History and General Information

The Pan-American Agricultural School, best known as Zamorano, came to existence as an inspiration and with the support of Mr. Samuel Zemurray, president of the United Fruit Company in the United States of America.

Mr. Zemurray set himself as a goal to create a high quality agricultural education center dedicated to instruct youth from the entire region. To make this dream come true he commissioned Dr. Wilson Popenoe, a well-known botanist and farmer at the time, who had a vast experience in the region, where he had already organized the famous Lancetilla Botanical Garden.

Popenoe traveled for several weeks in 1941, exploring the Central American highlands to develop this project. He finally chose a farm of approximately 3,700 acres in the Valley of Yeguare, about 19 miles from the capital of Honduras in the Department that is now called Francisco Morazán, at the time Tegucigalpa. The name, Zamorano, comes from a family that had owned the farm in the past who came from the province of Zamora, Spain.

The school started being built at the end of 1941. Dr. Popenoe became the Founding Principal of this noble institution and served in this position until 1957. Ever since, the small school grew steadily becoming what it is today, an excellent institution that serves the Americas. It still maintains its mission of preparing future generations of professional leaders in several fields, including agro industry, agribusinesses, science and farming production, and a responsible handling of the environment. The Pan American Agricultural School (Zamorano) is registered in the State of Delaware, USA as a non-profit corporation. There are fiscal benefits in several countries for people, companies, and organizations that support its programs.

The university has an extensive campus that has a great natural beauty, colorful gardens, and a beautiful and unique architecture. The entire estate comprises about 17,300 acres that include a forest, two micro basins, large productive areas, lots of recreational areas, and several constructions. Green areas, paths, and lagoons give home to several wild species including migratory birds that come to Honduras at certain times of the year.

Zamorano is registered in the World Organization of Botanical Gardens so many areas are planted with native species or with exotic tropical plants from around the world. Because of its long and distinguished tradition in the biological sciences research field Zamorano has one of the largest herbariums in Latin America. The Paul Standley Herbarium keeps about 300,000 classified specimens from Middle America and is accessible to students. Its insect collection, of both harmful and harmless varieties, is of about 200,000 samples. Many of them are a product of research by specialists and the contribution of students.

This place is perfect to give you an unforgettable experience in how our ancestors farmed the land since Zamorano gives you the opportunity to be a farmer for a day.

Tips about Zamorano

Accommodations

You may stay on campus at the Kellogg Hotel and Center. As many as 114 guests can stay in its rooms, suites, and apartments that include cable TV, internet, phone, and meal service. JCTours plans excursions to Honduras that include a visit to Zamorano in its itinerary. In case you plan to visit on your own we recommend that you get in touch with us so we can offer you the best option.

Some tips about the campus

Zamorano’s campus is about 2,600 feet above sea level and is in the tropical semi-dry area with a pleasant temperature almost year-round. Comfortable clothing, a light jacket, and closed shoes are recommended.

Campus Tours and Other Activities

Sport and recreational facilities are available for our guests, which include:

• Soccer fields
• Tennis courts
• Basketball courts

• Barbecue areas
• Lagoon for fishing
• Hiking paths
• Horseback riding
• Cycling area
• Production fields tours
• Production plants tours

How do I get to Zamorano?

Getting to Zamorano is very easy on the 30^th kilometer on the paved road that goes from Tegucigalpa to the Nicaraguan border. The capital city has an international airport, Toncontin, which receives many international and national flights.

Zamorano is the other name that the well known Pan-American Agricultural University receives. You just need to travel 19 miles from the capital city to have the opportunity to get in touch with a country-style living and agricultural technology that is put into use to take the farm products into city homes…