Why go on holiday to Honduras?
For a real adventure as this Central American country is still relatively untouched by tourism. It's laid-back, full of stunningly beautiful areas of jungle and forest, and a great place to learn to scuba dive.
How much will it cost?
Unfortunately the likelihood is that you won't be able to find direct flights to Honduras. As a rough guide, a flight via New York will cost in excess of £500 per person return. It's cheap once you get there though. A room in a mid-range hotel will cost from about £8 per night.
When should I go?
Honduras is fairly mountainous so climate varies around the country. In the coastal regions it changes little throughout the year, with temperatures reaching the high 20Cs and low 30Cs in the middle of the day. The rainy season runs from May through to December, but it's still warm and the rain's very patchy.
Who's it for?
Those who like to get off the beaten track. Tourism is still fairly low profile but it's an easy place to get around and the people are very friendly. If you're also looking for a good place to learn to scuba dive, Honduras has some of the best and cheapest diving in the Caribbean. The country is rich in Mayan history too with magnificent ruins at Copan.
What are the must-sees?
The three Bay Islands of Utila, Roatan and Guanaja lie just over 50km off the north coast of Honduras. Surrounded by coral reef, the islands, in particular Roatan have calm, clear waters and pristine reef which are perfect for scuba diving. There are lots of sand flies though so you'll need the right repellent.
Visit Copan for one of the most impressive Mayan sites in all of Latin America. Take in the grand plazas, the pyramids, the ball court and the hieroglyphic stairway in the peaceful jungle environment. The nearby colonial town of the same name is a lovely place to base yourself for a few days while you explore.
Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital with the tongue-tying name, is an intriguing mix of colonial old town and commerce-driven modern city. Nestled in a valley, it has a leafy central square with a few sights around it. Visit the Los Dolores church with its beautiful façade, the Christo del Picacho, a huge statue of Christ overlooking the city and the Republic Museum in the former Presidential Palace.
Just 11km outside the capital is La Tigra National Park, a cloud forest of over 238 sq km. The protected area is one of only a few cloud forests left in Central America. Wander the pine forests spying orchids and over 200 bird species. You can even stay in a mountain lodge, La Estancia. The lodge's setting is spectacular and it's an especially good spot for a bit of bird watching.
If you fancy getting really remote, head to the Pico Bonito National Park, in the mountains close to La Ceiba on the north coast. Within the park you can hike, kayak, bird-watch and even visit a butterfly farm. Definitely worth a visit is the Cuero y Salado Wildlife and Manatee Refuge, where you can hop on a boat and take in the howler and white-faced monkeys, iguanas, alligators and with a little luck, the endangered manatees.
What will I spend?
A decent meal costs from about £2 per person. The entry-level PADI diving course can be done for under £140 per person which includes equipment, training materials and certification.
Any special events?
The Easter week celebrations all over Honduras, but particularly in the capital Tegucigalpa, involve beautiful processions and colourful floats. Semana Santa, as it's known locally also features the traditional building of elaborate mosaics for the religious processions to walk all over. The mosaic carpets are usually made from sawdust.
If you enjoy a good rave, the Utila Sunjam, in the first week of August, is a massive party that takes place at Water Key on Utila. It's an all night affair, and many revellers bring a hammock along to suspend below the palm trees so they don't have to walk far when it's time to bed down.
Honduras Independence Day is on September 15 and they like to celebrate their break from Spanish rule in style. There are generally lots of traffic-stopping parades, dancing, music and drinking.
On October 3 every year the Hondurans celebrate the birthday of Francisco Morazan, the man who led the country's resistance against the Spanish in the early 19th century. Such were his efforts, a national holiday is put aside to party in honour of this national hero.
|
