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Whereas typically missed by travellers to Central America, there are such a lot of distinctive issues to do in Honduras it’s properly price placing close to the highest of your journey want checklist.
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 gives nice worth in comparison with different common eco-destinations equivalent to Costa Rica and Belize.
Right here’s the best way to do it!
Why We’re Eager on Honduras
There’s little doubt I’m an enormous 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 individuals.
Whereas common locations like Roatán can get busy when cruise ships arrive, the nation doesn’t really feel touristy in any respect.
That’s partly attributable to its dimension. In terms of 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 state of affairs is bettering for guests.
With a way of journey, some precautionary measures and cautious planning, it’s very potential to securely expertise what this lovely nation has to supply.
From the underwater wonders of the Caribbean to the jungle-clad mainland, these are the perfect issues to do in Honduras.
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 grew to become enthusiastic 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 beneath jungle foliage.
At this time many of those buildings 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).
With a purpose 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 Lodge (balconies have fabulous views) and Lodge Marina Copan are your finest bets for location and luxury.
2. See the Nationwide Hen 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 brilliant, with a vibrant pink plumage and a loud squawk that makes them very straightforward to see.
Whilst you can see these birds all through the nation, this city lives and breathes macaws, revering the birds in the identical manner their Maya ancestors did.
After a few years of inhabitants decline, immediately dozens of birds fly free all through the archaeological website of Copan due to profitable breeding applications.
If you happen to don’t rating a sighting on the historical metropolis, the Macaw Mountain Hen 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 Hen Park.
3. Go Snorkeling in a Magical Underwater World
One of the crucial unbelievable 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 called the Nice Mayan Reef, it’s the second largest barrier reef on the earth, 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.
In accordance with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) the reef’s in depth community of coral gives shelter for greater than 500 species of fish, 5 kinds of sea turtles and a big inhabitants of whale sharks.
Test 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 least expensive locations on the earth 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. Nevertheless it’s extensively accepted that Roatán has a greater situation reef, with extra ample marine life and biodiversity.
However scuba diving in Utila is healthier for these getting licensed. Dozens of dive faculties line the waterfront, providing enticing packages to funds 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 look forward to 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 styles, from numerous species of fish, creeping crustaceans and greater animals like turtles, rays and whale sharks.
If you happen to’re not up for snorkeling or scuba diving, you possibly can nonetheless see quite a lot of sea life on a glass-bottom boat tour.
These common half-day adventures usually embody a cease on the monkey and sloth wildlife sanctuary.
5. Play Castaway on a Distant Cay
If you happen to’re chasing a stranded-on-a-tropical-island vibe, Honduras can ship! You gained’t actually be stranded, both.
The Bay Islands group is manufactured from up of three principal islands (Roatán, Utila and Guanaja).
However this archipelago additionally consists of dozens of tiny cays (islands fashioned of sand on the floor of a coral reef) the place you possibly can dwell out your castaway goals.
One of the crucial accessible is Water Cay, a 20 minute boat experience from Utila. On this hideaway you’ll really feel as in the event you’ve been dropped in the midst of the Caribbean.
The scale of a small soccer subject, you possibly can wander round this sandy island in beneath 10 minutes, navigating via groves of palm bushes 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 dwelling to a number of small Garifuna communities and growth is restricted. You’ll get pleasure from empty reefs for snorkeling or diving, white sand seashores and conventional Garifuna meals.
🌟 Professional Tip: Don’t miss making an attempt tapado soup, a creamy chowder of coconut milk and freshly-caught seafood.
7. Go Kayaking on Lake Yojoa
The biggest lake in Honduras is a beautiful place for a paddle. Spanning over 31 sq. miles (79 km²), you positively gained’t see all of it.
However even a brief jaunt will assist you to expertise the near-360 diploma mountain views. Hopefully you’ll even have sightings of not less than a few the a whole lot of species of birds residing across the lake.
Along with scarlet macaws, a few of the extra well-known birds you possibly can count on 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 without doubt one of the finest locations in Central America to go white water rafting. The river is full of ginormous boulders and slim canyons to navigate, with rapids starting from class II to V.
Though the river is just a brief drive from the coastal metropolis of La Ceiba, keep a number 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 using.
Omega Excursions Eco Jungle Lodge, Lodge Rio and Jungle River Lodge in La Ceiba are a number of of the perfect lodging choices. They’ll additionally deal with arranging your rafting excursions.
9. Lounge on a Pristine Seashore (or Get together at a Seashore Bar)
If there’s one factor Honduras does famously properly, it’s seashores.
Whether or not you need your stretch of sand undeveloped with jungle cascading to the waterline, otherwise you’d want a backdrop of reggae tunes and a freshly shaken cocktail, there’s a seaside for you!
One of the best identified seaside in Honduras is West Bay Seashore in Roatán, regularly labelled among the finest within the Caribbean.
Its beachside hangouts are on par with our favorite seaside bars in Curaçao, Anguilla and Aruba.
Though busy, the powdery white sand, electrical blue waters and fringe of palm bushes will make even probably the most reclusive of travellers completely satisfied, regardless of the crowds.
Half Moon Bay Seashore and Camp Bay Seashore provide quieter options on Roatán.
Neighbouring Guanaja takes quiet to a brand new degree, with only a few vacationers to share the attractive Bayman Bay Seashore or Soldado Seashore.
One among my favorite seaside locations in Honduras is Tela. Situated on the mainland, it has some attractive stretches of sand and a energetic Garifuna neighborhood.
Past its seashores, Tela is surrounded by protected pure areas, together with the Lancetilla Botanical Backyard, the second largest tropical botanical backyard on the earth.
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 ft (43 m), Cataratas Pulhapanzak is the largest waterfall in Honduras.
Affectionately known as ‘Pulha’ by the locals, this spectacular show of water pounding down a rocky cliff is spectacular.
Swimming is strictly prohibited as a result of pressure of the falls. But when simply wanting isn’t sufficient, you possibly can step up the adrenaline a notch!
The ‘behind the waterfall’ tour wouldn’t move any OHS assessments in additional developed nations, but it surely’s an exhilarating journey.
Along with a information, via a mix of swimming, leaping and crabwalking along 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 of 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 styles of craft beer.
11. Enterprise deep into the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve
Wildlife fanatics, journey junkies and anybody with a need to get significantly off the overwhelmed observe 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 the whole northwestern nook of the nation and is without doubt one of 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 dwelling to uncommon and endangered species equivalent 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 styles of vegetation spherical out the reserve’s spectacular resume.
Entry is strictly with licensed guides and is a multi-day journey involving a number of trekking and transport through 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 standard baleada, and no journey is full with out consuming not less than one per day.
Considerably just 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 funds traveller’s finest good friend in Honduras. Normal choices are usually priced beneath $2 USD.
Even on the pricier Bay Islands, baleadas are nonetheless an reasonably priced 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 just like Guatemalan chojin), tamales, sopa de caracol (conch) and enchiladas, rolled tortillas full of a picadillo (shredded rooster, potatoes and carrots) topped with salsa and shredded cabbage.
For lunch, you’ll typically see plato tipico, a conventional day by day particular that includes rice and beans (often pink beans), fried plantains, and grilled beef, rooster or pork.
Get pleasure from your plato tipico with a relaxing Salva Vida, a beer that’s the nationwide beer of Honduras. Or, pinol, atole de elote (additionally a common drink in Guatemala and Mexico),horchata, licuados, batidos and extra.
13. Tour a Espresso Plantation
As the biggest producer of espresso in Central America, espresso is massive enterprise in Honduras.
Along with frequenting the superb cafes discovered everywhere in the nation (even within the unlikeliest rural cities), an incredible 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 constructing 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 massive espresso companies.
Becoming a member of a tour is an effective way to have interaction 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 in search of 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 common, if not barely difficult choice.
If you wish to summit a peak, the very 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 personal nature reserves like Bioparque Paradise, and in nationwide parks like Cerro Azul Meambar.
The La Tigra Nationwide Park, simply outdoors the capital metropolis of Tegucigalpa is a well-developed and maintained park.
It’s bought a number of path choices, used primarily by locals looking for some open air time and an escape from the town.
15. Soak in Pure Scorching Springs
Whereas Honduras might not have the identical volcanic fame as its neighbours Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica, there are nonetheless some unbelievable thermal waters to soak in.
Don’t count on something fancy, basking in a scorching spring is a pleasant option to spend a soothing day after all of your energetic pursuits across the nation.
Within the hills outdoors of Copán Ruinas, the Luna Jaguar Spa (Google Map) is a well-liked choice for travellers after spending the day wandering across the historical Maya metropolis.
Within the neighbouring Lempira division, the city of Gracias has a handful of rustic aguas termales (scorching springs).
They’re simply what the physician ordered for hikers who’ve simply submitted close by Cerro Las Minas, the very best peak within the nation.
16. Study About Lenca Tradition
Spending a number 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 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 an emblem of Honduran nationwide id and indigenous heritage.
Cities equivalent to Gracias, La Esperanza, and Santa Rosa de Copán in Western Honduras provide alternatives to find out about Lenca tradition. Distinct from Maya tradition it’s deeply related to land, spirituality and neighborhood.
Their craftsmanship consists of pottery (each black and white in addition to pink), weaving, and woodworking, with artisans creating intricate designs and patterns that usually replicate components of nature.
Gracias is the closest city to La Campa, a pine-scented village that’s dwelling 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 in the event you’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 grow to be 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 properly price spending a number 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 points of interest you don’t need to miss.
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 gained’t need to miss exploring the interactive reveals at Chiminike, a kids’s museum.
The mountain village of Valle de Ángeles with its cobblestone streets and handicraft retailers is one other common place to spend a day with the household.
Honduras Journey Planning Info
Attending to Honduras
If you happen to’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 funds. Attending to and from the Bay Islands is primarily by ferry or home flight.
On the mainland, coach buses, “rooster buses” and colectivos (shared vans) are the first public transport choices. Automobile rental and personal transfers are additionally accessible.
We hire our vehicles on Discovercars.com. It’s a web based automotive rental reserving website that compares charges from a number of firms to seek out the perfect deal.
Forex
Honduras makes use of the Honduran Lempira (HNL or L). The present change price is roughly 25 HNL = 1 USD.
US {dollars} are accepted in touristy areas just like the Bay Islands. The speed is usually extra beneficial in the event you pay in native foreign money.
ATMs
Bank cards are accepted in bigger cities and touristy areas. However money is king in Honduras and it is best to at all times carry ample quantities.
ATMs are extensively accessible all through the nation, though in the event you’re going someplace distant, refill on money prematurely.
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 seaside), 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.