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Tegucigalpa is still redefining itself as a democratic and economic power after serving as a hub for the Contra rebels fighting in neighboring Nicaragua in the 1980s. Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, is located at an altitude of 975 meters (3,200 feet), surrounded by mountains. Formerly a gold- and silver-mining center, "Tegucigalpa" means "Silver Hills" in Nahuatl, the ancient language of the region.
Unlike most Honduran cities, Tegucigalpa has never been devastated by floods, fires, or earthquakes, so it has never had to rebuild. This makes the city a jumble of old adobe and 1960s-era concrete buildings, with an erratic street pattern. The Choluteca River separates Tegucigalpa from its sister city Comayagua, but the two have grown into one metropolitan area, sharing a mayor and many municipal services. Tegucigalpa does not have strong attractions for tourists. Local sites include La Leona Park , Los Dolores Church , Morzan Plaza , the National Museum of Anthropology , the Republic Museum , and the National Palace of Congress . Tegucigalpa enjoys a pleasant climate, drier and cooler than most of the country.
Petty crime is a problem in Tegucigalpa, and visitors should take care after dark. The situation becomes worse in Comayagua, where travel is unsafe even during the day. Acts of political violence, however, are rare. Traffic is always a problem. Taxi service is adequate in the downtown areas, but drivers often pick up more than one fare at a time. Major hotels and the airport have their own taxi fleets. Water should be boiled and filtered, and is in short supply during the dry season.
Corruption remains a problem, especially within the judiciary, although the government is committed to addressing it, and the country faces a growing deficit. Rising demand for electricity may produce shortfalls in the future. In spite of its problems, Tegucigalpa remains the center of attraction for U.S. investment in the region, and, if its internal problems can be controlled, has the potential for great progress in the near future.
Main Attractions of Tegucigalpa (Honduras)
La Leona Park , Los Dolores Church , Morzan Plaza , the National Museum of Anthropology , the Republic Museum , and the National Palace of Congress .
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