5 Things To Remember Before Visiting Honduras

Many visitors to Honduras come for the diving on Utila, but there is a lot more to the country. Here are 5 things you should think about before you travel.

* Utila is diving central

Known as one of the cheapest places in the world to get an open water qualification, Utila is also great for experienced divers. There are stunning coral reefs to explore, lots of tropical fish, and even whale sharks from October to December.

* It’s not all dangerous

The crime figures make for terrible reading and there is no denying that Honduras is a risky place to be, but the vast majority of visitors have fun and stay safe. There isn’t much to see in the big, and dangerous, cities like San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa, so head off to the islands of Utila and Roatan or visit the ruins at Copan.

* Locals mostly struggle to get by

Poverty rates are high in Honduras and tourist dollars can make a big difference. If you are enjoying a cheap meal, think about leaving a more generous tip than normal. Don’t haggle too hard in the market. Buy local products from local people rather than big businesses.

* Try the baleadas

These huge flour tortillas come filled with a selection of ingredients, which most of the time includes beans. Have an egg one for breakfast, and move on to meat versions later in the day. Baleadas are often the most affordable food around, so you’ll probably end up eating a lot of them if you’re on a budget.

* Maya culture lives on

While Honduras might not be as immediately associated with Maya culture as neighbouring Guatemala, the culture is still alive in the west of the country. The ruins at Copan are a focal point for the local Maya population, and it’s well worth a visit.