Honduras This Week Travel and Tourism

Comayagua: an easy day trip

By RICHARD FARLEY

Special to Honduras This Week

PERSONAL REPORT

Former capital. The rooftop of the Santa María Cathedral provides a commanding view over Comayagua and Comayagua Valley. About 90 minutes north of the capital, this small town was once the capital of Honduras. Photo by Richard Farley

A group of AFS students had been planning a trip to Comayagua for weeks; however, we had all been too tired after late Friday and Saturday nights. Well, this particular week, we decided it was now or never.

After yet another late Friday night, we met at 8 a.m. all looking a little worse for wear, and when all seven of us arrived, we ventured out into the streets of Comayaguela to find a bus to Comayagua. We didn't have to walk far or wait long as there was a bus to San Pedro Sula, which took us aboard for Lps. 15 each.

Ninety minutes later we arrived at the gas stations on the Northern Highway just out of Comayagua, which was the capital of Honduras until 1880, when President Marco Aurelio Soto moved the government to Tegucigalpa.

As soon as we started the 10 to 15 minute walk to Central Park, we noticed the heat and the people in the street staring at us as if the circus had come to town.

We met our other AFS friends who live in Comayagua and proceeded to buy a very large watermelon.

The next thing was where could we sit down to eat it, so we approached the caretaker of the Santa Maria Cathedral, which dominates the edge of the Central Park. We asked him if it would be possible for us to devour our watermelon on the roof of the church. He said yes, after accepting Lps. 30, so we ventured up the steep, narrow and very old staircase, among several bats, to the top.

The caretaker told us some of the history about the church, which was built between 1580 and 1708 and about the 800-or-so-year-old clock that is housed in the bell tower. The clock was built around the year 1100 and was originally housed in a building in Spain. It is thought to be one of the oldest clocks in the world. It was donated to Comayagua by King Philip II of Spain.

After eating our delectable watermelon, we went and saw the intricate workings of the 11th century clock, which is safely locked behind bars. A visit to the clock was included in the price to climb up on the roof, which has a commanding view over Comayagua.

Now a little thirsty, the 10 of us, went in search of licuados and found a restaurant called Fruty Taco, which sold not only delicious ice cold licuados, in all flavors, but a wide variety of typical food, all for under Lps. 30.

If you find walking around Comayagua as hot as I did, you will enjoy a dip in the pool at Centro Turistico Comayagua, which is located 6 blocks south east of the Central Park. If you can't find it, ask someone for directions. A swim in the pool will cost you Lps. 15, or you could always settle for a beer, as the pool is located in a restaurant and bar.

The Santa María Cathedral borders the central park of Comayagua. Photo by Richard Farley

There are five churches in Comayagua, and are all worth a look if you have the time. If not, all five are represented in the Museo Colonial, just off the Central Park. The museum contains religious art and relics from the churches. Many of the items were placed in the museum because it was feared they would be stolen if left in the churches. Continues in right column.

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As the 10 of us walked around the streets of Comayagua, children stopped playing and fell silent as we walked past. People came out of their homes and shops to get a glimpse of the alien visitors to their quiet and laid-back town. Don't be put off by their intrigue, everyone stares at a rare sight. Just smile and you will receive one back. Don't be afraid to discover Comayagua for yourself, walk around and get a feel of a truly unique, colonial city. Enjoy the peace and quiet, the clean air and your surroundings.

Getting there

Most bus stations are in Comayaguela, and in close proximity to each other. Ask around for a bus going to Comayagua. Remember, you shouldn't have to pay more than Lps. 15.

The bus company in Comayagua is located five blocks south of the central park, buses depart every half hour. You can also walk to the highway and flag down a bus with minimal problems.