Where to Go and What to Do in Honduras

Like other Central American countries, Honduras has a very diverse landscape. Some areas of the country are more developed than others, and more easily accessible to budget travelers. Here are the highlights to consider visiting.

Roatan
An island in the Caribbean, Roatan is one of Honduras’ Bay Islands. It’s known for the wonderful diving opportunities and beautiful beaches. To get there, you can take a ferry or a short, cheap flight from San Pedro Sula (or a direct from select US cities). In addition to the diving, you can go sailing, swimming, snorkeling, zip lining, horseback riding, jetskiing, or spend a day playing with monkeys and macaws at Gumbalimba Park. There are plentiful restaurants in the small beach town of West End. A plate of local, fresh fish, shrimp or lobster will range from $8-$20. For some live music, head to The Dive, an open-air bar popular with locals. Hostel accommodations can be had for under $20 while more upscale properties can be up to $200 per night.

La Ceiba
The area around La Ceiba is known for its many eco-lodges. Rooms here can be expensive (up to $250) at the nicest places, but are perfect for honeymooners of people looking for luxury or romance. Accommodation in the town of La Ceiba are much cheaper, and better for those looking to experience the area’s popular nightlife. Activities in the area center around eco-tourism and include hiking, ziplining, white-water rafting, horseback riding, or lounging along the coast.

Copan
Located just 7 miles from the border with Guatemala, Copan is a bit off the beaten path but still easily accessible and popular with tourists. To get there, you’ll need to take a 3-hour bus from San Pedro Sula, which costs $10-$15 per person. Accommodations in town range from $5 for a hostel bed to $100 for a luxury hotel with pool and wi-fi. The cobbled streets of the small town are filled with vendors selling local crafts and produce and there is a strong “cowboy culture” thanks to the nearby cattle farms and coffee plantations, many of which welcome guests. The main thing to do in Copan though, is to visit the nearby Mayan ruins. Admission to the ruins and museum is about $30 per person, more if you want to hire a guide. You could easily spend hours wandering around the beautifully restored ruins, but a visit of 2-3 hours will also suffice. You can take a bus down the road five minutes from town, hire a mototaxi for $1, or just walk along the paved path for 20 or so minutes.

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