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With less than 2,000 motor vehicles and no air-polluting industry, Siguatepeque bathes in the pure air of its wooded mountain valley setting. Security: One of the most secure environments in Latin America, Honduras enjoys freedom from organized political violence and military power struggles. Relations with the U.S. are friendly. Honduran President Carlos Roberto Reina has gained international recognition for the “Moral Revolution” theme of his administration. Foreigners receive fair, straightforward treatment from government agencies. As a small, quiet town with strong religious affiliations, Siguatepeque has what natives refer to as a “wholesome” (sano in Spanish) atmosphere. Accessibility: Siguatepeque is 1 1/2 hour’s drive by an excellent scenic highway from each of Honduras’ two largest cities: Tegucigalpa, the capital, and San Pedro Sula, the fastest growing city in Central America. Airports in both cities offer direct flights to Miami and Houston (roundtrip fares are presently $399 and $418 respectfully). Health Facilities: Simply put, you won’t find better medical facilities in a town of this size in Latin America. Outside the modern Evangelical Hospital, which attracts wealthy clients from throughout Honduras, doctors in private clinics charge approximately one-tenth of that their U.S. counterparts. You’ll pay $2 to $4 to see a general practitioner, $5 to $10 for a specialist. Medicines cost about what they do in the States. For those who prefer alternative treatment methods, another modern facility, with inpatient capacities, provides such services as acupuncture, holistic dentistry, herbal medicines, sauna, and massage. Housing: Costs of renting, buying, and building average 30 percent to 35 percent of those in the U.S. A house that would sell for $80,000 in the States costs $24,000 to $28,000. Utilities: Electricity in Honduras remains inexpensive by international standards, one benefit of substantial hydro-electric sources. Basic telephone service costs $2.10 monthly. Long-distance calls to the U.S. cost about $2 a minute. Food costs depend on the extent to which one adopts the local diet. Most foods grown in Honduras cost much less than in the U.S.; imported foods cost more. Other Basics: Bus and taxi service in Siguatepeque is so convenient that many residents who could afford to drive choose not to. Local buses cost 10¢. Ever-present taxis charge 40¢ from any point to the downtown section. One of the best truly bilingual schools (elementary and secondary) in Honduras is in Siguatepeque. About half the teachers are North American or British. Tuition runs $40 to $60 per month. The post office reliably provides all basic services. Public and private fax services are available. Several major banks maintain branches in Siguatepeque, offering accounts in dollars or lempireas. Currency exchange is no problem. Travel Information: Visitors to Honduras from the U.S., Canada, and many European countries need only show their passport to be issued tourist visas for 30 days, renewable every 30 days (in Siguatepeque, if desired) for six months. You can then repeat the process upon leaving the country for three days. Requesting a residency permit before coming is unnecessary. While you’re finding a rental house, a comfortable hotel room will cost $5 to $20 nightly. Even if you plan to buy or build, rent for a while and make a more informed choice at a better price. If you speak Spanish, personal scouting and inquiry will result in the best deal. Alternatively, you’ll have no trouble finding attentive agents. |
