travel tips | honduras (eng.)

HONDURAS

TRAVEL TIPS

VISÃO GERAL ATRAÇÕESTRANSPORTE COMPRAS ONDE FICAR ONDE COMEROVERVIEW ATTRACTIONSTRANSPORTATION SHOPPINGWHERE TO STAY WHERE TO EAT

OVERVIEW

Located in the heart of Central America, Honduras is divided into eighteen departments and it shares borders with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Along the coast the climate is tropical, and in the inland valleys it is temperate. It has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

The economy is experiencing a tourism boom, and the country has sites representing much of the history of the Mayan civilization. The two largest cities in Honduras are Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Other major cities are La Ceiba and Tela.

Tegucigalpa is the country’s capital and its government center, while San Pedro Sula is considered the “industrial capital” owing to the large number of factories operating in the region. Another popular city is La Ceiba, which is known by local residents and tourists alike as the location of the best festivals and the Carnival.

Known throughout the world for having the world’s second largest coral reef barrier, the Bay Islands are a charming archipelago made up of three main islands: Roatán, Utila and Guanaja.

Explore and discover this marvelous natural world in Honduras.

DUFRY TRAVEL TIPSHONDURAS

This is an ideal time for diving on the Bay Islands and for taking in the natural beauty of La Moskitia. The forest and the fields are lusher during the rainy season, from October to January. One of the most famous events in Honduras is the Carnival, which takes place in the third week of May in the Ceiba region.

CLIMATEHonduras has a tropical climate on the coasts while its inland area and highlands have a temperate climate. The country has two main seasons: a rainy season from May to October, and a dry season from November to April.

The northern coast and the Caribbean have a warm, rainy climate year around. Temperatures vary greatly with the altitude, and are lower on the plateaus and highlands. The Caribbean region has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and frequent intense rain.

WHEN TO GOThe best time to visit Honduras is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The Caribbean region and Roatán Island are main tourist destinations from March to May.

The end of spring and the summer are very warm, and humidity characterizes the northern coast and the region of the Bay Islands in the Caribbean. The region of the Mayan ruins at Copán and the western highlands have a more temperate climate than the Caribbean region during the summer.

The climate in the south, on the Pacific coast, tends to be more tropical and dry. Hurricanes may form between August and November. Travelers should not come to Honduras in that period. The average temperature in the coastal region of the country is 31°C while in the highest areas it is 23°C.

TRANSPORT

Various means of transport will allow you to explore the regions of Honduras. The best options are transportation by bus, ship, train, automobile or taxi.

The country has four international airports (Toncontín, Golosón, Ramón Villeda Morales

and Juan Manuel Gálvez), with domestic flights between Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and Roatán.

You can take a ferry boat from La Ceiba to Roatán and Utila islands, and a catamaran from Roatán to Utila and Guanaja islands. There are two departures per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The region of La Moskitia can only be reached by plane. The catamaran service in Roatán has capacity for up to 450 passengers.

There are several bus companies in Honduras, including some with high-quality, modern buses. The best known bus company is Hedman Alas. Another good option is Viana, with service between Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba.


ATTRACTIONS

Experience the various attractions that Honduras offers visitors. Enjoy the natural landscapes and make the most of your trip to learn more about the country’s culture and history.

COPÁN RUINSLocated close to the Guatemalan border, the Copán ruins are synonymous with tradition, culture and beauty. Considered Honduras’ main attraction, they embody the history of the ancient Mayan civilization. They were

declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological park has remains from the period in which the Mayans inhabited the Copán Valley. Other important stops are the “Las Sepulturas” archaeological site and the Mayan Sculpture Museum.

SAN PEDRO SULAThis is the second largest city in Honduras, and it is known as the country’s industrial hub.

TELALocated on the Caribbean coast, the city of Tela is an acclaimed tourist destination. Its white beaches are surrounded by tropical parks such as Lancetilla Botanic Garden, Punta Sal Marine National Park and Punta Izopo National Park.

The internationally renowned Lancetilla Botanic Garden preserves and conserves the country’s wildlife. The garden is divided into two areas: the Wilson Popenoe garden, which is an area for experimental cultivation, and the virgin forest Biological Reserve.

Punta Sal Marine National Park has various forests, swamps and a small tropical forest, while Izopo National Park is considered a wildlife refuge.

LA CEIBADue to its strategic location, the modern city serves as a departure point from which visitors can easily reach the most important tourist destinations in the country.

La Ceiba is nestled among mountains, rivers, spectacular forests and beautiful beaches. It offers various attractions, including ecological tours, rafting or canoeing on Rio Cangrejal, horseback riding, and hiking.

Pico Bonito National Park is the second largest national park in the country. It is a famous point because it contains the highest peak in the Nombre de Dios mountain range. Although this area is difficult for visitors to explore, the lower areas, such as the Zacate and Cangrejal rivers, are easier to reach.

Various tributaries flow into the Cangrejal river, which serves as the boundary of the tropical forest in Pico Bonito National Park. This is an ideal place for rafting and other water sports.


TEGUCIGALPA

The historic center of Tegucigalpa, which is considered one of the most important cities in the country, puts the charm of Honduras’ capital on full display. The city boasts several old churches, a cathedral with an eighteenth-century baroque dome, the National Museum and historic monuments.

La Tigra National Park is must stop, offering an incredible sightseeing adventure where visitors can delight in rich natural beauty, waterfalls and rare species in the middle of the forest.

YOJOA LAKESurrounded by mountains, Yojoa Lake is the largest natural lake in Honduras. Lying in a depression formed by volcanic activity, it possesses an impressive array of plants and birds, which draw thousands of visitors.

LA MOSKITIAThis is the largest rain forest in Central America. La Moskitia can be reached only by plane or boat. There are tours offering various attractions in the jungle forests. You can enjoy a rafting adventure, hike on forest trails or explore the region’s wildlife.

BAY ISLANDSKnown throughout the world for their stunning coral reefs, the Bay Islandsare a magnificent archipelago made up of three main islands -Roatán, Utila and Guanaja- in addition to more than seventy cays scattered throughout the region.

Roatán Island has the second largest barrier reef in the world. It also has various enchanting beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water, which draw many tourists. Here you will see intense marine life and stunning


natural beauty. This is the most modern and the busiest island, offering various sports attractions, parks, museums and top restaurants and bars.

One of the parks is the Butterfly Garden, located in the town of West End. The park offers a broad range of colorful butterflies, and a small number of birds, such as macaws, parrots and toucans.

The main attraction is diving, which allows visitors to see the marvelous coral reefs and enjoy an incredible experience while swimming with the dolphins. Visitors can choose between local diving services and packages offered by cruise ship operators in order to see the marine life and the coral. Deep sea fishing is a common activity among visitors to the island.

WHERE TO STAY

The various regions of Honduras offer a wide range of accommodation. You will find conveniently located hotels, guest houses, resorts, camping sites and hostels that charge reasonable rates.


The best option for backpackers is to stay in the capital, Tegucigalpa, which has a broad range of hotels, including the leading international hotels, located in Colonia Palmira. The capital’s “Pink Zone” has modern hotels, fine restaurants and an exciting nightlife. In addition, Tegucigalpa is full of attractions with natural and cultural activities.

San Pedro Sula is the commercial hub of Honduras, and it is the region most often visited by business travelers. Modern hotels are located on Avenida Circunvalación, close to downtown. Nightlife in San Pedro is more sophisticated, with a number of modern lounges.

La Ceiba is known for its busy nightlife, with a range of bars and various festivals. The hotel and resort options will allow you to make the most of your stay in the region.

The resorts and bungalows are ideal for those who wish to relax on Caribbean beaches with crystal-clear water. The main island is Roatán, and the other islands that make up the Bay Islands are Utila and Guanaja. Utila is famous among backpackers for its low-priced, quality accommodation.

The beaches in West Bay and West End are the best places to stay on Roatán Island.

DINING OUT

Traditional cuisine in Honduras consists of an enormous variety of regional dishes.

There is a wide range of regional cooking traditions in Honduras. In the central part of the country, corn is the basis of most dishes. Other common dishes are based on seafood, fish, chicken, beef, pork and vegetables.

One of the most original and popular foods in the country is the Honduran version of the burrito, called baleada, which is made with wheat flour tortillas filled with beans, cheese and sour cream. Other ingredients can be added, such as scrambled eggs, sausage,

bananas, pepper sauce, avocado, chicken, pork, onions and bell peppers.

“Pastelitos” are made with corn flour tortillas and beef or chicken, potatoes and a variety of spices.

Tamales are a traditional foodstuff in Central America, and the regions of Honduras have more than 20 types of tamales, which are made with steamed corn flour and stuffed with meat, beans, vegetables and bell peppers.

On the country’s northern coast, food is made according to Garifuna traditions. One of the most popular foods in the region is machuca, a purée made of green bananas with coconut milk, fish and other ingredients. Fish, lobster, shrimp and crab are part of the Honduran population’s daily menu. Cassava is also a very common dish.


A traditional dish in southern Honduras is seafood stew made with fish, crab and shrimp.

Restaurants in Tegucigalpa have a large number of creative dishes. The Pink Zone in Colonia Palmira and the area around the Multiplaza Mall are home to a large number of restaurants with cuisine of every nationality.

SHOPPING

MULTIPLAZA MALLTegucigalpa’s Multiplaza Mall is a sophisticated shopping area where shoppers can visit more than 200 stores, restaurants, and movie theaters, and with a parking lot for more than 1,000 vehicles. The mall is integrated into the finest hotel in the city, the Real Intercontinental.

METROMALLAlso in Tegucigalpa, Metromall has more than 100 stores with national and international brands, in addition to a financial center, restaurants, beauty shops and movie theaters.

MEGAPLAZA MALLLocated in La Ceiba, the Megaplaza Mall is a two-storey shopping center with a number of stores, restaurants, and movie theaters. The region of Roatán Island also has a Megaplaza Mall.

COXEN HOLE, ROATÁN ISLANDOn the west end of Roatán Island, Coxen Hole is the island’s cruise ship port. Various stores

selling handicrafts and local products from the region are located there. Most of the stores are small, open-air establishments. Here you can find various items made of carved wood, as well as baskets, embroideries, fabrics and ceramics. Coxen Hole is one of the most bustling areas on the island.

STREET MARKETSHonduras’ street markets are ideal for shopping for local handicrafts, wooden articles and souvenirs.

You will find a large variety of cigars, in addition to wooden articles, rattan fabrics, ceramics, baskets, paintings and various typical Honduran items.

Downtown Tegucigalpa also has various handicraft stores.

CURRENCYHonduras’ currency is the Lempira (HNL), which is divided into 100 cents or centavos. Bills of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 500 lempiras are in circulation.

Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards are accepted at nearly all establishments, including the leading supermarkets, shops, hotels and rent-a-car establishments. Most hotels will accept dollars, but it is easier to use lempiras.

Most banks in Honduran cities exchange dollars or euros for lempiras. You must show your passport when exchanging money. You can also find ATMs anywhere.


195198199

191197

RED CROSS, FOR EMERGENCIES

FIRE DEPARTMENT

HONDURAN NATIONAL POLICE (FUSEP)

NATIONAL LONG-DISTANCE

INTERNATIONAL LONG-DISTANCE

HONDURAN SOCIAL SECURITY INSTITUTE

237-4771

MATERNAL AND CHILD HOSPITAL

232-5934

TEACHING HOSPITAL

232-2322

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

travel tips | honduras (eng.)

Documents