Valle de Angeles is a small, quaint colonial town located about an hour outside of Tegucigalpa. Its popularity as a tourism destination is mainly due to its location. Many residents of the capital head here in search of fresh air and a slower, more tranquil way of life. On weekends especially it tends to fill up with domestic tourists.
It must be said that the town really doesn't have a whole lot of attractions to offer a visitor. If you're looking for colonial architecture or history you're much better off heading west to Gracias or the other towns in that region. But if you have a few days in Tegucigalpa and you're looking for a break from the pollution of the big city, it makes a pleasant day trip. It's also an excellent place to buy handicrafts and offers wider selection than the capital at far lower prices.
The town grew out of an old hacienda, and was originally named Cimarcon after the family that founded it. Local lore has it that the area was soon nicknamed “Valle de Angeles” because of the striking beauty of the town's women, and the latter name stuck. The most striking event in the town's history came in the 19th century, when a massive explosion caused by stored gunpowder leveled nearly the entire settlement. The church was almost completely destroyed as well – the only thing left intact was the icon of Saint Francis of Assisi. By default, St Francis thus became the city's patron saint, and his festival on October 4 is the town's biggest fiesta.