Things To Do
in Honduras

Honduras is a country of lush mountains, Caribbean coastlines, and ancient ruins. From the cloud-covered highlands to the tropical jungles and pristine beaches, it offers a rich mix of nature and culture. The people are warm and welcoming, and you’ll find vibrant markets and colorful festivals throughout the year.

Whether you’re exploring Maya ruins, snorkeling the Bay Islands, or hiking scenic trails, Honduras rewards curious travelers with genuine experiences.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Tegucigalpa
morning
:

Arrive at Toncontín International Airport and get settled in your hotel. Enjoy a traditional breakfast featuring scrambled eggs and fried plantains at a local café. As you acclimate to the time zone, take a leisurely stroll around the city center to absorb the vibrant atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Visit the impressive La Tigra National Park for a chance to explore its lush trails and unique flora and fauna. Enjoy a guided nature walk where you might spot exotic birds and butterflies along the way. Share a hearty lunch in a local restaurant, savoring authentic Honduran dishes.

evening
:

As night falls, immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a folkloric dance performance. Dine at a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the city skyline as you taste delicious grilled meats. Wind down by mingling with locals at a nearby café, enjoying the warm Honduran hospitality.

day 2
Exploring Tegucigalpa
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before heading to the National Identity Museum for a deeper understanding of Honduran culture and history. Marvel at the rich collections of art and artifacts that showcase the country's heritage. Afterward, climb the historic El Picacho to visit the Christ statue, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the capital.

afternoon
:

Head to the vibrant markets of Tegucigalpa, where you can shop for local crafts and fresh produce. Engage with vendors, and taste some local street food delicacies, such as empanadas and baleadas. Make your way to the Alliance Francaise in the afternoon to appreciate local art exhibitions and perhaps catch a movie screening.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant, where you can try traditional dishes like sopa de caracol. After dinner, explore the nightlife in the city by visiting a bar showcasing vibrant local music. Feel the energy as you dance to the rhythms of salsa or merengue, engaging with friendly locals.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-8
🧃Soft drink or juice$1-2
🛏️Hotel night (mid-range)$40-90
🚌Local transportation (one-way)$0.50-2
🎟️Museum or activity ticket$5-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and ancient ruins like Copán
  • Crystal-clear Caribbean beaches and excellent snorkeling/diving
  • Warm, welcoming people and vibrant street life
  • Relatively affordable compared to neighboring Central American destinations
  • Some areas have limited infrastructure and rough roads
  • Hurricane season can disrupt travel plans and safety in coastal regions
  • "Hola" - Hello
  • "¿Cómo está?" - How are you?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Cuánto cuesta?" - How much is this?
  • "No entiendo" - I don’t understand
  • "Hablo un poco de español" - I speak a little Spanish

Places to Visit in Honduras

Visit one of these nice places.

Copán Ruins

Maya ruins with towering stelae, intricate carvings, and a chance to capture sunrise reflections in the nearby jungle.

Cayos Cochinos

A pristine pair of islands with turquoise water and white sand beaches, perfect for seascapes and underwater photography.

Celaque National Park (Pine Mountain)

Hiking routes through cloud forests and panoramic viewpoints of Honduras’ highest peak; dramatic misty landscapes.

Roatán’s West End and East End Beaches

Colorful coral reefs, bobbing boats, and fishing villages provide vibrant coastal photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Honduras

Honduran cuisine blends indigenous ingredients with Spanish and Caribbean influences, known for hearty staples, fresh seafood, and vibrant flavors. Expect corn tortillas, beans, plantains, pork, and tropical fruits in many dishes. Street food is common and affordable, especially near markets and bus stations. Coastal regions shine with seafood dishes and coconut flavors, while highland towns offer hearty stews and coffee-infused treats.

Honduras Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Baleadas

A flour tortilla folded over refried beans, cheese, and crema; add avocado or eggs for extra richness.

Must-Try!

Sopa de Caracol

Caracol (whelk) soup with coconut milk, yuca, and green plantains; a classic beach dish.

Ropa Vieja

Shredded beef with peppers, onions, and tomatoes, commonly served with rice and beans.

Casamiento

A simple mix of white rice and fried black beans, often served with fried plantains and eggs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Central (Tegucigalpa)

A bustling hub for tropical fruits, fresh tortillas, and traditional snacks; try the fried yuca and tamales.

Mercado de San Pedro Sula

Regional produce, meats, and street stalls offering baleadas and fresh-squeezed juice.

Coastal street stalls (Bay Islands)

Fresh seafood vendors serving ceviche, fried fish, and coconut drinks right on the beach.

Climate Guide

Weather

Honduras has a tropical climate with hot and humid conditions in coastal lowlands and milder temperatures in the highlands. The dry season runs roughly from November to April, while the wet season brings heavy rains from May to October. Coastal areas can be particularly humid, and weather varies with altitude and region. The Bay Islands enjoy warm seas year-round, with clearer conditions during the dry season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a polite 'Buenos días' and a handshake; make eye contact. Address elders with 'usted' rather than 'tú'.

Respect for Family and Religion

Family is central; be respectful when visiting homes or churches; dress modestly for religious sites.

Punctuality and Social Etiquette

Social events are generally relaxed about time; arriving a bit late is common in some contexts. A warm attitude goes a long way.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should stay aware of petty crime in urban areas; use hotel safes, avoid isolated areas at night, and keep valuables secure. Road travel can be challenging due to limited infrastructure in rural regions; hire reputable guides or trusted transport. Stay informed about weather and local advisories, especially during hurricane season.

Tipping in Honduras

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is common if service is not included. For small cafés or street stalls, rounding up is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash (Lempira) is widely accepted; major credit cards are common in cities and hotels. ATMs are available in urban centers. Some rural areas may be cash-only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry Season (November to April)

Sunny mornings with refreshing cool evenings in highlands; great for outdoor activities and city explorations. Some coastal areas can be windy.

Wet Season (May to October)

Lush landscapes with daily tropical rain showers, especially in the afternoons. Use rain protection for gear and plan water-based activities early.

Hurricane Season (June to November)

Spotty weather and potential storms; monitor forecasts and plan flexible itineraries; coastal areas may experience higher rainfall and rough seas.

Nightlife Guide

Honduras at Night

In major cities, nightlife centers around lively bars, plazas with live music, and clubs featuring tropical rhythms. Coastal towns offer beachfront bars with reggae and salsa, while inland areas have cozy cafés and late-night markets. Expect friendly crowds, casual dress, and plenty of socializing with locals and travelers alike.

Hiking in Honduras

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Celaque National Park

Contains Honduras’ highest peak; challenging trails through cloud forests.

Pico Bonito National Park

Lush rainforest with waterfall hikes and abundant wildlife near La Ceiba.

Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge

Lowland mangroves with birdwatching and easy coastal hikes.

Airports

How to reach Honduras by plane.

Ramon Villeda Morales International (SPS)

Located near San Pedro Sula, a major gateway to the Bay Islands and northern Honduras.

Toncontín International (TGU)

Tegucigalpa’s main airport; smaller and located within the city's hills.

Palmerola International (XPL)

Newly developed airport near Comayagua, expanding international flight options and serving central Honduras.

Getting Around

Walkability

Historic city centers and some coastal towns are walkable, with many attractions within pleasant walking distance. Expect traffic and limited sidewalks in some areas; proper caution is advised in crowded markets and on busy streets.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Lenca

Indigenous group concentrated in western Honduras known for traditional crafts and historical sites.

Garífuna

Afro-indigenous community along the Caribbean coast with unique music, cuisine, and language influences.

Miskito

Indigenous group in eastern Honduras with distinct culture and languages.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer (Fútbol)

The most popular sport across the country, followed passionately in neighborhoods and stadiums alike.

Boxing

A traditional sport with regional competitions and notable local fighters.

Surfing

Popular on the Bay Islands (Roatán and Utila) with many surf schools and perfect beginner waves.

Transportation

Traffic

Urban traffic can be congested in major cities, with a mix of informal transport and buses. Intercity travel varies in reliability; road conditions improve with rain but deteriorate in remote areas. Public transport is affordable but can be crowded; taxis and ride-sharing are common in cities.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians can enjoy rice, beans, plantains, fresh fruit, and vegetable stews. Ask for no lard or meat-based broths; many places offer vegetable options or gorditas.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is concentrated in major cities with private hospitals offering quality care; public healthcare is available but can be slower. Travel insurance with medical coverage is recommended; carry any necessary medications and prescriptions.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Honduras.