General Information

San Juancito is a small town located 21 miles from Tegucigalpa and has a population of about 2,000. It preserves its mining history since colonial times until the mid twentieth century. During 1878 an American mining company, the Rosario Mining Company, settled in this town. By making it its headquarters it built houses, hospitals, offices, terraces, tunnels, and several roads across the mountains, including the one that is currently used in La Tigra National Park. This community had its golden age between the 1880s and the 1950s thanks to its gold and silver fever because the richest mine in Central American history is located here.

It is interesting to see how important this area came to be as the first electric power generating plant, the first telegraph, and the first bottling companies in Central America, PEPSI, were all installed here. In 1954, after 75 years of exploitation, the company shut down due to the union movement of the 1950s. At its peak, San Juancito was a community of about 44,000 inhabitants. It may even be said that San Juancito and its mines played a determining role in the decision Marco Aurelio Soto made to transfer the capital city from Comayagua to Tegucigalpa, since he held shares in the Rosario Mining Company, and as such, he wanted to be closer to his company than to his government.

When the corporation left Honduras the town entered an economic depression. Its people now work in the manufacturing handicrafts made of metals, stones, and crystals, and in the production of ecological paper. Another potential activity that has been recently increasing is tourism because of its historic potential and its closeness to La Tigra National Park.

The places you may tour as you visit San Juancito include El Bus Fantasma (The Phantom Bus), a handicraft shop, The former PEPSI bottling company, which is now an artisan’s shop that produces good that are later sold in Tegucigalpa, La Casa del Arte, where local children take art lessons, and the old Casa de Huespedes (former hotel) which still maintains its rich mining history and architecture.

San Juancito’s streets are narrow and cross the town from side to side. Even though it’s a small community it encloses a huge cultural wealth.

How do I get to San Juancito?

You may reach San Juancito by driving 7.5 miles past Valle de Angeles from Tegucigalpa. This road is completely paved and has spectacular views. You may go to San Juancito and return the same day as it only takes you about 50 minutes to get there. In case you wish to travel with us check our Tour Options for Tegucigalpa section so that you may visit this lovely little town.