Honduras
Stuck between the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, Honduras lays down remarkables Mayan sites around virginal jungles and coastlines. A jewel to visit as long as it remains unknown to mass tourism.
Located in the heart of Central America, Honduras is unfortunately best known for its poverty, but nevertheless offers grandiose landscapes. We shall enjoy strolling barefoot on the white sand beaches of its long Caribbean coast, discovering its untouched equatorial jungle, or visiting its outstanding pre-Columbian or colonial sites.
Let's face it, one of the greatest assets of the country remains the virtual absence of tourists, which makes it a particularly authentic region to explore. Surrounded by Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador, Honduras displays panoramas that are made even more unforgettable by the fact that you will probably have the exclusivity of the site.
For this type of trip, we recommend a good knowledge of Spanish, which will allow you to live a unique experience and to exchange easily with the local population.
Islas de la Bahía and the coastline
If you most likely land in Tegucigalpa, the capital city, we advise you to not linger there, the Honduran major cities being still unsafe to this day: let’s head for the coast!
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Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, the Bay Islands (Islas de la Bahía) form a tropical paradise with Roatán, Utila and Guanaja -a protected archipelago-, Cayos Cochinos as well as a few islets. They are famous for their white sand beaches, warm, crystal clear waters and diverse marine life. They offer excellent opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as water activities such as fishing, kayaking and sailing.
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La Ceiba, situated on the northern coast of Honduras, is a port city surrounded by pristine stretches of sand and tropical forests. It is often used as a jumping off point to explore the Pico Bonito Biosphere Reserve, with its hiking trails, waterfalls and wildlife viewing opportunities. The country's Northern Coast also offers opportunities for surfing, sport fishing and other water activities.
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La Mosquitia is a remote region in eastern Honduras, known for its exceptional biodiversity and dense jungle. This area is home to the Río Plátano National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which offers opportunities for jungle exploration, bird watching, meeting indigenous communities, and learning about wildlife and the unique flora of the region.
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The Historic West
Gracias is a colonial town, one of the oldest in Honduras, located in the western mountains, surrounded by highlands forests and picturesque villages. Visitors can explore Celaque National Park, home to the country's highest point, Cerro Las Minas, as well as other natural attractions like waterfalls and hot springs. The region also offers insight into the culture and daily life of rural Honduran communities.
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Copán is a Mayan archaeological site nestled near the border with Guatemala. It is one of the most politically important and architecturally spectacular Mayan sites in the region: it is known, among other things, for its stela sculptures and pyramids. The level of quality of its sculptures and its masterful staircase is remarkable. Visitors can explore the ruins of this ancient Mayan city, as well as the archaeological museum which displays many of the artifacts found on site.
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Other colonial cities promise a nice detour in the region: Comayagua for its splendid churches, its clock, one of the oldest on the continent, the peaceful Lake Yojoa, the traditional La Esperanza, Intibuca and its dwarf forest, its climate of altitude mixed with a spooky mist and its “Grotto”.
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Honduras is still today a fundamentally confidential and therefore little-known destination, like most of its neighboring countries. However, for those who wish to discover it, it reveals jewels of history, a breathtaking architectural beauty and an impressive natural biodiversity. With the growing appeal of eco-responsible travel starting to generate interest in the region, it is safe to bet that it will quickly become a popular vacation spot for all nature lovers.