Sandwiched between Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, Honduras is a South American country that does not disappoint when it comes to providing tourists with a sun-soaked vacation amid ancient architecture, tropical beaches, and culturally rich street markets. With the Caribbean Sea as its eastern border, you will not be hard-pressed to find a piece of sandy shoreline to layout on and relax with a cold cocktail in hand. Are you planning a trip to Honduras? Here is a look at the top 10 places you should consider checking out while visiting.
1. Copan Ruins
Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of the Mayans when visiting the Copan Ruins in Copan, Honduras. This historic attraction features ancient hieroglyphs, which give you a glimpse into the lifestyle and folklore of the civilizations of early history as well as an assortment of religious temples and monuments. Each of the ruins were constructed of cut stone and have survived the elements for thousands of years. Wander around and learn about a city that has been around since biblical times.
2. Roatán Institute of Marine Sciences
Thanks to its warm and tropical location, Honduras has a diverse marine ecosystem that you can check out, firsthand, while visiting the Caribbean coastal region of the country. Head over to Roatán Institute of Marine Sciences, where you can learn about the tropical fish and plant life that thrive in the sea. While visiting Roatán Institute of Marine Sciences, you can make friends with the dolphins in the lagoon and meat with expert scientists who will share interesting information about the sea life you encounter as well as the natural history of Honduras.
3. Bay Islands
Comprised of three distinct groups of islands set inside the coastal region of the Caribbean Sea, visiting the Bay Islands is an adventure you do not want to miss out on. The sandy shorelines of the Bay Islands are lined with luxury resort communities, fine and casual dining restaurants, boutique shops, walk-up bars, and pop-up vendors who specialize in local arts and crafts. Not only can you spend the day relaxing on the beach, but you can snorkel and dive in the crystal clear water of the Caribbean. The hardest part is picking out which islands to visit.
4. Museum for National Identity
Located in the city of Tegus, the Museum of National Identity is home to a vast collection of information and relics pertaining to the history and culture of Honduras. It is popular among history buffs and history novices alike and visiting will give you a better appreciation of this fabulous South American country. The museum itself is styled in Spanish and Colonial architecture and features a bright pastel yellow and white facade. Inside, you will find art, tools, statues, and other artifacts that date back as far back as the Mayan civilization.
5. Mercado San Isidro
Looking for some authentic Honduran souvenirs and gifts? Mercado San Isidro is one of Honduras’ best kept secrets and it is found in Telucigalpa. It is a lovely outdoor market that specializes in fresh local produce, local crafts, art, and a variety of other items sold by small business owners of the area. At Mercado San Isidro market, you can spend hours exploring while enjoying the warm and sunny weather at the same time. The market is open most days of the week and is considered to be a flea market and green market, all-in-one.
6. Honduras National Gallery of Art
Located in downtown Telucigalpa, Honduras National Gallery of Art is home to one of the largest fine art collections in the country and it is housed in a modern museum-style building. The art showcased in this renowned gallery varies as much as the artists who created the work. While strolling the gallery, you will find collections that date back to the era of the Mayan civilization to the pre-Columbian era. You will find paintings, sketches, sculptures, and even some functional pieces.
7. Gumbalimba Park
Nestled in the rainforest near the city of Roatan is where you will find the expansive nature area and wildlife preserve known as Gumbalimba Park. This park opened to the public in 2003 and is a place where families can go to learn about the natural ecosystems of Honduras and its impressive lineup of wildlife. While strolling around the park, your are sure to find Caribbean sea creatures, sloths, colorful peacocks and parrots, and some curious monkeys.
8. Lancetilla Botanical Gardens
Appearing to come out of the pages of a fairy tale, Lancetilla Botanical Gardens is the ideal attraction for anyone who loves tropical plants and flowers. Lancetilla Botanical Gardens is home to over 200 species of exotic plants and encompasses over 1680 hectares of natural habitats. The gardens were commissioned in 1926 and you will find everything from fruit trees to an assortment of colorful flowers here. Be on the lookout as this park attracts tropical birds, animals, and reptiles.
9. Rio Cangrejal
Rio Cangrejal is popular among those who wish to have wet and wild adventures included in their itinerary. The river cuts through the rainforest along the northern coast of Honduras and promises to provide an exceptional time to all who visit. Rio Cangrejal is famous among white water rafters and kayakers alike and offers a cool respite from the summer heat of South America. At Rio Cangrejal, you can take in the beautiful scenery of the mountains while riding the waves to the coast.
10. Street Food Markets
No matter what city you are visiting, no trip to Honduras is complete without sampling some of the street food this country is known for. From fried bananas to homemade warm tortillas stuffed with beans, sauteed vegetables, and your choice of meat, the food found here is made with pure heart and soul. Instead of heading off to a national chain restaurant for your meals, stroll the urban streets and seek out the locally owned cafes and street food tents where you can sample menu items made from recipes that have been passed down for generations. Having a hard time deciding where to eat? Just ask a local who will be happy to show you where the culinary hot spots are in town.