When you visit the capital of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, you should exercise a healthy level of caution because of the high levels of violent crime. The U.S. Department of State has issued this warning:
Violent crime, such as homicide and armed robbery, is common. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime.
The new Political and administrative center is working on tackling the violence issues in the country. They are working on developing a better tourist program. So we are holding out hope in the coming years, Honduras will become a better place for tourists to enjoy.
Latin American Culture
We are hopeful because the Central American country has a rich, colorful Spanish history where you can enjoy its unique blend of Latin American culture. Also, in 1998, the area was hit by Hurricane Mitch and severely damaged areas in the mountains. The people were resilient to recover from the tragic event and we hope to see a similar outcome in the future years.
The Toncontín International Airport location is in Tegucigalpa. Therefore, you can fly into the capital. However, if you begin your travels in another Central American country, you can take a bus and go through some of the old mining towns.
Budget Travel
Budget travelers will enjoy downtown a visit to Honduras Tegucigalpa.
The permanent capital of Honduras has a gorgeous historic center. Travel down Boulevard Juan Pablo ii to see the entire city. You can find hidden parks, see colonial buildings and eat delicious food throughout the city. The national university is inside the city center and well worth the visit. St. Michael’s Cathedral, Los Dolores Church, and San Francisco Church are all old Catholic churches worth visiting.
Farther east continue Avenida La Paz, home to the imposing U.S. Embassy building, and the parallel Boulevard Morazán, with many shops, restaurants, and mini-malls. Avenida La Paz turns into Avenida Los Proceres at its eastern end, leading to the exit to Santa Lucía and Valle de Ángeles.
Boulevard Suyapa leads to the Basílica de Suyapa and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras.
Travelers with a bigger budget, or those in Tegucigalpa for work, will spend most of their time in Colonia Palmira, on Boulevard Morazán and Avenida Juan Pablo II, for the higher-end restaurants and hotels.
The Choluteca River physically separates Tegucigalpa and Comayagüela. The accessibility of the sister city Comayagüela presents an attractive nearby option to visit.
Central America
When traveling through Central America to visit Honduras, it is essential to find reliable bus companies. A bus trip from Guatemala City or Managua, San Salvador, can cost you approximately $20-40. Ticabus is one of the most popular and reliable bus companies. They provide comfortable seats, and you have the bonus of booking online. If you arrive at night, ensure you have pre-booked accommodation and don’t wander the streets after dark.
Capital of Honduras
If you want to discover the colonial past in Honduras, you should visit the capital city of Tegucigalpa. Here you will find Honduras’ largest city. The tropical climate will have you feeling like you are walking through downtown Tegucigalpa. The average temperature is 26°– 29°C.
Capital City
Tegucigalpa’s historic center features churches from the colonial era and emblematic buildings whose construction dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The town has a series of natural viewpoints, such as the United Nations Park, known as El Picacho, which dominates the entire city.
Most of the city’s government and business buildings’ location was downtown. Still, many have since moved out to Miraflores, Avenida Juan Pablo II, and other parts of the city, partly to escape the abysmal traffic.
The Political and Administrative Center
On September 1, 2021, the Honduran president, Juan Orlando Hernández, inaugurated the Government Civic Center (CCG). The building was built to simplify government services, concentrating around 33 public institutions in one place. If you need answers to governmental questions in Honduras, this is the place you might need to go.
Corruption and inappropriate spending have been an issue. The creation of new government offices will decrease decades of rent payments. Therefore the money can be reinvested into governmental programs to combat gang violence in Honduras.
The new administrative center building complex will mean savings of 15 million dollars per year, saving up to $150 million in ten years. The complex has two towers of 24 floors each, three horizontal buildings that about 8,500 public officials will occupy. In addition, it has four basements with a capacity of 2,400 parking spaces.
Safety In Tegucigalpa
Central America’s second-largest country is Honduras, and filled with tourist attractions. The Caribbean beaches, lakes, jungles, bird-filled tropical rainforests, and the magnificent Bay Islands are gorgeous locations to explore.
While more than 2 million tourists visited in 2017, in 2021, Honduras registered 459,000 tourists. However, 204,000 tourists came to visit Honduras in 2020. Tourism is on the rise for 2023 as the popularity of Honduras is a tourist attraction.
However, there are still numerous reports warning visitors of Honduras’ dangers. You may wonder if it is safe to explore this Central American country in 2023.
Here we will explore whether safety in Honduras. It is essential to take some simple tasks to keep yourself safe. Also, we will discuss the significant safety concerns for expats, digital nomads, and tourists.
Is it safe to Visit Honduras in 2023?
It was only partially safe to visit Honduras in 2022. If you keep off dangerous neighborhoods, know your surroundings, and maintain a low profile, your stay may be without incidences.
What Parts of Honduras are Safe?
The Bay Islands are generally safer than mainland Honduras. Still, there have been several attacks on visitors, including on the ferries to and from the mainland: the Utila islands, la Ceiba on the northern coast, and Copan. You can add extra security by hiring a tour guide.
If you are visiting Roatán, travel with a reputable guide. If driving a car or scooter, avoid side roads in remote areas, particularly Palm Beach Road, close to Milton Bright. Take care on beaches in Tela and the north coast towns after dark. There have been attacks on foreigners on beaches after dark.
Do not travel after dark, as you significantly increase the attack risk. Roads that have seen attacks include routes from Limones to La Union, from Olancho via Salama to Saba, from Gualaco to San Esteban, and from La Esperanza to Gracias are other secure areas. The isolated roads of the Department of Santa Barbara have also seen criminal activity, and hijackings of vehicles have occurred on roads in and around Tela, La Ceiba, Trujillo, and El Progreso.
Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua borders have seen travelers targeted by armed robbers. So exercise caution if you are traveling out of Honduras.
Do Tourists Get Kidnapped in Honduras?
There have been reports of gangs kidnapping tourists and extorting money from their relatives. On December 3, 2022, as part of its plan to address extortion, the government of Honduras announced a State of Exception. The exception extension has had an expansion each month, and most recently, on February 20, 2023, the State of Exception will go on for another 45 days.
During this time, restrictions on freedom of movement could occur. You might also have other restrictions on rights in the affected municipalities. Seek advice from your travel agent. It would help if you did these things:
- You must carry a valid ID at all times and prepare for various checkpoints
- Allow extra time to reach your destination
- Monitor local media for updates and information on specific municipalities’ current situations and restrictions.
- Avoid crowds or demonstrations.
- Always cooperate with military and police officers.
Is Honduras worth visiting?
Honduras is worth visiting as a group. You can find great Caribbean beaches, jungles, tropical rainforests, and bird-filled lakes. The magnificent Bay Islands are also worth visiting if you take the proper precautions.
Is Tegucigalpa Safe?
Two of the most crime-infested neighborhoods are in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Pula. They are only safe if you must be there. It would help to avoid these areas as you will be at risk of violent crimes.
Is Honduras Safe to Visit?
While Honduras is not 100% safe you can travel there as part of a guided tour group. If you travel independently, you may face security challenges. Traveling here may be risky, but it’s possible.
Areas like Copan, La Ceiba on the northern coast, and the Bay and Utila islands are safer than Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Pula. In these areas, you could see more petty theft and violent robbery. It is better to allow thefts to occur to prevent the incident from escalating the violence.
Avoid traveling alone at night. If you must travel at night, keep a low profile. Do not present yourself in a manner where people may assume you have money, and stay in safer neighborhoods. Therefore, you can lessen the chances of robbery or assault.
Things To Do In Tegucigalpa – Places to Visit in Honduras
One of the advantages of traveling in Tegucigalpa is it is the most affordable city in the region. There are plenty of tours and activities available at half the cost. The food is delicious and you should consider stopping int El Gordo.
El Gordo has a few locations throughout the city and one on the road to Santa Lucía. Some of the best “parrilladas” or meat fests in the city accompanied by traditional sides such as beans, platanos, avocado, cheese, mantequilla (crema), and the oh so necessary tortilla. Go to, one of the streets and you might see one from your corner.
La Tigra National Park
In Tegucigalpa, you have access to the expansive La Tigra national park. Here you will find a tropical paradise filled with native wildlife. The park’s establishment occurred in 1980 and was the first national park to open in Honduras. The park’s footprint covers an area of 238.21 square kilometers.
La Tigra National Park is close to the capital of Honduras. Its boundaries are a mere 14 kilometers from Tegucigalpa in the country’s southern region. La Tigra was initially established as a reserve in 1952 and became Honduras’ first national park in 1980.
History of the Area
The park’s boundary covers an area of approximately 23,571 hectares, with parts of La Tigra reaching altitudes of 2270 meters. Deforestation of large areas occurred before the protection of the land under Honduran law. The mining company in the area constructed a road through the cloud forest to connect Tegucigalpa and La Rosario. They cut down precious primary cloud forest trees for use in the mines. Despite the deforestation, La Tigra National Park still has an abundance of excellent features well worth exploring.
The park’s high altitude means it is home to many areas of cloud forest, an ideal environment for oak trees to thrive. Cloud forests are forested areas covering mountaintops and contain an array of plant life, including lianas, vines, bromeliads, mosses, and ferns.
Birdwatching
For enthusiastic bird watchers, La Tigra National Park is the best opportunity to see most of Central America’s highland endemics in the cloud forests. The park is also home to the arid broadleaf forest and highland forest. Birders could expect to see quetzals and perhaps be fortunate enough to spot blue and white mockingbirds, rufous-browed wrens, wine-throated hummingbirds, and green-breasted mountain gems. The park has a wide selection of mammals, including ocelots, pumas, peccaries, white-tailed deer, armadillos, opossums, and agoutis.
In addition to being so close to a major city, one of the main reasons for La Tigra’s popularity is its extensive and well-marked trail system, making the area readily accessible to visitors. The paths range in difficulty, with some being comfortable enough for families to walk with children and others for the more adventurous hiking explorer. La Tigra has six main trails, which you can only access through the marked paths. La Cascada trail is 9.5km long and crosses from one park entrance to the other. On this route, visitors can also enjoy a waterfall.
There are two entrances to the park: Jutiapa and El Rosario. Jutiapa is on the park’s West side, and El Rosario is on the east. Both gates have a visitors center; people can camp at these access points but have limited facilities. Jutiapa also has dormitories available for visitors to stay in. La Tigra National Park costs US$10 to enter, and they advise guests to wear warmer clothing, as the high altitudes mean the climate is more relaxed in the park, especially at night.
Museum For National Identity
The location of the museum is located within a 19th-century building. Therefore, the Museum for National Identity is a must-visit for anyone wanting to know more about Honduran history. The exhibits include a “Virtual Copán” room. Here the videos illustrate the history of the region’s gods and kings and rooms exhibiting busts of Honduran national heroes.
The Museo Para La Identidad Nacional, Museum of National Identity, opened in 2006 in Tegucigalpa and has been a top Honduran attraction ever since. The museum aims to foster national pride and understanding by occupying the former Palace of Ministries building, which is worth seeing in and of itself. The permanent exhibits at the Museo Para La Identidad Nacional display great works by Honduran artists and offer insight into the country’s history, from its Pre-Columbian days to the modern era. While the government of Honduras is the main focus, the museum also hosts temporary international expositions that can also be of great interest.
Honduran History
At the Museo Para La Identidad Nacional, you can learn about the geological history of Honduras via exhibits like the Omni-Globe. Plenty of artifacts are on hand to help tell the story of the Honduran people. You’ll learn about the country’s Pre-Columbian people, the Maya civilization, the colonial era, and much more. Among the very best exhibits is Virtual Copan. An animated film shows four times a day and takes visitors on a virtual tour of the famous ruins of Copan. Parts of the film provide insight into how the indigenous people built the ancient Mayan city. Because of the overall quality of the Museo Para La Identidad Nacional and its ability to provide a comprehensive look at its home country, it is arguably the best place to begin a Honduras vacation.
You can find the Museo Para La Identidad Nacional in the Barrio Abajo area of Tegucigalpa on Avenida Barahona between Calle Morelos and El Telegrafo. It is open Tuesday through Sunday during the daytime hours. Take note visitors are not allowed to take pictures of the various exhibit pieces. It is permitted, however, to photograph the building and its patios and halls.
Christ at El Picacho
Christ at El Picacho stands above the city at 4,353 feet above sea level. You can see the Christ statue on the hill of El Picacho from all over the city, especially at night. The hike to the top of the mountain is worth it for the incredible views over the city.
El Picacho is a famous landmark for anyone visiting Tegucigalpa, Honduras’s capital city. This mountain sits north of the town, affording fantastic views of the entire valley, which includes Tegucigalpa and Comayaguela. The mountain can be seen from most places in the city and is an excellent way to get your bearings when in the city. The city lies about 1,000m above sea level, with El Picacho another 250m above it.
The mountain is most well known for its statue of Christ, which sits just below the summit and looks south over the city’s central district. Many people will tell you the figure in Teguz is higher than the one in Rio de Janeiro(I have not been able to find any measurements of the one in Honduras to prove this, though.). A road built from the downtown area goes up to the top of the mountain.
At the top, besides the Christ statue, there is a small zoo, a replicated Mayan temple, and the United Nations Park. The hiking here is a little small, but it is an excellent place to spend the afternoon walking around. This mountain is known more for its attractions than its outdoor drawl, but it is worth a visit.
The entrance fee is ~$3 to enter the park.
Parque Central in the City Center Plaza
Therefore, this is the place to go if you like to do some people-watching. With benches scattered throughout the plaza, sit and listen to the locals, watch the crowds gather for the street performances, and feel the energy of one of Central America’s busiest streets.
The Park or Central Plaza of Tegucigalpa, 447 years old, was built to comply with a Royal Ordinance of His Majesty Philip II, issued in the forest of Segovia on July 13, 1573.
When it was granted the title of Villa in 1768, Tegucigalpa was already one of the most significant population centers of the province, and its central square was the site of the most important official and religious events.
Today, Central Park, popularly known as El Centro, is an attractive site for its historical richness. Thanks to its commercial activity, it has become one of the busiest places in the Honduran capital.
Basilica de Suyapa
The essential church to observe in Tegucigalpa – and therefore in Honduras – is the neo-Gothic Basílica de Suyapa. La Virgen de Suyapa is the patron saint of Honduras; in 1982, a papal decree made her the patron saint of all of Central America. Construction of the Basilica, famous for its large stained-glass windows, began in 1954.
Along your travels to the Basilica, you should stop by El Hatillo. It is a cute mining town and worthy of your time.
when you visit Honduras go to Our Lady of Suyapa, also known as the Virgin of Suyapa, is an 18th-century cedar wood statue of the Virgin Mary. It is Honduras’ most popular religious image and the focus of extensive pilgrimages.
In a suburb of Tegucigalpa, you will find the statue kept in the Basílica de Suyapa in Suyapa. In February, you can tour through various other towns like many make their pilgrimages to visit the statue on her name day, February 3, commemorating the day she was found in 1747. The statue was stolen and then recovered on two occasions.
Our Lady of Suyapa is the Patroness of Honduras.
In the 20th century, the statue of the Virgin of Suyapa had a group of male lay caretakers. These men are known as the Orden de los Caballeros de Suyapa. They are responsible for caring for the image and the small chapel. They escort the statue whenever it leaves the chapel to travel around Honduras, as it often does every February.
When visiting Central America, you should come here for a visit to Honduras.
Book Accommodation
When you visit Honduras you will need to book lodging. Therefore, you want to make sure you have safe and secure space to sleep at night. Booking.com is a good hotel search engine. Here we will discuss some of the best places to stay in Tegucigalpa.
Best Accommodation In Tegucigalpa
Marriott Tegucigalpa
The Marriott Tegucigalpa is one of several outstanding hotel chain options you can find in Tegucigalpa. The Marriott has first-class facilities with spacious meeting rooms, fine restaurants, a great pool, and gym/spa services. With 153 rooms, it is relatively small in an upscale part of Tegucigalpa. The drawback is that it is almost next to the Presidential House. In this office building, the president’s office is, which means that regular protests and people manifest themselves in the area that will not affect your security but will undoubtedly make it a pain to get in and out of the hotel! Wi-fi is available for guests throughout the hotel.
E-mail: reservaciones@tegucigalpamarriott.com
Telephone (504) 2232 0033
Real Intercontinental Tegucigalpa
The pool and garden area at the Tegucigalpa Real Intercontinental Hotel is fantastic area to relax. Therefore, this is the other top hotel in Tegucigalpa. Located across the Multiplaza Mall, it has the best shopping in town across the street from you! Run with the highest Intercontinental Hotels standards. The hotel offers first-class service, spacious rooms, and extensive public areas.
E-mail: inter.tgu@r-hr.com
Telephone: (504) 2290 2700.
Portal del Angel
The pool and restaurant area at the Boutique Portal del Angel Hotel, Tegucigalpa
Probably the first proper boutique hotel in Honduras. The Portal del Angel is just a few blocks off the Boulevard Morazan in the Colonia Palmira. It is a medium-sized hotel with 23 spacious rooms decorated with lovely hand-carved mahogany furniture. All rooms have plenty of natural light. The large lobby and restaurant will make you feel comfortable meeting people. First-class service with attention to detail, Portal del Angel is your best option in town if you are looking for a comfortable hotel with charm and is not part of the traditional international franchise chains you find worldwide.
E-mail: administracion@portaldelangelhn.com
Telephone: (504)2239 6538.
Book Your Flight to Visit Honduras
When you visit Honduras you will probably need to book a flight or a bus. Booking cheap flights on Skyscanner, is one way to book flight deals on a search engine. Here is an article I wrote detailing how to get the best deals traveling.
Protect Your Trip
Remember travel insurance! I’m a big fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance. Safety is essential when you visit Honduras so make sure you get travel insurance.
Rent A Car
Discover Cars is an excellent site for comparing car prices to find the best deal. They search for both local & international rental companies. However, you can always package a deal with your flight and hotel reservations.
Atypical Last Thoughts
When you visit Honduras you will want to go to Tegucigalpa. Here you must visit the historic center. Most sights of interest to tourists are within walking distance of the Parque central. So if you find losing nearby, it will provide you with a great experience.
Parque La Leona and Parque el Picacho are hidden parks where many main attractions occur. Additional area attractions include Iglesia Los Dolores, Iglesia de San Francisco, Museo para la Identidad Nacional, and Museo Arqueologico.
Do be mindful of your safety and practice some of my safety tips. In recent years Honduras has become unsafe in the streets. So observe individuals as you walk down the streets.
Remember to have proper footwear for safety, as the city has hilly terrain. There are flat areas, but you will want to ensure you stay upright if you are here during the rainy season. You should visit one of the nearby mountains and valleys.
Cascadas Mall, the newest mall in Tegus located close to the airport, is very modern and has many U.S. restaurants, such as Applebees, inside it. Multiplaza San Isidro Market down by the river is more famous. You can walk around the 16-square blocks of authentic Honduran markets where most locals shop.
The Honduran history provides an enriching experience. If you are willing to put the risk, you can have a unique experience in some of the towns to the south, north, and west. Explore an old mining town with a tour.
When you head south, you will reach the Choluteca River. If you want to go on a bus to Panama Choluteca, it would be an excellent stopping point before leaving for Nicaragua. Now you should be well versed if visiting Honduras would be safe enough to travel and how to keep yourself safe.
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