Honduras

Overview

Honduras has colonial villages (Gracias, Comayagua), ancient Maya ruins ( Copán ), natural parks (Moskitia), and a Pacific and Caribbean coastline and the Bay Islands, with great beaches and coral reefs where snorkeling and diving are exceptional by any standard.

The second-biggest country in Central America , Honduras presents a variety of travel. Good amenities can be found in cities like Tegucigalpa , San Pedro Sula , La Ceiba , Tela , Utila , Roatán and Copán Ruinas , but elsewhere conditions can be basic, especially in the rural areas.

You can find good hotels even in small towns if you are willing to pay a bit more (Honduras is relatively inexpensive). Nevertheless a visit is worthwhile, especially to the ancient Maya ruins in Copán, the colonial towns of Gracias and Comayagua , and the Caribbean Coast .

Experiences

Honduras is great not only for tourism, but also for opportunities to volunteer and help aid those that live in impoverished conditions. This nation is a popular destination for medical aid groups and various private aid and mission groups. Aid organizations that have a presence in Honduras are World Vision, World Gospel Outreach, Fundacion Casa De Luz, Red Cross, Foundation Free The Oppressed, and several others. The U.S. Peace Corps, however, is no longer active due to security risks. Service and aid trips may not be for everyone, however. If your intention is to enjoy a good vacation, then it is best to travel to Honduras apart from aid organizations and missions. Either way, a trip to Honduras is rewarding and enjoyable, whether you visit to serve or to see the fantastic beauty of this Central American nation.

The Caribbean Coast of Honduras is home to the Bay Islands: Utila, Roatán, and Guanaja. Here you will find the Earth's second-largest coral reef. If you wish to become a certified diver, diving schools are well known in Utila and Roatán. Also, Utila provides hiking, kayaking, and a beach for eco-friendly and nature-intrigued tourist. Or you may prefer a scuba dive in Roatán. Where you will have the chance to swim in the clear waters near the reef's gigantic barrel sponges.

The Mosquito Coast, a large rainforest located in the northeast region, is for the adventurous traveler to explore the natural wonders of the plains and wildlife of the tropics. There are tribal groups living within this region who practice traditional lifestyles.

The Western Honduras is home to the ruins at Copan (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is believed to have been inhabited by the Mayans from 1200 BC. There are also museums and other natural sites.

Culture and food

The Honduran "Plato típico" is the most famous lunch. It consists of rice, beef, fried beans (frijolitos), and fried plantains (tajaditas). If you are lucky, it will also come with chimol, a fresh, non-spicy salsa made of tomatoes, green peppers, onions, cilantro and lime juice.

Baleadas are a Honduran original, and a nearly ubiquitous cheap and quick meal. A baleada sencilla (simple) consists of a thick flour tortilla filled with refried beans, cheese (queso), and a type of cream similar to sour cream but not sour (crema or mantequilla). These can be found for as little as 10-15 Lempira. A baleada especial usually also comes with eggs in it and you can sometimes get avocado or even meat these range from 30-50 Lempira.

Other choices are tacos and enchiladas, though don't expect them to be like those in Mexico. The tacos are meat rolled in a corn tortilla and deep fried. The enchiladas are a flat fried corn tortilla topped with ground beef, cheese and a red sauce.

San Pedro Sula has some of the country's best nightlife and is a great place to go out and dance the night away or to catch up on all the latest movies. The capital city, Tegucigalpa, also has a great nighttime scene. Nightlife should be reserved for those tourists who know the culture and language extremely well, however, as it can be slightly dangerous for those who do not understand the dangers involved in the nightlife world of Honduras. There are several nightclubs and casinos that have excellent facilities, however, illegal activities are also much more common in these places. The possibility of crime greatly escalates after dark as well, no matter what part of the country one may be in.

Planning your route

Railroads in Honduras have been built in the northern lowlands (Valle de Sula) since the 1880s by two competing banana growers. They never extended to the capital Tegucigalpa or to the Pacific coast and never linked to other countries.

It is best to avoid driving at night. Driving on rural roads can be risky at all times; carjackings and violent attacks are possible. When driving, doors should be kept locked and windows closed.

If one party to a road accident is seriously injured, the police have the right to arrest the other party, regardless of whether or not they caused the accident. In such situations, it is a good idea to take down the details of the other party. In the event of an accident, always wait for the police to arrive before moving vehicles.

Travel guide text compiled and adapted from Wikivoyage article (contributors). Sections were selected and reordered for this guide. Text is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Check current arrangements with your travel consultant.