Siguatepeque

Set in a pine-forested highland valley midway between San Pedro Sula [1] and Tegucigalpa [2], Siguatepeque (pop. 53,000) enjoys a cool and comfortable climate—a pleasant change for those coming from the steamy north coast [3]. In spite of its long history—the town was one of the first bases for the Spanish in their conquest of Honduras [4]—little colonial-era architecture remains in Siguatepeque.

There are few attractions per se to interest foreign visitors, though the invigorating climate and fine countryside may inspire you to spend a couple of days hiking around the hillsides.

Many highway drivers stop in Siguatepeque to eat at the Granja d’Elia, Don Tiki, and Betania buffet restaurants [5] on the highway. A new minimall of sorts right on the highway has clothing stores, a Wendy’s, a Banco Atlántida with ATM, and an Espresso Americano coffee shop.

Getting to Siguatepeque

Siguatepeque is 125 kilometers from San Pedro Sula [1] and 117 kilometers from Tegucigalpa [2], with well-maintained highway in both directions. Driving toward Tegucigalpa, the steep, winding stretch of highway down into the Valle de Comayagua [6] is known locally as Cuesta La Virgen.

The easiest way to get to San Pedro or Tegucigalpa is to take a US$1 taxi ride out to the highway and catch the next bus that comes by in your direction. If you don’t feel like waiting on the highway, however, both Transportes Maribel (tel. 504/773-0254) and Empresas Unidas (tel. 504/773-0149) run several daily buses to Tegucigalpa. Buses also stop in Comayagua (US$1) and Palmerola (US$1.30).

Etul (tel. 504/773-0033) has numerous daily buses to San Pedro Sula (US$3.30, two hours).

To get to La Esperanza [7], take a US$1 taxi ride to the highway turnoff, a couple of kilometers from the Siguatepeque turn on the way to San Pedro. From the gas station at the La Esperanza turn, buses leave roughly every two hours, charging US$3 for the 90-minute ride. The road to La Esperanza is 67 kilometers. If you don’t see any buses around, just stick out your thumb.