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Whereas usually ignored by travellers to Central America, there are such a lot of distinctive issues to do in Honduras it’s nicely price placing close to the highest of your journey want record.
With Caribbean islands so picture-perfect they belong on postcards, dense rainforest teeming with uncommon birds and wildlife, plus well-preserved Maya ruins, Honduras has heaps to supply.
And it offers nice worth in comparison with different well-liked eco-destinations akin to Costa Rica and Belize.
Right here’s the way to do it!
Why We’re Eager on Honduras
There’s little question I’m a giant fan of Honduras.
Over the course of engaged on a number of micro-credit and tourism tasks with NGOs in Honduras I developed a deep affection for this various nation, its tradition and its folks.
Whereas well-liked locations like Roatán can get busy when cruise ships arrive, the nation doesn’t really feel touristy in any respect.
That’s partly resulting from its measurement. In relation to land space, Honduras is the second largest nation in Central America.
And far of it’s undeveloped.
There are many alternatives to discover untouched pure magnificence, expertise native tradition and journey round historic websites with out the crowds generally discovered in additional tourist-saturated locations.
Whereas it does have a historical past of violence and corruption (and these risks do nonetheless exist in pockets of Honduras), the scenario is enhancing for guests.
With a way of journey, some precautionary measures and cautious planning, it’s very potential to securely expertise what this stunning nation has to supply.
From the underwater wonders of the Caribbean to the jungle-clad mainland, these are the perfect locations to go to and prime issues to do in Honduras, Central America.
1. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Web site of Copán
A prime place to go to in Honduras is the Maya metropolis of Copan, positioned within the city of Copan Ruinas close to the border with Guatemala.
A UNESCO World Heritage Listed archaeological website, Copan rubs shoulders with the likes of Chichen Itza, Coba, Palenque (Mexico) and Tikal (Guatemala) as one of many nice cities of the Maya world.
I first turned passionate about Copán whereas studying the e book “Incidents of Journey in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan” by nineteenth century explorer John Lloyd Stephens and artist Frederick Catherwood who documented their go to to Copán in 1839.
Catherwood’s illustrations depicted stelae and glyphs carved with motifs of gods, serpents and cosmology, and ruins of temples buried underneath jungle foliage.
At the moment many of those constructions have been unearthed and preserved. Some, such because the hieroglyphic stairway recount the dynamic historical past of Copán’s rulers and main occasions.
With 2,200 hieroglyphic glyphs, it’s the longest identified inscription within the Maya world.
One other exceptional sight to see in Copán is red-hued Rosalila Temple, that dates to the Late Basic Interval (sixth to ninth centuries AD).
As a way to arrive on the archeological website early within the morning (and keep away from the afternoon warmth), we often in a single day in Copan Ruinas.
The Terramaya Boutique Resort (balconies have fabulous views) and Resort Marina Copan are your finest bets for location and luxury.
2. See the Nationwide Chicken of Honduras
Copan Ruinas additionally occurs to be the perfect place to see the scarlet macaw, the nationwide chicken of Honduras.
These majestic birds are as a loud as they’re vibrant, with a vibrant pink plumage and a loud squawk that makes them very simple to see.
Whilst you can see these birds all through the nation, this city lives and breathes macaws, revering the birds in the identical method their Maya ancestors did.
After a few years of inhabitants decline, at this time dozens of birds fly free all through the archaeological website of Copan due to profitable breeding packages.
Should you don’t rating a sighting on the historic metropolis, the Macaw Mountain Chicken Sanctuary gives a assured encounter with these spectacular birds.
They’re a key a part of conservation tasks, and also you’ll see dozens of macaws at varied levels of this system.
🌟 Professional Tip: Many individuals in a single day in San Pedro Sula and take a Copan Day Journey that features a tour of the archaeological website, the museum and the Macaw Mountain Chicken Park.
3. Go Snorkeling in a Magical Underwater World
Some of the unimaginable issues to do in Hondurasis to go snorkeling. And even higher, mix snorkeling with a wildlife encounter.
You are able to do each in a Combo Land and Sea Tour on Roatán, one of many Bay Islands positioned off the northern coast of Honduras close to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.
Also referred to as the Nice Mayan Reef, it’s the second largest barrier reef on the planet, stretching virtually 700 miles (1000 km) alongside the shoreline of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.
Though threatened by local weather change and agricultural run-off, the reef system is is extremely various, supporting a big selection of marine life.
Based on World Wildlife Fund (WWF) the reef’s in depth community of coral offers shelter for greater than 500 species of fish, 5 sorts of sea turtles and a big inhabitants of whale sharks.
Verify charges and availability of a Roatan Shore Tour: Monkeys, Sloths and Snorkeling on Viator.com
4. Get Your Scuba Diving Licence – PADI Certification
Honduras additionally occurs to be one of many most cost-effective locations on the planet to dive and get your certification.
Roatán and Utila are the preferred spots for incomes your PADI (Skilled Affiliation of Diving Instructors) Open Water certificates.
There’s some wholesome competitors between the 2 islands as to which has higher reef. But it surely’s extensively accepted that Roatán has a greater situation reef, with extra considerable marine life and biodiversity.
However scuba diving in Utila is healthier for these getting licensed. Dozens of dive colleges line the waterfront, providing engaging packages to finances travellers together with free dorm lodging.
It’s way more economical than Bonaire, one other famend Caribbean vacation spot for scuba diving certification.
Regardless of the place you select to dive, you possibly can anticipate finding your self in a magical underwater world. With vibrant colors, towering coral partitions and a maze of tunnels and swim throughs.
There’s marine life all of sizes and shapes, from numerous species of fish, creeping crustaceans and greater animals like turtles, rays and whale sharks.
Should you’re not up for snorkeling or scuba diving, you possibly can nonetheless see a wide range of sea life on a glass-bottom boat tour.
These well-liked half-day adventures usually embody a cease on the monkey and sloth wildlife sanctuary.
5. Play Castaway on a Distant Cay
Should you’re chasing a stranded-on-a-tropical-island vibe, Honduras can ship! You received’t actually be stranded, both.
The Bay Islands group is fabricated from up of three principal islands (Roatán, Utila and Guanaja).
However this archipelago additionally contains dozens of tiny cays (islands fashioned of sand on the floor of a coral reef) the place you possibly can stay out your castaway desires.
Some of the accessible is Water Cay, a 20 minute boat journey from Utila. On this hideaway you’ll really feel as if you happen to’ve been dropped in the course of the Caribbean.
The dimensions of a small soccer area, you possibly can wander round this sandy island in underneath 10 minutes, navigating via groves of palm timber and tall pines.
The reef is only a few steps offshore. There’s additionally a sandy lagoon that appears like nature’s finest swimming pool. It’s the proper place to drift like a starfish within the crystal clear waters.
Cayos Cochinos is another choice for getting away from all of it. This group of islands sits between Roatán and Utila and the mainland.
It’s residence to a number of small Garifuna communities and improvement is restricted. You’ll take pleasure in empty reefs for snorkeling or diving, white sand seashores and conventional Garifuna meals.
🌟 Professional Tip: Don’t miss attempting tapado soup, a creamy chowder of coconut milk and freshly-caught seafood.
7. Go Kayaking on Lake Yojoa
The most important lake in Honduras is a beautiful place for a paddle. Spanning over 31 sq. miles (79 km²), you positively received’t see all of it.
However even a brief jaunt will can help you expertise the near-360 diploma mountain views. Hopefully you’ll even have sightings of at the least a few the lots of of species of birds residing across the lake.
Along with scarlet macaws, among the extra well-known birds you possibly can anticipate to see in Honduras embody nice inexperienced macaws, toucans, hummingbirds, motmots, trogons, the elusive resplendent quetzal and the endemic Honduran emerald.
The small city of Los Naranjos on the northern fringe of the lake is the preferred vacationer hub, with the well-known D&D Brewery & Lodge attracting backpackers and intrepid travellers.
Kayak leases are available, with single and double choices lined up alongside the riverbank. An all-day rental shouldn’t set you again greater than the equal of $10 USD.
8. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Rio Cangrejal
The Cangrejal River is among the finest locations in Central America to go white water rafting. The river is crammed with ginormous boulders and slim canyons to navigate, with rapids starting from class II to V.
Though the river is simply a brief drive from the coastal metropolis of La Ceiba, keep a couple of days within the space. Adjoining to the Pico Bonito Nationwide Park, this area gives an actual eco expertise.
Jungle lodges line the river, and along with rafting, there are alternatives for climbing, waterfalls, birdwatching and horseback driving.
Omega Excursions Eco Jungle Lodge, Resort Rio and Jungle River Lodge in La Ceiba are a couple of of the perfect lodging choices. They’ll additionally maintain arranging your rafting excursions.
9. Lounge on a Pristine Seashore (or Celebration at a Seashore Bar)
If there’s one factor Honduras does famously nicely, it’s seashores.
Whether or not you need your stretch of sand undeveloped with jungle cascading to the waterline, otherwise you’d desire a backdrop of reggae tunes and a freshly shaken cocktail, there’s a seashore for you!
The very best identified seashore in Honduras is West Bay Seashore in Roatán, often labelled among the best within the Caribbean.
Its beachside hangouts are on par with our favorite seashore bars in Curaçao, Anguilla and Aruba.
Though busy, the powdery white sand, electrical blue waters and fringe of palm timber will make even essentially the most reclusive of travellers comfortable, regardless of the crowds.
Half Moon Bay Seashore and Camp Bay Seashore supply quieter alternate options on Roatán.
Neighbouring Guanaja takes quiet to a brand new degree, with only a few vacationers to share the beautiful Bayman Bay Seashore or Soldado Seashore.
One in every of my favorite seashore locations in Honduras is Tela. Situated on the mainland, it has some beautiful stretches of sand and a energetic Garifuna group.
Past its seashores, Tela is surrounded by protected pure areas, together with the Lancetilla Botanical Backyard, the second largest tropical botanical backyard on the planet.
On the Jeanette Kawas Nationwide Park, you possibly can discover mangrove forests, hike scenic trails and spot unique wildlife.
10. Marvel at Pulhapanzak Waterfall
Falling over 141 toes (43 m), Cataratas Pulhapanzak is the most important waterfall in Honduras.
Affectionately referred to as ‘Pulha’ by the locals, this spectacular show of water pounding down a rocky cliff is spectacular.
Swimming is strictly prohibited because of the pressure of the falls. But when simply trying isn’t sufficient, you possibly can step up the adrenaline a notch!
The ‘behind the waterfall’ tour wouldn’t move any OHS checks in additional developed nations, but it surely’s an exhilarating journey.
Along with a information, via a mixture of swimming, leaping and crabwalking together with your eyes closed, you’ll enterprise behind these pounding waterfalls!
You’ll be soaking moist, blinded and at occasions gasping for air, however utterly blown away by the sheer pressure of the water.
For one thing a bit lighter on the adrenaline, you possibly can zipline throughout the highest of the falls.
Cataratas Pulhapanzak are finest visited on a tour from San Pedro Sula.
Or as a part of a keep within the Lake Yojoa area. The falls are about half an hour away from the city of Los Naranjos Ecological and Archeological Park (Google Map).
There, a prime spot to remain is D&D Brewery & Lodge, identified for its micro-brewery and faucet room producing a half dozen kinds of craft beer.
11. Enterprise deep into the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve
Wildlife fanatics, journey junkies and anybody with a need to get severely off the crushed monitor wants to go to the Reserva de la Biosfera de Río Plátano (Google Map).
A part of the uncooked and wild La Mosquitia area. It occupies all the northwestern nook of the nation and is among the final remaining tracts of virgin tropical rainforest in Central America.
Small indigenous communities have maintained their conventional methods of life contained in the bounds of the reserve, with extremely restricted entry and few modern-day facilities.
The biodiversity is astounding. The reserve is residence to uncommon and endangered species akin to tapirs, jaguars, spider monkeys and large anteaters, present in few different locations all through the area.
Over 400 species of birds, 100 species of amphibians and reptiles and greater than 700 kinds of vegetation spherical out the reserve’s spectacular resume.
Entry is strictly with licensed guides and is a multi-day journey involving a lot of trekking and transport by way of dug out canoes or tiny planes.
12. Eat Baleadas and Different Conventional Honduran Meals
Honduran delicacies is influenced by Indigenous, African, and Spanish cuisines, amongst others.
The unofficial nationwide dish of Honduras is the common-or-garden baleada, and no journey is full with out consuming at the least one per day.
Considerably much like the tlayudas of Oaxaca, a baleada is a big flour tortilla folded in half, topped with refried beans, crema and crumbled white cheese plus your alternative of fillings.
You’ll see egg and avocado at breakfast or meat, seafood or greens for lunch and dinner.
Low cost, filling, tasty and available, baleadas are a finances traveller’s finest good friend in Honduras. Commonplace choices are usually priced underneath $2 USD.
Even on the pricier Bay Islands, baleadas are nonetheless an inexpensive feast.
🌟 Insider Tip: Calelu’s and Yahongreh are prime decisions in Roatán, whereas in Utila there’s an ongoing baleada rivalry between neighbouring eating places, La Casita and Mama Rosa.
Different must-try Honduran dishes embody tapado seafood soup, yuca con chicharrón (considerably much like Guatemalan chojin), tamales, sopa de caracol (conch) and enchiladas, rolled tortillas crammed with a picadillo (shredded hen, potatoes and carrots) topped with salsa and shredded cabbage.
For lunch, you’ll usually see plato tipico, a standard each day particular that includes rice and beans (often pink beans), fried plantains, and grilled beef, hen or pork.
Take pleasure in your plato tipico with a calming Salva Vida, a beer that’s the nationwide beer of Honduras. Or, pinol, atole de elote (additionally a well-liked drink in Guatemala and Mexico),horchata, licuados, batidos and extra.
13. Tour a Espresso Plantation
As the most important producer of espresso in Central America, espresso is huge enterprise in Honduras.
Along with frequenting the wonderful cafes discovered everywhere in the nation (even within the unlikeliest rural cities), a fantastic factor to do in Honduras is a tour of a espresso plantation.
There are dozens of farms everywhere in the nation providing an inside have a look at the method of creating espresso. It’s enlightening to study what goes into one cup of espresso, that almost all of us would devour a number of occasions per day.
From rising the vegetation, harvesting the cherries, separating, processing and drying the beans, to roasting and grinding, it’s a prolonged course of that devoted farmers carry out tirelessly.
The household owned and operated farms are proud that the business hasn’t been dominated by huge espresso companies.
Becoming a member of a tour is an effective way to interact with the area people, and study extra not solely about espresso, however the lifestyle in Honduras, their tradition and society.
14. Take a Hike in a Rainforest
Whether or not you’re searching for a difficult mountain to summit, a easy stroll alongside a jungle-lined path or a trek via the cloud forest, Honduras has miles of trails to discover.
The Pico Bonito Nationwide Park is a wonderful place for a hike in dense tropical forest. The path to El Bejuco waterfall is a very well-liked, if not barely difficult possibility.
If you wish to summit a peak, the best within the nation is Cerro Las Minas within the Celaque Nationwide Park.
Multi-day, guided treks depart from the colonial city of Gracias. The Santa Barbara Mountain is one other powerful summit via foggy cloud forest.
The Lake Yojoa area has some nice walks via lush rainforest on non-public nature reserves like Bioparque Paradise, and in nationwide parks like Cerro Azul Meambar.
The La Tigra Nationwide Park, simply exterior the capital metropolis of Tegucigalpa is a well-developed and maintained park.
It’s bought a lot of path choices, used primarily by locals in search of some outdoor time and an escape from town.
15. Soak in Pure Scorching Springs
Whereas Honduras might not have the identical volcanic repute as its neighbours Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica, there are nonetheless some unbelievable thermal waters to soak in.
Don’t anticipate something fancy, basking in a sizzling spring is a pleasant option to spend a calming day after all of your energetic pursuits across the nation.
Within the hills exterior of Copán Ruinas, the Luna Jaguar Spa (Google Map) is a well-liked possibility for travellers after spending the day wandering across the historic Maya metropolis.
Within the neighbouring Lempira division, the city of Gracias has a handful of rustic aguas termales (sizzling springs).
They’re simply what the physician ordered for hikers who’ve simply submitted close by Cerro Las Minas, the best peak within the nation.
16. Be taught About Lenca Tradition
Spending a couple of days past the seashores, exploring its inland cities is a rewarding factor to do in Honduras.
Very like most nations in Central America, Honduras was as soon as occupied by the Spanish, who left an architectural legacy of elaborate cathedrals, palaces and colonial buildings.
One other legacy of the Spanish conquest was its brutality in the direction of the indigenous Lenca inhabitants, primarily positioned in Honduras and El Salvador.
The division of Lempira is called after the Lenca chief who led rebellions in opposition to the Spanish. His picture is featured on the 1 Lempira banknote and is a logo of Honduran nationwide id and indigenous heritage.
Cities akin to Gracias, La Esperanza, and Santa Rosa de Copán in Western Honduras supply alternatives to find out about Lenca tradition. Distinct from Maya tradition it’s deeply linked to land, spirituality and group.
Their craftsmanship contains pottery (each black and white in addition to pink), weaving, and woodworking, with artisans creating intricate designs and patterns that usually mirror parts of nature.
Gracias is the closest city to La Campa, a pine-scented village that’s residence to the pilgrimage website of San Mathias church, Central America’s longest zipline and several other Lenca pottery workshops.
One other place to go to in Honduras is Comayagua. Whereas not Lenca, the previous capital of Honduras feels as if you happen to’ve stepped again in time. Its spectacular cathedral homes one of many oldest clocks within the Americas.
Plus. there are a number of museums and a energetic central plaza that gives an genuine glimpse into native life in Honduras.
With the current opening of the Palmerola Worldwide Airport, changing the airport in Tegucigalpa, Comayagua will change into a cease on extra travellers’ itineraries.
17. Expertise Large Metropolis Life in Tegucigalpa
Whereas many individuals skip over the capital metropolis of Tegucigalpa, it’s nicely price spending a couple of days right here to take in some historical past and tradition.
I spent greater than a month in Tegucigalpa. And whereas it’s finest to restrict your explorations to daytime (and keep away from sure neighbourhoods utterly) for security causes, there are a number of sights you don’t need to miss.
The town’s spiritual landmarks embody the Basilica de Suyapa, a revered Catholic church devoted to the Virgin of Suyapa, the baroque Iglesia de Los Dolores and the Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel.
For a photo-op El Picacho hill gives panoramic views and a towering statue of Christ. Household travellers received’t need to miss exploring the interactive reveals at Chiminike, a youngsters’s museum.
The mountain village of Valle de Ángeles with its cobblestone streets, colonial structure and handicraft retailers is one other well-liked place to spend a day with the household.
Sargassum Seaweed in Roatán and Different Seashores in Honduras
A lot as with many different Caribbean islands, Belize and the Cancun-Riviera Maya, the sargassum seaweed drawback can even have an effect on sure seashores in Honduras.
Relying on climate situations and ocean currents, sargassum seaweed can generally accumulate alongside the shores of Roatán and different seashores in Honduras, together with Tela throughout seaweed season of Might to October.
For essentially the most up-to-date situations, verify the Reside Webcams for West Bay Seashore.
Or assessment the forecasts on the Sargassum Early Advisory System (SEAS) produced by Texas A & M College Galveston. It tracks the motion and measurement of sargassum mats within the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea so may be helpful in monitoring landings.
🌟 Associated: Verify our article on Caribbean Seashores With out Sargassum Seaweed for choices if you happen to’re travelling throughout seaweed season.
Honduras Journey Planning Data
Attending to Honduras
Should you’re flying in, there are worldwide airports in Roatán, San Pedro Sula and Comayagua. Honduras additionally has land borders with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua.
Getting Round Honduras
There are a selection of transport choices relying in your itinerary and finances. Attending to and from the Bay Islands is primarily by ferry or home flight.
On the mainland, coach buses, “hen buses” and colectivos (shared vans) are the first public transport choices. Automotive rental and personal transfers are additionally out there.
We hire our vehicles on Discovercars.com. It’s an internet automobile rental reserving website that compares charges from a number of corporations to seek out the perfect deal.
Forex
Honduras makes use of the Honduran Lempira (HNL or L). The present alternate charge is roughly 25 HNL = 1 USD.
US {dollars} are accepted in touristy areas just like the Bay Islands. The speed is usually extra beneficial if you happen to pay in native foreign money.
ATMs
Bank cards are accepted in bigger cities and touristy areas. However money is king in Honduras and you need to all the time carry adequate quantities.
ATMs are extensively out there all through the nation, though if you happen to’re going someplace distant, refill on money upfront.
It’s most secure to stay with ATMs affiliated with banks to scale back the danger of skimming and different scams.
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Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the closest tropical seashore), Michele Peterson is the founding father of A Style for Journey. Her award-winning journey and meals writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Supply, Nationwide Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ different publications.
Learn extra about Michele Peterson.
