Honduras Travel Guide

Honduras OVERVIEW

Although the world economic outlook has put a damper on the Honduran condition, plus the recent coup in Tegucigalpa isn't making things any brighter, the rather dull forecasts do not seem to involve tourism, and hopefully, the turmoil in the capital will not have strong enough an impact to turn people off for longer than reasonable. After all, it is not the urban-pull that brings you to Honduras (although the sawdust carpets of Comayagua and the colonial splendor of Gracias are worth stepping on the beaten track for a jiffy).

In a nutshell, the country's most alluring offering is an irresistible mixture of wondrous natural creation and the beauty of hearts. The turquoise waters, unspoilt beaches, lush jungles, grim mountains, challenging rivers and awe-inspiring ancient ruins all mean nothing without the feisty spirit, tremendous artistic skills, and kind-hearted disposition of Hondurans, or they're at least just mediocre. If you're not interested in people and honoring the way they tackle life, you may well choose another paradisaical destination in the area. But if there's something more than just spectacular sights and a set of glossy pictures that makes your day, Honduras is the place.

But don't take our word for it. Enjoy anything and everything water related around the Island of Roatan but also do visit any of Garifuna communities whose simplicity of life is reversely proportional to the elaborateness of their culture. Traverse the misty green slopes of Pico Bonito (take a local guide for a trek tinged with folklore) and stay overnight in one of numerous jungle villas, which are tailored to virtually all needs. Let an experienced guide help you take a step back into ancient Mayan civilization in Copan and whiz hundreds of feet above the rainforest on a zip line through dense canopy. Test your nerve against the harrowing rapids of Rio Cangrejal, ask an indigenous settler around Lago de Yojoa to name any fish species in the lake, or ask a smiling local on the tropical island of Utila to give you some vital instruction on best scuba diving ever. There's an endless recital of things to do in Honduras, and a lifetime of memories to be taken back home.