The fantastic ornamentation of the Copán stelae is unparalleled within the “Mundo Maya,” which had its southern border in Honduras. The town of Copán Ruinas itself, just a few minutes’ walk from the world-famous ruins, is a pretty little town and an ideal starting point for excursions into the scenic surrounding countryside, in contrast to the soulless clusters of overpriced tourist hotels that have sprung up around similar sites in Mexico and Guatemala.
In the country’s large national parks, you will find the full diversity of tropical flora and fauna, from mountain forests with giant trees covered in orchids and bromeliads to shady pine forests and the mangroves and rainforests of the lowlands. The Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, covering around 5,000 square kilometers, is Honduras’ most important national park and one of the last intact rainforest areas in Central America. The park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. A total of around 10 percent of the country’s land area is under conservation. It is home to insects, countless bird and reptile species, as well as peccaries, pumas, jaguars, and tapirs.
The underwater world in and around the coral reefs of the Bay Islands, with their white sandy beaches that are second to none, is equally colorful and diverse. Enthusiastic divers from all over the world have long considered the waters around Roatán, Guanaja, and Utila to be among the best diving spots anywhere. Nevertheless, so far the islands have been largely spared from package tourism.
La Ceiba on the Honduran Caribbean coast is not only the starting point for flights and ferries to the Bay Islands, but also an ideal location for exploring the Pico Bonito National Park and the beaches of the mainland.
In the colonial cities of the western highlands, such as Comayagua, Santa Rosa de Copán, or Gracias, time seems to have stood still. Cigar and coffee aficionados will find what they are looking for in Santa Rosa de Copán. The well-known “Flor de Copán” cigars are produced and, of course, sold here. The smaller town of Gracias at the foot of Celaque has been in a deep slumber for centuries. It is hard to imagine that this secluded place was once the political center of power of the Spanish colonial empire in Central America. The climb to the summit of Celaque is only recommended for experienced hikers, but the national park also offers less strenuous yet rewarding trails.
The capital city, Tegucigalpa, is anything but sleepy; it is extremely lively, if not chaotic. It is the only Central American metropolis not located on the legendary Pan-American Highway, which runs parallel to the Pacific coast in the interior of the country. Thanks to its location away from the earthquake zone, surrounded by forested mountains and historic mining towns, Tegucigalpa still has a largely intact historic center, an impressive panorama, and a surrounding area whose scenic appeal is especially appealing to hikers.
Discover Honduras as a safe travel destination that is still off the beaten tourist track, before the big tour operators do.