Honduras, the second-largest country in Central America, benefits from being sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea to its north and the Pacific Ocean to its south. That means the list of things to do in Honduras ranges from sun-soaking on white-sand beaches to scaling mountains and waterfalls, scoping out Maya ruins, wildlife-watching in the jungle, and snorkeling one of the world’s largest reefs. Many visitors see Honduras via Roatan, a popular port of call for cruise ships, but that offshore island barely scratches the surface of what this tropical spot offers.
As when visiting any tropical country, most visitors set their sights on Honduras in the dry season, roughly late November–April. In addition to avoiding the rainy season, traveling in these months also avoids hurricane season and the country’s peak heat, with temps hovering around 85ºF (30ºC). Still, it can rain at any time, so pack that rain jacket no matter when you travel.
Most visitors see Honduras via cruise ship, disembarking at Roatan, an island about 35 miles (56 kilometers) offshore. If you’re exploring the mainland, you’ll probably fly into Tegucigalpa—the capital—and explore from there via taxi, bike, or rental car, or continue to a local airport, such as San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, Tela, Choluteca, or Puerto Lempira. The country also has a solid network of long-distance buses (Viana Transportes and Hedman Alas are well-known), and boat travel is an option, too.
If you’re on the mainland and want some underwater adventures—aka snorkeling and diving, and some of the world’s best at that—skip Roatan and instead head to Utila or Guanaja, two of the other Bay Islands. Some consider Utila, the smallest island of the three, the mecca of Honduras’ diving scene, which is saying something. Ferries run frequently from Roatan or San Pedro Sula.
Attractions 19 | Tours 532 | Reviews 9,201 |
The No. 1 tourist attraction in Honduras is Roatan. As it’s the main port of call for cruise ships, the island—off Honduras’ northern coast—receives a sky-high number of visitors. On the mainland, the top tourist attraction is the Copan Ruins, one of the most important Maya sites in the world.
...MoreHonduras is famous for its natural wonders, which span from its highest point at 9,347 feet (2,849 meters) to the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, and from mighty rivers and cloud forests, lakes, and dense jungles to the classic white-sand beaches of Roatan and Utila.
...MoreDo these three things when in Honduras: Snorkel the Mesoamerican Reef (one of the world’s largest), visit ancient Maya ruins at Copan, and stroll the beaches of the country’s Bay Islands. Beyond that, you can also explore cloud forests and high mountains, explore traditional villages, and sample incredible foods.
...MoreMuch of Honduras is tourist-friendly, and local businesses rely on patronage. Roatan, in particular, is built for tourism and is invested in making tourists feel comfortable. However, the US Department of State has posted travel advisories due to crime and kidnapping. When in doubt, travel with a buddy.
...MoreThe top things to do in Honduras are visiting Roatan, an island off the country’s northern shore that’s famous for its snorkeling and white-sand beaches; exploring the Copan Ruins, an ancient Maya stronghold; touring coffee farms like Miramundo; and birdwatching and wildlife-watching at spots such as Pico Bonito National Park.
...MoreTourists visit Honduras to experience the country’s epic nature. Whether it’s the white sand beaches of Roatan, dive sites off Utila, or national parks on the mainland, the entire country glitters with natural beauty—often without large crowds. Of course, the exquisite 500-year-old churches and ancient Maya ruins attract visitors, too.
...More
