Honduras is maybe Central America’s most underrated nation. It’s typically skipped totally by travellers exploring the area, and but it has a lot to supply these prepared to step off the overwhelmed path. This information outlines the most effective issues to do in Honduras and reveals why it needs to be in your Central America itinerary.
Second in dimension solely to Nicaragua, which borders the nation to the south, Honduras is without doubt one of the area’s largest however least visited nations. Between its different two bordering nations, El Salvador to the southwest and Guatemala to the northwest, it has a small Pacific coast. Nevertheless it’s Honduras’s 700 km of Caribbean shoreline that’s the actual draw. Most guests come to Honduras to dive within the crystalline waters round Roatán Island, however the mainland deserves simply as a lot consideration. Dwelling to pristine rainforest and some of the spectacular Maya websites in Central America, it’s a dream for journey seekers and tradition lovers.
On this information, we’ll cowl the most effective locations to go to in Honduras, the highest actions and experiences, and the must-see locations so as to add to your Honduras journey itinerary.
When to Go to Honduras
Honduras has a tropical local weather, which means that it’s sizzling and humid year-round. On the mainland, the dry season runs roughly from December to April, whereas the moist season stretches from Could to November.
On the Bay Islands (together with Roatán and Utila), the sample is barely completely different, with the rains arriving in late September to October and lasting till round February. June to September is the most effective time for viewing whale sharks round Utila.
How one can Get to Honduras
There are direct flights to Roatán from main hubs within the US (e.g. Miami or Houston) and Canada (inc. Toronto) in addition to from the capital cities of Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador.
You too can fly immediately into Comayagua from Spain. Should you’re visiting Honduras as a part of a wider Central America journey, you’ll probably cross over through a land border from Guatemala (at El Florido) or Nicaragua (at Guasaule).
British residents want a visa to enter Honduras, which it’s essential to safe upfront from a Honduran embassy.
Getting Round in Honduras
Native buses are essentially the most cost-effective method to get round Honduras. Whereas public transport is mostly secure, preserve a detailed eye in your belongings and take further care when travelling by way of massive cities like San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.
There are common and inexpensive ferries operating from La Ceiba to the Bay Islands. There are additionally some vacationer shuttles that function on common routes, similar to between Copán Ruinas and La Ceiba and La Ceiba to León (in Nicaragua), however these are costly as compared with native transport.
Steered Honduras Itinerary
Begin in Copán Ruinas, only a stone’s throw from the Guatemalan border. From right here, head east in the direction of the Caribbean Coast and the city of La Ceiba, the gateway to Pico Bonito Nationwide Park.
After just a few days exploring the jungle, waterfalls and river, take a ferry to both Utila or Roatán for some diving and seashore days. Circle again to the mainland and on in the direction of Lake Yojoa, the place you will get out onto the water, go to the nation’s largest waterfall and style native craft beer.
Enterprise a few hours south to the previous capital, Comayagua, earlier than persevering with your Central America journey in neighbouring Nicaragua or El Salvador.
Had your eye on Nicaragua or Guatemala to start out planning your journey as a mix of the Central American nations, try a few of our guides beneath:
Get lifetime entry to my infinite hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the most effective locations to eat, drink, loosen up and discover in Guatemala. Merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my ideas are on the contact of your fingertips.
Discover Maya Ruins at Copán Ruinas
The small city of Copán Ruinas (or just, Copán) is commonly the primary, and generally solely, place travellers go to in Honduras. This small, charming city with cobblestone streets is purpose sufficient to linger, however the principle attraction is the close by Copán Maya Archaeological Web site, often known as the ruins of Copán. The ruins are thought of some of the vital websites of the Mayan civilisation, they usually embrace among the most intricately carved stelae and sculptures discovered within the Maya world.
Spot Honduras’ Nationwide Chicken – the Scarlet Macaw
Even for non-bird watchers, recognizing a rustic’s nationwide fowl has a particular form of thrill. In Honduras, the place it’s the scarlet macaw, it’s particularly thrilling. Numbers have dwindled within the nation owing to habitat loss and the unlawful pet commerce, however efforts are underway to guard the species. You may typically spot them flying over the ruins of Copán, the place many are cared for on the close by Macaw Mountain Chicken Park and Nature Reserve. You may additionally spot them in Pico Bonito Nationwide Park, the place scarlet macaws have been launched in an effort to revive the birds to the Cangrejal River basin.
Dive the World’s Second Largest Barrier Reef within the Bay Islands
The Mesoamerican Reef stretches greater than 1,000 km from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula right down to the coasts of Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. The Bay Islands, set within the Caribbean Sea off Honduras’s north coast, present the right base for exploring the reef. The waters are exceptionally wealthy in marine life, together with sea turtles, over 60 coral varieties, and greater than 500 fish species. The Bay Islands are additionally among the finest locations on the planet to identify whale sharks.
Roatán is the busiest and most developed island, whereas close by Utila has a extra laid-back, backpacker vibe.
Eat Baleadas
Simply my favorite avenue meals in Central America, baleadas are a Honduran staple. Baleada sencilla, or easy baleadas, are grilled flour tortillas smeared with refried beans, folded, and crammed with cheese and bitter cream. Different fillings embrace hen, beef, and are (I opted for a veganized model with refried beans and avocado). Easy, low cost and scrumptious, baleadas are served all around the nation. The perfect I tasted have been at Mama Rosa’s on Utila, the place I ate them twice a day!
Go White Water Rafting on Rio Cangrejal
Thrill-seekers can take pleasure in a dose of adrenaline in Pico Bonito Nationwide Park. The Cangrejal River, which runs by way of the park, affords the prospect to go white water rafting by way of a tract of pristine rainforest. Jungle River Lodge sits immediately on the river and serves as a jumping-off level for water-based adventures.
Hike to a Waterfall Via the Jungle
Pico Bonito Nationwide Park can also be an awesome place to discover jungle trails. Guests can take a self-guided hike to the towering Cascada El Bejuco, which plummets 80 metres by way of the rainforest.
For a more difficult journey, take a guided hike alongside another path to the waterfall by way of untouched jungle. Lodge Rio is a perfect base and may organize guided hikes.
Kayak on Lake Yojoa
Lago Yojoa is Honduras’s largest lake and a rising eco-tourism vacation spot. One of the best ways to discover the lake itself is to lease a kayak and spend just a few hours on the water having fun with the scenic views of distant mountains. Base your self in Los Naranjos, which you’ll be able to attain by bus from San Pedro Sula (take the Hen Bus heading to El Mochito) or the capital, Tegucigalpa. Throughout your time on the lake, make sure that to go to close by Cataratas de Pulhapanzak, the most important waterfall within the nation.
Strive a Craft Beer at D&D Brewery
D&D Brewery is essentially chargeable for placing Lago Yojoa on the traveller map. A microbrewery set amongst the rainforest that encircles the lake, D&D is the most well-liked place to eat, drink and keep within the area. Even if you happen to don’t keep there (though I’d extremely suggest it!), make sure that to pattern their produce. Their beer flight is an effective way to pattern a spread of regionally brewed craft beers.
Discover the Former Capital Cities of Comayagua and Gracias
For greater than 300 years, Comayagua was Honduras’s capital till Tegucigalpa took over in 1880. A number of hours additional west, the small city of Gracias (initially referred to as Gracias a Dios – Because of God) was briefly the capital of all Spanish-conquered Central America. Each cities function colonial structure, church buildings and plazas, ripe for exploring on foot.
Nonetheless on the lookout for extra inspiration on the place to go in your Central America travels? Take a look at our The Finest Issues To Do In Central America.
Have you ever been to Honduras?
What are the most effective issues to do in Honduras? Something you’d add to this Honduras bucket checklist?
Lisa is a London-born author who left her nine-to-five within the arts to pursue a dream of travelling the world. She’s journeyed throughout 4 continents and counting and has written extensively about travelling in Southeast Asia and South America. Observe her adventures on Instagram and Substack.