Things To Do
in Choloma

Choloma is a bustling city in northern Honduras, located in the Cortés Department just west of San Pedro Sula at about 15.6333, -88. It blends industrial energy with residential neighborhoods, markets, and a growing service sector. The city serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby natural areas and coastal routes.

Expect a warm, tropical climate with lively markets, friendly locals, and a developing hospitality scene.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Honduran dishes like huevos rancheros. After breakfast, take a stroll through the historic center of Choloma, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant street life. Stop by the local market to engage with vendors and sample fresh tropical fruits.

afternoon
:

For lunch, savor some authentic Honduran cuisine at a nearby restaurant, trying local specialties such as baleadas or carne asada. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Church of San Juan Bautista, appreciating its historical significance and beautiful interior. Spend some time at the central park, where you can relax and watch the world go by.

evening
:

As evening falls, head to a local eatery for dinner, tasting traditional dishes while soaking in the lively atmosphere. After dinner, enjoy a walking tour of the area, taking in the beautifully lit streets and local shops. Finish your day with a sweet treat from an ice cream parlor, enjoying the flavors of the region.

day 2
Nature and Wildlife Exploration
morning
:

Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a trip to Parque Nacional Cerro Azul Meámbar. This stunning national park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Spend your morning hiking along the trails, keeping an eye out for local wildlife such as birds and monkeys.

afternoon
:

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by the natural beauty of Honduras. Spend the afternoon visiting the park's various scenic viewpoints, where you can take breathtaking photographs of the landscape. Don't forget to explore the educational visitor center to learn more about the region's ecology.

evening
:

Return to Choloma in the evening and unwind at a local restaurant, reflecting on your day's adventures. Delight in a dinner of fresh seafood or other local favorites while enjoying live music. As night descends, stroll around the town to experience the vibrant nightlife.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$4-8
🚌Local transportation (bus/taxi)$0.25-1
🏨Budget hotel room (per night)$20-50
📶Mobile data plan (prepaid)$5-15
🍽️Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant$20-40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to San Pedro Sula and other sites
  • Warm climate and friendly locals
  • Growing selection of local eateries and markets
  • Reasonably priced accommodations
  • Traffic and air quality concerns in peak hours
  • Limited nightlife within Choloma itself
  • Healthcare access can require travel to SPS for major services
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Habla Inglés?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
  • "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
  • "Estoy perdido" - I am lost

Places to Visit in Choloma

Visit one of these nice places.

Parque Central Choloma

A traditional city park with lively activity, benches, and colonial-style lampposts ideal for candid street photography.

Río Ulúa riverbank at sunset

Water reflections and golden light over the river provide tranquil landscape photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Choloma

Choloma’s cuisine centers on Honduran staples with Caribbean influences, featuring rice and beans, fresh tortillas, plantains, hearty stews, and plenty of fruit. Street vendors and small family-run eateries offer flavorful, affordable options.

Choloma Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Baleadas

A folded flour tortilla filled with refried beans, cheese, and sometimes avocado or eggs.

Must-Try!

Casado Hondureño

A hearty plate with rice, beans, meat, plantains, and salad.

Sopa de Frijoles

A comforting beans soup often served with corn tortilla.

Pescado frito

Fried fish with sides, common near river towns and coastal routes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Choloma

A busy daily market where you can buy fresh produce, meats, herbs, and ready-to-eat dishes.

Street stalls

Tostadas, baleadas, and other quick bites available along main streets.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is tropical, warm year-round with a defined dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October, leading to humidity and seasonal rain.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly hello or buenos días is appreciated; handshakes are common among adults; avoid aggressive gestures.

Photography and respect

Ask for permission when photographing people, especially in markets or homes.

Dress and modesty

Dress modestly when visiting churches or formal spaces; shoulder and knee coverage is respectful.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty crime can occur in urban areas, especially at night. Stay aware of your belongings, use trusted taxis, and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas after dark. Keep copies of important documents and follow local guidance.

Tipping in Choloma

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping around 10% in restaurants if service isn’t included; small tips for taxi drivers and hotel staff are appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash (Honduran lempira and USD) is widely accepted in markets and eateries; many shops and hotels also accept cards in larger establishments; ATMs are common in the area.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry season (November–April)

Expect sunny mornings, clear skies, and lower humidity—great for outdoor exploration and photography. Occasional breezes keep temperatures comfortable.

Wet season (May–October)

Afternoon showers are common; mornings are often drier. Bring a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof footwear; humidity is high.

Nightlife Guide

Choloma at Night

Choloma’s nightlife is modest, with local bars and casual cafés where residents socialize after work. For more vibrant nightlife, many visitors head to nearby San Pedro Sula for larger clubs and live music, though Choloma offers a few relaxed venues and evenings with local bands.

Hiking in Choloma

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cusuco National Park

Cloud forest with trails and wildlife, a popular day trip from Choloma.

Airports

How to reach Choloma by plane.

Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP)

San Pedro Sula’s international gateway, a short drive from Choloma depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

Choloma’s center is relatively walkable with compact markets and plazas, but the city is spread out beyond the core. Pedestrian-friendly areas exist around the Parque Central and market district, while outer neighborhoods have heavier traffic and limited sidewalks.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Mestizo majority

Most residents identify as Mestizo, with smaller Indigenous and Afro-Honduran communities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer (fútbol)

The most popular sport in the region, with active local leagues and community games.

Baseball

Common in schools and youth clubs; regional tournaments occur regionally.

Boxing

There are boxing gyms and occasional events in the area.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be congested during peak hours in Choloma and on routes to San Pedro Sula. Public transport includes buses and taxis; ride-hailing options exist but intercity travel can have delays in rain or high traffic.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Choloma.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes can be made vegetarian by omitting meat and using beans, cheese, avocado, and vegetables; look for arroz con habichuelas or casado with added vegetables.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Choloma has local clinics and small private hospitals; major medical care and specialized services are typically found in nearby San Pedro Sula, with pathways to larger facilities for emergencies.

Discover Honduras

Read more in our Honduras 2025 Travel Guide.

Honduras Travel Guide