The mighty rivers, lush mountains, Maya archaeological sites, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef scattered across Honduras beckon adventurous travelers from across the globe. This Central American gem is a popular port of call for large cruise ships. Instead, we recommend visiting Honduras on your own and taking the time to experience all that this wonderful country has to offer.
Here are six of our favorite experiences in Honduras.
Head Under the Sea with (or Without) an Air Tank
Many consider Honduras one of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba diving destinations. Roatán, one of the country’s three principal Bay Islands, has numerous spectacular dive sites within the specially protected waters of Roatán Marine Park.
On an excursion with a dive shop, it’s not uncommon to spot sea turtles, eagle rays, or plenty of tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter the elusive whale shark.
Moreover, Roatán isn’t the only premier spot for diving in Honduras. The other two Bay Islands, Guanaja and Utila, along with the smaller Cayos Cochinos archipelago, also boast some of the best scuba dive sites in the world.
Utila is internationally known for its marine life and laid-back culture. Backpackers often become certified PADI divemasters at dive hostels and stick around much longer than intended.
Master the Rapids on the Rio Cangrejal
The zip-line canopy tours in Roatán can provide plenty of thrills and adrenaline spikes. But if you want a truly immersive adventure, head to the El Naranjo region of the Cangrejal River valley on the mainland, about 12km (7.5 miles) from the city center of La Ceiba.
Here, you can take a wild whitewater rafting ride on the Rio Cangrejal through Class III–V rapids that churn from the boulders rising up from the riverbed. Long-running operation offers rafting excursions with experienced guides to navigate the course.
Detour: Another freshwater adventure involves canyoning with guides who’ll lead you on a jungle hike up the river gorge to rappel down a series of waterfalls. While this may not be for the faint of heart, the slow and meticulous 15m (50ft) descent on a rope as the force of falling water pounds your body offers a rush you won’t soon forget.
Go for a Hike and Do a Little Bird-Watching
Bird enthusiasts flock to Honduras for good reason—it’s the convergence point of over 760 species of North American and South American bird species. Bird-watching is especially promising in Honduras’ national parks, where hiking trails let you explore while keeping an eye out for wild toucans, hummingbirds, and parrots.
Pico Bonito National Park is a great option for a rainforest hike. National parks like Cerro Azul Meámbar and Montaña de Santa Bárbara in the western interior also provide excellent bird-watching opportunities along with great hiking trails.
Channel Your Inner Archaeologist in Copán
You may spot scarlet macaws in the wild around the ruins of the Archaeological Park of Copán Ruinas, the site of a once-great Maya city dating back to 300 CE. Although the site is famous for its “ruins,” it has a high state of preservation due to the fact that this former settlement didn’t have much gold.
Visit the Cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula
The two largest cities in Honduras, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, may have less-than-stellar reputations when it comes to crime. Nonetheless, since they host the two primary airports in the country, a stopover may be inevitable. Consider spending more than just a night—if you keep your wits about you, you’ll find these cities are as safe as any major metropolis and filled with charm.
Tegucigalpa is the country’s political hub, showcasing government buildings and remnants of its Spanish colonial past. The historical places of interest are primarily in El Centro, the district surrounding Plaza Morazán, named after the former Central American president Francisco Morazán.
Enjoy Honduras’ Sparkling Nightlife
Across the country, Hondurans get the party started when the sun goes down. If you’re into craft beer, San Pedro Sula has numerous options that offer a lively atmosphere. For a night of dancing, head to popular venues where you can enjoy local music and socialize with residents and visitors alike.
The capital city, Tegucigalpa, also boasts vibrant nightlife, with hot spots featuring live music ranging from rock to other genres. Moreover, smaller towns like La Ceiba have concentrated nightlife areas, making it easy to hop between venues on foot.
This article was first published Apr 6, 2016, and updated Jan 23, 2024.
