A Trip to Honduras: The Land That Has Everything
Feb 9
posted by Yessenia Soto in Honduras | 0 Comments 
How does tropical beaches washed by turquoise waters, towering mountains draped with dense forest, colonial cities and Mayan architecture sound? If the answer is "good!", look no further than Honduras.
Thanks to its diverse geography and considerable size – it's the second largest country in Central America – Honduras holds a patchwork of varied microclimates, ecosystems, peoples and landscapes; enough variety to please any traveler. It is Central America's most mountainous country (although the only one that lacks volcanoes) and about 40% of it is covered with tropical rainforest. Its long Caribbean coastline has white sand beaches, whereas its Pacific corner has black sand beaches.
The Honduran Caribbean is known for the Bay Islands, which include the idyllic destination of Roatan. The islands are surrounded by the southern end of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second longest coral reef in the world. In addition to Roatan, the islands of Utila, Guanaja and the Cayos Cochinos are world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destinations, since their crystal clear waters are home to a wealth of marine biodiversity. They are also great places for people who just want to relax on a sunny beach, stroll through a tranquil coastal village, or listen to the tales of pirates that the locals like to tell.
The country's shorter Pacific coast has important historic sites, though few tourists venture there. Those who do will discover hidden gems such as San Lorenzo, Choluteca, and the Amapala beaches on Isla de Tigre.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Honduras has 15 national parks, 2 biosphere reserves, and 10 biological reserves that together protect a treasure trove of tropical nature. Its vast and varied wilderness areas hold opportunities for climbing mountains, paddling down white water rivers, experiencing the adrenaline rush of a canopy tour, or hiking through exuberant forests that hold amazingly varied flora and fauna.
The small city of La Ceiba, on the Caribbean coast, lies near such a wealth of natural and cultural attractions that it has been dubbed an "ecotourism capital." The verdant mountains that tower to the south of it are protected within Pico Bonito National Park, which holds lush cloud forest, rocky peaks, about 46 rivers, and countless gorgeous waterfalls. It offers perfect conditions for climbing, rafting, kayaking, hiking and horseback riding. La Ceiba also has some lovely beaches nearby, such as Corozal and Sambo Creek, where the local communities preserve the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna culture and language. Each year in late May, these towns overflow with celebration during the Gran Carnaval de la Amistad.
National parks such as La Tigra, Celaque and Cusuco, among others, provide comparably spectacular settings for various ecotourism activities. And in Honduras, you have the option of enjoying nature while learning about an ancient civilization, at the Mayan city of Copán.
Those sprawling ruins, located near the country's border with Guatemala, consist of more than 1,400 sites and 4,500 buildings that retain remnants of impressive Mayan architecture. Copán's sculpted monoliths, called "stelae," exhibit such detail and craftsmanship that it is considered one of the best places in the region to experience Mayan art. In recognition of this, UNESCO designated Copán a World Heritage Site. Among its most impressive attractions are the Archaeological Park, the sites of Las Sepulturas and Los Sapos, the Museum of Mayan Archaeology and the Museum of Mayan Sculpture.
The Spanish colonial era also left important heritage for travelers to enjoy. Comayagua, Yuscarán, Santa Rosa de Copán, Danlí and Trujillo (where Columbus landed in 1504) are among the dozens of Honduran cities with significant colonial architecture. Their cobbled streets are lined with distinctive Spanish balconies, as well as splendid churches, cathedrals, town halls and central squares.
The colonial cities also provide glimpses of the country's history as a mining center, since the Spanish priority was to exploit its mineral wealth. The churches of villages such as Yuscarán hold beautiful altars adorned with gold and silver that were extracted from abandoned nearby mines.
Yet one of the most enjoyable things about visiting Honduras is experiencing the friendliness and culture of its people – a mix of indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and Mestizo races with their varied traditions, crafts, music, and food. In each of the country's regions, you can discover different rituals, folk dances, music, and celebrations, as well as handicrafts made of wood, leather, seeds, cloth, and other natural materials.
Honduran cuisine also varies by region, though nearly every meal includes the national staples of beans and corn tortillas. Visitors can also enjoy local meats and seafood, fried plantains, or Honduran tamales – corn dough stuffed with meat and vegetables, wrapped in a banana leaf, and boiled. You can also choose from various international cuisines in most destinations.
Honduras also has large cities, where much of its population are based. The capital, Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and Choluteca all have international hotel and restaurant chains, shopping malls, contemporary cultural centers, modern medical services, and other facilities.
Recently, the Honduran government, entrepreneurs, and local and international organizations have started working together to develop a sustainable tourism model that helps conserve Honduras's rich biodiversity, architecture, culture and history while also supporting local communities. Last year, the already established Smart Voyager program began certifying hotels in the country. Casa del Árbol Centro and Casa del Árbol Galerías, located in San Pedro Sula, are two of the first hotels recognized with this international seal and we're excited to have them featured in SustainableTrip.org.
It should come as no surprise that the slogan chosen to promote tourism in the country is: "Honduras, everything is here." Dare to discover it for yourself!
