School’s out, the office is quiet and your boss is sailing the seas during the summer. You’ve got a few dream destinations circling your mind for that sweet escape from life’s chaos. Whether you’re a well-versed explorer ready for an adventure or looking for a relaxing resort stay near the beach, consider visiting Central America’s gorgeous hidden gem: Honduras.
Marked with crystal blue waters, rich history and vibrant wildlife, Honduras is one of the most underrated yet fantastic options to dabble in truly unique travel.
Trailing underneath Mexico and across from the Caribbean Islands, Honduras may be just larger than Tennessee, but its wonders are paramount. Before deciding where you’re going to travel this summer, take a look at the great excursions and sights Honduras has to offer.
Safety Comes First
Like many other tropical countries, Honduras does have more criminal activity, heat and mosquitos. For this reason, plan on joining a tour group or hiring a driving service to navigate the busy roads. Gear up with sunscreen and lots of bug repellent too, as dengue fever, though rare, is more common in Latin America.
Contrary to popular belief, Central American countries don’t use pesos like Mexico does; in fact, each country uses its own currency, though most countries also accept the U.S. dollar at airports and commercial businesses.
Honduras’ official currency is the lempira, named after the great Indigenous Lencan warrior Lempira. Always exchange your currency at one of Honduras’ official banks or in the States and avoid currency exchange offers from locals or vendors.
Now that you’ve taken care of the essential safety precautions, it’s time to plan the fun part of your trip to Honduras! Lucky for you, there are so many diverse and fun options for all kinds of travelers.
A Day with the Turtles or a Night by the Pool in Roatan
Perhaps the most popular island in Honduras, Roatan is a fantastic place for families who want to do many different activities. Kids can enjoy scuba diving excursions with turtles in the Caribbean Sea, where the waves are clear and the ocean is just the right temperature.
Parents who simply need a nap underneath the palm trees can book relaxing stays at a plethora of luxury resorts like Las Sirenas, a lush escape from reality run by the hotel Mayan Princess. Families can book an all-inclusive week with a private condo where a trip to the bar is just a short walk away.
Las Sirenas also offers different cultural activities each night of the week, including Indigenous Garifuna dances with lively rounds of singing and drums.
Garifunas are Honduras’ African-Indigenous population located primarily on the coastal regions of the country. They’re also present in neighboring countries like St. Vincent and are integral to the rich history and culture of the Carribean.
Rated as one of the top 10 hotels in Honduras, Mayan Princess offers everything from all-you-can-eat buffets and hospitable local vendors that sell the cutest bags and shell jewelry.
Unearth Mayan Civilizations in Copan
For travelers who also enjoy rookie archaeology, taking a hike around Honduras’ Indigenous Mayan ruins in Copan is a must. There, visitors can indulge in the most fascinating, ornate and mammoth Mayan statues, temples and art preserved in pristine condition. Beautiful macaws will also soar above your head, offering great photos and fantastic wildlife sights.
After relishing the 54 acres of historic ruins in central Copan, peruse around downtown and purchase some beautiful jade jewelry from locals or try some bakery goods like semitas and pan de coco.
Now, getting your way up to Copan itself is a bit of a journey, so do your research beforehand. There aren’t any tourist shuttles or driving services, so this excursion isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s still worth it, though, and there are many articles that will give a rundown of how to navigate the trek up to Copan.
Learn About Religious History Through Architecture in San Pedro Sula or Santa Barbara
As is with most of Latin America, the majority of Hondurans are devout Catholics, hence the consistent presence of huge monuments dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. Accompanying them are a variety of beautiful churches adorned with distinct craftmanship and pastel color schemes.
Many buildings in Honduras reflect fun and bright colors to keep the interiors cool from the constant humidity and heat. Homes and churches lined up in pastel pinks and orange offer an aesthetically pleasing stroll around town.
Cities like San Pedro Sula and Santa Barbara offer the most beautiful churches to visit, where Sunday masses flood with passionate prayer. Do be careful, though, as these two cities are some of the hottest parts of Honduras with heat waves over 100 degrees. Pack lots of cool water (bottled, as tap water can be less clean), portable fans and napkins to pat down your sweat!
Get Your Souvenir Shopping Done in One Day in Valle de Angeles
People with large families and big friend groups know the struggle of keeping up with souvenir purchases. We’re constantly re-checking our list of goodies for each of our loved ones, making sure we got enough keychains for all of our co-workers and enough postcards for everyone in the family.
To make souvenir shopping more fun and relaxing, spend a day checking out the artisanal markets, vendors and stores in Valle de Angeles, which translates to “Valley of the Angels”. There, you’ll be able to purchase everything from Indigenous-inspired textiles, tchotchkes for the kids, soccer jerseys and one-of-a-kind crystal jewelry.
The best part about shopping in Valle de Angeles is supporting local vendors while gifting your loved ones some of the most carefully crafted hand-made goods. Personalizing your house is always a fun goal to have in Valle de Angeles, as the garden décor, plaques, hanging wooden carvings and pottery will spruce up any home.
Coffee is also a staple souvenir to bring home to caffeine addicts, as different regions in the country have distinctive flavors and hand-crafted grinds/beans. Coffee from Santa Barbara, Valle de Angeles and Copan are some of the best options.
Indulge in Delicious Meals (Duh!)
Honduras is well-known for its “breakfast tipicos” (typical breakfast) which includes sweet plantains, eggs, beans, queso fresco and sometimes, chorizo. Many hotels and practically every street offers some form of this diverse meal and its a staple you have to try during your trip.
Near Copan, Villa de Ada is a quaint farm/hotel where travelers can enjoy homemade tortillas, lemonade and private homes surrounded by lush greenery. If you’re craving non-Honduran food, there are also plenty of restaurants that serve food like pizza, hamburgers and more.
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