Tegucigalpa, Capital city in central Honduras
Tegucigalpa is the capital of Honduras and sits in the central highlands of the country. The city spreads across several hills and valleys, with residential neighborhoods built along steep streets that offer views of the surrounding mountains. The historic center concentrates around a central square with colonial buildings, while newer districts extend in all directions.
Spanish settlers founded the city in 1578 as a mining settlement to exploit silver and gold deposits in the region. In 1880, it was declared the permanent capital of the country, replacing Comayagua in that role.
Markets in the center sell traditional handicrafts and local food, while street vendors offer freshly prepared snacks like baleadas. On weekends, families gather in parks and public squares to spend time together and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
The mountainous topography makes navigating sometimes difficult, so it helps to use a map or GPS. Buses and taxis connect the different neighborhoods, but travel times vary depending on traffic and time of day.
Toncontín Airport is considered one of the most challenging landing spots in the world because of its short runway and surrounding mountains. Aircraft must make a sharp turn before touching down on the strip, which is often impressive for passengers.
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