Explore the Best Road Trips in Honduras

Honduras is a rugged and raw country in Central America that often flies under the tourism radar, but is absolutely brimming with reasons to visit. Home to UNESCO-listed Maya ruins, dense rainforests, and superlative reefs, Honduras beckons avid divers and adrenaline-seeking adventurers alike. The wild heart of the country beats strongest in its national parks, many of which are best explored by hitting the open road.

The best road trips in Honduras provide varied vistas of mist-shrouded mountains, coffee plantations, and some of the least-visited pristine beaches this side of the Caribbean. You’ll drive past horse-drawn carts, dive bars, and roadside fruit stalls. Moreover, you’ll uncover hidden waterfalls and experience daily Honduran life in small towns, all at your own pace.

While a road trip in Honduras demands vigilance due to speeding drivers, winding terrains, and patchy road maintenance, driving grants you unbridled access to the country’s top sights that may be unreachable via public transportation. Here are our picks for the five best road trips in Honduras.

1. Tegucigalpa to La Esperanza

Best road trip for local towns and cityscapes
Tegucigalpa-La Esperanza; 183km (114 miles); allow three and a half hours

Depart from the bustling capital, Tegucigalpa, to explore the serene highlands. You can make pit stops at the Reserva de Vida Silvestre Corralitos, where stunning waterfalls and wildlife encounters await. This route is one of the best road trips in Honduras due to its dramatic change in scenery and elevation.

As you make your way through cities and towns like Zambrano, Flores, La Paz, Chinacla, and Marcala, be prepared for the serpentine ascending roads, which can be as challenging as picturesque. Consider making a 4WD your vehicle of choice.

2. La Esperanza to Copán Ruinas

Best road trip for nature and history lovers
La Esperanza-Copán Ruinas; 232 km (144 miles); allow five hours

La Esperanza offers a wonderful insight into Honduras’ indigenous past. Load up with a hearty Honduran breakfast before setting off to Copán Ruinas, a town renowned for its Maya ruins, often called “the Athens of the Mayan world.”

Spend a couple of days in Copán to explore the archaeological site and enjoy local delicacies like traditional Mayan hot chocolate. This route includes some scenic, unsurfaced roads, so keep in mind that driving may be challenging during rainy periods.

3. Comayagua to Lago de Yojoa

Best road trip for bucket list experiences
Comayagua-Lago de Yojoa; 73 km (45 miles); allow an hour and 15 minutes

This journey from Comayagua to Lago de Yojoa highlights some of Honduras’ biggest attractions. Comayagua is renowned for housing one of the oldest clocks in the Western Hemisphere. Following the curving CA-5 highway, you’ll arrive at Lago de Yojoa, home to rich biodiversity and beautiful landscapes.

A must-see is the nearby Parque Nacional Cerro Azul Meambar, a prime hiking and birding spot where you can witness diverse wildlife. The area also offers thrilling activities, such as ziplining over the spectacular Pulhapanzak waterfall.

4. Tela to La Ceiba

Best road trip for beach-to-jungle vistas
Tela-La Ceiba; 101 km (63 miles); allow two hours and 15 minutes

La Ceiba, known as the eco-tourism and adventure capital of Honduras, is surrounded by waterfalls and lush forests. This road trip from Tela to La Ceiba offers stunning coastal views and access to natural reserves. Be sure to explore Parque Nacional Pico Bonito along the way.

Consider taking a boat trip to Cayos Cochinos, a dazzling archipelago nearby, and enjoy unforgettable experiences like waterfall rappelling.

5. San Pedro Sula to Tela

Best road trip for beautiful coastline
San Pedro Sula-Tela; 92 km (57 miles); allow two hours

Your adventure from San Pedro Sula will begin at the Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport. Following the CA-13 highway, you’ll leave the industrial city behind and head to Tela, a picturesque Afro-Caribbean beach town ideal for relaxation.

Take the opportunity to explore the Lancetilla Botanical Gardens, one of the largest tropical gardens in the world, located just 20 minutes outside of Tela.

Tips for Driving in Honduras

• Safety first: It’s important to be aware of safety concerns in certain areas. Consult local contacts or tourism offices for advice on areas to avoid.

• Avoid traveling after dark as roads are poorly lit. Plan to arrive at your intended destination or rest stop before sunset.

• Expect varied road conditions. While major highways are generally in good condition, secondary roads may be poorly maintained.

• Hondurans drive on the right-hand side. Be cautious of differing road etiquette and speed limits.

• To hire a car, you’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country for at least one year and must be at least 21 years old.