Many travelers stay away from Honduras because of its reputation as a dangerous country. Although it isn’t the easiest or safest place to travel through, the payoff is incredible. The country is teeming with diverse plants and wildlife, rich archeological sites, beautiful beaches, and stunning coral reefs. Don’t miss out on the lush landscapes and vibrant heritage of these ten breathtaking spots in the country.
* Copán ruinsThe Copán ruins are an ancient Maya site discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area was deeply important as a political, civil, and religious center of the Copan Valley. The city was occupied by Maya for around 2,000 years, and it was abandoned in the 10th century. The site wasn’t excavated until the 19th century, and now you can wander through the vast area and learn about the history of the ancient civilization. Visit the site to explore the Maya citadel, where you’ll see portrait-style stone monuments called stelae, overlapping step-pyramids, and many ruined buildings.
* Pico Bonito National ParkPico Bonito National Park is located in the Nobre de Dios mountain range, bordered in by Dole pineapple plantations, cattle farms, and the Rio Santiago and Cangrejal rivers. Inside the park is a mountain peak that reaches up to 2,435 meters above sea level, and the park’s plant and wildlife vary from the tropical forests in the valleys to the high-elevation cloud forests on the peaks. A popular destination within the park is The Lodge at Pico Bonito, a privately owned eco-lodge that is surrounded by lush wildlife and forestry and offers tours and other outdoor adventures like kayaking or whitewater rafting. Pico Bonito is regarded as one of the best parks for outdoor activities in Honduras.
* UtilaUtila is a lovely island in the Bay Islands of Honduras that formed its reputation on affordable and abundant diving facilities. Although the prices aren’t quite as good as they used to be, it’s still the best place to go to spot young whale sharks and majestic coral reefs. Utila is a popular destination with young backpackers because of its somewhat cheap accommodation – the small island is filled with all kinds of hotels, restaurants, and bars along the few designated roads. Much of the island isn’t developed and to access those areas you’ll need to travel by sea.
* Jeannette Kawas National ParkThis park is named after the environmental activist Jeannette Kawas who was murdered after fighting to get this land-protected status as a national park. It’s bursting with wildlife, from howler and white-faced monkeys on land, to manatees and marine turtles in the sea, plus more than 100 species of birds in the air. The surroundings is just as varied, with lagoons, coral reefs, tropical rainforests, swamps, and wetlands. Boat trips along the Río Ulúa are available to give travelers a chance to see the wildlife close up. Extreme adventurers might want to rent their own boat or hike solo, but more relaxed travelers can stick to an organized tour or ramble along the beautiful sandy beaches.
* RoatánRoatán is a long, thin Bay Island that has seen a boom in tourism development in recent years compared to the other islands. Diving and snorkeling among the abundant coral reefs are probably what people come here for most; West Bay is a popular place for travelers to stay – hotels range from budget options to more exclusive pricey stays. Although its beaches are its main draw, Roatán also has mountainous areas where pine trees shade the land, and the east side of the island is still relatively remote and unexplored.