The Best Places to Visit in Honduras
Honduras is one of the lesser-visited countries in Central America, but it has a lot more to offer than many people expect. The country is best known for its Caribbean islands, where you'll find some of the best diving and snorkelling in the region, but there’s also a lot of mountains, lakes, rainforest, and ancient Mayan history inland. Travel here feels a bit more adventurous than places like Guatemala or Costa Rica, which I suppose is part of the appeal for many backpackers!
Capital: Tegucigalpa
Currency: Honduran Lempira
Language: Spanish
When to visit: January to April
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1) Roatán
Roatán is the largest and most popular of Honduras' Bay Islands, sitting out in the Caribbean Sea just off the mainland. Despite being Honduras' biggest tourist destination, it’ll still probably be one of the least visited caribbean islands you see in your life. It also sits right alongside the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
Things to do:
Just along the coast is West Bay Beach, which is in my opinion the best beach on the island, since it has coral reefs close enough to shore that you can snorkel straight from the beach. In fact, the main attraction in general is just seeing all the marine life and getting out on the water. Base yourself in West End which has all the stuff you need, and things like Canopy Ziplining nearby too. Finally, for views over the island, you gotta go up to the Roatán Sign viewpoint above West Bay, and then after to Carambola Botanical Gardens which has walking trails leading to one of the best lookouts on the island.
How to get there:
Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB) is the islands main airport, so you can fly there domestic and sometimes from the US.
You can also reach Roatán by ferry from La Ceiba on the mainland.
2) Utila
Out of the 3 Bay Islands in Honduras, Utila is the smallest one and is found west of Roatan. Despite the size, it is an amazing spot for backpackers, partially because the island has built a reputation as one of the cheapest places in the world to learn scuba diving.
Things to do:
Start off in the town of Utila, which is the only real town on the island and the best place to get out into the reef. Popular dive sites include Black Hills, The Halliburton Wreck, and CJ's Drop Off, so you can dive or do a snorkeling tour. After you spend time out at any of the beaches, you should walk up Pumpkin Hill to get a view of the island and water. A lot of visitors also take boat trips to Water Cay, a tiny white-sand island just offshore, so if you want a day trip try that.
How to get there:
From La Ceiba on the mainland, you can take the Utila Dream Ferry to the island.
3) La Ceiba
La Ceiba is the main port city of Honduras, and if you are going to the islands I mentioned, you’ll probably find yourself here. Instead of treating it as a gateway, try spending a day or two here immersing into the Caribbean atmosphere.
Things to do:
For things to do in La Ceiba, the biggest attraction is Pico Bonito National Park, which sits just outside the city and has jungle hiking trails, waterfalls, swimming holes, and all that kind of cool stuff, plus views over the rainforest. One of the most popular spots inside the area is the Lodge at Pico Bonito, where you can access trails and lookout points into the surrounding mountains. Back in town, the Malecón de La Ceiba is the main waterfront area and a good place to walk. It’s a good place to chill for a little bit and walk the streets and enjoy the food.
How to get there:
Since you probably flew into either San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa, you can take a bus from either cities.
Otherwise, ferries from the islands the other direction come every day.
4) Copán Ruinas
Right on the border of Guatemala is Copan Ruinas, a small mountain town which is a very important site of Mayan history. The town itself is just a base, the attraction comes from the ruins around it which have a lot of well preserved sections.
Things to do:
Once you get to the ruins, start exploring the temples, plazas, stone carvings, and the famous Hieroglyphic Stairway, which contains the longest known Mayan inscription ever discovered. It’s all pretty similar to stuff you see in Guatemala and Belize, and in general it is just cool and interesting to wander through. Try going to Las Sepulturas which is a bit away from the main ruins but a lot lesser visited. Back in town you’re also free to wander the streets, check out the Central Plaza, etc.
How to get there:
From San Pedro Sula, direct buses run to Copán Ruinas. You can also come from Antigua Guatemala and cross the border.
5) Lago de Yojoa
Last but definitely not least is the stunningly tranquil Lake Yojoa, which you can find east of the ruins. It's the largest lake in the country and is really beautiful with so much wildlife living around the region. I would explore it by travelling around the lake and basing yourself somewhere beautiful.
Things to do:
The top towns are gonna be either Pena Blanca, or La Guama (which is right on the lake). Use the tour guides or rental places in the area to get out on a kayak and explore on the water. Also, one of the biggest highlights is Pulhapanzak Falls, and it’s actually one of the largest waterfalls in Central America. It’s north of the lake, and you climb around the viewpoints but you just need to be careful. For hiking around the lake, go into Cerro Azul Meámbar National Park, which has some nice trails you can find on Alltrails or other websites, such as the loop to Panacam Lodge, or to places like El Bejuco Waterfall.
How to get there:
Take a bus from either Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, or sometimes routes from the Copan Ruins are available.
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