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Valle
de Angeles is a picturesque town that has become a favourite weekend escape
for the inhabitants of Tegucigalpa. Its proximity, only 30 km. and the
good highway connecting it to the capital has made it popular with foreigners,
many of who have established in the area. During the week, Valle de Angeles
is a quiet place with few visitors, however it is teeming with action
during the weekends. The Instituto Hondureño de Turismo manages
a park nearby that offers sites for picnics, as well as a semi Olympic
pool. There is a nominal entrance fee to the park, which does not include
access to the pool, (a separate fee is charged for the pool) The Park
is set amongst the pine-clad mountainsides and offers a great alternative
for a quiet outdoor adventure during the week. It is closed on Mondays
and heavily visited on weekends.
Within the town, there is an arts and crafts display area, consisting
of several large halls. Here, you can see a vast selection of Honduran
made handicrafts, many of which are made right here in Valle de Angeles.
All of these items are for sale, and with luck, you might even meet some
of the artisans that have produced them. One of the premier manufacturers
of fine leather products in Honduras, Lesanddra Leather has its factory
and an outlet store here. Their product is of export quality at only a
fraction of what it would cost abroad. They are located across the street
from the handicrafts exhibit halls.
There are now two small hotels in Valle de Angeles, the Posada del Angel
has 25 rooms with private bath and hot water, as well as cable TV. The
hotel has a nice swimming pool and several conference rooms with a capacity
from 20 to 70 persons and is located in downtown Valle de Angeles. Rooms
go for approximately $25.00 USA dollars. There is also a restaurant and
bar on premises. It is a good clean hotel that you can safely use as a
base for your exploration of Valle de Angeles and surrounding areas. The
Villas del Valle is a new hotel, which is owned and operated by US expatriate
James Lee and his Honduran wife Ana, is located just outside Valle de
Angeles, on the main road to San Juancito, just before the creek. The
hotel consists of 5 duplex units with a pleasant porch up front. Rent
goes for Lps 400 to 450 per night. A separate, older colonial building
houses the registration lobby, dining facilities plus 4 guest rooms with
a shared bath for the more budget conscious travelers, which rent for
$10.00 USA per day. Many good restaurants have opened around Valle de
Angeles, the best of which we are happy to provide to you in the following
listing:
La Casa de las Abuelas Located
in an old colonial house that has been well renovated and which belonged
to the great-grandmother of the owners, this lovely and quaint restaurant
offers outstanding continental and local cuisine. They also have an extensive
wine list and a very complete bar. Open from Tuesday to Sunday for lunch
and dinner. The personal attention of Karen and Rudy, the owners, who
will give you a world of insight on the surroundings of Valle de Angeles.
All major credit cards are accepted. Internet and e mail services are
also offered here. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is
the only restaurant open for dinner till 10:00 p.m.
El Anafre. Located across
the street from the park. Typical food. Beer and soft drinks are served.
Owner is English speaking. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. till
8:00 p.m. Nice typical Honduran town decor.
Epocas. Interesting combination
of restaurant bar and antique shop, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00
a.m. till 10:00 p.m. Full international bar service and Honduran food.
Located next to El Anafre, almost across from the park. All antiques on
display are for sale.
Papagayo. International
and typical Honduran foods in a family atmosphere. Open Tuesday through
Sunday from 9:30 a.m. till 5:00 p.m.
Restaurante Turistico.
Located on the outskirts of town, amidst the pine forest, with a pleasant
terrace overlooking the town, this restaurant offers international and
local foods. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.
Don Quijote Located on the
outskirts of town, this is one of the best restaurants in Valle de Angeles.
Spanish and international cuisine, with outstanding paellas and a good
selection of wines. Full bar service.
Rancho Santa Fe A new establishment
in a lovely old renovated 2 story house, just behind the town church.
Open Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday
nights till midnight. Menu includes parriladas, churrascos and chorizo’s.
Full international bar with a limited wine list. Also a nice selection
of desserts and good coffee.
La Florida Located just
outside of town, on the road towards Tegus. Nice grounds with large childrens
playground, a good selection of horses for horseback riding tours and
a pleasant restaurant area with tipical Honduran cuisine. Full bar service.
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