas screening Latin-American and Hollywood films, biker and sports bars, karaoke venues, and music and dance clubs. Many of these bars and cafes periodically host rock shows and tango classes. The city nightclubs are marked by such performances and drink parties where Honduran national beers, vodka and rum are provided almost free of cost.

The shopping markets of Mall-Multiplaza and San Isidrio are the best shopping avenues in Tegucigalpa. Strip malls and smaller shops are also available in the city. But, if you are looking for a real tourist shopping experience, the nearby town called “Valley of the Angels” would be the place to be.

Accommodation
Budget hotels, guesthouses, youth hostels, self-catering lodges and B&Bs (bed and breakfast) are the available modes of tourist accommodation in Tegucigalpa.

Currency
Honduras has adopted the Lempira as its official currency, for the latest exchange rates check the news and internet. It is available in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 centavos. 100 centavos make 1 Lempira. Currency exchange for U.S Dollar is most easily available as compared to other currencies. American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard, credit cards and traveller’s cheques are also widely accepted.

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