Honduras Travel Guide: Why you should not just skip through
Backpackers and holidaymakers have been avoiding Honduras for some years due to the violence and crime associated with the previous political corruption, gangs and drug trade. In fact some cities in Honduras were known for having the highest homicide rates in the world. Unfortunately is difficult to shake recent history from peoples memories, no matter how much change has occurred. But should this stop you from travelling through Honduras? Absolutely not! Beautiful ruins, pristine jungle, wildlife, adventure and friendly locals await for those who come here. Even getting around on local buses is easy!
But why should you spend some real time in Honduras and not just get an expensive coach or tourist shuttle through the country?
With so few travellers going through Honduras, the ones you do meet are the most adventurous! These are hardy travellers that either never let the previous reputation of Honduras stop them from travelling, or were quick to explore it since some calm has come to the country. We met people that were camping in national parks, to another couple driving a classic kombi van through the country on a longer journey to Alaska. We even met older couples travelling as the locals do and doing amazing things – so much so that one couple is planning to come back to finish the rest of Honduras, proving that age is no barrier. The stories you share with like-minded travellers will leave you in awe of what they are doing, and you don’t have to go far to find them!
Caribbean Island Paradise
The most well known and touristy areas in Honduras are the Caribbean Islands of Utila & Roatan. Both are big destinations for learning to scuba dive (or increasing your certification level) with countless PADI dive schools. Great snorkelling can also be easily found, along with one of the most interesting Central American accents you will ever hear – a clash of Central American Spanish and Caribbean. It’s safe to say that the islands will give you a very different flavour of Honduras to the mainland, and are only a 40-60 minute ferry trip from the mainland. Don’t however just come to the islands and then get a tourist shuttle out of the country! Local buses are cheap and plentiful and can get you to many other parts of Honduras.
Mayan Ruins and surrounding adventures
Honduras has some of the most amazing Mayan ruins in all of North and Central America. Copan Ruinas, close to the Guatemalan border have stone carvings that are some of the best preserved in the world for their detail and colours. Tikal in Guatemala may have sheer size going for it, but it cannot beat the intricate stonework at the Copan Ruinas. And do you know what else? Because of all of the stone carvings, so much history about the rulers of this area and how the people lived and evolved is known compared with other archaeological sites. Tours are available as a day trip from the Southern towns of Guatemala… But why do just a day trip when your ticket entry is for 3 days and there are multiple sites to explore!
We loved our time in Copan and spent a lot of our days walking around the quaint little down – if you visit here, make sure you make a stop at the German Brewery and San Rafael cafe 🙂 There are plenty of other activities we would recommend in the area of Copan too – from the Macaw Bird Sanctuary where you can find Macaws (obviously), as well as other local species here for rehabilitation. You can also easily try out horseback riding, the Jaguar Hot Springs, and ziplining.
Wildlife and Hiking – Lago de Yojoa
Honduras also has many lake and jungle areas. Hiking, kayaking and wildlife seekers will particularly love the areas surrounding Lago De Yojoa. Secluded and safe, there is so much to explore to fill your day. What’s better is that you will not have to deal with the tourist numbers you see in other Central American countries. There are plenty of towns around this enormous lake to stay at, but one of the most popular is in a small town that hosts D & D Brewery [link here].
Where should I avoid?
La Ceiba – it really is just a gateway to the Caribbean Islands. There was not much to do or see in the town and would not recommend staying here unless you are here for one night to get to or from the islands. If you like adventure activities like ziplines, white water rafting, canyoning and hiking head to the jungle around La Ceiba. If the ferry is going to be delayed for a few days due to bad weather, head to the jungle instead of waiting around in La Ceiba.
San Pedro Sula – as a transport hub, staying in the shopping centre/bus station is fine, however the city has been reported as dangerous and it does not have much charm.
Tegucigalpa – the Palmira Hostel where we stayed at was fantastic. We were in their second location with private rooms, a lovely host family and comfortable roomsater rafting, canyoning and hiking, then the jungle on the outskirts of La Ceiba willl be worth your time. If your ferry to t. However we didn’t find the city that interesting, and with its recently tough history, it certainly could be a lot more interesting if there were more publicly displayed information. The views at Christ at El Picacho were great, however the taxi was expensive, and as we were limited on time we did not take our chances with the local buses. We did go on a free walking tour – it was ok but nothing special. It did however take us into the downtown area which we may not have done from where we were in the city which was good to see.
