best places to travel honduras

The 10 best places to visit in Honduras

Jan 2, 2024 • 10 min read

From the reef to the rainforest – Honduras offers the full Central American package © Antonio Busiello / Getty Images

Honduras has so much to see that the choices can feel overwhelming. You can hike through tropical rainforests, cloud forests and mountains, paddle around mangrove swamps, rivers and lakes, or visit Maya archaeological sites overflowing with ancient secrets. 

Along the shore are beautiful beaches and reefs, and if you want that rum punch – or a shot of the local concoction, gifiti – it's easy to find a little merriment wherever you go. Here’s our guide to the best places to visit in Honduras .

1. Punta Gorda, Roatán

Best place to learn about Garifuna culture

Roatán may be touristy, but most of that scene is on the western part of the island. Head to the island's eastern municipality – Santos Guardiola – for a sense of what real Roatanian life is like. The Garifuna community of Punta Gorda is the oldest permanent settlement on the island.

The Garifuna people, of African and Indigenous Arawak descent, were exiled from the Caribbean island of St Vincent and established Garifuna communities in parts of Belize , Guatemala and Honduras. Garifuna culture has become integral to Honduras' national culture, from Afro-beats to machuca , a beloved coconut-milk-based seafood stew with a boiled ball of mashed plantains.

Garifuna culture is celebrated at the Garifuna Cultural Center in Punta Gorda, founded by Audrey Flores, a former New Yorker who came here seeking her roots. Though the center is closed as they expand the space, you can still learn about Garifuna history and culture on their website – construction should be wrapped up in 2024 to allow a grand reopening.

2. Eastern Roatán

Best place for peaceful beaches

While quieter than the west, eastern Roatán isn't completely devoid of resorts, and it has some fine beaches. Crowning a sand-flanked bluff, Paya Bay Resort , run by local islanders, is more like a spiritual retreat than a holiday resort.

Looking over the Caribbean Sea, it's quiet and secluded and offers an array of activities, from snorkeling and hiking to meditation and yoga. Day passes are available for non-guests, and the 22-acre private resort has the only clothing-optional beach on the island.

About a six-minute drive southwest is Camp Bay Beach, the go-to public beach in these parts. It’s a popular locale for family cookouts and sandy picnics. With natural white sands and wild coconut palm trees, Camp Bay represents what all of Roatán's beaches were like before resortification.

For the more active set, head to Jonesville, a town on the south shore, for a kayaking tour. Paddle your way through dense mangrove forests along the shore – there are even a few tunnels to paddle through. Keep an eye out for hidden treasure, as it’s rumored the carved-out tunnels were once hideouts for pirates.

Best place to escape the crowds

Of the three main Bay Islands , Guanaja is perhaps the most beautiful. The lack of development and less-convenient transport options have preserved a peaceful and natural landscape. Come here to immerse yourself in the lush, green scenery and hike the 4km trail (2.5 miles) for views from Michael’s Rock Peak. On the way, you'll pass the only waterfall on any of Honduras’ islands.

Some of the island’s most beautiful beaches are so secluded they’re only accessible by water taxi. Have a boatman take you to Soldado Beach, Graham’s Cay or Bayman Bay Beach if you want peace and quiet.

There are several low-key beach resorts, including Clearwater Paradise and the End of the World Resort  – both focus on scuba diving. If you haven’t been certified yet, this would be the place to do it, with access to some of the best dive sites nationwide.

The stillness of Guanaja may soon be a thing of the past, however, thanks to the new ferry service from Roatán, which began in October 2021 and runs four times a week. There are also domestic flights and charter boats coming into the island.

Best place to party

Unlike Roatán, favored by an older set who were backpackers a generation ago, Utila is still a Neverland for young partygoers who come to scuba dive, drink, free dive, sing karaoke, enjoy the beach, and do it all over again the next day. 

There are many stories of visitors who intended to stay just a few weeks and ended up staying for years. Some 150 expats have made Utila their home, away from the action, and despite the regular nighttime revelry in town, there’s still an overall relaxed island vibe that welcomes everyone.

There's only one main strip in the island's one small town and it's lined with colorfully painted bars, shops, restaurants and hotels. Ask any seasoned traveler where the party’s at on any particular night, be it a live music show at Bando Beach or karaoke night at La Cueva . Not every place has a loud party atmosphere – as well as hostels ( La Hamaca is a favorite), there are also quieter boutique hotel options such as Manurii and the Sea Eye Hotel .

Utila has also moved beyond its past of cheap backpacker pizzas and fried food. The island has become something of a foodie destination, with elevated seafood places such as  Captain Willis Bistro and Asian fusion joint Mister Buddha (their “bananero roll” – an inside-out maki roll topped with slices of plantains – is especially tasty).

5. Cayos Cochinos

Best place for a day trip

Cayos Cochinos is a small archipelago of Honduran islands close to the mainland near La Ceiba, comprised of two main islands, Cayo Grande and Cayo Menor, plus 13 smaller coral keys. Some have simple Airbnbs, some are privately owned, and some are devoid of anything but white sand beaches. The largest island, Cayo Grande, is roomy enough to hold a few accommodations, including Vitos Eco Diving Resort and Cabañas Laru Beya .

One common way to visit Cayos Cochinos is a day tour from La Ceiba or Roatán. A boat will carry you to the best spots for laying out on the beach or snorkeling. Marine life flourishes under the protection of organizations such as the Coral Reef Alliance , and it’s not unheard of to spot a nurse shark or eagle ray.

Some tours provide lunch, but if you land on Cayo Chachahuate, you can buy food from the local Garifuna community – the catch of the day from local fishers will be fresher than anything that’s been sitting in a boat’s cooler all day.

6. Pico Bonito National Park

Best place to get close to wildlife

La Ceiba , located on the northern coast, was once the epicenter of the banana industry. It's believed to be the spot where hungry workers inadvertently invented baleada , Honduras' unofficial national dish, comprised of beans, cheese, sour cream, curtido (cabbage relish), and meat or eggs folded inside a grilled tortilla.

Nowadays, La Ceiba is best known as the gateway city to Honduras’ premier showcase of biodiversity – Pico Bonito National Park . Named after the triangular-shaped peak at its heart, Pico Bonito is home to toucans, jaguars and monkeys, alongside many other animals. Book a guide to take on the challenging three-hour hike to see the stunning Cascada Zacate (you’ll hear the falls long before you see them).

Bordering Pico Bonito, Rio Cangrejal is La Ceiba’s playground for river sports such as whitewater rafting and kayaking – El Naranjo is a great place to base yourself, with accommodations ranging from tasteful B&B  La Villa Soledad , to eco-adventure-focused Omega Lodge .

Best place for exploring the Parque Nacional Jeannette Kawas

Tela, on the northwest Caribbean coast, is one of the more appealing beach cities on the mainland. Like La Ceiba, the town has a banana-growing past, but today, it's popular for its seaside resorts and cuisine. If you’ve grown tired of fried fish, try the sopa de caracol (snail soup), a dish so iconic that there’s a popular song about it.

As well as housing an excellent aquarium, the Tela Marine Research Center is an important research facility for Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, an infection that’s killing coral across the Caribbean. There are several white-sand beaches along the shores of Tela Bay, including the public beach in town, but the best beaches are half an hour away in Parque Nacional Jeannette Kawas , Honduras' largest national park. 

Snakes, monkeys and jaguars lurk in the rainforest and the park also boasts beach coves, mangrove forests and the country’s largest saltwater lagoon. Access is by boat, so book a tour with a Tela-based company such as Garifuna Tours to experience it.

If you need a break from the beach, Tela is also near one of the largest botanical gardens in all of Latin America – Lancetilla Jardín Botánico . The park spans 1680 hectares (4151 acres) and features an impressive tunnel of towering bamboo alongside numerous tropical species.

Best place to learn about Maya culture

Touring the well-preserved Copán Archaeological Site Ruins is the main reason to visit the western part of the country. The site was the home of one of the most important Maya civilizations and is filled with artifacts built between 250–900 CE. And the best part? Most days, you’ll have the ruins virtually to yourself.

But there’s a lot more to experience in Copán when you’re done playing Indiana Jones. While the sun’s out, so are the sunflowers, so grab your camera and head to El Paseo de los Girasoles (The Path of the Sunflowers). A working farm growing sunflowers as feed for dairy cows, the Hacienda El Amatal has inadvertently become an Instagram hotspot.

It may be confusing, but the town surrounding the Copán Ruins is actually named Copán Ruinas – it's a charming little town that serves as the perfect base while exploring the area. Accommodations range from the long-running Iguana Azul hostel to the newer, four-star Hotel Marina Copán . After all your daytime excursions, relax for tea time at El Lugar del Té y Chocolate .

For the best sunsets in town, take a taxi up the hill to Hacienda San Lucas , a farmhouse-turned-hotel and restaurant with an awesome view of the sunset over the Rio Copán. The signature cocktail here is named after the national bird, the scarlet macaw, which you can see up close at the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve , just 10 minutes from the Copán ruins. 

9. Tegucigalpa

Best place for museums and culture

It doesn’t matter if you can’t pronounce the name of Honduras’ capital city, locals merely refer to it as “Tegus” (te-goose). Don’t let stories of crime keep you from coming here; as long as you’re street-smart, Tegucigalpa can be as safe as any major city.

Most city sights are in El Centro, in and around the Plaza Morazán , named after the former president. Here, you’ll see the 18th-century main cathedral and the Centro de la Cultura Garinagu , which highlights Garifuna culture.

A few blocks away, you can explore Honduras' national identity at the Museo para la Identidad Nacional , which offers guided tours in English.

For a breather from the hustle and bustle, head to Parque Naciones Unidas El Picacho in the northern part of the city. Here, a trail leads to the Picacho Christ, a smaller, 20m (66ft) rendition of Rio de Janiero’s Christ the Redeemer statue.

You can also take a day trip from Tegus to Parque Nacional La Tigra , the closest national park to the capital, which features cloud forests, rivers and waterfalls. Or head to Valle de Ángeles, a 16th-century mining town with restored buildings that now house woodworking artisans.

10. Lake Yojoa region

Best place for bird-watching and hiking

Lago Yojoa, Honduras’ largest lake, is another locals’ getaway in the middle of the countryside, about four hours from Tegucigalpa. Lakeshore restaurants serve up fried fish with the typical sides of rice, beans, curtido and plantains.

Like craft beer as much as you like lakeside activities? Just base yourself at D&D Brewery , a local microbrewery, lodge and adventure company. They can arrange all sorts of excursions on or around the lake and feed you when you’re done.

Lake Yojoa actually lies in between two national parks, Parque Nacional Montaña de Santa Bárbara , centered on 2744m (90,003ft) Montaña de Santa Bárbara, and Parque Nacional Cerro Azul Mèambar (aka PaNaCAM). Both are famous for their hiking and birdwatching opportunities.

Quetzals are the prized birds to find in these parts – they were sacred to the Maya – but if you’re not so enthusiastic about being glued to binoculars, there are many other forest creatures to keep you from getting bored as you hike to the parks’ many waterfalls.

This article was first published Jun 29, 2022 and updated Jan 2, 2024.

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Honduras

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Sep 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

A diamond in the rough, Honduras, Central America's second-largest country, dazzles visitors with its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Nature lovers can explore idyllic Caribbean beaches, bird-rich lakes and jungles, and the undeveloped tropical rainforest of the Mosquito Coast, among many other attractions.

But the country's prized jewels are the beautiful Bay Islands. Ringed by thriving coral reefs – part of the world's second biggest barrier reef , which stretches north to Mexico – these laid-back islands lure many divers, snorkelers, and travelers seeking a relaxed tropical vibe.

Rich in culture, Honduras is also home to the archeological treasures of Copán , one of the finest Maya sites in the world. Other adventures include dolphin encounters, birding tours, rafting trips, and the chance to swim with gentle whale sharks.

Discover a world of wonder in this diverse country, with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Honduras.

1. Roatán, Bay Islands

2. copán ruins archeological site, 3. utila, bay islands, 4. dolphin encounter, roatán institute for marine sciences, 5. museum of mayan sculpture, copán, 6. la tigra national park, 7. lake yojoa (lago de yojoa), 8. parque nacional jeanette kawas, 9. cayos cochinos, 10. lancetilla botanical gardens, 11. río plátano biosphere reserve, mosquito coast, 12. museum of national identity, tegucigalpa, 13. cusuco national park, 14. carambola botanical gardens & trails, roatán, 15. little french key, bay islands, 16. pico bonito national park.

Roatán is the largest and most developed of the Bay Islands. Once a well-kept secret, it is now a cruise ship port and a popular vacation destination – especially for avid divers and snorkelers.

A mountainous backbone undulates through the island's center, and flourishing coral reefs fringe its shores, offering superb opportunities for diving and deep-sea fishing .

Even with the influx of travelers, Roatán's beaches are beautiful. One of the best strands is West Bay Beach. Although packed on cruise ship days, it ticks all the boxes, with clear waters, snorkeling, swaying palms, and plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.

The small community of Sandy Bay is the cultural center of Roatán. Top tourist attractions here include the Roatán Institute of Marine Sciences with its popular dolphin encounters; Roatán Museum ; the Carambola Gardens, a favorite with nature lovers; and the Roatán Marine Park , with excellent snorkeling.

Craving a cute animal encounter? Head to Manawakie Park , where you can cuddle sloths and get up close to capuchin monkeys, as well as soak up a dose of Honduran culture. Gumbalimba Park is another haven for wildlife lovers with sloths and monkeys. You can also pose for a photo with colorful macaws and soar through the jungle on an exhilarating zipline.

Other top things to do in Roatan include visiting the environmentally friendly Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum and the Butterfly Gardens. Tucked in tropical fruit trees, the garden spotlights butterfly species native to Honduras and the Bay Islands.

French Harbour is Roatán's biggest fishing port and the economic engine of the island. A popular attraction here is Arch's Iguana and Marine Park .

Copán Ruins Archeological Site (Copán Ruinas Sitio Arqueológico) is the most studied Maya city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Dating back nearly 2,000 years, the society that lived here was highly stratified, deeply symbolic, and focused on tradition.

You will find plenty to appreciate here. The site is famous for the stelae and altars that are scattered around the immense plaza, most of which were erected during the years 711 and 736. Other highlights include the ball court; the Hieroglyphic Stairway, a unique temple, which holds the longest known Mayan text; and the Acropolis featuring superb carved reliefs of the 16 kings of Copán.

About 1.6 kilometers from the central acropolis, Las Sepulturas archaeological site forms part of the "PAC" (Proyecto Arqueológico Copán) and provides valuable insight into how the Mayan elite lived during the days before the collapse of Copán. While you're exploring the site, keep an eye out for the spectacular scarlet macaws flying among the ruins.

After touring the ruins, don't miss the Museum of Mayan Sculpture , which displays impressive artifacts recovered from the site. Many visitors also like to stroll along the well-signed nature trails , where birds and butterflies dart among the thick foliage.

Not far from Copán, El Puente is a smaller Mayan archaeological site on the Chinamito River with several pyramids that have been partially restored.

About 32 kilometers from the west coast of Roatán , Utila is the most budget-friendly of the Bay Islands. Backpackers flock to this small, 13-kilometer-long-island, and many visitors come here on affordable dive vacations.

Presiding over an arching bay, Utila Town is the main settlement, where locals compete fiercely over domino games and tourist shops and dive centers dot the streets. Save time to enjoy some fresh seafood and traditional Honduras cuisine at one of the funky waterfront restaurants here.

Besides diving, most visitors bide their time basking on the two slivers of beach, snorkeling in the lagoon, zipping out to a sprinkling of cays off the island's southwest coast, and soaking up the rustic tropical vibe. You can also get up close to some of the island's wildlife at the Iguana Research & Breeding Station .

Dive operators also offer the chance to dive or swim with whale sharks . These gentle giants are frequently spotted in the waters around the island - especially during March to April and August to September.

On the northwest coast of Roatán at Anthony's Key Resort , the Roatán Institute of Marine Sciences offers an unforgettable dolphin experience. Best of all, it takes place in a natural lagoon, where the dolphins are free to swim around in a large area like they do in the wild. The center also educates locals and visitors about marine ecology.

Besotted animal lovers can swim and snorkel with the dolphins, play simple games with them, participate in a dolphin specialty course, or enjoy a dolphin dive experience. Budding marine biologists can also sign up for the "Dolphin Trainer for a Day" program and perform their own dolphin show for their proud parents at the end.

At the Copán Ruins Archeological Site, the superb Museum of Mayan Sculpture is an essential stop on any visit to the ruins. It displays a series of original pieces of sculpture, stelae, and altars recovered from the site.

The museum, which tunnels through a hillside before opening out into a vast sunlit open space, is best visited after touring the ruins to understand where the pieces on display originally belonged.

The collection has a total of over 3,000 pieces of original Maya sculpture and carvings depicting spiritual entities, people, and sacred animals like macaws and bats. There are also several buildings on-site that were rebuilt from the pieces found in the nearby dig site.

Undoubtedly, the masterpiece here is the full-sized replica of the ornate Rosalila Temple , discovered intact under structure 16 in the acropolis.

About 20 kilometers from Tegucigalpa, La Tigra National Park (Parque Nacional La Tigra) is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Honduras. Perched at an altitude of 2,270 meters, this unspoiled park preserves a lush cloud forest that is home to ocelots , pumas , and monkeys , although it's rare to see these larger mammals.

This is one of the most visited parks in Honduras and offers a vision of how the area looked long before logging claimed much of the surrounding forests.

The park is also a haven for birds - more than 200 species flit within its borders, including toucans, trogons, and the elusive quetzal. Well-marked hiking trails wind through the thick forest, where bromeliads and orchids flourish.

Stop by the visitor's center at each entrance for maps and park information and to pay the admission fee. Guides can also be arranged here.

Along the main road between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, Lago de Yojoa is the largest natural lake in Honduras and a haven for birders . More than 480 species have been spotted here, including whistling ducks, northern jacanas, and crakes.

You can explore this shallow lake from shore, or glide through the reeds in a canoe or kayak. Two mountainous national parks border the lake: Santa Bárbara National Park on the northern shore and Cerro Azul Meambar National Park to the south.

Other popular things to do in the area include hikes to waterfalls, exploring an underground cave system, and tours of coffee plantations and archeological sites.

Formerly known as the Punta Sal National Park , this beautiful wilderness area is now named after the environmental activist, Jeanette Kawas, who fought passionately during her life to preserve its rich ecosystems.

The park stretches along a peninsula at the western end of the Bay of Tela and supports diverse habitats, from tropical jungle, mangroves, and wetlands to sparkling beaches and coral reefs.

Wildlife is abundant and includes many rare species. Visitors may encounter dolphins; howler monkeys; and a large variety of tropical birds, including toucans, quetzals, and motmots. The Micos Lagoon has the highest population of birds in the area, with up to 350 different species.

Tour operators run day trips to the park from Tela, which typically include a hike across the peninsula to a pretty beach, swimming, snorkeling, or diving and an optional visit to the traditional Garifuna village of Miami on a picturesque beach and lagoon.

Also known as the Hog Islands, the archipelago of Cayos Cochinos is an undeveloped, quintessential tropical paradise. This group of small, privately-owned islands and cays lies 17 kilometers off the coast near the old banana port of La Ceiba .

The islands and the black coral reefs that surround them are a Marine Biological Reserve and remain pristine due to their remote location and difficult access. A true back-to-nature experience, Cayos Cochinos offer excellent snorkeling, diving, hiking, and bird-watching.

Accommodation options include rustic eco resorts, as well as hammocks or huts at local Garifuna villages . The islands are accessible only by boat from La Ceiba, Roatán, or Utila.

About five kilometers from the city of Tela , Lancetilla Botanical Gardens are the second largest tropical botanical gardens in the world .

In 1926, the United Fruit Company established the gardens as an experimental site to test the economic viability of various fruit and hardwood trees. Today, the magnificent groves of trees from Central America and other tropical regions comprise part of a protected wildlife corridor along the country's north coast.

More than 200 species of tropical birds have also made the garden home due to the abundance of fruit trees. Birders will be rewarded with many sightings as they wander along the well-marked trails through profuse plantings of palms, orchids, and mango trees, among others.

One particularly beautiful path leads through a tunnel of bamboo trees to a swimming hole in the Lancetilla River, a refreshing place for a cool dip after a long, hot walk.

This is a place where it's definitely worth organizing a guided tour, so you can learn interesting facts about all the different trees and plants in the gardens.

In 2011, UNESCO placed this massive swath of jungle along the remote Mosquito Coast on the World Heritage in Danger list . It is one of the few remaining tropical rainforests in Central America.

The reserve lies in the watershed of the Río Plátano and forms a mosaic of lowland tropical rainforest, coastal lagoons, undisturbed beaches, mangroves, grasslands, and patches of pine savannah.

Steeped in tropical humidity, this important wilderness area harbors a rich diversity of wildlife, including howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, giant leatherback turtles, toucans, and tapirs. Sadly, reports of logging and hunting continue to threaten the reserve's fragile habitats.

Sloping down to the Caribbean Sea, the mountainous landscape is also home to more than 2,000 indigenous people of the Miskito and Pech tribes, as well as the Garífuna, who continue to live their traditional lifestyle. Archaeological sites also lie within its borders.

The best way to explore the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve is on an organized tour. Experienced guides can take you to the safe places to visit in this remote area of Honduras, away from drug smugglers and illegal loggers who often venture deep into the reserve. Ecotourism companies offer wilderness adventures and rafting trips down the Río Plátano.

For a dose of Honduras culture and a journey through the country's history, visitors should stop by the excellent Museum of National Identity (Museo para la Identidad Nacional). This is one of the top things to do in Tegucigalpa, the country's capital.

Occupying a beautiful National Heritage building known as Palacio de los Ministerios , the museum also displays an impressive collection of Honduran and international art. Historic exhibits unveil the country's fascinating past, from pre-Hispanic times to the present day.

A highlight here is the virtual tour of the Mayan Acropolis of Copan, which provides a great primer for those who haven't yet visited the attraction and a welcome recap for those who have. Parking is scarce in this central city location, but taxis will take visitors directly to the door.

Another top place to visit in Tegucigalpa is the Parque Naciones Unidas El Picacho . Drive or catch a taxi to the park, which lies about six kilometers outside the city, and hike the trails to one of the city's iconic landmarks: the 20-meter-high statue of El Christo del Picacho , which towers over the capital. Best of all, you can enjoy panoramic views over the city to the mountains beyond.

Located in Corinto, just west of San Pedro Sula in the Merendon Mountain Range, Cusuco National Park (Parque Nacional El Cusuco ) is famous for its enigmatic quetzal, one of the loveliest of all tropical birds. Sadly, habitat loss and unsustainable hunting for its beautiful long tail feather have pushed it to the brink of extinction.

The park's exceptional biodiversity also includes threatened species of frogs and salamander, jewel scarab beetles, Baird's tapir, and more than 260 species of birds. The reserve is also home to several species of wild cats, including the ocelot, margay, and jaguar.

The park's frogs are among its most important residents, playing a vital role in controlling the insect population. They also perform other important functions within the ecosystem which, in turn, influences the health of the residents of San Pedro Sula.

Hikers can enjoy some challenging trails here – the park's highest point rises to 2,200 meters above sea level. Local guides can provide access details and share information about the rich flora and fauna.

Beautiful Carambola Botanical Gardens & Trails offers a tranquil island nature experience. Trails wind through forests of fruit trees, palms, ferns, orchids, spices, and mahogany.

For breathtaking views, follow the mountain path to the top of the ridge, where a lookout peers out over the azure Caribbean, the adjacent barrier reef, and for those who time it well, dolphins leaping from the water at Anthony's Key Resort.

Along the way, keep an eye out for some of the tropical wildlife. Colorful birds dart throughout the foliage, and you might also spot Roatan Anoli lizards and entertaining parades of leafcutter ants.

Also in the gardens, Iguana Wall is a sheer section of cliff that offers a breeding area for iguanas and parrots.

Official site: http://www.carambolagardens.com/

A popular day trip from Roatán , Little French Key is an eco-friendly tropical paradise off the island's south shore. Anyone seeking a tranquil tropical experience in manicured surrounds will enjoy it here. Imagine hammocks slung between coconut palms, sparkling clear waters with fantastic snorkeling, and a pretty white-sand beach with kayaks and chaises loungues.

After a few hours of beach fun, you can dine on fresh seafood at the restaurant or head to the wildlife sanctuary for close-up animal encounters. Sanctuary residents include rescue animals such as monkeys, deer, and toucans.

Feel like some more pampering to go with your beach basking? Sign up for a massage, manicure, or pedicure while you're here.

Official site: http://www.littlefrenchkey.com/

Pico Bonito National Park is a nature lover's paradise and one of the most popular hiking areas in Honduras . Located near the northern coastal city of La Ceiba, the 2,480-meter summit of Pico Bonito is a landmark visible from the Bay Islands.

In addition to the park's lush green rainforests and diverse wildlife, the park is full of dramatic waterfalls , some of which can be viewed from the road.

The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the moderate one-hour La Roca loop that offers thrilling views from a swing bridge that crosses the Cangrejal River . There are also longer, more challenging trails that visit waterfalls and swimming holes, as well as scenic vistas.

Most of the trailheads are located at the park's visitor center, located only a few kilometers from La Ceiba.

More on Honduras

24 Best Places To Visit in Honduras in 2024

Planning a trip to Honduras in 2024? Prepare yourself for this tropical paradise and Central America’s second-largest country. Honduras is full of hidden gems like gorgeous pristine islands, ancient ruins, lush rainforests, and picturesque mountains that attract about 2 million tourists annually.

Unfortunately the vast majority only set foot on the gorgeous Caribbean islands in North Honduras, but there are so many more beautiful places to see in Honduras.

All the recommendations, travel tips, things to do and places to visit in Honduras are based on my own experiences extensively traveling in Honduras. On my multiple trips I have seen a fair share about the good, the bad and the ugly which you will all discover in this travel blog.

Please let me inspire you to see a whole different world beyond the Bay Islands. However, when you travel to Honduras don’t skip these pristine tourist destinations either. Honduras has immediate access to the world’s second-largest barrier reef and, therefore, offers one of the best diving and snorkeling experience in the Caribbean.

The beauty of the magnificent landscapes in Honduras and the potential for limitless adventures have proven to be irresistible for the adventure traveler. But it is hard to spread the word about a country that has a pretty unstable image to those that have been fed with negative stories about traveling in Honduras.

Stay connected when traveling to Honduras and get yourself an e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card. Read everything about buying a sim card for Honduras in 2024  in my extensive guide.

More about safety issues in Honduras later. Lets start with this little video about all my recent adventures and latest Honduras travel tips to see with your own eyes how amazing it can be to travel to Honduras.

Now let’s look into all those amazing Honduras tourist attractions.

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1. Roatan - Caribbean Island Vibes

No introduction needed Roatan, one of the Bay Islands, is without a doubt among the most beautiful places to visit in Honduras. It is the largest and most developed of all Caribbean islands belonging to Honduras.

This long, slim bay is a popular tourist place and a major port-of-call for cruise ships.

The gradual blossom in tourism is of course attributed to the Bay Island’s pituresque scenery and varied water activities such as diving, snorkeling, and swimming in crystal clear waters. Other places to go in Roatan are the Carambola Gardens and the Roatan Butterfly Garden .

West Bay Beach, one of the best beaches in Roatan, is a beloved place for tourists to stay. The main reason why it gets quite packed is that it ticks all the boxes – has crystal clear waters, swaying palm trees, pristine beaches for Instagram photos and plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. This place offers a complete Caribbean experience. This is the place to get find those laid-back island vibes when traveling to Honduras.

The eastern side of Roatan island is relatively distant and much more unexplored. If you want to get away from the touristy side than this is your best bid.

Where to stay in Roatan

Hotels in Roatan are not among the cheapest places to stay in Honduras. For the 5-star Ibagari Boutique Hotel you can easily pay $500 per night. But there are plenty of hotels with a 9+ review for under $100 per night: West Bay B&B , Pirate’s Den Hotel , Hotel Posada Las Orquideas .

On the East side of the island I can highly recommend you the following Roatan hotels: Marble Hill Farms and Camp Bay Lodge .

2. Utila - Picture Perfect Beaches

Welcome to one of the best places to go scuba diving in the world . Utila has a reputation of being much more moderately priced than Roatan and in fact it is one of the cheapest destination to get your scuba diving certification.

For this reason, Utila has gained popularity amongst young backpackers who are traveling the world on a budget. Finding cheap accommodation in Roatan is not that hard therefore. Utila is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Honduras especially those that are looking for great nightlife.

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On top of that Roatan is simply a top attraction because of its world class white sand beaches. There are very few designated roads on the island and most of the areas aren’t developed. Access to some gorgeous bays and villages is by sea only.

Needless to say that diving and other water activities like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding are among the top things to do in Utila, but there is more. Visitors also come here for hiking and horse riding.

However the number one reason people visit Utila is to enjoy the slow paced life on the island!

Where to stay in Utila

Accommodation is clustered around the much more developed east side of the island. This is also where you will find the boats coming in and the Utila Airport. The Mango Inn Resort and the Sea Eye Hotel - Tropical Building has good reviews and are under $100 per night.

3. Cayos Cochinos - Tiny Island Atolls

Cayos Cochinos, also known as Hog Islands, is a group of privately-owned islands, atolls and coral reefs that sits just 17km offshore from the Honduras mainland. It consists of two main islands and several smaller cays.

The two islands and the coral reefs that encompass them are part of a Marine Biological Reserve since 1994. They remain pristine thanks to their far-away positioning and troublesome access.

Cayos Cochinos is not the easiest place to visit in Honduras, but it is well worth the effort on a beautiful day.

There are no roads or automobiles on these gorgeous islands. They are only accessible by boat from La Ceiba, Roatan or Utila. This quintessential tropical haven provides a peaceful retreat for tourists who want to experience the natural beauty of Honduras without the disturbance of crowds.

There are plenty opportunities for snorkeling, diving, swimming and even some birdwatching activities for tourists. Most Cayos Cochinos day trips start from Nueva Armenia, about 1 hour East of La Ceiba.

Where to stay in Cay Cochinos

Most people visit Cayo Cochinos on a day trip as accommodation is very limited and expensive. It is hard to find a hotel online, but there are some Cayo Cochinos Airbnb’s available.

4. Copan Ruins - Ancient Maya Archeological Site

Dating back to 427 AD, the Copan Ruins are the most famous place in to see in Honduras after the Bay Islands. If you love history and nature then this is a must-see place for you. Copan Ruins is an ancient Mayan city discovered by Diego Garcia de Palacio in 1570. The ruins are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 as they’re deeply symbolic and very important as a civil, political and religious epicenter of the Mayan history.

For more than 2,000 years, the town was occupied and controlled by the Mayan people but was later mysteriously deserted in the 10th-century. It wasn’t until the 19th-century that the site was dug up and still hasn’t completely been discovered.

Visitors today can explore the area and learn about the history of an ancient civilization. On-site is the Maya citadel that has portrait-style stone rocky monuments known as stellar, overlapping step-pyramids, and many numerous wrecked structures.

Hiring a guide is highly recommended as compared to Tikal in Guatemala, Copan Ruins is very detailed and there are many mystery to be explained and unfolded right in front of you.

When visiting Copan Ruins you can not miss the Cafe Via Via , a popular joint in the center of this laid-back town. Sample a bunch of craft beers and mingle with locals in this popular backpacker bar.

Another Honduras travel tip is to head up to one of the haciendas in the hills above Copan Ruins. Hacienda San Lucas , a 100 year old property converted into an Eco Lodge, is not only a place that serves delicious local food and has great views over the hilly countryside, it also offers accommodation.

One more thing to do when visiting Copan Ruins is to head over to Finca Santa Isabel - Welchez Coffee Farm . It is about 30 kilometer east of Copan Ruins on your way to Santa Rosa de Copan.

Where to stay in Copan Ruins

Right in the heart of this tranquil village you will find Hotel Marina Copan , in the corner of the main square. It has a lovely courtyard with a big swimming pool and attached bar, a great place to stay in Copan Ruins.

5. Macaw Mountain Bird Park - Honduras' National Bird

I wouldn't normally send you to a zoo or anything like that. No one wants to see caged animals, but visiting the Maca Mountain Bird Park in Copan Ruins is different. Straight in the beginning you get explained why you are looking at mostly caged birds and then you will understand.

The owner of the bird park an older American came here many years ago and dedicated his life to the utterly beautiful Scarlet Macaw, Honduras National Bird. The Macaw Mountain Bird Park is basically a rehabilitation and breeding centre to save this endangered bird specie. Hundreds of birds from all over the country are brought in and as much as they can they are released back into the wild.

It is extremely hard to breed some of the birds but they are some major success. When visiting Copan Ruins you will see with your own eyes why the Macaw Mountain Bird Park is such a major success, as the Scarlet Macaw is all over this ancient Maya city and these ones are wild.

See all my videos of my Copan Ruins adventures in my Instagram Highlights: Honduras 1 & Honduras 2 .

6. Santa Rosa de Copan - Coffee Plantations

Santa Rosa de Copan looks like an old Spanish colonial town, but it is only a little more than 100 year old and flourished because of the Tobacco Industry. Therefore visiting Flor de Copan Cigar Factory is one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa de Copan.

Other things worth visiting Santa Rosa de Copan are the surrounding coffee plantations and the agritourism opportunities. A great place to visit for a coffee plantation tour in Santa Rosa de Copan is Finca Seis Valles , they also serve great breakfast.

For a cool agriculture experience head over to Hacienda Montecristo . Fee baby cows, collect eggs between hundreds of chickens, ride horses, etc.

One of the cool places to visit in Santa Rosa de Copan is the local market. Go here for breakfast and try things like Atol Chuco, fermented corn or the local Tamales. Not my preferred breakfast but I recommend you to give it a go. Souvenir shopping in the local market in Santa Rosa de Copan is on point!

When visiting Santa Rosa de Copan you also have to try Madrasso, a sweet drink with alcohol. It is a kind of fruit punch / margarita, so sweet you can hardly taste the alcohol! :)

7. Mosquito Coast - Last Frontier: Jungle Meets Caribbean Coast

La Mosquitia is among other things home to the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve and is one of Honduras’ least developed areas. Only the bravest, most adventurous, and most daring tourists visit the Mosquito Coast due to the harsh living conditions and lack of proper transportation in this very rural location.

Unfortunately on my last trip to Honduras I was unable to visit this almost impossible to travel last frontier. But because of its uniqueness I put it high on the list of best places to see in Honduras. Next trip I will definitely give it another try.

This area of swampy mangroves, unblemished rainforests, and virgin shorelines makes up almost a fifth of the entire country but is almost impossible to travel around. There are basically no roads and 99% of the area consists of dense jungle.

Visiting the Mosquitia is a good way to get away from the savage modern world and enjoy incredible natural sights, fantastic wildlife, and a thriving native culture. There is no phone reception and zero signs of the modern world. When visiting the Mosquito Coast you go into survival mode, but visiting isolated villages in this part of the world must be one of the coolest travel adventures ever.

The Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve located on the Mosquito Coast is the largest protected area in Honduras with more than 5,250 square kilometers. It is one of the few tropical rainforests left in Central America.

In 2011, UNESCO listed this massive jungle land on their list of World Heritage in danger. Sadly, activities like logging, illegal hunting as well as drugs trafficking continues to threaten the reserve’s fragile inhabitants. The reserve is home to a rich diversity of wildlife including howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans, giant leather turtles, and tapirs.

The most famous thing to do in La Mosquitia is a multi day rafting trip down the Rio Platano and with multi-day trips I mean 8 to 12 days! Are you ready for an adventure then the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve is one of the best places to go when visiting Honduras.

A company that organizes adventures trips to the Mosquito Coast is Omega Tours .

8. Rio Cangrejal - La Ceiba's Outdoor Heaven

Among Honduras’ top destinations for adventurous thrill-seekers is Rio Cangrejal. It’s a prime spot for kayaking and rafting regardless which month you visit Honduras. It is located only about 20 minutes away from La Ceiba. 

The long extensions of white water rapids race around the boulders and plunge over drop-offs providing lots of adrenaline rushes for tourists who enjoy water activities. Four different sections of the river are marked depending on the skill level. They range from amateur to experienced.

Various tour companies operating in the area offer organized tours with guides to help beginners learn all the necessary basics of kayaking and rafting.

I went rafting with Omega Tours and had a blast. Despite the heavy rains we went out with the team to make the most of the day and it was absolutely epic rafting down Rio Cangrejal.

Where to stay in Rio Cangrejal

I recommend you to stay around the river, in the middle of the jungle. Omega Tours Eco-Jungle Lodge scores a 9.5/10 out of more than 70 reviews and I personally gave them a 10/10 as well. Their restaurant serves delicious organic and healthy food. I was not only a big fan of their remote location, also of their meals!

9. Pico Bonito National Park - Hiking & Waterfalls

The Pico Bonito National Park is also located just right outside La Ceiba in the Nobre de Dios mountain range. If you want to visit Pico Bonito I recommend you to combine it with visiting Rio Cangrejal.

Surrounded by Dole pineapple plantations, cattle farms, and the Rio Santiago and Cangrejal rivers there is an iconic mountain peak where the national park is named after. The peak of the mountain inside the Pico Bonito National Park goes up to a height of 2,435m above sea level.

Thanks to its lush plant-life and varied wildlife, Pico Bonito is considered to be one of the best spots to go in Honduras for (multi-day) hiking trips. Climbing Pico Bonito is very though as it will lead you through very thick vegetation. Always wanna wander through the jungle with a machete, arrange a tour into Pico Bonita National Park and make your way up to the top.

Tours into Pico Bonito National Park can also be arranged through Omega Tours.

10. Villa Soleada - Volunteering in Honduras

This is not a standard place to visit, but only for those travelers who like to give back when visiting Honduras. If you are looking to volunteer in Honduras then keep on reading.

Villa Soleada is a charity project run by a Japanese American that 15 years ago came to a no name village near El Progresso to volunteer. After staying for 1 month he decided to dedicate his life to these people and turned one of the most violent villages of the country into the most educated one in Honduras.

I volunteered here for 1 week with the Students Helping Honduras organization. There is a bilingual school and an orphanage. Every helping hand is welcome and it would be an honor if after reading this Honduras travel blog you decide to look into this project.

Volunteering one week at Villa Soleada left a deep impression and made me even more grateful for the thing I have in life. Growing up in a village in Honduras is hard and we mostly don’t realize how fortunate our lives are until we see the opposite.

The project is run by @shinfujiama , check out his Instagram and be inspired by his amazing story changing his life drastically moving into the slumps of Honduras dedicating his life building a new village with over 40 homes and takes care about 25 orphans at the same time.

For more heartbreaking videos of the people of Villa Soleada I invite you to look at my Instagram highlights: Honduras 3 and learn even more about this amazing project.

11. Cusuco National Park - Off The Beaten Path Hiking

The Cusuco National Park is yet another well-conserved remote area of Honduras that’s located east of San Pedro Sula. The park covers an area of about 243 square kilometers on the border with Guatemala. Most of the roads leading to the park are pretty inaccessible making it challenging for tourists to get here.

If you’re looking to make the most out of visiting Cusuco National Park, hire a local guide to help with navigating the forest and see the wildlife here. The best time to visit is between April and June, early in the mornings, to spot wildlife.

A trek up the mountain peaks gives stunning views of the surrounding areas. Some of the mountain peaks are above 2,000m and if you are looking for a place to walk above the clouds this is one of them. These are the coordinates of the Cusuco National Park visitor center: 15°29'46.0"N 88°12’42.0”W. It takes a little less than 2 hours to get here from San Pedro Sula, but if you are looking to go off the beaten path in Honduras this is your destination.

Bird watching is one of the main tourist attractions here. There are more than 260 bird species in this park including parrots, toucans, and enigmatic quetzals. The quetzals are some of the loveliest tropical birds. The park’s exceptional biodiversity also includes threatened species of frogs and salamander, jewel scarab beetles, and Baird’s Tapir.

12. Jeannette Kawas National Park - The Lagoon of Playa Miami

Jeanette Kawas National Park was initially known as Punta Sal National Park. It was later renamed Jeanette Kawas after an environmentalist who fought passionately during her life to preserve the rich ecosystems of Punta Sal.

This beautiful wilderness area is accessible from land and sea. It stretches along the Caribbean coast west of the Garifuna beach town of Tela. Wildlife is abundant and includes numerous rare species. Visitors may encounter dolphins, howler monkeys, and a large variety of tropical birds. The park also supports diverse habitats from ranging tropical jungle, mangroves, wetlands, to pristine beaches and coral reefs.

The two best places to visit in Jeannette Kawas National Park are Playa Miami and Punta Sal. Miami is a  sandy bar peninsula that is less than 100 meters (300 ft) wide. On one side there is the Caribbean sea and flanked on the other side by a tropical lagoon with rainforests and mangroves.

The best thing to do in Playa Miami, Honduras is to watch the sunset from a boat tour on the lagoon after you enjoyed delicious fresh seafood for late lunch.

Where to stay in Tela

Tela is the nearest town to Playa Miami and Punta Sal. It is a popular and vibrant holiday destination in Honduras due to its endless Caribbean beaches. There are two popular hotels in Tela with good reviews: Hotel Bahia and Hotel y Cabanas Playa Caribe . There is a 5-star in this area too:  Indura Beach & Golf Resort Curio Collection by Hilton .

I recommend you to go off the beaten path and stay at Playa Miami at the end of peninsula. There is basically nothing around there apart from a couple huts on the beach. Imagine waking up to the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea with the chirping birds from the lagoon behind you.

Life is all about making memories, make sure your trip to Honduras becomes one of them!

13. Punta Sal - Remote Beaches

Punta Sal is also part of the Jeannette Kawas National Park and was once a paradise for pirates. Today, the area is a protected territory thanks to its wildlife and natural charm.

Punta Sal can only be reach by boat. Its remote location guarantees you deserted untouched beaches. It is one of the best places in Honduras to go snorkeling, but hiking and wildlife are popular activities too.

On your way to Punta Sal by boat from the Bay of Tela you will very likely encounter dolphins, then drive through the mangroves to spot sea turtles and end up on the stunning beach of Cocalito.

You can also opt to visit one of the remote living traditional Garifuna villages made up of thatched huts and learn more about the local culture.

14. Comayagua - Colonial village Former Capital

Welcome to the former capital city of Honduras: Comayagua.

This town sits at a height of 594m above sea level and is situated along the main road between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. It’s one of the most prettiest towns in Honduras and is well known for its Spanish colonial architecture.

The best places to visit in Comayagua are all downtown and include the Spanish Baroque Cathedral, the first university in Central America, and several churches. Most of these were constructed in the 16th-century but have been repurposed to their original state.

In the Comayagua cathedral you will find one of world’s oldest still working clock. It is located in the Cathedral clock tower nowadays and was brought to Central America as a gift by the king of Spain in 1620, but was constructed somewhere around 1100. When visiting Comayagua this is a must-see place. Visitors can go up to clocktower, ask inside the cathedral.

The quiet colonial village of Comayagua once played a very significant role in politics and religion. Nowadays it is mainly one of the tourist attractions in Honduras where tourists come to see the beautiful architecture and partake in the catholic heritages.

Comayagua is one of the best places to visit to enjoy the Easter celebrations. During the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, the town bursts into a flurry of activity and color with its street carpet tradition. The carpets are made with colored sawdust and other natural materials like rice and flower petals. The elaborately designed artistic carpets depict Biblical figures and events that led to the crucifixion of Jesus.

If you are looking for a local restaurant in Comayagua I can recommend you Carnitas Schole #2, located close to the main square. It serve delicious mixed grill barbecue. A simple restaurant with great food for a good price.

For more videos of my adventures in and around Comayagua have a look at the last part of my Honduras 3 Instagram highlights .

Where to stay in Comayagua

I stayed in the Hotel Antigua Comayagua for around $80 per night. It has a lovely courtyard with a swimming pool, although I didn’t make use of it as I only slept here. The WiFi was good. Hotel Antigua Comayagua has the highest rating: 8.5/10 out of all the hotels in Comayagua.

15. Ajuterique - Charming Village With Amazing Murals

A sleepy but lovely village only about 20 minutes away from Comayagua. Come here to unwind in the rolling hills around the town. There is a Instagrammable plaza with an umbrella street and plenty of coffee places.

But the number one reason why Ajuterique is listed as one of the Honduras tourists destinations are the numerous murals. They are scattered all around town and pretty impressive. Also take a photo with the Ajuterique sign of course.

When visiting Ajuterique you must try the local drink XXX. It looks like a nice mango juice, but it does not taste anything like that. It is a fermented drink and a weird experience in your mouth I can tell you.

My Instagram highlight Honduras 4 starts with travel videos from Ajuterique.

16. La Esperanza - Traditional Mountain Village

This mountain village is a famous Honduras tourist attraction because it has the coolest climate in the country. Obviously it is not only the moderate temperatures that lure a lot of tourists to La Esperanza.

There are a lot of cool things to do in La Esperanza apart from scrolling through this typical charming and colorful Central American village and visiting the cathedral. Walk up to La Gruta, a shrine/cave with great views overlooking the village.

La Esperanza is the national capital of Honduran Folklore and is where the El Grande de Grandes festival is organized every year. If you miss this festival then I recommend you to visit a show performed by Oro Lenca. Have a look at the Oro Lenca website to see where they perform.

Also when visiting La Esperanza make sure you eat at La Hacienda Lenca and try their special mushrooms. The only grow a couple days a year after heavy rainfall on high altitudes. A dish truly worth trying when visiting Honduras.

Where to stay in La Esperanza

One of the best places I stayed on my trip to Honduras was at Las Cabañas de Carlos. Tucked away in the forest about 5 minutes out of town you will find 4 wooden cabins. A perfect romantic getaway for a couple traveling to Honduras. The best way to make a reservation is to contact them through their Instagram account .

Sip wine next to the campfire in a sweater and covered by a blanket and have your breakfast surrounded by chirping birds. Los Cabañas de Carlos is the best place to stay in La Esperanza. It sincerely is one of my best Honduras travel tips.

17. El Mirador Waterfalls - Rappelling, ATV, Dirt Bike

The adventure traveler needs to stay an extra day in La Esperanza because they can not miss the El Mirador waterfalls and all the cool adventures around.

There are multiple activities here like: hiking, MTB tracks, dirt bike, ATV riding. The best activity here though is rappelling down the more than 70 meters high El Mirador waterfall. Definitely one of the coolest things to do in Honduras for me.

See the video for more about this crazy adventure. My tour was organized by Mitos Hostal. For more videos about La Esperanza and the El Mirador Waterfall check out my Instagram highlights Honduras 4 and Honduras 5 .

18. La Campa - Highest Zip Line In Central America

La Campa itself is a sleepy village in the highlands of Western Honduras, not far from the city of Gracias. There is very little action going on, but the number one reason you are visiting La Campa must be the amazing zip lines.

There are 6 zip lines across a deep canyon and the highest zip line is almost 400 meters above the ground. It was an amazing adventure and definitely among the most epic things to do in Honduras. To get to La Campa it is best to take a taxi from Gracias, but prepare yourself for a bumpy ride on unpaved roads through remote highlands.

The nearby biggest town Gracias is a pretty developed village with hot springs. When visiting Gracias make sure to visit the Fortaleza San Cristobal, a fort on top of a hill with amazing views over the town. From here you can also see the highest mountain in Honduras: Cerro Las Minas.

Don't miss out the videos of this amazing adventure in Honduras on my Instagram highlights.

Where to stay in Gracias

I stayed at Hotel Villa de Ada in the countryside. They have two swimming pools and 2 huge ponds full of fish and turtles, it was a very nice place. If you have a little more budget then definitely stay at Casa Hotel Celaque, a stunning place in the hilly countryside with lovely rooms and amazing food. One of my favorite places to stay in Honduras. You can also come here for dinner. Contact them through their Facebook Page .

19. Lake Yojoa - Beautiful Scenery

Lago de Yojoa is the largest natural lake in Honduras, covering an area of 79 square kilometers. It’s found in a cavity that was formed by volcanoes a long time ago. The strategic location of the lake along the highway between San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa makes accessing the lake easy and therefore it is a popular tourist attraction in Honduras.

Lake Yojoa is a perfectly located pitstop for people traveling between the two largest cities in Honduras.

The lake is a hot spot for many tourists, especially birders. There are about 480 bird species spotted here including whistling ducks, northern jacanas, and cranes.

Apart from birdwatching and fishing, there’s so much to do and see at Lake Yojoa. Tourists may also enjoy taking dips in the nearby hot springs, hikes along the shore line, exploring the underground cave system, hiking up to the stunning waterfalls, and touring the nearby coffee plantations.

Where to stay in Lake Yojoa

If you are looking for unique places to stay in Honduras I can recommend you the Agualpa Domos & Cabanas . The hotel consists of little white dome shaped bubbles and is located on the waterfront of Lake Yojoa. There is the opportunity to eat in an old airplane that is located in the garden and there is a big outdoor pool.

20. Pulhapanzak Waterfall - Amazing Outdoor Adventures

Often rated as the best waterfall to visit in Honduras and I must say it didn’t disappoint. The Pulhapanzak waterfall is near Lake Yojoa and is enormous. Its surrounding scenery is beautiful too. On top of the waterfall the water is calm, you can swim, sunbath and have drinks and food at restaurants along the river side.

If you are up for an adventure then don’t miss the ziplines that cross the waterfalls several times. Of course the La Campa zip line is unbeatable, but this one is good fun too.

What makes Pulhapanzak one of the most adventurous places to visit in Honduras is the special bottom of the waterfall tour. Highly recommended if you are looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Accompanied by a guide you go to the bottom of the waterfall and walk behind it. The power of the water is unfathomable.

Truly the one of the craziest things to do in Honduras. I was stunned an pumped with excitement after the tour. You can arrange this tour and the ziplines on the spot. Wanna see all the videos of this amazing place to visit in Honduras then head over to my Instagram Highlights Honduras 7 .

21. Celaque National Park - Highest Mountain in Honduras

Looking for the highest mountain in Honduras? Cerro Las Minas is located in Celaque National Park, nearby Santa Rosa de Copan in the Lempira department.

Hiking up Cerro Las Minas is not easy and will take up to 5 hours. A popular thing to do in Celaque National Park is to camp above the clouds, just underneath the summit of Honduras’ highest mountain.

Even if you are not ready to hike up to Cerro Las Minas it is worth visiting Celaque National Park. There are numerous moderate hiking trails through the forest, hidden waterfalls and lookout towers.

22. Museum of National Identity - Tegucigalpa

Traveling in Honduras is amazing, but let me be very honest with you: Tegucigalpa is probably my least favorite city in Latin America. I spent about a week there and could NOT find the charm, cool things to do or fun places to visit. However may you end up in Tegucigalpa I recommend you to visit the Museum of National Identity.

For a trip down Honduran history, make a stop by the Museum of National Identity. This fantastic museum showcases an excellent collection of Honduran and international art. The fascinating art found here tells a lot about the country’s captivating history. The museum is also home to the Palacio De Los Ministerios which is a comprehensive National Heritage building.

A major interesting attraction at the museum is the virtual tour of the Mayan Acropolis of Copan. This has proven to offer a great primer for tourists who are yet to visit the site and a great recap for those who have already been to the Mayan Acropolis of Copan.

Where to stay in Tegucigalpa

If you are looking for comfort try these 5 star hotels: Hotel Real Intercontinental Tegucigalpa , Clarion Hotel Real . For more moderately priced hotels with great reviews have a look at: Hotel Plaza San Martin  or Casa Sur for only around $40 per night.

23. La Tigra National Park - Jungle Vibes

La Tigra National Park is perched at an altitude of 2,270 meters about 20km from Tegucigalpa. The park is one of the few cloud forests in the world (only 1% of the forests in the world are considered cloud forests).

This immaculate national park is home to monkeys, pumas, and ocelots. If you’re lucky enough you’ll catch a glimpse of these mammals although they can be quite hard to see. The park is also a haven for more than 200 bird species including trogons, toucans, and elusive quetzal.

There are well-marked serpentine trails throughout the dense jungle where bromeliads and orchids thrive. Because of its proximity to the capital it is one of the most popular tourist places in Honduras.

24. Guanaja - Secret Island Escape

The last place on this list of the most beautiful places to see in Honduras is one of my secret travel trips: Guanaja.

Guanaja is the most remote Caribbean island in Honduras, a delightfully charming spot that offers its visitors an idyllic escape away from the mainland. Travel to Guanaja to either relax or engage in fun outdoor activities.

The island’s temperatures remains warm all through the year so tourists can visit any time of the year. The levels of visibility of the ocean waters surrounding the island and the presence of the coral reef make Guanaja an ideal tourist destination in Honduras for snorkeling and diving.

Other fun activities that that tourists can take part in include hiking, jungle trekking, exploring the lovely on-site waterfall, souvenir shopping, eating fresh seafood, and visiting local villages.

I would be proud if you decide to travel to Guanaja after reading this blog, it is a truly hidden gem in Honduras.

Is Honduras safe for tourists?

Therefore let’s quickly chat how safe Honduras is for tourists. Despite all the stories you will find on the internet I am going to say: YES, it is safe to travel to Honduras in 2024.

Recently I drove more than 3,000 kilometer through this relatively little country and did not come across anything that made me feel uncomfortable. I visited some standard tourist attractions in Honduras, but also went off the beaten path. Visited cities like San Pedro Sula, rented an apartment for a week in Tegucigalpa and volunteered in a poor neighborhood near El Progresso.

So all my impressions are based on my OWN EXPERIENCES, conversations with locals and the advice of travel agencies.

So will visiting Honduras put your life at risk? You gotta be kidding me! :)

Honduras has a bad reputation when it comes to political unrest, petty crime, violent crimes, and a very high homicide rate. Despite all this, the majority of the locals are very laidback and friendly. But just like anywhere else in the world, there are some shady areas that you should avoid on your trip to Honduras.

Some people might be tempted to stay away from Honduras because of its reputation as a dangerous country. It‘s definitely not the safest country in the world but it’s totally okay for tourists. Just make sure that you always keep your valuables concealed and beware of your surroundings at all times, just like in other places.

If you use common sense and aren’t that ignorant tourist, visiting Honduras will be pure joy!

Things to eat in Honduras

The most typical local dish in Honduras is Baleada which is a decent-sized wheat flour tortilla that’s folded and filled with beans. Some chefs may incorporate cream, cheese, and scrambles eggs into it. Others customize them with meat, plantain, avocado, hot sauce, etc. Freshly fried plantains, chicharrones (fried pork) and pupusas (thick corn tortillas with different fillings) are other common things to eat in Honduras.

Best time to visit Honduras

The best time to plan your trip is between November and March because then it is dry season. It can get quite hot, but not uncomfortably. On the other hand, the cheapest time to travel is during the rainy season which is usually between May and October. Generally, Honduras is quite affordable as compared to other tourist destinations in other parts of the world.

Honduras is truly a diamond in the rough. It’s bound to dazzle you with its natural beauty, diverse wildlife and amazing travel adventures. From whitewater rafting to hiking and exotic wildlife viewing to ancient Maya ruins there’s no end to the history, beauty, fun and adventure in Honduras. You will love this wonderful Central American country after exploring the amazing places listed above.

Honduras has a diverse landscape with forested hills, lowland marshes, and untouched jungles rich with howler monkeys, bats, armadillos and uncountable bird species. The beautiful Caribbean Sea gives tourists a chance to swim with dolphins, whale sharks and manatees.

I hope all the above Honduras travel tips were helpful and you will be able to get to see some of these amazing places to go. Let me know if you have any more questions by leaving me a comment below.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Honduras!

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17 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Honduras

By Jamie Gambetta · Last updated on March 3, 2024

Located in Central America, Honduras is a tropical paradise attracting many tourists every year to its gorgeous islands, lush rainforests and picturesque mountains.

With its immediate access to the world’s second largest barrier reef, Honduras presents some of the best diving and snorkeling opportunities in the Caribbean. It also has a collection of biosphere reserves, national parks and marine reserves. All combine to protect and showcase the country’s astounding natural habitats. Add in some easy access and your days lounging by the beach can easily be balanced by epic outdoor adventures.

Not far from these memorable locations are equally splendid coffee plantations. These are surrounded by quaint small towns where indigenous culture runs strong. Elsewhere, old colonial settlements established by conquistadors maintain amazing heritage and architecture.

What’s more, there are many tourist attractions in Honduras like ancient Mayan ruins and festive celebrations. From whitewater rafting to hiking and exotic wildlife viewing, there is no end to fun things to do and adventure here.

Map of Honduras

17. Pulhapanzak Waterfall

Tumbling over 40 meters, Pulhapanzak Waterfall is the best in Honduras. Seeing the falls is an easy day trip from San Pedro Sula. The falls are surrounded by beautiful rainforest making the trek all the more meritorious.

Although this is one of the best places to visit in Honduras, guides are required for this adventure. The falls are the highlight of a privately run area. The trek to the falls follows an, at times, challenging path but you’re immediately rewarded once they come into view.

The veil-like falls bounce down the rockfall where green vegetation clings for dear life. It’s utterly picturesque and with the additional fun of a swim or zipline, the falls promise to be one of your trip highlights.

16. Guanaja

One of the three main isles in the Bay Islands, Guanaja, is an island of rolling hills and pristine shorelines. Roatán is the most popular of the three, making Guanaja a peaceful place waiting to be explored.

The island is enveloped by a wonderful coral reef. This makes spending days by the turquoise sea and snorkeling or diving an easy decision.

Away from the beaches, get among the Caribbean pine that has grown all across the island. The unspoiled terrain and lack of major developments make the island a gem to explore. Hiking trails snake throughout, leading to stories and experiences had by few who come to Honduras.

15. La Tigra National Park

Not far from Tegucigalpa, La Tigra National Park sits high in the Central American Cordillera. It’s the oldest national park in the country and one of the most captivating.

At over 2,000 meters, this unspoiled wilderness is a welcome escape to the warm, lower altitudes. The landscapes fit this change in temperature and you can explore this on one of the many hiking trails.

The main trek is around 6 kilometers and is called the Sendero Principal. It takes you further into the mountains on an intermediate hike. You’ll have the chance to spot local wildlife and the park is renowned for its bird watching. There have been 350 species identified here.

14. Gracias

After weeks in the mountains, conquistador Juan de Chavez finally descended back into the valley. When he did this, he discovered flat open land. He was so thankful that he named the area Gracias. Today, it’s one of Honduras’ enduring colonial towns.

Once the capital of all of Central America, Gracias still has significance some 500 years later. This is because of its collection of astounding colonial architecture, the surrounding Lenca villages and close access to national parks.

The original town grid, while redeveloped, has kept the same layout for centuries. This allows you to retrace ancient footsteps as you wander by modern chic cafes and beautiful whitewashed homes on your way to the town’s highlights. This includes Museo Casa Galeano and the El Fuerte de San Cristobal. The latter is a historic fortification.

13. Gumbalimba Park

In the Bay Islands, on Roatán, Gumbalimba Park is an untamed world filled with sloths, white-faced monkeys, roaming iguanas and macaws. Since 2003, this private, eco-adventure park has been taking guests on a thrilling journey.

This journey is a mix of animal encounters and eco-tourism. But also a lot of classic fun, including their on-site pool, animal interaction area, a museum, gorgeous gardens and its very own waterfront.

This smorgasbord of activities makes Gumbalimba Park great for traveling families. The museum boasts pre-Columbian artifacts, while from the waterfront you can go for a snorkel and see what lies below. However, the real thrills come from the free roaming animals which meander about the park and could lie behind any corner.

12. Cayos Cochinos

The pure definition of paradise, Cayos Cochinos aka Hog Islands is found 17 kilometers from the port town of La Ceiba. Cayos Cochinos is an 15-island archipelago, with most of them being the size of a teardrop above the turquoise sea.

The two main islands are Cayo Menor and Cayo Grande. You could easily walk from one end to the other. But in some of the smaller atolls, someone with a strong arm could throw a rock from side to side. With such all-encompassing beauty you’ll immediately feel on island time.

Cayos Cochinos is a part of a wider marine preserve that envelopes the archipelago. This is noticeable, especially as you dive into the glorious underwater world.

11. Río Cangrejal

One of the most immersive adventures you can take in Honduras is a trip down the Río Cangrejal. The surging Class III-IV waters welcome you and immediately get your heart racing.

Coursing through northern Honduras over 30 kilometers, the river attracts thrill-seekers from around the world. Most white water rafting adventures will take you out on the water for a couple of hours with the pros ensuring you feel in good hands. The turquoise waters mix in with the splashing white and the fast currents whip you downstream dodging enormous boulders as you go.

For a massive undertaking, adventurous souls can consider the 13-day expedition that guides you through the spectacular Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve.

10. Comayagua Street Carpets

For over 300 years Comayagua was the capital of Honduras. That may have switched to Tegucigalpa, but the city founded by Spanish explorers in 1537 has some of the best colonial architecture in the country.

However, that’s not the main reason why you should visit. The famed Comayagua Street Carpets are found along the city’s main street. Using nothing but colored sawdust and powder, these “carpets” known as Alfombras, depict vivid religious scenes.

Since the sawdust and powder aren’t permanent, these eye-catching works of art disappear in the minutes following a hoard of marching steps. But don’t worry, they’re left on display for nine hours prior.

9. Little French Key

When exploring the Bay Islands, don’t just focus on the three main isles. Little French Key is an easy day trip from Roatán and is a veritable paradise.

The tranquility of Little French Key washes over you like a soothing towel the moment you step on land. Hammocks dance between swaying palms and glass-like water laps the golden sands.

You can bathe by the water on a sun lounge, snorkel and explore or paddle a kayak along the coast. Travelers can even sign up for a beachfront massage.

When you’re ready to head inland, the island’s wildlife sanctuary presents a protected ecosystem featuring toucans, deer and boisterous monkeys.

8. Visit a Coffee Plantation

The flavorful arabica coffee of Honduras has steadily developed a reputation over the last couple of decades. There are several coffee regions from Agalta and Copan to El Paraiso and Opalaca. So exploring a coffee plantation is a simple thing to add to your itinerary.

The beautiful part about exploring the plantations is the ability to get up close to the process. Each region has slightly different flavor profiles. Copan is the most renowned, with a subtle chocolate taste. The warm temperatures of El Paraiso lead to sweet flavors.

After exploring your chosen plantation, you’ll revel in the culture and communities that surround them. These provide a unique look into local life.

7. Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve

The UNESCO World Heritage Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve features a diverse array of ecosystems and wildlife. Pine-filled savannas are spliced between tropical rainforests and sprawling wetlands. It’s an enormous natural space that only native Pech and Miskito communities have made home.

Like Punta Sal below, exploring here brings you up close to some unforgettable wildlife. Jaguars roam about, the long snout of Baird’s tapirs make an appearance and harpy eagles zoom above. That’s before you head to the wetlands and shoreline where loggerhead and hawksbill turtles can be seen.

But you can expect trekking here to be tricky. Grab yourself a guide so you can spend less time in parts of the park inaccessible after wet season storms and more time exploring.

6. Punta Sal National Park

Encompassing a vast lagoon and a gorgeous shoreline, Punta Sal National Park is a natural utopia. Across these two ecosystems lies a breadth of adventures, each as eye-catching as the next.

Along the shoreline are soft golden sands lapped ever calmly by the emerald-hued Caribbean Sea. It’s a scene straight from a postcard. As you turn away from the water, the sea is replaced by rugged outcrops where, if you look closely, you can see monkeys bounding from tree to tree.

From the shore, you can venture into the jungle that has a rich collection of flora and fauna. Jaguars linger in the distance, monkeys make themselves known and the rainforest quickly envelopes you. Soon you’ll reach the lagoon where estuaries and mangroves burst from the water’s edge.

5. Lago de Yojoa

Honduras’ impeccable diving scene and golden shores take the bulk of traveler’s attention. This is good news for those who want to venture further inland. Lago de Yojoa isn’t just the largest lake in Honduras but marks one of Central America’s premier bird-watching destinations.

Every year swarms of native and migrating birds find their way to Lago de Yojoa. In fact, around 400 species have been identified here making use of the lake’s varied habitat. Hiking trails take you around its banks to long-range water and mountain views.

There are several lakeside spots where relaxing hotels can take you for the night. In the morning, wake up early for a kayak session where water sparkles in the early light and all you can hear is the splashing of your paddle and the birds calling out.

Enveloped in ivory white beaches , Utila is an island from a dream. Small in size (only 13km long), it’s a sparsely touched island that dances between paradise and wilderness.

The former is seen along its shores and from the views of waterfront accommodation. From the sand, you can dive into a vibrant sea where rays, turtles and colorful schools of fish roam. The wilderness is marked by the dense forests that flanked the island’s east and west ends. Only a few dirt roads venture in and untold adventures can be had for those who bravely venture in.

Come nightfall, get ready to experience some of the Bay Islands’ best nightlife. There’s all but one major road on Utila and that’s lined with bars and clubs whose neon shines into the early hours.

3. Copán Ruínas

Close to the Honduras- Guatemala border, the Copán Ruínas is a former ceremonial city from the Mayan era. The Copán Ruins can be traced back over 2,400 years.

Copán is a relatively small Mayan site famous for its remarkable series of portrait stelae. The stelae and sculptured decorations of the buildings of Copán are some of the very finest surviving art of ancient Mesoamerica. The city grew into one of the most important Maya sites by the 5th century with more than 20,000 inhabitants but was mysteriously abandoned a few centuries later.

After making your way to modern-day Copán, you’ll find yourself around a kilometer from the ancient site. On arrival, the narrow path guides you through the tight Jaguar and Rosalia tunnels. It’s your first hint of how Mayan engineering works.

The layered construction from the tunnels to the temples reveals incredible Mayan engineering. The first of the main temples is the Temple of Inscriptions. However, across the Great Plaza is another that overshadows it completely. This is the Hieroglyphic Stairway, the center of the ancient city and one that stands strong among the surrounding jungles.

2. West Bay Beach, Roatán

Located on Roatán, West Bay Beach can lay claim to being Honduras’ best stretch of ivory sand. Before you head offshore, you must take in the unspoiled beauty of this beautiful beach.

On the island’s western tip, it remains sheltered from the prevailing winds. This provides pristine sunbathing conditions, or sand castle building for the young-uns. The water also breaks calmly, allowing for relaxing swimming and great clarity for divers.

Diving outfitters dot the shorelines, providing easy access to the natural treasures of the shore. They’re joined by a slew of restaurants and beachfront bars from which you can recoup after a lengthy dive, or stick around for what promises to be a vibrant sunset.

1. Diving Around the Bay Islands

The best way to get to know Honduras is to explore off the mainland and head to the Bay Islands. Honduras boasts some of the world’s best dive and snorkeling sites, the highlight being the underwater world off the shores of Roatán.

It’s here you’ll discover the Roatán Marine Park. These designated protected waters feature spectacular coral and a breadth of tropical sea life. Whether you’re floating on the surface or diving deep, you have the chance to get up close with rays and turtles. There have also been sightings of whale sharks.

But you’ll find amazing diving on the other two Bay Islands destinations. At Utila and Guanaja, you’ll find a backpacker-friendly scene, where many go to achieve their PADI divemasters certificate.

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Honduras Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Unfortunately, owing to its violent past, it often gets glossed over for more polished Central American hotspots.

However, Honduras today is a much safer country and is popular with intrepid backpackers and expats looking to get off the beaten path. With world-class diving, a cheap cost of living, and incredible weather, Honduras offers some of the best value in the region.

That said, you’ll still need to take precautions and keep your wits about you — especially on the mainland — as crime and gang activity are still common.

This travel guide to Honduras can help you see the country, stay safe, and make the most of your visit to this beautiful and affordable country!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the Honduras

Top 5 Things to See and Do in the Honduras

1. Explore the Copán Ruins

These incredible Mayan ruins are located near the border with Guatemala and are one of Honduras’ most popular tourist attractions. Nestled in a lush jungle valley, Copán Ruinas are a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the height of the 5th century when Copán was a powerful capital of the Southern Maya kingdom. But in 738 CE, the king was captured and executed by his rival and archeologists believe that the city was abandoned by 800 CE. Today, the ruins attract tourists for their intricate stelae, tunnels, a hieroglyphic stairway, as well as the geography of the area itself which is filled with diverse wildlife including monkeys, sloths, parrots, and macaws. It takes a couple of days to see the entire site so try not to squeeze your visit into a day trip. There are two main sites: Copán, the main site originally used for nobility, and Las Sepulturas. To get there, head to the town of Copan Ruinas near the border with Guatemala; the ruins are nearby. Bring lots of sunscreen and water. Admission is 370 HNL.

2. Dive the Bay Islands

The Bay Islands, known as “Islas de la Bahía,” are one of the best diving spots in the Caribbean. They are located in the Gulf of Honduras and near the Belize Barrier Reef, which is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. The Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja archipelagos all offer stunning dive sites with crystal-clear waters and incredible marine life. Roatan is the largest island while Utila is the cheapest, attracting budget divers as the island as it also offers a stunning array of wildlife, including nurse sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and more. Get up close to colorful coral formations or deep dive 2,000 feet into the abyss for bluntnose sixgill shark sightings. Prices start at 870 HNL for one dive or a package of ten dives for 7,405 HNL.

3. Relax at Lake Yojoa

The country’s largest lake is rich in biodiversity with almost 400 bird species and over 100 plant species. This incredible site is a popular fishing spot for locals, a great place to visit a coffee plantation tour, and a fun place to zipline. Or if you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled experience, hike behind the stunning Pulhapanzak waterfall and explore the inside caves with the sound of water pounding around you. For something a bit more peaceful, rent a kayak and spend a few hours paddling around the lake. Or, if you don’t mind small spaces, head into the Caves of Taulabé where you can either explore on your own or hire a spelunking guide if you want to go deep underground. For a nice wander through the lush jungle wetlands, check out Los Naranjos Ecological and Archaeological Park. And if you’re up for a real challenge, hire a guide to climb to the top of Santa Barbara (2,744 meters/9,000 feet).

4. Adventure at Pico Bonito National Park

This sprawling bio-diverse national park is home to lush tropical jungles and moody cloud forests. It’s a haven for hiking, wildlife watching, and ziplining. The Cangrejal River is a fantastic place for white water rafting, with Class I-IV rapids. Or you can go swimming in the river and even jump off the rocks into the water if you feel like it. There are many different hiking trails here too, like the La Roca loop and the El Mapache trail to Bejuco Falls. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, don’t miss it. You can reach the park from La Ceiba or do it as a day trip from nearby regions.

5. Escape to Cayos Cochinos

The archipelago of Cayos Cochinos, made up of Cayo Menor and Cayo Grande, are two coral-abundant islands that offer some of the most postcard-perfect sandy white shorelines in Central America. They offer plentiful diving and snorkeling and the nearby cays are home to the world’s second-largest coral reef system. The only way to reach the Cochino Cays Marine Sanctuary is by boat; you can take a chartered day tour from Roatan and Utila or from La Ceiba. It’s a great place to disconnect and relax.

Other Things to See and Do in the Honduras

1. visit mercado guamilito.

Located in San Pedro Sula, this traditional market is an excellent place to buy Lenca ceramics, high-quality (and reasonably priced) leather, cigars, and silver. There’s also a no-frills food market that locals claim offers the best baleada , a national dish made with flour tortillas, cheese, cream, and fried beans. The market is open daily from 7am-4 pm.

2. Chill out on Utila

Most backpackers make a beeline for the island of Roatan, but if you’re looking for something beyond diving, Utila is a better option. It has a buzzing nightlife, cheap accommodation, beautiful white sand beaches, and even the chance to spot whale sharks. The 45-minute ferry ride from La Ceiba to Utila costs 750 HNL.

3. Visit Parque Nacional Jeannette Kawas

This national park is named after Jeannette Kawas, an environmental activist who fought to protect the area from commercial development and was brutally murdered in 1995. Now, her legacy lives on with this protected area, filled with abundant wildlife including howler monkeys, boa constrictors, and toucans. You’ll also find pristine beaches and untouched coral reefs here. The secluded park is also known as Punta Sal National Park and is just a 30-minute boat ride from Tela, a Caribbean coastal town. Admission is 120 HNL. Day trip prices start around 690 HNL.

4. Go zip lining

If you’re craving an adrenaline rush, Honduras has a dozen zip-lining experiences to choose from all around the country (including several on Roatan). Prices vary but expect to pay at least 950-1,085 HNL for a half-day tour. Lunch is usually included.

5. Explore the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve

This heavily-forested area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last remaining tropical rainforests in Central America. Established in 1982, it spans over 5,250 square kilometers (2,027 square miles) and is home to Mayan ruins, ancient petroglyphs, pumas, jaguars, giant ant-eaters, sloths, and over 2,000 indigenous locals. Getting here requires some effort (it’s a 6-hour bus from La Ceiba followed by a short boat ride) but you’ll be rewarded by sweeping vistas and a rare look at indigenous life in the rainforest. You can hire a day guide on arrival (for around 400 HNL) or embark on a multi-day tour up the river for 3,000 HNL. Kayaking day trips start around 940 HNL and crocodile night watching starts around 1200 HNL. Admission to the reserve itself is by donation.

6. Visit Valle de Angeles

This colonial town makes for a good day trip from Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. It’s located 35 minutes away by car and, aside from the beautiful colonial buildings, there’s a lot of affordable handicraft shopping. While you’re here, spend some time relaxing in Parque Central, where you’ll see the historic colonial church or head into La Tigra, the nearby cloud forests that are full of hiking trails (admission is 247 HNL). Don’t forget insect repellent if you do visit the forest!

7. Attend Carnaval de La Ceiba

This is the biggest carnival in Central America. Held every May in La Ceiba, it attracts half a million revelers every year. The celebration is in honor of Saint Isidore the Laborer, the patron saint of the city. For two weeks, throngs of people flock to La Ceiba’s barrios (neighborhoods), who compete to throw the best carnavalito (little carnival) in town. It’s all in anticipation for the main event, the rainbow-filled parade “La Feria de San Isidro”, which takes place along Avenida San Isidro on the 3rd or 4th Saturday of May.

8. Go hiking in Parque Nacional Cusuco

This ethereal cloud forest is nestled into the Merendon mountain range near the border with Guatemala, making it somewhat difficult to access (during the rainy season you’ll need a 4×4). It’s a 2-3-hour drive from San Pedro. There are five stunning hiking trails that cross the cloud and dwarf forests. Expect to see plenty of parrots, toucans, and quetzals here. Unless you have a 4WD vehicle, you’ll need to go with a tour company. Admission is around 250 HNL.

9. See the Roatan Butterfly Garden

Located in Roatan, this indoor garden is home to over 30 species of moths and butterflies, as well as a large collection of boa constrictors, parrots, scarlet macaws, and tropical orchids. It is best to visit during the early morning when the butterflies are most active. Admission is around 358 HNL.

10. Visit the Lancetilla Botanical Garden

Located on the coast in Tela, Honduras’s only botanical garden happens to also be the largest in Latin America. Spanning over 4,100 acres, it boasts thousands of varieties of national and exotic flora and fauna (including a bamboo collection and an orchid collection). There are over 1,500 trees in its arboretum and the garden also has 3,000 acres of virgin rainforest. It’s open 365 days a year and admission is 198 HNL.

Honduras Travel Costs

Hostels – Shared dorms with 4-8 beds cost 370 HNL per night, with private rooms costing anything from 400 to 1,400 HNL. Free Wi-Fi and free breakfast are generally included. Most hostels also have A/C and hot water.

Wild camping isn’t recommended here due to petty theft, rainstorms, and the sweltering humidity. There are a few campgrounds around the country, though they aren’t any cheaper than staying in a hostel.

Budget hotels – Budget hotels can be found for around 1,000 HNL for a double room. Most of the cheaper hotels include Wi-Fi, however, for a hotel with a kitchen, A/C, and a pool you’ll pay at least 2,000 HNL per night.

Airbnb is available in Honduras but really only found in Tegucigalpa and the tourist spots on the coast. Prices start at 500 HNL for a shared room, 1,000 HNL for a private room, and 2,900 for a villa.

Food – Honduran cuisine leans heavily on fish, soups, beans, rice, and coconut. Popular dishes include guisado (a spicy chicken stew), carne asada (grilled sliced beef), and baleda (cheese and bean tortilla). Generally, you can expect a mix of Spanish, Lenca, and Caribbean influences.

Local meals consisting of rice, beans, and a drink costs around 120 HNL. Set lunch menus at comedores (small local eateries) offer large portions for cheap so stick to them when eating out.

Street food is popular here, with popular favorites being grilled corn, baleadas (a tortilla filled with fried beans, cream, and cheese), pastelitos (a Cuban pastry similar to empanadas), and fruit smoothies (a common breakfast here). These are usually under 50 HNL.

A three-course meal at a restaurant serving local cuisine costs 600 HNL, including a drink. These establishments usually add a 10% service charge to your bill too. Expect a blend of traditional Mayan cuisine (rice, beans, corn, seafood) with touches of Western and Caribbean flair.

A bottle of water is 17 HNL and a latte or cappuccino will set you back 43 HNL. Domestic beer is around 70 HNL.

Backpacking Honduras Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 875 HNL per day, you can stay in a dorm, eat street food for all your meals, take buses to get around, and do some hikes or other free activities like lounging on the beach. If you plan to drink, you’ll need to add around 150 HNL more per day.

On a mid-range budget of 2,400 HNL per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out at local restaurants, have a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do some paid activities like visiting national parks or diving.

On a “luxury” budget of 5,200 HNL, you can stay in a private villa or nicer hotel, take taxis everywhere, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, and do more tours and activities. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in HNL.

Honduras Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Honduras is very affordable. You’d be hard-pressed to spend a lot of money here unless you are actually trying to. That said, a true budget traveler always looks for ways to save. Here are some money-saving tips to help you:

• Refill your water – The tap water in Honduras is not safe to drink so make sure you have a reusable bottle with a built-in filter. To stay safe, bring a water filter like LifeStraw to ensure your water is clean and free from bacteria. You’ll save money on buying bottled water and save the environment too!
• Know what to pay – When you need to barter for something, talk to your hostel/hotel staff first. Find out what a fair price is so that you can avoid getting overcharged.
• Avoid paying with a credit card – Honduras is a cash-driven society. In places where you can pay with a credit card, expect fees of 5-10%. Pay with cash as often as possible.
• Learn some Spanish – To avoid getting overcharged, learn some Spanish. Even just a few words and phrases can help you avoid being charged tourist prices.
• Travel during the shoulder season – Prices are highest during the dry months (December-April). To avoid crowds and save money, travel during the rainy season or shoulder season. You might get rained on, however, accommodation and activities will be cheaper.
• Stay with a local – Honduras has a small Couchsurfing scene, but if you book early you can likely find a host who can share their insider knowledge and give you a free place to stay.

Where to Stay in Honduras

Honduras has plenty of fun, safe, and social hostels. Here are some of my suggested places to stay in Honduras:

• Roatan Backpackers Hostel (Roatan)
• Palmira Hostel (Tegucigalpa)
• Iguana Azul (Copan Ruinas)
• Jungle River Lodge (La Ceiba)

How to Get Around Honduras

Bus – The cheapest way to get from A to B in Honduras is by bus. For local city journeys, taxis are recommended due to safety issues (petty theft is common on public transportation).

Direct buses for cross-country trips are more expensive but more comfortable and faster than the slower buses that make multiple stops. A direct bus from Tegucigalpa to La Ceiba takes around 6 hours and costs 860-950 HNL. A direct bus from Tegucigalpa to Copan Ruinas takes 9 hours and costs 1,293 HNL.

The multiple-stop buses ( parando ) are slower and can add a few extra hours to your trip. But, if you’re not in a rush, they can save you upwards of 50%.

Taxi – Taxis are plentiful and can be found pretty much everywhere. Fares start at 74 HNL and are charged at 65 HNL per kilometer.

Shared taxis ( colectivos ) are common for popular routes in the bigger cities too and will slash the private rates in half. Negotiate prices prior to getting in the car. Ask your hotel/hostel staff for rates before you arrive so you aren’t ripped off.

When on the islands, water taxis are your best option for getting around. They run from Roatan to West End, and from Coyolito to Isla del Tigre. Shared water taxis cost between 75-100 HNL depending on the route.

Flying – Domestic flights in Honduras are expensive. Connections between the major cities (La Ceiba, Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula) to Roatan, run frequently, however, one-way tickets to these key destinations usually cost between 3,000-4,250 HNL each way. If you’re on a budget, avoid flying.

Car rental – Driving in Honduras is not recommended as the roads aren’t that safe (landslides, flooding), there’s heavy traffic, and robberies are common. Avoid renting a car and stick to buses.

When to Go to Honduras

Honduras is, for the most part, a year-round destination. Temperatures hover around the 27-32°C (82-90°F) mark all year. However, the clammy humidity can feel like it’s higher than that during the rainy season (May-November).

Hurricanes are possible from April to October, however, if you’re willing to change your travel plans on a whim due to the weather, you can save a lot of money by visiting during this period. Be aware that booking during las lluvias (the rainy season), means rural areas (and hiking trails) can be harder to access due to storms.

The driest months, from December to April are considered peak season and are the best (albeit most expensive time) to visit. The coastal areas are particularly packed during this period, although ‘busy’ for Honduras is still pretty quiet compared to other popular Latin American destinations. If you’re serious about diving, you’re also going to get the best visibility during this time.

How to Stay Safe in Honduras

Honduras has found it difficult to shrug off its former status as the ‘murder capital of the world.’ Yet the country has improved leaps and bounds in terms of safety and the majority of travelers have no trouble navigating the country safely.

Homicides decreased by over 50% from 2012-2019 and kidnappings declined by 82% from 2013-2019. The majority of crimes happen in the major cities: Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and La Ceiba so I would be extra vigilant in those places, especially at night. (I wouldn’t walk around the capital at night alone.)

Outside of those areas, crime is much less common (especially in the Bay Islands). That being said, it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings on public transport, in busy urban areas, and near bus stops/stations.

Take cabs at night (ideally with other travelers) instead of walking alone and avoid walking down side streets that are not well lit.

Walking around during the daytime is usually trouble-free as long as you keep your valuables out of sight and don’t flash fancy jewelry, phones, or money.

Avoid taking the city bus, where pickpocketing is rife.

Since scams can occur here, read about common travel scams to avoid so you can be prepared.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here as long as they follow the advice above. Additionally, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you’re visiting during hurricane season (April-October), be sure to check the weather regularly.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Honduras Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Honduras Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

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The ultimate guide to Honduras: 10 days itinerary

Slightly spontaneously we decided to hit Honduras during our trip last November and December. We had heard about the superb diving possibilities around the Bay Islands, which was enough reason to take the plunge and to include the country in the Latin American itinerary. 

I really loved our time in Honduras. The trip was way more relaxed than I expected it to be plus the things to do over there are just super diverse. Jungle adventures, marine life, friendly locals, Mayan culture, abundant wildlife, gorgeous beaches; this country has it all and its citizens really deserve a better future. 

Guidebooks won’t do for up-to-date info about Honduras. Personally I looked for bits and pieces online, talked to a lot of other backpackers and expats in Honduras and that’s how I created this itinerary. So I’m gonna smash it online now; just to make things a little easier for you! 

First things first. I realize that Honduras doesn’t exactly have an immaculate reputation. Diving and crime; probably those two words used to be my first association when thinking of Honduras. Figures will show you Honduras is one of Central America’s most dangerous countries after all. And yet, we noticed very little of all of that. Except for the diving; superb indeed.

I wouldn’t recommend this country to your niece though. You know; the one that is about to start her first backpack journey (I’m only thinking about my own self in here when I was 19), but if you think you’ve passed the ‘rookie-phase’, I’d say go for it. Just plan a tad in advance and have a plan B ready. That never hurts anyway. In La Ceiba I even needed a plan C, when I found out that the hotel I planned to go to (in case I’d miss the boat, which I did) didn’t exist anymore. Suddenly I was dropped at sunset in a city that I didn’t know at all. Not the best situation to start first day in Honduras with. 

But anyway, all of these spots below are very well reachable. If you don’t deviate from the main important stops in the country and stick to the transportation I recommend you to go with (next paragraph) I think you’ll be good. 

• Copán is super safe. So safe that we in fact were able to walk over there at night. We can’t even do that in Costa Rica.
• La Ceiba was totally different, it felt kind of sketchy and I wasn’t too pleased to stay over there. I was forced to though, since I missed the ferry ride to Roatán, but I wouldn’t recommend this city personally. Especially the suburbs can be dangerous. If you have to stay there book a hotel downtown.
• Regarding San Pedro Sula (at some point known the city was also known as the world’s capital of crime) I can only say; the bus station is safe. I drove through the city twice and it seemed quite okay, but obviously that doesn’t say enough. I personally wouldn’t stay there. 
• Roatán  felt super safe to me

Of course my experiences aren’t a blueprint. This is just how I perceived things, but they might give you an impression nonetheless.

With regard to safety this paragraph might help you out as well. 

I personally arrived in Honduras after a very long shuttle drive from Río Dulce in Guatemala to La Ceiba in Honduras. I organised this via  Rooney Shuttle Service . Although I wasn’t too pleased about the speed of the ride (I waited for hours that day, both during the early morning pick-up and later on the day when they were switching shuttles), in general I would recommend this shuttle service as it felt safe to me. And that’s something pleasant too, when in Honduras. Better late than sorry.

From La Ceiba to Copán we again arranged the drive via Rooney. We had a super nice driver this time and he telling us all about his previous life in the States and the situation in Honduras. Perhaps this conversation was one of the best insights we got during our stay in Honduras.  

Regarding Roatán : you’re able to reach the island either via boat or via plane. From La Ceiba I took the ferry ($33,- USD, it goes twice a day; check the schedule in here ) to Roatán. 

The ferry ride to the island was very choppy. Two staff members were handing out plastic bags and after I couple of minutes I realised what they were for… 

My husband on the other hand arrived by airplane . From Central America you can fly from both El Salvador and San Pedro Sula to the island. And if you come from the east from both the USA and Canada you might even be able to fly directly to the island. What a luxury!

Regarding leaving Honduras: we both took a flight from Guatemala City. But note that getting there from Copán took us 7 hours (instead of the 5 we were told). Another option we were considering was the airport of San Pedro Sula. 

Overview itinerary:

5 days on the island of Roatán for a chilled stay + beach bumming + excellent diving + great food

2 days in Omega Lodge along Río Cangrejal in the Pico Bonito park for adrenaline adventures + jungle vibes

3 days in Copán Ruinas for Mayan culture + spa relaxation + chocolate indulgement

If you have extra days:

3 days on the island of Utila for an extra change to see that whaleshark

3 days along the Lago de Yojoa in the D&D Brewery for kayaking + hiking + cave dwelling

Itinerary in detail:

Here we go!

5 days: Roatán

Excellent diving & stunning sunsets – the island of Roatán in front of the coast of Honduras was a winner for sure in my book.

Roatán isn’t the only island you can visit from La Ceiba. Utila , Guanaja and Cayos Cochinos attract visitors too. All four of them are basically like the quintessential tropical dream.

Since we only had a couple of days we knew we couldn’t see them all and we had to make a choice which one we would visit. Both Guanaja and Cayos Cochinos are difficult to reach. These islands don’t have regular shuttle services. I’m aware that because of this, staying at one of these islands can be very attractive. But you also have to bring in a LOT of dough, not only to reach the islands but also to stay there, plus you’re very dependent on the efforts of others. 

So our choice was narrowed down to Roatán and Utila .

Utila is known as a party island, attracting a lot of early twenty backpackers. This has to do with the fact that Utila is also the cheapest island to stay at.  Roatán attracts a far more midrange crowd than Utila, and unfortunately has less budget options. The island’s accommodation mostly comes in the form of luxury resort packages, but there are some good budget options and even better; we’ve found them for you! 

Both Roatán and Utila are known as superb diving destinations. It was the main reason why we wanted to visit these islands, plus doing a fair share or ‘hammocking’. Because I really wanted to chill and not being disturbed by late night vomiting vibes, ánd because one of us had to fly to the Bay Islands and Roatán has the best airport, we decided visit Roatán first and see if we would later make it to Utila as well. But we liked Roatán and its laid-back vibe so much that we decided to stay over there for the rest of the time! 

Where to stay on Roatán?

Nearly all backpackers that visit Roatán find their temporary home in West End , where most of the budget options are found. 

If you’re looking for a private budget cabin then I’d absolutely recommend Hotel Chillies . Note that I’m not getting paid or anything to write this down. I just really liked the property, especially its location directly along the shores and its lovely jungle garden ↓

I you want to book a dorm spot, room or cabin as well in here, try to contact Michele (the owner of Hotel Chillies) directly via Facebook . We stayed for four nights in here and paid $36,- USD per night for a private cabin with a warm shower. 

The cabin had a lovely porch with a hammock, a lot of (humming)birds that kept us company during the day and during the night we were surprised by a cute (and very noisy) armadillo! 

The only thing I disliked about the cabin was the bathroom: it didn’t have a door! Just a curtain. Not the best idea if you’re looking for a romantic getaway…

What to do on Roatán?

I wrote an entire guide about the island, so check that stuff out in here!

2 days: Rafting + jungle adventures @ Río Cangrejal near Pico Bonito  

After our ultimate chill-out-beach-bum-hammock-style kind of stay on the island of Roatán, we were absolutely ready for some adventure time on Honduras mainland. 

Luckily for us, quite close to La Ceiba there’s this giant and slightly under-appreciated national park of Pico Bonito (meaning in English: ‘pretty little point’). It takes an hour on a bumpy road to get from La Ceiba to this wilderness, which is home to loads of monkeys, birds, reptiles and even some jaguars.  

While being on Roatán we were advised by several expats to stay at the Omega Lodge , an eco-lodge located along the Río Cangrejal in between both Pico Bonito and the park of Nombre de Dios (“Name of god”). 

The lodge is run by a couple from Germany, Udo and Sylvia, who already came to the area some 25 years ago. Udo was a member of the national German rafting team and always on the lookout for great rapids. He found his ultimate river paradise in Honduras and decided not only to offer whitewash rafting tours in the area, but also to built a lodge from scratch to hosts his rafting visitors. And the couple has been expanding their property with cabins ever since. 

Fresh food, a lush environment, awesome canopying and rafting, some jungle trails and playful dogs; this place had it all in my opinion! Our stay in here was absolutely superb and a nice addition to our days on the beach. Read more about our rafting adventure and stay at Omega Lodge!

Note that from La Ceiba it takes a full day to reach the next location from La Ceiba. 

3 days: Copán Ruinas

Meet the cosiest town of Honduras: Copán! We stayed there for a couple of days on our way from La Ceiba in Honduras to Antigua in Guatemala and I have to say; it’s difficult not to fall in love with the cobblestoned streets of Copán. The nearby crumbling Mayan ruins dot the outskirts of the city and clearly point to the cultural past as well.

The vibe in Copán is entirely different compared to the rest of Honduras (or at least, the parts that I’ve seen). Copán feels much more Guatemalan and considering that is almost next to the border Guatemalan-Honduran border that ain’t a surprise. It’s basically like they have cut of a little part out of Antigua and put it on a hill in a lush mountainous environment.

Most folks come here just to see the famous Maya ruins, but there’s a lot of other fun stuff to do in Copán. If you want to see and do all of the things below, try to linger a little longer; at least three days I’d say. Otherwise two would be the bare minimum. Or one if you just want to see the ruins and get out after that. 

Here’s what to do and where to eat in Copán!

Where to stay in Copán?

There are quite some downtown budget options. We checked out Hotel Via Via (for just $10,- USD per private room with private bathroom!!), which looked great. However, since it’s located next to the only club in town I wouldn’t advise you to go there in the weekend. Even earplugs won’t help you in here. 

We stayed at the nearby Iguana Azul (private room for $19,- USD, shared bathroom. Dorms are available as well), which was basic but very decent and had a laid-back backpackers vibe. The great thing about this hotel is the next doors breakfast area, which is set in a very laid-back and lush garden. ↓

Extend that itinerary!

If I had another 6 days I would have stayed 3 more days on the island of Utila (or perhaps more days on Roatán since I loved it so much…) just to include even more dives. 

Another location I would absolutely would have visited is the Lago de Yojoa ! I heard a lot of nice stories from other backpackers about this lake and especially about the ho(s)tel B&B Brewery. Apparently the lake is great for hiking, to do a coffee tour, a bit of kayaking and cave-dwelling. I’m sure a stay over here would make a trip to Honduras even more diverse! 

Here’s where to find the spots in Honduras: 

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Unveiling Hidden Central American Gems: Discovering the Best Places to Visit in Honduras for the First-Time Traveler

• by John Dupuis
• May 16, 2023
• Honduras , Travel

Explore the best places to visit in Honduras for first-time travelers, where ancient Mayan ruins meet pristine rainforests and crystal-clear Caribbean waters. Uncover hidden gems, dive into adventure, and create lifelong memories. This article contains some affiliate links, where we make a small commission if you purchase anything after clicking, at no extra cost to you. 

Central America, a vibrant region comprising seven distinct countries, may appear small in size, leading many to assume that the countries are homogeneous. However, each Central American country possesses its own unique attractions. In my opinion, Honduras stands out as a remarkable destination with an abundance of captivating experiences.

Because I live and work in Honduras , you could say I’m biased. And I probably am. But Honduras is special and offers much to see and do that you won’t find elsewhere.

One of Honduras’s greatest assets as a travel destination is its people. Nicknamed ‘ Catrachos ‘ , Hondurans are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality. You’ll receive a warm welcome from most people, complete with genuine smiles, curiosity, and respect.

Tourism, after all, holds the key to opportunity for Honduras. By traveling to Honduras, you can help create a brighter future for the country and its people!

So where are the best places to visit in Honduras as a first-time traveler to the country?

For first-timers, the ideal travel itinerary lies along the corridor between Copán Ruinas and the Bay Islands.This is where you’ll find the best places to visit in Honduras.

Copán is home to the most artistically impressive and most studied Mayan site in Central America. The extensive knowledge we have about Copán and its ancient inhabitants makes it a paradise for history and archaeology enthusiasts. Here, you can delve into the past at the unique museums that provide insights into pre-Columbian life.

Copán offers much more, however, than just its archaeological park. Picture a colonial town adorned with cobblestone streets and red-tile roofs, where upscale boutique hotels and budget-friendly hostels coexist. Chic coffee shops and gourmet restaurants offer a wide variety of culinary delights . Life is good in Copán Ruinas, and you’ll experience the charm of Central America at its finest.

The area around Copán is also prime coffee-growing territory. It’s easy to get out of town to a coffee farm and learn about the harvesting and processing of your favorite morning pick-me-up. Many of these farms have their own shops in town, where you can sample and buy your favorite coffee blends.

Another highlight of Copán is the Macaw Mountain Bird Park , home to numerous beautiful tropical birds and parrots native to Central America. These birds were either former pets or rescued from illegal trafficking. Macaw Mountain plays a crucial role in reintroducing birds into the archaeological park.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Central America Living (@centralamericaliving)

Onwards from Copán Ruinas to La Ceiba

After exploring Copán Ruinas, continue your journey towards the Bay Islands. This archipelago, once under British rule, proudly preserves its heritage and English-speaking culture.

The easiest route from Copán Ruinas to the Bay Islands involves driving to La Ceiba, a small city on the Caribbean coast.To reach the Bay Islands from La Ceiba, you can choose between air and ferry services. The modern water jet catamaran ferry offers a fast and comfortable journey of fewer than two hours, with two daily departures.

But before getting onto a boat or a plane, I recommend spending at least a couple of nights in the La Ceiba area to visit the Pico Bonito National Park. Most travelers stay in the Cangrejal River Valley , approximately 10 km south of La Ceiba. This area has several hotels and lodges (including my own La Villa de Soledad ), granting you an up-close-and-personal rainforest experience. The Rio Cangrejal also offers some of the best white-water rafting in the world.

From the Cangrejal River Valley, any lodge will be happy to arrange your transfers to the La Ceiba ferry terminal or airport for onward travel to the Bay Islands.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by La Villa de Soledad B&B (@lavilladesoledadbb)

The Bay Islands of Honduras

For many visitors, the main allure of the Bay Islands lies in their spectacular diving and snorkeling opportunities along the Meso-American Barrier Reef. The archipelago comprises six islands and numerous small cays, but only Utila, Roatán, and Guanaja have permanent communities and well-developed tourism services.

Each island offers a unique experience, and it’s worth exploring all three to fully appreciate their distinct charms. Traveling between Utila and Roatán is convenient, thanks to the Utila Dream Ferry . Traveling from Roatán to Guanaja can be less reliable, often requiring a journey back to La Ceiba.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Utila Dream (@utiladreamferry)

Utila is famous for its dive shops and attracts backpackers with its affordable scuba certification courses. It’s also a popular destination for encountering whale sharks , the largest fish species in the world. There’s a lively nightlife/bar scene on Utila that appeals to younger crowds, although the island also offers a relaxed ambiance that can be enjoyed by all, including those seeking tranquility.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🌴🌴🇭🇳El GRINGACHO ❤ 🌊UTILA ✌🏻😎 (@utiladronefotos)

Roatán generally attracts a more well-heeled traveler than Utila and serves as a prominent port of call for cruise ships. While the midweek period can witness a higher influx of tourists due to cruise arrivals, the island’s elongated shape allows you to escape the crowds if you wish. West End, with its small and eclectic beachfront community, and the resort-oriented West Bay Beach are the most popular areas on the island.

Roatán is the only Bay Island to feature a golf course and resort communities that rival other Caribbean destinations. Real estate opportunities on Roatán are competitive due to its popularity. The island also has its own international airport, facilitating direct flights from various U.S. gateways.

On a personal note, I highly recommend exploring the East End of Roatán. This part of the island retains its authenticity and allows you to escape the crowds brought by cruise ships. Experience the charm of small and intimate properties, relish the exquisite beaches, and immerse yourself in the captivating old island communities. Even if you choose to stay in West End, I urge you to plan a day trip to the East End to discover the genuine essence of Roatán.

Further east from Roatán are four more islands. Helene, though technically a separate island due to a natural canal, is an extension of Roatán. It remains relatively undeveloped and lacks tourist facilities. Morat, a small island with a saltwater lagoon, offers minimal attractions and is uninhabited. Next to Morat is Barbareta, a private island with pristine beaches. Pigeon Cays, located along the south shore of Morat, present an idyllic setting reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe, perfect for a day trip.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Devin Lake (@rng_grey_c7)

Finally, on the eastern edge of the Bay Islands archipelago, lies the island of Guanaja. It was here that Christopher Columbus landed during his final voyage in 1502. Guanaja stands out for its untouched nature and rugged terrain, making it the most mountainous among the Bay Islands. With no roads on the island, boat transportation is the primary means of getting around.

Resorts on Guanaja are relatively small and isolated, offering self-contained experiences that include diving and meals bundled with accommodations. Due to its more remote location, Guanaja tends to be more expensive to visit. You can reach Guanaja from La Ceiba only by air, although there’s also a ferry service from Trujillo.

That wraps up my overview of the best places to visit in Honduras for first-time travelers

Honduras, with its Central American and Caribbean characteristics, offers many reasons to visit, and I’ve missed out a few here, including the Cayos Cochinos, the islands of the Gulf of Fonseca on the little-visited Pacific side, and the pine-clad mountainous interior. But all that and more can be the focus of your next visit! For now, I invite you to explore the enchanting destinations I have described and embark on an unforgettable journey through Honduras.

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John Dupuis

John Dupuis was born and raised in Mexico City but has been living in Honduras since 1992. An avid travel entrepreneur, he's always looking to promote his adoptive country. He founded the Honduras Tips travel guide, which became the “travel bible for Honduras”. Since moving on from Honduras Tips, Dupuis has built a bed and breakfast called La Villa de Soledad in the Cangrejal River Valley, just outside of La Ceiba. He manages his B&B with his Honduran wife, Soledad. He enjoys writing about travel in Honduras and runs Hondurastravel.com.

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Honduras Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Honduras travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Located in Central America, Honduras is a country of lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and deep history.

There really is something for every kind of traveler in this country of just over 43,000 square miles.

And while the country may have a reputation for being dangerous, don’t let that deter you from checking out this travel gem.

Beach lovers will definitely want to check out the Bay Islands, located just off the east coast of Honduras. The region’s three main islands — Utila, Roatan , and Guanaja — offer a laid-back vibe, white sand beaches, and plenty of nightlife for those who like to party.

The islands are also home to breathtaking coral reefs and many different types of fish, making them a diver’s or snorkeler’s paradise. If you’re looking for a beach experience away from the pristine resorts of the easter islands, Honduras’s Caribbean Coast is the place to go.

Honduras was also once a major hub of Mayan civilization and there are plenty of historic ruins to explore throughout the country.

One of the most popular sites is the Copan Ruins , a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just a few miles from the Guatemala border.

Here, you can check out a Mayan citadel and learn more about this great civilization. Throw on some comfortable shoes, as this site has a lot to explore!

The country’s more rural areas are places of unspoiled natural wonder, with great sites for outdoor explorers — especially hikers wanting to explore some of the world’s best hikes . Do some rafting along the Cangrejal River, hike through the Moskitia Forest, and check out the serene Lago de Yojoa.

Any way you slice it, there’s so much to see in Honduras and no two trips will look exactly alike!

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Honduras, a destination that should be mentioned in every Central America travel guide !

Note: This ultimate guide to Honduras travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Honduras Map

Use this Honduras travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Honduras Travel Advice

Plan the perfect trip to Honduras with these travel guides.

Exploring The Caribbean Side Of Honduras On Roatan Island

Copan, Honduras: An Amazing Day Exploring Mayan Ruins In The World’s Most Dangerous Country

From Solo To Sidekicks: Notes On My Central America Group Travel Experience

Top Honduras Tours

Explore the local culture with the help of a Honduras tour guide !

• Roatan Shore Excursion: Monkeys, Sloths, and Snorkel Adventure
• Roatan Ziplines Sloth Park and West Bay Beach Break
• Roatan Barrier Reef Snorkel & Monkeys/Sloth Sanctuary from French Cay
• Day Trip to La Tigra and El Picacho Park from Tegucigalpa
• Roatan Shore Excursion: Kayak Harbor Adventure and Reef Snorkel from French Harbour
• Day Trip to the Mayan Ruins of Copan from San Pedro Sula

Renting A Car In Honduras

Need a rental car for your Honduras trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Honduras Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in Honduras !

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Honduras Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Honduras tour. When visiting Honduras — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Honduras itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Honduras Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Honduras .

Q: Is it safe to vacation in Honduras?

While crime is very much a reality in Honduras, the country is generally pretty safe to visit. There are certain areas to avoid due to higher crime rates, including municipalities along the north coast and in the central part of the country.

Most experts suggest avoiding Gracias a Dios department; its remote location and high level of drug trafficking make it particularly dangerous for travelers.

On the other hand, the Bay Islands, Copan Ruins, and other areas popular with tourists have a much lower crime rate and have a more robust law enforcement presence.

Keep alert and understand how to avoid pickpockets to protect yourself from petty crime in these areas, but know that more serious violent crime is not as common.

Q: Is Honduras expensive to visit?

Honduras is a very affordable place to visit. The average traveler should budget about $29 USD per day for meals, accommodation, transportation, and other expenses while in the country.

Accommodation rates are a bit more expensive around the coast, so keep that in mind.

Flights will likely be your biggest expense for this country. Round-trip flights from the U.S. generally cost around $400-$500 USD depending on the airline and departure destination, though you can find some great deals if you shop around.

Q: What do I need to know about traveling to Honduras?

One thing to know about Honduras is that the country’s poverty rate is very high. Many of the people you’ll encounter in the country are likely struggling to get by. Be a conscious visitor in Honduras and tip well, shop local, and don’t haggle too much with merchants.

Also, be sure to keep cash handy while in Honduras. Many businesses do not accept credit cards and working ATMs are scarce, so plan to get plenty of cash — ideally in the local currency — before you go.

Q: What are some travel tips for people visiting Honduras?

Leave plenty of time when traveling via ground transportation in Honduras. Local taxi and van services don’t always run on time, so be sure to work any possible delays into your itinerary.

While English is commonly spoken on the Bay Islands , Spanish is the national language of Honduras and most Hondurans only speak Spanish. Learn a few words and phrases before your trip to help you get by and show respect for the locals. Luckily, Spanish is often one of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers .

The country’s climate makes it a particularly welcoming environment for mosquitoes, many of whom carry diseases like malaria and dengue.

Malaria vaccinations, while not required by the Honduran government, are highly recommended. You can get vaccinated and acquire any medications you may need for your trip at your local doctor’s office.

And be sure to pack plenty of insect repellant and cover-up in particularly damp areas.

Q: What is the best place to visit in Honduras?

No visit to Honduras is complete without a trip to the Copan Ruins ! Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area was once the center of Mayan civilization in the Copan Valley.

Explore the Mayan citadel and stone portraits throughout the site to get a sense of what life was like in the area thousands of years ago.

While there, you can visit the Museum of Mayan Sculpture for even more insight into the artifacts found among the ruins.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Honduras?

Citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union do not need a visa to visit Honduras for less than 90 days. Visitors from these countries will need to show a valid passport and proof of a return flight upon entry into the country.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Honduras International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Honduras Embassy.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Honduras?

While credit cards are sometimes accepted — especially Visa and Mastercard — many establishments only take cash, so make sure to have that on hand.

Moreover, it’s smart to bring two ATM cards in case you run into an issue.

Q: What is the best time to visit Honduras?

While Honduras is a year-round destination, the dry season is between December and April.

Q: What months are summer in Honduras?

Summer in Honduras runs from November to April.

Q: Can you drink tap water in Honduras?

It is best to avoid drinking the tap water in Honduras.

Q: What is the hottest month in Honduras?

The warmest months in Honduras are typically April and May.

Q: What is the local currency in Honduras?

The local currency in Honduras is the Honduran lempira.

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Whether you are interested in the ancient Mayan ruins at Copán , hiking through the Pico Bonito National Park or freediving in the Bay Islands, these are Culture Trip’s pick of the best things to do in Honduras .

While Honduras’ crime stats are frequently published all over the media, those that venture to Central America’s second largest country will be pleasantly surprised. Friendly locals, diverse wildlife and pristine scuba diving in Utila await, plus there are far fewer touts swarming around tourist attractions in Honduras.

1. Copán ruins

The Copán ruins are an ancient Mayan site, discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio. This area was deeply important as a political, civil and religious center of the Copan Valley. The city was occupied by the Maya for around 2,000 years, and it was abandoned in the 10th century. It’s now a Unesco World Heritage site, and you can wander at will through the vast area and learn about the history of the ancient civilization. Explore the Maya citadel, where you’ll see portrait-style stone monuments called stelae , overlapping step-pyramids, and many ruined buildings.

2. Pico Bonito National Park

Park, Natural Feature

Pico Bonito National Park is located in the Nobre de Dios mountain range, bordered in by pineapple plantations, cattle farms and the Rio Santiago and Cangrejal rivers. Inside the park is a mountain peak that reaches up to 2,435m (7,988ft) above sea level. Pico Bonito’s plant and wildlife vary from tropical forests in its valleys to high-elevation cloud forests on the peaks. A popular destination within the park is The Lodge at Pico Bonito, a privately owned ecolodge that is surrounded by lush wildlife and forestry. Pico Bonito is regarded as one of the best parks for outdoor activities in Honduras, and there are tours and other outdoor adventures such as kayaking or whitewater rafting.

4. Jeannette Kawas National Park

This park is named after the environmental activist Jeannette Kawas who was murdered in 1995 after fighting to get this land protected status as a national park. It’s bursting with wildlife, from howler and white-faced monkeys on land to manatees and marine turtles in the sea, plus more than 100 species of birds in the air. The surroundings are just as varied, with lagoons, coral reefs, tropical rainforests, swamps and wetlands, making it a key tourist attraction in Honduras. Boat trips along the Río Ulúa are available to give travelers a chance to see the wildlife close up. Extreme adventurers might want to rent their own boat or hike solo, but more relaxed travelers can stick to an organized tour or ramble along the beautiful sandy beaches.

Natural Feature

Roatán is a long, thin Bay Island that has become a popular Honduras tourist attraction in recent years. Diving and snorkeling among the abundant coral reefs attract most visitors, while West Bay is a popular place for travelers to stay – hotels range from budget options to more exclusive pricey stays. Although its beaches are the main draw, Roatán also has pine-forested mountainous areas, and the east side of the island is still relatively remote and unexplored.

6. Lake Yojoa

Lake Yojoa, located in a cavity formed by volcanoes long ago, is the largest lake in Honduras, with a surface area of 79sq km (30sq mi). It is one of Honduras’ major tourist attractions. The lake is conveniently located along a highway that travels between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, two of the country’s largest cities. Sadly, the lush landscape is threatened by deforestation, cattle ranching and development. From here, you can hike to a remote waterfall and visit nearby coffee plantations. Keep your eyes peeled for rare birds (nearly 500 species have seen around the shoreline).

7. Comayagua

Architectural Landmark

The former capital of Honduras, Comayagua is a high elevation city found along the highway between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, and famous for its Spanish colonial architecture. The city was an important place for politics and religion until it lost its title as the capital in 1880. Wander through the small city to view the stunning architecture; the cathedral has the oldest clock in the Americas, and the 16th-century neoclassical city hall is also impressive. During Easter, it is a great place to watch the traditional Catholic celebrations.

8. Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve

This Unesco World Heritage site is one of the best places to see the plants and animals of Central America’s tropical rainforest. Along with thick rainforests, open savannahs and mountainous regions, Río Plátano is home to more than 2,000 indigenous people and many important archeological sites. The best way to explore is on foot – book a guided hiking tour along the mountain trails and you might spot harpy eagles, colorful macaws, sloths and maybe even a jaguar hiding in the undergrowth. River rafting tours are also available for adrenaline seekers.

9. The Mosquitia (or Moskitia)

The Mosquitia biosphere reserve is one of the country’s last fully undeveloped areas. This area of swampy mangroves, untouched rainforests, and wild coastlines makes up almost a fifth of the entire country, and yet it only has two real roads and a modest population of indigenous peoples. You’ll find incredible wildlife, fantastic views and a thriving local culture. Far from your regular Honduras tourist attraction, a stay in Mosquitia is extremely basic – with no electricity or toilets – but it is an eye-opening experience for those with an adventurous spirit.

10. Cusuco National Park

Natural Feature, Park

This national park is another well-conserved area of Honduras, located behind the city of San Pedro Sula. It’s no easy task getting into the park, because many roads can be inaccessible, but you can get the most out of your trip by hiring a local guide to help you navigate the forest as well as find tropical birds and other wildlife. More than 260 species of bird have been spotted in the park. The best time to see them is early morning; if you visit between April and June, you’re more likely to catch sight of parrots, toucans, and quetzals.

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Best things to do in Honduras

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written by Andy Turner

updated 31.03.2023

Rainforests, cloud forests, beaches, jungles, lakes, islands, Mayan ruins, colonial cities, and buzzing metropolises come together in Central America’s least discovered country. Here is our pick of the best things to do in Honduras .

1. See the extraordinary Copan Ruins

2. lago de yojoa for birdwatching and more, 3. see the 500-year-old churches of gracias, 4. relax by the crystal clear waters of roatan island, bay islands, 5. visiting gumbalimba park - one of the best things to do in honduras with kids, 6. explore la mosquita, 7. olancho for the most stunning and challenging terrain, 8. punta sal national park for stunning beaches and more, 9. take a tour of a coffee plantation, 10. bird watching for rare birds, 11. rio platano biosphere reserve, 12. exploring la tigra national park - one of the best things to do in honduras for hiking, 13. comayagua for colonial architechture, 14. rio cangrejal for whitewater rafting and more, 15. try honduran cuisine.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for travelling the world.

Near the Guatemalan border is the Maya ceremonial city of Copán. The area around the ruins has been inhabited since at least 1400 BC. The town of Copán Ruínas is about 1km (0.6 miles) from the archaeological site. Tourism runs the town and within a few blocks of the cobblestone plaza are dozens of small hotels, ex-pat restaurants, and handicraft shops.

On entering the grounds of the archaeological site, a path leads to the claustrophobic Rosalia and Jaguar tunnels. The tunnels give an idea of how the Maya layered construction, building one temple over another. The trail continues to the Acropolis and Temple of Inscriptions. On the Great Plaza, diagonal from the Temple of Inscriptions, the city’s most important symbol is the Hieroglyphic Stairway.

If you are planning a backpacking trip to Honduras, check out our list of tips for backpacking in Central America .

Exploring the Mayan ruins in Copan is one of the most exciting things to do in Honduras © Inspired By Maps/Shutterstock

Surrounded by misty pine-covered mountains and coffee fincas, the 89 sq km (55 sq mile) Lago de Yojoa is a premier eco-destination that somehow isn’t swarming with tourists. It’s the country’s largest natural lake and a hotspot for birders who come from around the world hoping to glimpse some of the 400 or so species that have been identified here.

Along the lakeshore are several fine hotels, which mostly attract Honduran families, and even a small craft brewery. The American-owned D&D also runs guided boat excursions on the lake.

Lake Yojoa, Honduras © Jpiks/Shutterstock

For a short time, the sleepy colonial village of Gracias a Dios – named after conquistador Juan de Chavez’s reaction after finding flat land after weeks in the mountains – was the capital of all of Central America. Today, with nearby Lenca villages and national parks luring visitors, the town has been capitalizing on its stock of 500-year-old churches and cobblestone plazas.

Much of the original Spanish grid, topped by a small fortification on a hillside called El Fuerte de San Cristóbal, has been reconstructed, with boutique hotels and cafés filling the whitewashed houses. Once the home of a wealthy colonial family, Museo Casa Galeano is a restored colonial house stocked with artefacts, old photographs, and a folk art collection. It’s adjoined by a botanical garden, one of the oldest in the region.

Where to stay in Gracias:

• For spectacular views: Hotel and Restaurant Guancascos
• For natural surroundings: Hotel de Campo Villa de Ada

Church Iglesia Las Mercedes, Gracias, Honduras © Milosz Maslanka/Shutterstock

Most tourism to the islands rotates around Roatán, the largest of the Bay Islands at 64km long (40 miles). It’s here that the cruise industry has sunk about $100 million into modern ports. Mahogany Bay and the Port of Roatán’s Town Center have attracted waves of oversized cruise ships.

Most development has taken place on the Western half of the island. The crystal clear waters of West Bay Beach, the best in Honduras, has seen a surge in development over the past decade. Resorts and condo projects have bought up every last hectare. In the hills above West Bay is Gumbalimba Park an island adventure park with watersports, a monkey island, and a canopy tour that cruise travellers often visit.

Where to stay on Roatan Island:

• For the white sandy beach: Infinity Bay, Spa & Beach Resort
• For high quality: Naboo Resort & Dive Center - Adults Only

Find more accommodation options to stay on Roatan Island

Roatan Island, Honduras © John A. Anderson/Shutterstock

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One of the best things to do in Honduras while travelling with kids is to visit Gumbalimba Park. The park is located in the West Bay of Roatan Island and can be reached by car or taxi from other parts of the island. In the park you can explore the rich flora represented by the lush gardens, featuring a variety of tropical plants. There are also several animals, including macaws, parrots, monkeys, iguanas and sloths.

The Gumbalimba park also houses a museum with artefacts from Honduras' pre-Columbian heritage, as well as examples of traditional Honduran houses and other cultural artefacts. In addition to all the above, one of the main attractions of the park is its popular swimming area, which includes a natural swimming pool with a waterfall and a beach. Here you can enjoy snorkelling and diving in the nearby coral reefs.

Visiting Gumbalimba Park - one of the best things to do in Honduras with kids © Shutterstock

The largest tract of virgin tropical rainforest in Central America remains almost entirely unexplored. Only recently have archaeologists and explorers uncovered stone cities, revealing a lost civilization that remains a mystery. Covering the entire northeastern part of the country, La Mosquitia is sparsely populated, except for a few small towns and isolated Pech, Tawahka, Garífuna, and Miskitos villages.

It should be noted that apart from its exotic beauty Central America is also one of the cheapest destinations to travel to. Read our guide to budget trips around the world and find more places that combine excellent leisure activities with accessibility.

La Mosquita, Honduras © Gustavo Frazao/Shutterstock

Tackle Honduras’s most stunning and challenging terrain. Despite Olancho’s size – it makes up a fifth of Honduras’s total territory – tourist attractions are few, and its high, forested mountain ranges interspersed with broad valleys make getting from place to place difficult and slow.

However, these same ranges harbour some of the country’s last untouched expanses of tropical forest and cloud forest. The national parks of El Boquerón and Sierra de Agalta are awe-inspiring. Along the valleys, now given over to pastureland for cattle, are scattered villages and towns. Both Juticalpa, the department capital, and Catacamas, at the eastern end of the paved road, are good bases for exploring the region.

Olancho, Honduras © JSerrano/Shutterstock

Originally called Punta Sal, the 782km (484 miles) Parque Nacional Jeannette Kawas was renamed after the environmental activist Jeannette Kawas Fernández, who was killed after establishing the park. Two distinct ecosystems are found here: the lagoon and the peninsula. Protecting the bay from strong winds called nortes, the peninsula is home to a combination of unspoiled coral reefs, dense jungle and stunning beaches.

Los Micos Lagoon is separated by a small sandbar near Miami, and canals here weave through the rich landscape where hundreds of species of migratory birds can be seen. Outside of driving to Miami and hiring a boat to enter the lagoon, private transportation here is difficult. We recommend to use Tela-based tour operators like Garífuna Tours , which have regular trips to the lagoon and peninsula.

Punta Sal National Park in Honduras © Shutterstock

Honduras, like all Central American countries, is a significant coffee producer, with many coffee plantations located throughout the country. Coffee production is one of the most important parts of the Honduran economy, and the country is known for producing high-quality Arabica coffee.

Some coffee plantations are open for guided tours where you can get an insight into coffee production. During the tour, you can see coffee plants, learn about the harvesting and processing of coffee beans, and taste different types of coffee. Some coffee plantations also offer accommodation for visitors wishing to experience life on a coffee farm.

Honduras is known for high-quality Arabica coffee © Shutterstock

Thanks to its rainforests, swamps and cloud forests, Honduras is a popular place for bird watching. The country is home to more than 700 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.

One of the best things to do in Honduras for bird watching is to choose one of the popular destinations such as Pico Bonito National Park, La Tigra National Park, Selache National Park, or Copán Archaeological Reserve. All of these sites offer guided birdwatching tours and hikes led by local guides who will help visitors see rare and endemic species.

Scarlet macaw © Shutterstock

Named a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1980, the 525,000 hectares (1.3 million acres) Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve is home to a diverse set of rare ecosystems including wetlands, pine savannas, and tropical forest. The only inhabitants are a few Pech and Miskito communities who live in much the same way as they have for hundreds of years.

The array of flora and fauna is dazzling, with bucket list species after bucket list species: jaguars, harpy eagles, Baird’s tapirs, and many others. Despite its natural wonders, most of the park is almost inaccessible. For much of the rainy season, travel here is impossible, while during the dry seasons, running from February to May and August to November, it requires a series of air, boat, and overland connections to get into the interior.

Parque Nacional La Tigra is a 238 sq km (92 sq miles) tract of cloud forest that has been a national park since 1982. While much of the forest was cut down by loggers and the El Rosario Mining Company, it is slowly being recovered. Hiking trails run through the park, mostly from the western entrance at Jutiapa, where there is a small campground, cabins, and a visitor centre.

The 6km (3.7 miles) Sendero Principal is the primary route across La Tigra, though a handful of other trails in various states of maintenance branch off it. Even though the park is so close to Tegucigalpa, it has a surprisingly rich collection of flora and fauna. Mammals like pumas and armadillos are rare, though more than 350 species of birds have been identified, including the resplendent quetzal and wine-throated hummingbird.

Old Mine Building El Rosario San Juancito La Tigra National Park © Shutterstock

The capital of Honduras for more than three centuries before being moved to Tegucigalpa, Comayagua, 71km (45 miles) south of Lago de Yojoa, has the best-preserved colonial architecture in the country. Founded in 1537 by the Spanish explorer Alonso de Cáceres, much of the original city grid remains, along with palaces, churches, and squares.

At the north end of Parque Central, the Catedral de Santa María dates to the late 17th century and is a masterpiece of colonial architecture. Four of the original 16 hand-carved wooden altars have been immaculately maintained. Outside in the tower, the clock dates to around 1100 and was built for the Alhambra in Granada. Iglesia La Merced, four blocks to the south, is the oldest church in Comayagua.

Where to stay in Comayagua:

• For central location: Hotel Antigua Comayagua
• For a charming atmosphere: Apartamentos Casco Historico Comayagua

Honduras, Comayagua city © Shutterstock

Whitewater rafting (also known as river running) and kayaking are one of the best things to do in Honduras to observe the scenery and wildlife of the country. Dozens of professional outfitters around the region will provide all of the necessities. You can be assured that you are in good hands: guides have been through training in the classroom and on the rivers.

In Honduras, the Cangrejal River, on the border of Pico Bonito National Park, has Class III-IV rapids in turquoise water, dodging giant boulders as toucans fly overhead. The region’s longest rafting experience is in La Mosquitia, however, where 13-day expeditions run through the remote Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, giving spectacular views of rare wildlife.

Cangrejal river in Honduras © Shutterstock

Honduran cuisine is influenced by Spanish, African and indigenous cuisines. A distinctive feature of the cuisine is the variety of ingredients such as seafood, beans, plantain, maize and tropical fruits. The most popular Honduran dishes are:

• Baleadas: a popular street food dish consisting of a flour tortilla filled with fried beans, cheese and sometimes meat or avocado.
• Plátanos Maduros: ripe plantain that is fried and served as a side dish or appetizer.
• Carne Asada: grilled or roasted beef served with rice, beans and salad.

Honduran baleadas© Shutterstock

For more inspirational travel tips check our Rough Guide books .

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We may earn a commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Top image © John A. Anderson/Shutterstock

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Home » Central America » Honduras » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Honduras Travel Guide (2024)

Do you want to go on an epic backpacking adventure in one of Central America’s least-visited countries? If you answered yes, well, I’m going to guide you through everything you need to know about backpacking Honduras.

Honduras is certainly not the first country people think of when planning a trip to Central America, which makes it a prime candidate for backpackers who love off the beaten path travel experiences.

All too often backpackers traveling on the Central America gringo trail skip over Honduras entirely, but I’ll tell you right now: Don’t make that mistake!

I loved my time spent backpacking Honduras. This country is full of exciting things to discover. To start with, Honduras has truly spectacular Mayan ruins at Copan, some of the best/cheapest scuba diving in the Northern Hemisphere in the Bay Islands, and a fascinating mix of different cultures, food, and traditions.

All of that said, one quick Google search of Honduras will reveal a cascade of negative news stories about the country. The fact is, if we all listened to the travel warnings issued by our governments, we would be missing out on some of the world’s most exciting backpacker destinations.

Despite what you may read in the news, Honduras is a relatively safe country for backpackers who know their stuff. Whilst it is true that Honduras has one of the highest murder rates in the world, much of the violence is drug and gang-related, taking place in specific areas of the cities. Violence against backpackers is very rare.

Honduras truly has heaps of incredible experiences to offer travelers and travel guide on backpacking Honduras aims to show you the way.

I’ll provide everything you need to know about backpacking Honduras, including travel tips, the best places to visit, the top things to do in Honduras, where to stay, safety advice, Honduras backpacking itineraries, travel costs, scuba diving, and much more…

Vamos amigos!

Why Go Backpacking in Honduras?

Where you choose to go backpacking in Honduras will depend on your interests. The country is diverse and if you are short on time, you will need to pick and choose the right places to visit that align with your interests.

Of the two major cities, San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa are not appetizing backpacker destinations. You might need to pass through one or both of these cities en route to somewhere else in Honduras, but as a destination, I would suggest spending your time in Honduras elsewhere.

A few days spent in Tegucigalpa  might be appealing to backpackers, myself included, who want to appreciate the colonial architecture, markets, and urban chaos.

I spent the majority of my time in the Bay Islands . Utila is the main backpacker island, though the diving is arguably better off of the more expensive/touristy island of Roatan .

For hiking, outdoor pursuits, and mountain time, Honduras’ national parks have plenty to offer. Pico Bonito National Park is ground zero for all things outdoor adventure.

The most famous and significant Mayan ruins in Honduras are found at Copan near the Guatemala border.

In essence, Honduras has a lot going for it: gorgeous islands, raging rivers, and a cloud forest… It’s all here…

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Honduras

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So, let’s talk Honduras itineraries. Whether you have 2 weeks in Honduras or a few months to become a full-on scuba diving island bum, I have assembled several Honduras backpacking itineraries to help you make the most of your time in this cool Central American country.

These Honduras backpacking routes can be combined or tailored to suit your own interests and time frame.

7 Days in Honduras: Copan and Pico Bonito National Park

With seven days in Honduras, you can see many of mainland Honduras’ backpacker highlights. This itinerary assumes that you are traveling overland from Guatemala.

Since public transportation travel can be slow, I recommend under planning your Honduras schedule. A realistic itinerary will need to plan for slow transportation days.

This seven-day Honduras itinerary takes you through the famous Mayan ruins of Copan, San Pedro Sula, Lago de Yojoa, and Pico Bonito National Park.

Since Copan is the only major site of Mayan ruins in Honduras, there is a well-established tourist infrastructure in place to serve travelers visiting the site. As a whole, Honduras is NOT set up for budget travelers, which becomes obvious the minute you step foot in one of the big cities.

You can easily arrange for a shuttle or bus to transport you from the Guatemala side to Copan. For a cheaper option, you can use public transport to get close to Copan, though going with a direct shuttle saves you time and a boatload of hassle. More about getting to Copan later in the post.

Take the time to explore the Copan ruins thoroughly. Visit the villages and walking trails around Copan. After spending two days in the Copan area, you should be ready to move on.

Take a bus to San Pedro Sula en route to Lago de Yojoa , the biggest lake in Honduras. Be sure to start your journey to San Pedro Sula early as the chicken buses can take ages.

One can easily spend two days at Lago de Yojoa. The  Pulhapanzak Falls  are stunning! There are many things to do in and around the lake, though exploring the  Santa Bárbara Mountain  area was my favorite activity. Check out the boats for hire too if you want to get out onto the lake.

For the next several days, hit Pico Bonito National Park . The coastal town of  La Ceiba is the best candidate in terms of picking a base close to the park.

2 Weeks in Honduras: National Parks and the Bay Islands

Two weeks in Honduras is a better timeframe for a more in-depth Honduras backpacking adventure. With an extra week, you can focus your time on getting some island time as well!

Where to start this backpacking route will depend on where you are entering Honduras.

If you are flying to San Pedro Sula , it makes sense in a sort of roundabout way for you to hit Copan and Pico Bonito National Park before heading off to the Bay Islands.

Likewise, if you plan on flying to the Bay Islands and back to San Pedro Sula, it doesn’t really matter when you plan to visit “mainland” sites.

Let’s assume that you are traveling overland. I recommend following the same route as Itinerary #1 mentioned above to explore mainland Honduras.

After a week of exploring the country’s best mainland destinations, you will be well situated on the coast to catch a ferry to Utila . Before going to Utila though, be sure to explore the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve .

The reserve is home to some small, though epic Mayan sites, and wildlife like pumas, jaguars, and even sloths!

Utila is the most backpacker-focused place in Honduras. You can easily spend a week or more here, hiking, swimming, and getting your PADI open water scuba diving certification… or just chilling the F out. Many people end up staying longer than planned.

If you have island fever, consider heading over to Roatan for a few days. The diving around Roatan is excellent and this island will have incredible beaches, something Utila lacks being situated on the reef. Like Utila, Roatan is very well set up for travelers in terms of infrastructure and budget options.

One Month in Honduras: The Bay Islands Scuba Bum Life

If you love the ocean and have a month or more to spend in Honduras just go directly to the Bay Islands and never look back.

There is a huge community of backpackers living on Utila doing just that. Many travelers travel to Utila to take a scuba diving course, and some backpackers simply stick around, getting more certifications and diving every day.

You can then hop between islands, visiting Roatan and  Guanaja each for a short period before returning to Utila.

The advantage of having more time in Honduras is that you can take days to explore more of the national parks as well, once back on the mainland.

Of course with a month-long Honduras backpacking adventure, you could spend two weeks seeing the sites on the mainland before popping over to Utila, or just spend all of your time diving and chilling on the islands. It all depends on you.

My suggestion is that if you like diving (or want to learn how to dive) go to Utila and consider your options from there. This is one of the cheapest places in the world to dive or get certified, and the diving is incredible.

Link up with some other backpackers, rent a house, and spend a month partying, doing yoga, and scuba diving your ass off. That’s exactly what I did, and even now my Honduras/Bay Islands backpacking adventure remains was one of the most fun and rewarding periods of my backpacking career.

If eventually the island vibes prove to not be your thing or you need a break, you can always fall back on a mainland backpacking route.

Backpacking San Pedro Sula

I’ll be straight with you. San Pedro Sula is not a prime backpacker destination. With one of the highest murder rates of any place in the world (that is not a war zone), alarm bells should go off when talking about visiting San Pedro Sula.

However, there are several interesting things to do in San Pedro Sula. Start by exploring the  Guamilito market . The market is one of San Pedro Sula’s largest and most popular markets.

Be sure to supercharge your haggle game. You will be at a severe disadvantage if you possess the unfortunate (for money matters in Honduras) combination of having a white face and zero Spanish speaking skills. Still give it a shot! The market is located between the 8a and 9a Avenida and 5a y 6a Calles N.O. Simply tell your taxi driver the name of the market; he will have heard of it.

The Museum of Anthropology and History of San Pedro Sula is another worthwhile spot to spend an afternoon or morning. The cost of admission is $3. The museum is free on the first Sunday of every month!

Bearing in mind the security situation, if you spend a few days in San Pedo Sula you will most likely be fine. They don’t just line up backpackers against a wall and pick them off one by one.

A little bit of common sense and a few extra precautions will go a long way to ensure you have the best time you can possibly have backpacking San Pedro Sula.

Don’t wear flashy jewelry. Avoid carrying more cash on you than you need. Take taxis. Don’t go out at night unless you absolutely have to.

When I was 16, I went on a volunteering trip to San Pedro Sula. Mostly, I helped paint and refurbish an ancient orphanage. At the time, what little innocence I had left at the age of 16 was shattered at this orphanage. Kids as young as six years old were coming in off the street totally addicted to sniffing glue and other drugs after being forced into being child sex slaves. Super heavy I know, but these are the realities of San Pedro Sula.

Having been back several times since as a backpacker, it is safe to say that I still have some great attachment to San Pedro Sula even if I can’t fully explain it.

Backpacking Tegucigalpa

In terms of safety, Tegucigalpa is much the same as San Pedro Sula. You’ll need to have your shit together whilst backpacking here. Though I must emphasize that major violent crime against backpackers is very rare, and if you set yourself up for success you should be just fine.

Tegucigalpa is the capital of Honduras as well as the country’s most populated city. The first thing I noticed as my bus rolled into town is how green the surrounding hills are. This sprawling mess of a city was literally built out of the mountainous jungle.

You can start your visit to the city center by checking out the  Iglesia Los Dolores and the surrounding square. In a city full of urban sprawl, the colonial architecture and prominence of Iglesia Los Dolores are refreshing.

The St. Michael Cathedral adorning the Plaza Morazan is also worth a look.

Tegucigalpa is one of the few capital cities in the world with a complete lack of backpacker accommodation! Of the one or two hostels that do exist,  Palmira Hostel is best.

Backpacking the Copan Ruins

Copan was a major capital city of the Mayan civilization from the 5th to 9th centuries AD. Copan as a city was occupied for two thousand years!

Throughout its storied history, Copan was the site of many different kings, conquests, and general changes of power. Now, the greater Copan archaeological site makes up the most important Mayan ruin complex in Honduras. It can take several days to properly take in all of the intricate carvings, monuments, temples, and dwellings.

The Copan Archaeological Park entrance fee is now the equivalent to  $15.00  USD, but is well worth the money!

A popular way to get to Copan from Guatemala is via direct shuttle from Antigua, a city popular with backpackers about an hour outside of Guatemala City. The prices vary, but the average price is around $20/30 USD one way. The journey takes roughly 6-8 hours.

There are a few backpacker hostels around Copan that are clean and cheap.

You should start your day at Copan as early as possible in order to get the most out of your entrance ticket. Ideally, you should be able to see a majority of the ruins in one long day. Bring water and sun protection as Copan can be super humid and hot!

Backpacking Pico Bonito National Park

Pico Bonito is the best place in Honduras in terms of hiking and outdoor adventure pursuits. There are numerous short hiking trails that don’t require a guide.

The  Cangrejal River Valley is one of the top places to hike in the park. To access the valley you cross this epic suspension bridge over the river. One of the best day hikes in the park is the El Mapache Trail, which leads to the stunning El Bejuco Waterfall .

If you have the time, money, and ambition, you can aim to tackle the Pico Bonito Mountain trek . This trek is no joke. I did not personally attempt this hike, but I intend to someday!

The complete out and back trek and summit the mountain will take between 8-10 days. There is no permanent trail to get there, so expect days of tough hiking and hacking through the dense jungle. It would be stupid to attempt this hike without a guide.

La Moskitia Eco-Aventuras has a reputable reputation when it comes to arranging the Pico Bonito Mountain Trek. Good on you if you go for it! Please let me know in a comment below how it all went!

La Ceiba is the place to base yourself for Pico Bonito National Park exploration.

Backpacking La Ceiba

For many backpackers, the coastal port town of La Ceiba is just the gateway to the Bay Islands and nothing more. I suggest taking at least 2-3 days to hang out here, especially if you are keen to visit Pico Bonito National Park before heading off to the Bay Islands.

La Ceiba is Honduras’ fourth largest city, though it did not feel nearly as sketchy as San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa. That said, I still would not go out to unknown parts of the city when the sun goes down.

To get to the Bay Islands simply walk down to the main ferry terminal and book your ticket.

The best way to get to Utila from La Ceiba is aboard the ferry boat with a misleading name: The Dream . The Dream departs twice daily: once at 9:00 am and again at 4:40 pm. Ferry tickets cost the equivalent of $30 per person one way.

The La Ceiba ticket office is based at the “Muelle de Cabotaje”, the main cargo port of La Ceiba.  The ticket counter, luggage drop off, cafe and air-conditioned waiting area are located in the orange building.

Backpacking the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve

Located south of La Ceiba is the rugged and wild  Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve. The Rio Plantano region is a true wilderness area, home to indigenous tribes including the Miskito, Pech, and Tawakha peoples as well as Garifuna people from African descent.

It is almost impossible to really explore the Rio Platano on your own unless you are equipped with supreme wilderness/navigation skills, a boat, and all of the necessary gear. I am guessing you do not have all of those things on hand, so consider hiring a guide.

You can organize a 7-10 trip down the river that includes a mix of hiking, rafting, exploring, camping, and interacting with indigenous communities. If you are backpacking Honduras with no pressing time limit, I recommend you do a Rio Platano expedition with  La Moskitia Eco-Aventuras!

If you can wrangle together a group of 7 or more, the price is $1,287 per person for a 10-day adventure.

Backpacking Utila Island

Once you get off the ferry in Utila you have officially entered an alternate reality. Utila is unlike the rest of mainland Honduras in just about every way. Suddenly you find yourself surrounded by backpackers, dive shops, hostels, burger shacks, smoothie stands, and pirate bars.

It is important to know that Utila is very much a developed backpacker hotspot. Don’t expect to discover an undeveloped private island. That said, the development that has taken place has not totally sucked the island dry of its charm. It may have improved it actually.

Utila has basically developed into a backpacker oasis where scuba diving by day and partying by night is most people’s daily routine. Losing track of time and the day of the week is to be expected. Utila is that kind of place.

In fact, I fucking love Utila.

There are now dozens of scuba diving operators on the island. This means that you have your pick of what company you want to go diving with. Options are abundant and prices are competitive.

When you are not diving, you can explore the island on foot or by bike. There are beaches on the far end of the island where you won’t find any people at all. Sadly, when I visited Pumpkin Hill there was heaps of plastic shit lying on the beach.

Best Scuba Dive Shops in Utila

Welcome to (one of) the cheapest places in the world to get your PADI scuba diving certification!

I got my PADI open water diving certificate at Utila Dive Centre ; known locally as UDC. I was certified several years ago during my first visit to Utila.

At the time (2014) it costed roughly $200 and included three nights of accommodation at the Mango Inn. I was only supposed to get a bed in a crowded dorm, but for some reason, they gave me a private room for the same price.

UDC was nothing but professional. I highly recommend going with them if you decide to do any diving or dive training! Another great dive shop is Alton’s Dive Center.

For 2021, I am not sure about the exact price for a 3-day open watercourse. I suggest you shop around the dive shops when you get there; don’t book ahead, as you will probably get a better deal in person. You can contact UDC here to get prices.

Moreover, some centers have better equipment, an instructor you’ll vibe with, a more party setting versus laidback. It just depends on what you want; ask to meet instructors, see the tanks, accommodation, etc.

There are two places that stick out in my mind as my favorite Utila eating/drinking spots. For breakfast, hit up Thompson’s Bakery for some god damn tasty Johnny Cakes (fluffy biscuits). Their cinnamon rolls are also top tier!

For the best place to drink in Utila, look no further than the Skidrow Bar . The true hedonism of Utila is on display here day in and day out.

Skidrow Bar is very much an island institution. You are always bound to meet some new friends at Skidrow; it’s kinda unavoidable. Go and find out what the  Guifitti Challenge is all about. Shudder .

Also, Skidrow has some very good food at low prices as well. Try the Mexican food—it is all on point.

Backpacking Roatan Island

Roatan is the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands. Roatan is the more developed, more expensive, and family friendly big brother of Utila. The island attracts a very different crowd indeed. Ex-pat retirees, yachties, families with kids, and cruise ship tourists make up a large majority of the demographic found on Roatan at any given time.

One good thing I can say about Roatan is that the dive sites are excellent around the island. If you are a keen diver, Roatan is well worth a visit.

If you don’t get sick of the diving around Utila, there is really no need to go to Roatan. After Utila, frankly, parts of Roatan are disappointing, less charming, and obviously more expensive.

There is one boat leaving Utila every day for Roatan. The price at last check was $30 per person one way (though the prices may have increased some since the publication of this article).

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Honduras

As a whole, Honduras is an off the beaten path country that just happens to be on the well-beaten Central America gringo trail.

Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala all receive far more backpackers than Honduras does annually. If you take away the Bay Islands, 99% of Honduras is essentially off the beaten track.

There is a whole universe of potential backpacking adventures to get into in Honduras. A vast majority of them are simply not known by the collective backpacker consciousness.

Getting off the beaten path in Honduras, however, requires treading a fine line. Go to Honduras and get off the beaten path but be smart about how and where you do it.

There are few guaranteed “safety nets” in Honduras (which is more of a metaphor than to be taken literally. I saw no physical safety nets in Honduras FYI).

What I mean is that you are very much reliant on your own street smarts, wits, and judgment once you leave the small backpacker trail that does exist in Honduras…but in essence, that is what a backpacking adventure is all about. Right?

Always remember that Honduras is a country with high levels of poverty and crime. Locals are simply not accustomed to seeing large amounts of travelers passing through. Many locals I met in less-trod places were nothing but hospitable, kind, and curious.

Use good judgment when exploring new places and you should be just fine.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

There is plenty of awesomeness to discover in this beautiful country. Below I have listed the  10 best things to do in Honduras:

1. Visit the Copan Ruins

The Copan ruins are among the top 3 most important Mayan sites in all of Central/North America. Visit Copan to get your mind blown by the stunning engineering/artistic/cultural accomplishments of the Maya.

2. Explore the National Parks of Honduras

There are 18 national parks in Honduras and each one of them is worth checking out. Since you will likely not have the time to see them all, pick a few, lace up your hiking boots , and hit the trail.

3. Take a boat onto Lago de Yojoa

Lago de Yojoa is Honduras’ largest lake. More than 480 species of birds have been recorded here! Enough said.

4. Get your PADI Open Water Certificate in the Bay Islands

Want to get your scuba certification for the cheapest price this side of Thailand? Come to the Bay Islands and enroll in a scuba diving course. Prepare to be introduced to a new life-long love: diving!

5. Arrive into Honduras by Boat

Quick Tangent: On one occasion, I entered Honduras on a private catamaran owned by a drunken middle-aged Canadian dude named Guy. We left from Rio Dulce in Guatemala (the morning after I was stabbed and robbed, that’s another story) and arrived at Utila in the Bay Islands.

The trip took 2 days and was an experience I’ll never forget. The trip was an inebriated shit show that involved fishing, naked swimming, great food, and seawater soaking me in the middle of the night because I didn’t close the porthole window properly. I’ll leave it at that.

If you’re lucky you may be able to find Guy (if he is still alive) drinking rum at the Sun Dog Cafe in Rio Dulce or the Skidrow Bar in Utila. Good luck.

6. Go on an expedition deep into the Rio Platano Biosphere

It’s not the cheapest option, but sometimes an excellent, truly unique adventure requires a little investment. I guarantee that afterward, the last thing you will be thinking about is the money you spent.

7. Explore some of the lesser known Bay Islands

Apart from Utila and Roatan, the Bay Islands are remote, wild, and fucking gorgeous. It certainly takes some effort and a little cash to get to some of these islands (like Cayos Conchinos), but it is well worth it indeed.

8. Visit the Cathedrals in Tegucigalpa

Tegucigalpa is not overflowing with beautiful buildings, but its colonial-era architecture is well worth the visit if you find yourself in the city for a day or two.

9. Eat Street Food

If you’ve backpacked around Central America (not including Mexico) then you are probably aware of how a majority of the food lacks that “wow” factor. In Honduras, you can find some very tasty street food at broke backpacker prices. I’m a huge fan of  baleadas.

10. Volunteer in Honduras

There are a handful of cool projects, organizations, and hostels to get involved with within Honduras. What you get out of traveling takes on a new meaning when you start giving back to others in need. More on volunteering in Honduras later in the article.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

The majority of Honduras is seriously lacking in backpacker accommodation. Considering the standard cost of living in Honduras, I was shocked to learn how expensive some of the mid-range hotels found in cities can be.

The Bay Islands and Utila do have plenty of hostels and cheap accommodation options as does the area around the Copan ruins. Across the rest of Honduras, however, there is no backpacker “scene,” so obviously backpacker hostels are an unknown fucking concept. That said, there is usually a cheap (maybe not so clean) hotel or guesthouse to be found in most places.

In order to find the best price in a place lacking hostels, you will need to shop around and haggle your ass off.

Something worth noting is that all hotels/hostels etc tack on a 16% tax to the nightly rate on each person per night.

One of my favorite ways to meet locals and save some cash is to use Couchsurfing. Couchsurfing truly is one of the best tools available to help save you money traveling. Plus, you are always bound to meet interesting people! In times of COVID – CS is not really an ethical option anymore. Hopefully, someday soon the CS scene will see a revival.

Wild Camping in Honduras

Camping in Honduras is tough during the best of times. From a safety perspective camping in or around villages (certainly not around cities!) is not a good idea.

Leaving your stuff in a tent while you go for a short walk is basically like donating all of your stuff to the general public. The vast majority of Hondurans are not thieves, but the temptation of a tent loaded with cool stuff may just be too much for them to pass up on.

That said, there are some opportunities to wild camp in Pico Bonito National Park and the Rio Platano area .

Another serious factor when contemplating wild camping in Honduras is the weather, mosquitos, and the natural environment. Honduras is hot, humid, and it can rain like there is no tomorrow.

Plus, the beautiful places ideal for camping have plenty of deadly creatures you need to worry about…or at least ones you should know about.

I don’t say that Honduras and camping shouldn’t mix. You just need to be realistic about the potential dangers, hazards, and general annoyances such an undertaking may present. Above all else, if you decide to make camping part of your Honduras backpacking experience, bring the right gear!

Get familiar with   “leave no trace principles”  and put them into practice.

If you are in the market for a solid, lightweight, and reliable tent, I highly recommend the  MSR Hubba Hubba 2-person tent . This compact tent is up to the challenge of battling Honduras’ subtropical weather. To get to know this tent better, check out my in-depth  MSR Hubba Hubba Review .

The prices I encountered in Honduras were often perplexing. Some things were outrageously cheap, like food and beer, but other equally important things like transportation and accommodation can get expensive if you don’t do your due diligence.

Booking adventure tours and doing LOTS of scuba diving is likely to eat a hole in your budget really quick. I suggest that you plan your trip based on your own interests.

Come up with a plan that will allow you to spend as much time as humanly possible diving, trekking, or whatever your fancy may be.

A reasonable backpacker budget for mainland Honduras is between $25-45/day . On the Bay Islands , your budget will be around $50-75/day (including a morning of scuba diving).

Hostel prices do vary, but when you are able to find a proper hostel normally it will be under $15 for a dorm bed.

Here is what you can expect to spend on a daily basis whilst backpacking Honduras:

A Daily Budget in Honduras

Money in honduras.

The national currency of Honduras is the Lempira. ATMs are available at or around backpacker destinations in Honduras, including the Bay Islands as well as in the big cities.

Whilst I was on Utila Island, the ATM machine ran out of money, twice. I’d say for the islands it is ok to have a stash of cash on you or in your hostel room (maybe lock it up). The last thing you want is for the machine to run out of money on you and prevent you from scuba diving (or eating!) so plan accordingly.

Some of the dive shops on Utila and Roatan accept USD as payment.

Travel Tips – Honduras on a Budget

Camp: There is no shortage of physical places to camp in Honduras. The practicality and safety of camping, however, needs to be judged on a case by case basis. The higher elevations in the national parks/cloud forests make for the most enjoyable camping spots, in my opinion. Realistically though, you will not be doing much camping in Honduras.

Cook your own food:  Travel with a  portable backpacking stove  and cook your own food when possible/practical to save some serious cash whilst backpacking across Honduras. If you plan to do some overnight hiking trips or camping having a backpacking stove will be ESSENTIAL to your success. My two personal go-to stoves are the  MSR Pocket Rocket 2  and my  Jetboil . Hostel cooking (at least one meal per day) is also key to saving money long term.

Do activities in Groups: If you plan to go for a chartered snorkle boat ride or a long trek, the prices will always be cheaper as you have more people in the group to chip in.

Check out my in-depth review of the  MSR Pocket Rocket 2 here .

Why You Should Travel to Honduras with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

February and June are the driest months in Honduras and also when the diving in the Bay Islands is at its best. Hurricane season in much of the Caribbean is in September and October. It makes sense to avoid the Bay Islands during that time.

Apart from the dry season in the Bay Islands, Honduras really doesn’t experience the huge highs and lows of seasonal tourism felt in neighboring countries.

That said, spillover backpacker activity from neighboring countries does slow down during the rainy season as there are fewer backpackers traveling in Central America in general. (IE fewer backpackers visiting Copan from Guatemala, etc.)

The Caribbean coast is always going to be muggy, hot, and prone to sudden showers any time of year. Your best bet for dry weather falls between March and May.

Festivals in Honduras

There is always something fun to get into in Honduras. Depending on the time of year you find yourself backpacking in Honduras, there are many cool festivals to check out. Here are a few of the  top festivals in Honduras:

• Semana Santa: The Easter holiday is huge across all of Latin America. Honduras is no different; Semana Santa is a big deal. Oddly enough one of the best places to experience Semana Santa in Honduras is near the Copan Ruins (the Mayans were not Catholic).
• Lluvia de Peces: Listen up! This festival is a little—how shall I put this —halfway rooted in reality. After a massive rainstorm in the small mountain town of Yoro, it is said that fish rain down from the sky. You read that right. The residents claim it happens a few times a year. Fish literally flopping on the streets, alive. Only one way to find out.
• Punta Gorda Festival: This festival, held both by and for the Garifuna People of Honduras, takes place on April 12th of each year. The largest event takes places at Punta Gorda. Food. Dancing. Rum.
• Feria Juniana: If ever there was a time to party with the locals in San Pedro Sula it would be for the Feria Juniana. This festival takes place in June. Lots of live music and drinking. Don’t party down so hard that you let your guard down completely…this is San Pedro Sula we’re talking about!

What you decide to pack will depend on where you’re going, what activities you have planned, and what the weather will be like. If you’re just going to hang on the beach, you can just show up in your swimsuit and tank top and be ready to rock.

Be sure to pack some good shoes if you plan on exploring the cities and/or engaging in outdoor activities. It’s also a good idea to bring an extra day bag to carry with you to the beach or for big sightseeing days.

Depending on the time of year, you’ll probably want to wear a hat and sunglasses.

On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without:

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Okay, so you know that Honduras has its lion’s share of security and safety issues. So, is Honduras safe ? Remember – this ain’t Switzerland. The streets in Honduras are rough and the last thing you want to do is put yourself in a position where harm could come your way.

Again, Honduras is a safe place for backpackers to travel. The violence and murders running rampant throughout the country for decades are gang, drug, and power-related. This should not involve you in any way, shape, or form unless you get very unlucky or put yourself in a bad situation through a series of poor choices.

Always keep a close eye on your stuff. Never take your eyes off of your backpack or daypack. Try to limit the amount of cash you carry at any one time.

Never dress fancy or rock any expensive shit like fancy jewelry, high-end watches, earrings, etc. Basically, don’t draw unnecessary attention your way.

Being white or obviously looking foreign will automatically draw curious eyes your way. Curiosity is one thing. Curiosity is normal human behavior. People eyeing your $3000 Sony camera like a dog watching a cooking steak is another thing and should be cause for concern.

The point being, stash your valuables and watch your gear like a hawk watches its chicks, especially in the big cities.

Look like the dirty backpacker that you are. Look like you have nothing worth a damn to steal. Again, a vast majority of Honduran people are honest, hard-working, light-hearted human beings who will do you no harm whatsoever. You get what I am saying though.

I did not take any anti-malaria pills whilst backpacking Honduras, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have them.

Check out our Backpacker Safety 101  for tips and tricks to stay safe wherever the heck you are in the world.

Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Honduras

Honduras is full of opportunities to get down. Utila is ground zero for all things party related. Booze, weed, ecstasy, cocaine are abundant. The cocaine is a little more under the radar (as it should be), though it’s around if you want it.

Anywhere other than the Bay Islands I would not try to buy drugs of any kind.

Keep in mind that the blow you are putting up your nose is the cause of much of the terror, murder, and general chaos carried out by rival drug gangs in Honduras.

Ethical cocaine simply does not exist. In short, Honduras is fucked up largely due to cocaine and other drug trafficking, which is directly linked to the foreign desire for the product. Something to ponder anyway.

All over Honduras, you can find cheap beer. Sugar Cane liquor is also dirt cheap and probably strong enough to run a motorbike to Guatemala City and back.

Prostitution in Honduras is rampant. As I said before, I have met kids who were forced into the industry. Most of the people who are sex workers (I assume) in Honduras are only doing sex work for lack of anything else to do for work (or they simply don’t have a choice in the matter).

On top of all of that heaviness, AIDS and other STD’s are also an ever-present threat poised by hiring sex workers.

I would seriously think twice (maybe five times) before hiring a sex worker in Honduras. Both from a human/ethical point of view and a health/safety perspective; sex tourism in Honduras is not a positive thing no matter how you look at it.

Travel Insurance for Honduras

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

When looking for insurance, make sure the company you go with covers adventure sports like scuba diving and trekking.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

The two main international airports in Honduras are located in San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. More travelers are now flying into San Pedro Sula as it provides a better jump off point to the coast as well as other major backpacker destinations within Honduras.

It is also possible to fly to La Ceiba and Roatan in the Bay Islands, but the flights are far from cheap.

It is possible to take an overland bus to a big city in Honduras from any of the surrounding countries capital cities, though these journeys are often arduous (I have done it twice).

Entry Requirements for Honduras

Citizens of the US, the UK, Western Europe, Australia, Canada, etc do NOT need to apply for visas in advance. Actually, Honduras has some of the least restrictive border policies I have ever heard of.

Whether traveling to Honduras by land or plane, you’ll get your stamp on arrival at customs. A tourist visa on arrival is valid for 90 days.

Note:  The government of Honduras requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if a traveler is arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever, which is important to know if you are coming from Colombia or Venezuela.

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Traveling By Bus and Private Car in Honduras

The cheapest way to travel in Honduras is by chicken bus. Chicken buses are not nearly as cheap as they should be! Skyrocketing fuel prices in Honduras have created a surge in transportation prices. Still, chicken buses are the cheapest option.

The more comfortable, faster, and much more expensive option is to book a shuttle or to hire a private driver. Shuttles only operate from big cities to popular tourist hotspots like Copan and La Ceiba (to get to the islands).

Honduras is still figuring out how the hell to get backpackers around the country.

If you are only planning to visit a handful of spots, shuttle travel may be the best way to go from a convience point of view.

Hitchhiking in Honduras

I did not hitchhike in Honduras, nor did I meet anyone who did. I’d say for very short distances out in the countryside or around some of the national parks, you shouldn’t have any trouble, but I admit I don’t know that for sure.

Use your instincts. If somebody or a place gives you bad vibes, stop hitching and take the bus.

Onward Travel from Honduras

Getting in and out of Honduras is relatively easy since there are many long-distance bus operators. What is easy may not always be fun though. The distances can be quite tedious as the long-distance buses never travel fast, stop often, and are prone to breaking down.

I took a 12-passenger shuttle bus from La Ceiba to Leon, Nicaragua. The journey took 16 hours non-stop and was one of the most uncomfortable rides of my life. Plus it was something like $80 USD!!

I thought my partner at the time was going to totally freak out; she couldn’t take it anymore. I also thought the driver was going to fall asleep at the wheel for sure, but at 2 am, we made it!

You can also cross overland to Guatemala or El Salvador! Check out our guide on Backpacking Central America if you are planning a long trip across multiple countries.

Flying is always the most comfortable option, though the prices are so high it can be hard to justify it. Do some flight research; you never know when you will find a good deal.

Picking up a little work in Honduras is a bit complicated. All of the young foreigners I met “living” in Honduras who were working in some capacity were doing so on a tourist visa (so in other words, illegally).

There are some opportunities to be had here though – pretty much exclusively on the Bay Islands. Some people come to Honduras to get their scuba certification, fall in love with scuba diving (or their instructor), and then end up staying to get their instructor certification – with the hopes of eventually finding a paid gig leading scuba dives for clients.

The Bay Islands are awash with foreign scuba instructors, but there is always a chance one of the operators will hire you after you do your full instructor course with them. The pay won’t be great, but you will probably make enough to cover some of your accommodation and food while living the scuba dream.

There are also work-exchange opportunities in some of the ex-pat bars on Utila as well.

Digital nomads will find the Bay Islands to be a great base for a little while (if you can find a good internet connection).

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Internet in Honduras

Internet in Honduras is pretty hit or miss. I found the WiFi to be pretty slow on Utila and in other parts of the country, though I imagine going into 2021 the situation will be better than when I was there. If you have recent experience with the internet on Utila, let us know in the comments!

To be frank, I wasn’t using the internet much in Honduras. Since my phone was stolen in a knife-attack robbery in Guatemala, I did not have any device with me to regularly check-in online. It was fantastic.

In rural areas, don’t expect there to be much internet of any quality. You will find the best wifi in the whole country in the two big cities, San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.

Teaching English in Honduras

Finding paid English teaching gigs in Honduras are not unheard of – but one needs to have realistic expectations. If you end up teaching in a school, the wages will be modest and you might not make enough to properly live on. This will need to be a passion project endeavor – though I imagine the experience would be truly special.

You will need some qualifications however.

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online,  TEFL courses  open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on  teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with  MyTEFL  (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Volunteer in Honduras

My first ever major international travel trip on my own was when I was 16 – and I went to Honduras. I ended up volunteering in an orphanage outside of San Pedro Sula for a few weeks. The experience was sobering to say the least – but I made some genuine connections with some of the boys living there and I felt like a made a difference with my work. Plus we played a TON of football every day.

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in Honduras including teaching, construction, agriculture and pretty much anything.

Honduras is one of the least developed countries in Central America so there is a high demand for volunteers. English teaching and social work are areas where you can make a huge difference to local communities. Other opportunities include hospitality, conservation, and web development. You don’t need a visa to volunteer in Honduras for less than 90 days, but longer stays may have specific requirements depending on the work you’re doing.

If you want to find volunteering opportunities in Honduras, then we recommend that you Signup for Worldpackers –  a volunteer platform that connects local hosts directly with traveling volunteers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10 when you sign up. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Hondurans know how to make tasty food! Here are some of my favorite Honduran traditional foods to try:

Baleadas : The perfect eat anytime snack or meal. Baleadas are fucking delicious creations that are basically large soft tacos filled with avocado, meat, egg, and cheese. You should probably eat at least one per day.

Pastelitos de Care : When I first try one of these savory meat pies, it reminded me of something I ate in Tunisia, of all places. It was the raisins! Pastelitos contain the perfect balance of meat, wine, raisins, onions and spices to keep your mouth watering for more.

Pupusas : Now people from El Salvador will argue that the Pupusa comes from their country, and Hondurans vice versa. I say who the hell cares? Let’s eat pupusas!

Tacos : Outside of Mexico, Honduran tacos are my favorite tacos in Central America.

Black Bean Soup : A traditional soup that tastes a bit like American Chili minus the cumin.

Fried or BBQ Fish : When you are on the coast or around Lake Yojoa, eating some variation of fried or BBQ fish is mandatory!

Horchata : A creamy, rice-based beverage spiced with cinnamon and loads of sugar. I love horchata so much that I make a huge batch a few times a year no matter where I am.

Johnny Cakes : When in Utila, Johnny Cakes are a staple in the diet of any dedicated scuba diver. They are basically just biscuits (American biscuits, not British cookies) topped with whatever is on hand. I am an egg-ham-and cheese man myself.

When the opportunity presents itself, I highly recommend you get to know some locals! You have to be able to speak some Spanish to connect with people as English is not commonly spoken in Honduras (outside of the Bay Islands). So study up,  gringo (or non-Spanish speaking folks who don’t identify as gringos)!

A majority of the population of Honduras are of mixed Spanish and indigenous origin ( Mestizo ). The rest of the country’s demographic is made up of several main ethnic groups.

These prominent indigenous groups are:

• Ch’orti’:  A Mayan group living in the northwest on the border with Guatemala;
• Garifuna: A community originating from Africa and the West Indies speaking a Carib language.
• Pech or Paya Indians:  From a small area in the Olancho department;
• Tolupan: Primarily living in the Department of Yoro and in the reserve of the Montaña de la Flor.
• Lenca Indians: A group from the western highlands of Intibuca, Lempira, La Paz, Valle and Choluteca departments.
• Miskito Indians:   Northeast coast group in the Gracias A Dios department.

Useful Travel Phrases for Honduras

Learning a bit of Spanish is a great way to get the most out of your trip. When I became fluent in Spanish, it really changed the way I was able to travel around Central America and beyond. It is such a useful language to know! You can speak it in over 20 countries!

Below are some useful Spanish phrases for backpacking Honduras. While most people speak English in the Bay Islands – which was a British colony for a long time by the way – for everywhere else pretty much – knowing a little Spanish will carry you a long way!

Hola = Hello

¿Cómo está(s)? = How are you?

Mucho gusto = Nice to meet you

Estoy bien = I’m fine

Por favor = Please

Gracias = Thank you

De nada/Con gusto = You’re welcome

¿Cuánto? = How much?

Adiós = Goodbye  

Sin bolsa de plastico  = No plastic bag

No paja por favor  = No straw please

No hay cubiertos de plástico por favor  = No plastic cutlery please

Lo siento = I’m sorry

¿Dónde está el baño? = Where is the bathroom?

¿Qué es esto? = What’s this?

Quiero un taco/una cerveza . = I want a taco/a beer.

¡Salud! = Cheers! 

Books to Read when Backpacking in Honduras

Here are some of my favorite books set in Honduras:

• Lost City of the Monkey God  — In 2012, author Douglas Preston joined a team of explorers searching for Ciudad Blanca (“The White City”), a legendary ruin hidden in the dense jungle of eastern Honduras. This book reveals the socio-political consequences that such a discovery brought upon a country like Honduras.
• Enrique’s Journey — “An astonishing story that puts a human face on the ongoing debate about immigration reform in the United States.” Powerful and important to understanding the current situation in Honduras.
• Madness is Better Than Defeat — “Shot through with intrigue, ingenuity, and adventure, and showcasing Beauman’s riotous humor, spectacular imagination, and riveting prose,  Madness Is Better Than Defeat  is a novel without parallel: inventive, anarchic, and delightfully insane.”
• Reinterpreting the Banana Republic — A sobering new analysis of Honduran social and political development over the last century.
• Lonely Planet Honduras — For all of the stuff not covered by me here in this guide.

A Brief History of Honduras

From the great Mayan civilization to colonization, pirates, rum runners, slaves, and years of political unrest, Honduras’ past is as complicated as its present moment. Let’s take a look at some of the major events that shaped Honduras.

1502:  Honduras was first “discovered” by Europeans when Christopher Columbus arrived at the Bay Islands on July 30th 1502 on his fourth voyage to this part of the world. On the 14 of August 1502, Columbus landed on the mainland near modern Trujillo.

Columbus named the country Honduras (meaning “depths”) for the deep waters off its coast.

1536:  During the period leading up to the conquest of Honduras by Pedro de Alvarado, many indigenous people along the north coast of Honduras were captured and taken as slaves to work on Spain’s Caribbean plantations, mostly sugar cane fields. It wasn’t until Alvarado defeated the indigenous resistance headed by Çocamba near Ticamaya that the Spanish began to conquer the country in 1536.

Fast forward a few centuries.

1821: Honduras declared independence from Spain.

1920 -1923: Seventeen uprisings or attempted coups in Honduras contributed to the United States’ growing concern over political instability in Central America.

1932-49  – Honduras is now under right-wing National Party of Honduras (PNH) dictatorship led by General Tiburcio Carias Andino.

Late 20th Century Honduras

1969  – Brief but costly war with El Salvador over heavy immigration and disputed border.

1981  – Roberto Suazo Cordova of the centrist Liberal Party of Honduras (PLH) is elected president, leading the first civilian government in more than a century.

But armed forces chief General Gustavo Alvarez retains considerable power and Honduras becomes embroiled in various regional conflicts. US-run camps for training Salvadorans in counterinsurgency are set up on Honduran territory.

1982  – US-backed Nicaraguan counter-revolutionaries, or Contras, launch operations to bring down Nicaragua’s Sandinista government from Honduran territory.

1982-83  – General Alvarez responds to increasing political unrest by ordering the detention of trade union activists and left-wing sympathizers. Death squads are allegedly used to eliminate subversive elements.

2002  January – Honduras re-establishes diplomatic ties with Cuba which it severed in 1961 when Cuba was expelled from Organisation of American States.

2012  May – Thousands march to protest the wave of violence against journalists – more than 20 of whom have been killed in the past three years.

Backpacking Honduras is so special because it is an off the beaten path country in a complicated part of the world. Getting to know what makes Honduras tick is half the fun of backpacking here.

The people in Honduras have seen hard times in recent years, but there is a certain determination in their spirt and a deep desire to make their country drive once more.

Backpackers who get to know Honduras fall in love with the country’s food, people, islands, mountains, and jungles. In Honduras, the good times just keep rollin’.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Trekking in Honduras

Trekking in Honduras has the potential to have a fully developed industry, but as of now, most backpackers are limited to day hikes rather than full-on multi-day trekking.

Depending on your motivation and keenness to get out and explore, there are plenty of hiking opportunities in Honduras if you know where to look. Let’s take a look at some of the best treks/hikes in Honduras…

Cusuco National Park: Located near the legendary Mayan city of Copan, Cusuco National Park is a great place to discover some of Honduras’ amazing wildlife. Waterfalls, impressive flora, and the Taulabe Caves all make Cusuco an accessible hiking destination in Honduras.

Montaña de Celaque National Park: Here you can tackle Honduras’ tallest mountain: Cerro Las Minas. Once you start to climb into the cloud forest’s altitude, the weather cools and you begin to feel a freshness that you haven’t felt since you entered Honduras. Camping within the park is possible and in fact, there are even campgrounds! Campamento Don Tomas, El Naranjo, and El Quetzal are the three main campsites found along the hike to/from Cerro Las Minas. Hiring a guide isn’t really necessary as the trail is well marked once you find it.

Pico La Picucha in Olancho: Another stunning area of the cloud forest variety. Be prepared for the weather though as it rains here more than it doesn’t. Also, you are almost guaranteed to not see any other hikers, so enjoy this slice of Honduran heaven.

Hikes around Las Marias/Rio Platano: There are a number of treks I have heard about in the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve. I did not personally tackle these treks, but I hear good things. It is possible to arrange 2-4 day treks here—which I’m sure would be very impressive as the whole rest of the Rio Platano is bloody gorgeous.

Scuba Diving in Honduras

The Bay Islands are sitting on top of the 2nd largest great barrier reef in the world: The Great Mesoamerican Reef.

As you now know, I am a big fan of the scuba diving scene in Utila. In fact, I think if you asked backpackers why they chose to come to Honduras, most would tell you that diving is the main reason. Cheap beer, affordable diving, island living… what the hell is not to like?

Whether you have five days or five months, the scuba diving in Honduras and the associated backpacker community that has swelled around the sport has certainly formed Honduras into a world-class diving destination… and a bit of scuba diving is not to be missed!

In Utila, the dive/backpacker scene is easily half the draw of the place, but for a more diving focused trip, there are essentially endless options to be found off the coast of all of the Bay Islands. That is if you have the money to hire a boat to take you out.

With boat transport, you can reach some truly untouched, spectacular dive sites in the more remote parts of the Bay Islands. Buena Suerte!

Surfing in Honduras

The Honduras coast and its geography do not make for good waves. There isn’t really any consistent quality surf breaks here. Head to Nicaragua or Costa Rica and you will find all the surf you need.

Stick to diving in Honduras!

In Honduras and especially the Bay Islands, there is no shortage of occasions or opportunities in which to get down. I am all for people having a good time and letting loose. That said, don’t drink so much that you embarrass yourself, your country, and everyone within 100 feet of you.

I am far from innocent. There have been many times during my travels where I let myself and the situation get out of hand. It’s easy to do! With all the booze around in Honduras, it doesn’t take much before you do something that you will later regret. Ah, the hangovers while scuba diving.

Go to Honduras and have the time of your life, do the things you’ve dreamed of, but  be respectful  along the way.  Traveling the world makes you an ambassador for your country, which is awesome.

Try to  limit or eliminate your consumption of plastic and single-use containers  as much as possible. When I was traveling around Central America, I simply bought a cheap bowl, carried it with me, and would just have street vendors fill it.

We can have a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of ugly stereotypes that may be associated with our countries… Climbing on ancient Mayan temple walls, monuments, or other historical artifacts should be avoided. Duh! Learn to appreciate the cultural treasures of Honduras and don’t be that asshole who adds to their demise.

Happy travels amigos…

Aiden Freeborn

Share or save this post

Hola! Thank you for that impressive overview! Currently I’m in Antigua and want to visit Livingston and then travel directly from there with a boat (catameran) to Utila! Unfortunately I can’t find any further information on how to do that… Can you describe in a little more detail how you did that?

Many thanks in advance! Andreas

Hey…here to plan my trip to Honduras but I keep having a question … as im flying from Costa Rica and the plan is backpacking Honduras and keep going to Guate without any rush and no flight back …. would I have any problems with migration? is someone asking to prove somehow how and when ill be leaving the country???

thanks in advance!

This can certainly happen, make sure first and foremost you understand the entry requirements for the countries you plan to visit, some countries require you have a onward ticket before you arrive. You can be prevented from boarding by your airline at the point of departure in some cases, if you don’t have this. On the other hand you may not be asked at all, as sometimes it comes down to the individual officer you at immigration.

Very well done – I first came to Honduras [Utila] in 1994.

I am a Canadian doing volunteer work in Honduras with an NGO called CAMO in Santa Rosa de Copan.

I really need to know about this kind of backpacking. Thanks

Honduras is trending now as one of the bests countries in the world to travel. If you have the chance you shoudl check it out.

An outstanding presentation on your Site.

This is a considerable post – So clear and easy to follow on the subject of.. Great insights.

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Top 18 Things to do in Roatan, Honduras

R oatan is an island in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Honduras . It is the largest of the Bay Islands and the most developed tourist destination in Honduras. Roatan is known for its scuba diving and snorkeling sites, as well as its beaches.

Roatan is populated by many different cultures and people. You’ll find ex-pats as well as many Afro-Hondurans and people of mixed ancestry. Roatan has a wide variety of restaurants and bars, as well as many different activities to keep tourists entertained.

Roatan is a beautiful place to explore whether you have just or many days on a more extended vacation.

Things to do in Roatan

1. go scuba diving or snorkeling..

Roatan is known for its clear waters and beautiful coral reefs. There are many dive shops and tour operators on the island that can help you plan your trip.

A large coral reef called the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is off the coast of Roatan. This reef is the second largest in the world and home to a wide variety of marine life.

2. Visit West Bay Beach.

This is the most popular beach on the island, and it is well-known for its white sand and turquoise waters. There are many restaurants and bars in the area, as well as a variety of shops.

3. Explore the island.

Roatan is a beautiful island, and there is much to see and do. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and caves to explore. You can also take a tour of the island on a bicycle or ATV.

4. Go fishing.

Roatan is home to some of the best fishing in the world. There are many charter companies that can take you out for a day of fishing. Discuss what kind of fishing is popular in Roatan.

5. Relax on the beach.

With its beautiful beaches and clear waters, Roatan is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

The best beaches for relaxing are West Bay Beach, Sandy Bay Beach, Palm Beach, and Tabayana Beach.

6. Visit a museum.

The Flamingo Cultural Center is a small museum that showcases the history and culture of Roatan. You can also explore the Bay Islands Underwater Museum, which is a snorkeling adventure.

7. Eat local food.

Roatan has a wide variety of restaurants, but you should also try some of the traditional Honduran dishes.

If you’re looking for something to eat, try the national dish of Honduras, which is called Baleadas. Baleadas are flour tortillas filled with refried beans, cheese, and sour cream. Be sure and try conch fritters too, a Caribbean favorite.

Chapi Catrachas  – They have wonderful baleadas, especially the avocado baleadas!

Thirsty Turtle Bar & Grill – The food is great, but the prices are even better. Every day they have a different food and drink special. On Tuesday nights there is a free fire show and it was awesome!

8. Zipline over the canopy.

There are a few options for ziplining in Roatan, including at Mahogony Bay cruise port. My favorite place to zipline though is the Pirates of the Caribbean Zipline. The course is incredible, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

9. Go horseback riding.

There are several companies that offer horseback rides on the beach and through the jungle. This is a great way to see parts of the island that you wouldn’t be able to see from the road.

10. Take a cooking class.

If you’re interested in learning how to cook some of the local food, sign up for a cooking class. Many of the resorts offer cooking classes, or you can take a class at a local cooking school.

11. Get to know the local wildlife.

In Roatan, you will find many opportunities to get close to some of the local wildlife residents. There are quite a few zoos, and tour companies that offer the chance to meet Capuchin Monkeys and Sloths.

It’s important to not support businesses that don’t have the best interest of animals in mind. After a lot of research, I came across Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout. I’ve visited a few times, and it’s instantly apparent that the animals are loved and cared for.

The monkeys and sloths are able to play in the trees on the property and are not confined to cages. You will have a wonderful opportunity to learn about the animals and interact with them.

On Roatan, you can also visit an Iguana Farm and a butterfly garden.

12. Go to Little French Key.

Located just a few minutes from Roatan’s West Bay Beach, Little French Key is a beautiful island oasis that offers travelers a wide variety of activities to enjoy.

Visitors can go diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, kayaking around the island, go horseback riding on the beach, sunbathe, swing on the rope swings, and much more.

You can rent jet skis if you are searching for adventure, or get a massage if you want to relax.

The island also has a mini zoo with macaws, parrots, and monkeys.

13. Gumbalina Park.

Gumbalina Park is an adventure park located in Roatan’s West End. The park has zip lines, ropes courses, ATV tours, and much more.

14.Carambola Botanical Gardens.

The Carambola Botanical Gardens, with its 40 acres of natural and unspoiled jungle trails, offer the perfect opportunity to get away from it all and reconnect with nature.

15. Visit Saint Helene

Take a short boat ride to Saint Helene to explore natural caves and kayak over mangrove forests. You can get beautiful photos, go bird watching, or learn all about the local plants that inhabit Roatan.

16. Souvenir shop at the Straw Market.

Stroll through the straw market to find all kinds of souvenirs and homemade trinkets.

17. Paddleboarding

Learn to paddleboard at Steve’s Paddle Shack. They taught everyone in our family to paddleboard, even my 4-year-old son.

18. Watch a Fire Show

Once a week there is a free fire show live down on the beach near Thirsty Turtle.

Where to Stay in Roatan

While a large majority of visitors to Roatan arrive on a cruise ship, plenty of others decide to visit Roatan for a longer holiday.

There are many options for lodging in Roatan ranging from rustic vacation rentals to luxurious resorts.

If you want to be close to all of the action in Roatan, including restaurants, bars, and shopping, you will want to stay near West End or West Bay.

Best places to stay in West End

Splash Inn Dive Resort

The hotel is ideally situated in the West End, close to some of the best beaches on the island. With an up-close view of the stunning coral reefs, Splash Inn Dive Resort is the perfect place to stay for your next diving trip.

The 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom villas and swimming pool are located 6 minutes from the hotel and dive center.

The Beach House Boutique Hotel

This gorgeous hotel has been newly remodeled and is a favorite among travelers.

You’ll find comfortable beds and air conditioning in each room. The rooms overlook the bay and are a wonderful spot to watch the sunset.

West Bay Hotels

In West Bay, you’ll find larger resorts and more chain-type hotels. If you are looking for a large, active resort scene, you can stay in West Bay. It is a water taxi ride away from West End.

Infinity Bay Spa and Beach Resort

This property is beautiful. Other than when the cruise ships are there it is very peaceful. You could wade out 100 yards into the water and find yourself in a stunning coral reef. The hotel provided us with snorkel equipment and had a little library. The food was good.

Las Sirenas Hotel and Resort

I loved this resort. The beach was small but private. We had an all-inclusive deal that was expensive, but the food was good and their pina coladas were the best I’ve ever had! The all-inclusive opportunity is optional. We had a one-bedroom suite with a balcony overlooking the ocean. The trees block the view, but eventually, they will be tall enough that the view will be wonderful. It was still pretty good, even thru the trees!

One of the perks of staying here is the exchange privileges you get at their sister resorts. For example, one of their nearby sister resorts offered archery. Noah got to take a class for no additional charge.

Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort

Looking for a luxurious and relaxing retreat? Look no further than Grand Roatán Caribbean Resort. This resort offers a unique boutique experience on one of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean.

Mayan Princess Beach and Dive Resort

The Mayan Princess Resort is the only luxury all-inclusive resort on Roatan. You can dine at 4 restaurants, and enjoy unlimited premium drinks.

If you are looking for a more quiet vacation, you will want to look for lodging near the East End or Sandy Bay.

Sandy Bay is a more populated area of the island, but unlike the touristy areas of the West side, Sandy Bay is inhabited by local residents.

East End is definitely the quietest and most remote area of Roatan and offers seclusion and peaceful relaxation.

Roatan Conclusion

Roatan is a beautiful island with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s something on Roatan that will appeal to you.

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay, but be sure and take some time to relax on the beach too.

The people of Roatan are friendly and welcoming, and they love sharing their culture and traditions with visitors. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with Roatan as much as I have.

Contributed by Chantelle, Flannels or FlipFlops   

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex .

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner !

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO .

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Get Your Guide and Viator . If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar . They’ve got fantastic weekly deals.