Tegucigalpa is the capital of Honduras. It is 990 meters above sea surface. It was established as a gold and silver mining center.
It is the fifth largest city in Central America. Tegucigalpa is one of the rare capitals in the world where the railway does not cross, and transportation is mainly based on Toncontin International Airport. Set in a valley, the city is surrounded by mountains. Also called Tegus.
When did Tegucigalpa Become the Capital?
Tegucigalpa was founded by the Spanish in 1579 as a center for gold and silver mining.
Honduras became an independent nation after the failed attempt to establish a Central American republic in 1821. On 30 October 1880 Tegucigalpa was declared the capital under the direction of Marco Aurelio Soto.
Features of Tegucigalpa
According to 2015 data, Tegucigalpa has a population of 1.15 million. Tegucigalpa has a surface area of 1,514 square kilometers. Tegucigalpa has a tropical climate. However, since it is located in a high region, it has cooler weather conditions compared to other cities in the country. The average air temperature is between 19-23 degrees. The coldest months are December and January. The average temperature is 14 degrees. March and April are the hottest months of the year and reach up to 40 degrees. There is precipitation in May and October.
Although the crime rate in the city is very high, many studies have been done in order to get rid of this label in recent years. The economy of the city is provided by trade, construction, textile, sugar and tobacco.
Tegucigalpa’s cuisine, like the cuisine of the country, Honduras, consists of local delicacies. It also features Spanish, Caribbean and African cuisine. The most preferred local delicacies of the country are fried fish, tamale (a meal made with cornmeal and red pepper), carne asada prepared with grilled meat, plato tipico made of rice, beef, roasted beans and banana.
Important Places to See in Tegucigalpa
The city is surrounded by mountains and it is possible to walk on foot in the city where both slopes and flat areas are encountered. This is a good way to discover colonial architecture and to live the spirit of its history. There are parks with natural beauties in many places.
Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, is a very small city with several good destinations. St Michael the Archangel Cathedral, Parque La Leona and Parque el Picacho are the main attractions. Additional area attractions include Iglesia Los Dolores, Iglesia de San Francisco, Museo para la Identidad Nacional and Museo Arqueologico.