At the end of last year, I made a short but memorable visit to north and western Honduras - a country I hadn’t previously had the opportunity to explore. Bordered by Guatemala and tiny El Salvador to the west, and Nicaragua to the south, Honduras boasts a diverse landscape. Its long stretch of Caribbean coastline is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, while inland, lush jungle-covered mountains provide a haven for an abundance of birdlife.
Roatán
West Bay, RoatánRoatán is the largest of the Caribbean Bay Islands and just a short flight from the mainland. The Bay Islands - particularly Roatán - receive the bulk of the country's tourism, thanks in part to direct flights from the United States. Roatán (and neighbouring Utila) is a destination very much aimed at scuba divers, with most hotels offering dive packages. That said, the snorkelling is also very good and the island itself is blanketed in verdant forest, with several national parks to explore.
The best time to visit is from mid-December to April, during the high season, when clear skies and optimal sea visibility make conditions ideal.
La Ceiba
Pico Bonito National ParkI also spent a couple of days in La Ceiba. The principal reason for visiting the area is to visit Pico Bonito National Park and I would definitely recommend staying at Pico Bonito Lodge in order to do so. Although I didn’t stay there, I did have the chance to visit. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, hummingbirds hovered in the surrounding bushes as if to welcome me. The gardens are beautifully maintained, and there are numerous trails to explore.
Other activities in the area include rafting along the Cangrejal river, visit to Garifuna communities, or for those not heading to the beach then it is possible to do a day trip across to the Cayos Cochinos which lay halfway between the mainland and the Bay islands
Copán
CopánCopán Ruinas is a town in western Honduras, close to the Guatemalan border. Copán is the Maya site which is just outside of the town.
Over the years I have been to various Maya sites but this one is pretty special. It is a nice size which doesn’t involve too much walking, and is also well shaded by trees in many parts. The intricacy and reliefs of the carvings is incredibly impressive, reflecting the skill of the artisans who once lived here. The site consists of a main complex and five surrounding plazas. Visitors can also explore tunnels created by archaeologists, as well as a large and informative museum.
Aside from the Bay Islands, tourism in Honduras remains relatively underdeveloped - but the country has a great deal to offer those willing to explore it.
It’s also worth noting that, at the time of writing, a visa is required to visit Honduras. Travel typically involves flights via the United States, meaning an ESTA is also necessary. A visit to Honduras also combines well with Guatemala which has connections via Europe.
Our 'Classic Honduras' suggested itinerary includes all of the areas I visited on my trip and is a great starting point when planning:
www.lastfrontiers.com/itineraries/classic-honduras
"Thank you for your part in making it all happen for us in the way we wanted - that is, to learn more about the four countries we visited, to experience their cultures, to marvel at their inheritance from ancient civilisations, to admire their landscapes, to wander the streets of some great cities and to reacquaint ourselves with some Central American wildlife. We have an overriding impression of friendly, welcoming people, helpful drivers and good guides." - LG