Travel Guide in Honduras – How, Where & Frequently Asked Questions

Have a glimpse of Honduras, read this travel guide that we provide for an awesome and adventurous trip to this wonderful country!

A tour to Honduras, the quintessential banana republic, conjures visions of endless fields of fruit ripening under a tropical sun and sweat browed laborers. Although the banana plantations are still aplenty, and it still lacks the comforts of mass tourism destinations, Honduras is fast becoming a favored eco-tourism country. Mile upon mile of white sand beaches, mist-covered cloud forests, free-flowing rivers, coral reefs, and exotic wildlife are attracting those with a hankering for nature.

Most of the visitors who vacation in Honduras come from the United States or from other parts of Central America. Palm-fringed beaches along the Caribbean shore attract vacationers who primarily value savory shellfish dining and relaxation. Others choose Honduras vacation to visit the country’s many national parks where they can observe wildlife, especially the colorful birds, the cloud forests high in the mountains, or the primordial mangrove swamps. The Bay Islands off the Caribbean coast of Honduras are popular snorkeling destinations because they’re ringed by coral reefs.

The country is popular for cheap mountain trekking, white water rafting, and scuba diving pursuits. Celebrities and famous individuals alike have experienced the potential in this hospitable island that its turn into one or more of the premier holiday spots to go to.

I decided to tour this country because Honduras is not only acknowledged for its remarkable vacation tourist spots but also for its fashionable traditions. They value art, and one specific Honduran painter has become popular around the globe for his remarkable works. Jose Antonio Velasquez is a renowned painter who has transcended art and portrayed Honduras’ culture.

Questions and Answers about Honduras

Where is Honduras?

Honduras, officially the Republic of Honduras, Spanish República de Honduras, is located in Central America with the Caribbean Sea on its east and north, the Gulf of Fonseca and Nicaragua on its south, Guatemala on its west and El Salvador on its southwest.

Is it safe to travel to Honduras?

You’re free to travel and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. I decided to visit the country and I was well aware of the threats and took precautionary measures. Let me share some thoughts for your trip convenience.

Violent crime, such as armed robbery and homicide is common. Violent gang activity, such as human trafficking, rape, violent street crime, narcotics, and extortion is widespread. Emergency services and local police lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. If you’re planning to visit Honduras, consider the following precautions:

• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Be conscious while using cell phones in public, including inside of cars while stopped in traffic.
• Never display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.

The big cities can be dangerous and we exercise a lot of caution in San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa (there’s no real reason to visit them). But most of the country is very safe. I felt more comfortable walking late at night in Copan Ruinas than I did in Victoria, B.C. where there were fewer drunken young men.

How to Change Money in Honduras?

Lempira is the local currency, named after a famous Indian chief that lost his life while fighting off the invading Spanish Conquistadors. You can get the currency exchanged right at the airport booths. However, it is always advised that you should only buy enough lemps to hold you until the next day when you can visit the bank.

Hotels and shops don’t offer a good currency rate and they charge a hefty amount of commission. It makes no sense to stand on the curb with a money-changer (quite legal), flashing 3,500L (lempiras) in Honduras money. Banks are slow but safe. If you see a bank without a line, jump in it while you can and buy your Honduras money.

What is Unique about Honduras?

Honduras is unique because it has the world’s largest barrier reef and the largest wilderness area in Central America. Besides, the country is also known for its rich natural resources, including sugar cane, minerals, coffee, cotton, tropical fruit, and bananas. However, the bad thing is that more than 50% of the country lives below poverty levels.

What is the culture of Honduras?

This country has a diverse mix of people, thereby providing the country with an interesting variety of cultures. Around 90 percent of the population is “Mestizo”. Actually, they are a mixture of Latin American and European descent. The main religion of the country is Roman Catholicism. The ethnic groups include the indigenous “Lenca” living in the southwest region. Other ethnic groups include the Miskitos and the Garifuna.  Generally, the north coast, the “mosquito” coast, and the Bay Islands have a culture that is more similar to the Caribbean islands than traditional Latin America.

What is the Geography of Honduras?

Honduras is located in Central America along the Pacific Ocean’s Gulf of Fonseca and the Caribbean Sea. The country is located in Central America; it has a subtropical climate throughout its coastal and lowland areas. The country has a mountainous interior with a temperate climate. Amazing mountains are the defining feature of inland Honduras. These mountains make up over 80% of the country’s land area. Flooding, tropical storms and hurricanes are common natural disasters in the country. The main rivers of the country include the Ulua, Patuca, Coco, Sico, and Aquan. The Caratasca Lagoon in the northeast is the largest of many coastal lagoons and Lake Yojoa is the only significant lake.

How to travel to Honduras?

If you are planning to travel to Honduras, here are some of the airlines that will take you to Honduras.

• From London: Airlines like Air France, KLM, and Air America offer direct flights from London to Honduras.
• From the USA: You can get direct flights from Miami to Honduras. These include Avianca, Spirit Airlines and United.
• From Dubai: From Dubai to Honduras, you can get flights of Air Europa.
• From Singapore: unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Singapore to Honduras. You can get the connecting flights from Dubai, UK or USA.

How to travel in Honduras – Transport in Honduras?

Public buses: Like other neighboring countries, you’ll come across chicken buses serving for the local routes. These locals are the cheapest, but also get packed and stop frequently, so can be quite slow. Fares are extremely low on most routes, at around US$1–2 an hour or less.

• Trains: There is only a 9km rail track for the tourists or 3km intercity rail in Col. Sitramacsa.
• Taxis: These are the safest means of transportation in the country. Fares are also not very high. You must always travel by taxi after night. Expect to pay US$2–3 for a city ride in Tegucigalpa or San Pedro, or around US$1in smaller towns.
• Private transfers: There are some great private transfers companies operating in the country. You can contact them online and make an advance booking.

What’s the food like in Honduras?

You will find many places to eat and drink in Honduras, typically serving cuisine which is a fusion of Spanish, African and indigenous foods. Interestingly, all the dishes include more coconut than other Central American countries, in both sweet and savory cuisines. Fish is also widely available and popular on the mainland, and other specialties include tamales (corn-based dough steamed in a leaf filled with vegetables, cheese, and fruits), baleadas (a wheat flour tortilla stuffed with mashed beans and cheese).

What is the weather like in Honduras?

Honduras is a country in tropical Central America with three main climates: the small Pacific coastal section, which is hot and dry, the central highlands which have milder temperatures due to the altitude, and the hot and humid Caribbean coast. Temperatures in Honduras remain consistent throughout the year between high 70’s and high 80’s (°F).

Important things to pack for a trip to Honduras

Looking to pack stuff for the next Honduras tour, consider the following items:

• Pack lightweight cotton, linen or silk blend clothes: Wear these clothes to deal with the humidity and the heat.
• Pack comfortable shoes: Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and walking.
• First-aid bag: Bring antibiotics and antiseptics ointments, heartburn and pain relief medicines.
• Sunblock: Bring a good sunblock to prevent UN rays from penetrating into your skin.
• Mosquito repellent: It is a must when you’re visiting Central America.

10 Amazing places to see and things to do in Honduras

1. Enjoy Bay Islands Underwater Museum

Here the tourists get a chance to enjoy a journey beneath the warm waters of Roatán. The museum tells a story of the life and history of the Garifunas, the Mayans, and Spanish settlers. Besides, visitors will come face to face with an array of animals such as a collection of tropical fish, turtles, and stingrays.

2. Visit Carambola Gardens

This 100% natural 40 acres of land features hardwoods, ferns, nut and fruit trees, flowering plants and many native plants. Various fauna such as Guatusa rabbits, anole lizards, and black iguanas can also be seen while exploring the gardens.

Suggested Tour: Customizable Best Of Roatan Island Tour in Honduras

3. Visit Cayos Cochinos

It is a group of islands in the northern part of the country. The site features the beaches on Cayo Grande, the scenic jungles, and a lighthouse on the highest point of the island.

4. Visit Parque Nacional Cusuco

It is quite tough to reach the place but it’s worth visiting. Various hikes will also take you to the famous midget cloud forest and introduce you to a variety of frogs and reptiles.

5. See Bird at Lago de Yojoa

There are more than 400 species of rare birds in this area. You can also fish and sail in the tropical rainforest. Other amazing activities other than birding include hiking in the mountains, tubing, zip lining and visiting the butterfly farm.

6. Whitewater raft down the Rio Cangrejal

Without any doubts, it is an amazing place for white water raft lovers. From August to February is the best time to raft this river and visitors should expect to raft up to 20 miles of rapids that range from Class 2 to Class 6.

7. Dive the Waters of Roatan

It is a great spot for the snorkelers and divers. Sparkling blue waters, white sandy beaches, and thick green forests make this place look like heaven on earth.

Suggested Tour: West Bay Beach Day & Snorkeling

8. Visit Pico Bonito National Park

The natural scenery is mesmerizing and it features abundant wildlife. The small luxury eco-lodge is on 400 acres with private trails, lookout towers, roaring rivers, and the most wildlife in one place.

9. Visit Copan

Located in western Honduras, Copan is an archaeological site remnant from the Maya civilization. The site features a large court, pyramids, palaces, and a central plaza. Tourists may even be able to see parts of the excavated tunnels beneath the Acropolis, revealing how complex the city really was.

Suggested Tour: Copan Ruinas Basic Tour

10. Shopping at Mercado Guamilito

It is the best place where you can buy almost everything. It remains open throughout the year, and it is made up of hundreds of stalls including delicious local food and exotic flowers for sale.

Suggested Tour: San Pedro Sula City Tour

Final thoughts on Honduras

It is a diamond in the rough, Honduras, Central America’s second-largest country, dazzles visitors with its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.  Lovers of nature can explore idyllic Caribbean beaches, bird-rich lakes and jungles, and the undeveloped tropical rainforest of La Mosquitia, the Mosquito Coast. I loved visiting this country and I’m sure you’ll love too. So visit Honduras!

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