Honduras Travel Guide
Honduras, often overlooked due to its reputation for safety concerns, has nonetheless established itself among travelers, primarily thanks to the captivating Caribbean islands of Utila and Roatan, part of the Bay Islands archipelago.
However, Honduras offers far more than its idyllic islands. The country boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, along with some of the most impressive and well-preserved Mayan ruins, all at incredibly affordable prices, making it undoubtedly one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Central America.
While it’s true that Honduras still grapples with gang-related issues and violence, the situation is far safer than commonly perceived, particularly in tourist areas.
Having spent several weeks backpacking through Honduras, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide filled with information and advice to help you plan your trip effectively.
Quick menu
- When to visit Honduras
- Documents and vaccinations to enter Honduras
- What to do and see in Honduras
- Suggested itineraries in Honduras
- How to get around Honduras
- Backpacking Honduras: costs
- Backpacking Honduras: Safety
Utila.
When to visit Honduras
Honduras’ climate varies significantly based on altitude, but two distinct seasons prevail:
The rainy season, spanning from May to November, features brief thunderstorms primarily concentrated in the hot and humid afternoons.
The dry season, from December to April, boasts minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures. This period is generally considered the optimal time to visit Honduras, but it’s also the most expensive, particularly around the holidays.
However, I personally visited the country during the rainy season in August, and despite occasional showers, the weather wasn’t an issue.
Documents and vaccinations to enter Honduras
Most passport holders receive a 90-day tourist visa upon entering Honduras.
Note: Honduras, along with Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, is part of CA-4, an agreement allowing a maximum stay of 90 days within these four countries combined. For example, if you spend 40 days in Nicaragua, then 20 in Honduras, and 20 in El Salvador before entering Guatemala, you’ll only receive a 10-day visa upon entering Guatemala.
You can renew your visa for an additional 90 days for the entire region by simply crossing the border into Mexico or Belize to the north, or Costa Rica to the south, either by land or air, even for a day trip, commonly known as a “visa run.”
Alternatively, you can renew your visa for an additional 90 days at an immigration office within one of the four countries. This process is limited to one renewal and the cost varies by country.
Upon entry into Honduras, there is a $3 fee.
Honduras officially requires yellow fever vaccination if you’ve recently been in a high-risk country (primarily in South America and Central Africa) within the last 11 days. This check appears to be discretionary, but if you’re coming from one of these countries, getting vaccinated is advisable to avoid potential issues. Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are always recommended.
Parrot at Copan Ruins.
What to do and see in Honduras
Honduras is the second largest country in Central America but, as you can see from the map, most tourist destinations are conveniently concentrated in the northwest.
In this guide you will often find references to prices. The local currency is called “Lempira” shortened to “HNL” or simply “L.” Sometimes, especially in tourist areas, the U.S. dollar is also used.
The exchange rate at the time of publication of this article is 1€ = 28 HNL. For the current exchange rate, I suggest you look at this page.
Tegucigalpa
The capital is one of those cities that honestly does not have much to offer and along with San Pedro Sula possibly to be avoided except as an intermediate stop between two destinations. In fact, the two cities are infamous for high crime rates.
I only spent a couple of hours there and it did not give me a very good feeling, in my opinion it is better to move on as soon as possible. It may seem obvious, but I strongly advise against walking around the city alone except in very central areas and in any case never at night.
I have not been there personally, but Comayagua, which is only a couple of hours from the capital, is a really well-preserved small colonial town that had been recommended to me.
How to reach Tegucigalpa?
There are direct buses to the capital from all major cities in the country but also to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
Where to sleep in Tegucigalpa?
Travelers don’t really stay here so there are no options when it comes to hostels. Check out Hospedaje Casa de Luna for a cheap room.
Comayagua.
Lake Yojoa
Lake Yojoa is the largest in the entire country, simply an ancient crater now filled with water. The area is mostly mountainous and rich in flora and fauna, boasting 400 species of birds and 800 species of plants.
What to do and see in Lake Yojoa
There are several parks and reserves in the area where you can enjoy activities such as kayaking, hiking, fishing, and bird watching. Additionally, you can visit coffee plantations in the vicinity.
Particularly popular with travelers is the D&D brewery, a really nice lodge nestled in the forest that offers lots of activities to do on your own or with the help of a guide present in the perimeters of the facility. It’s all well described on the website, take a look!
Don’t miss the Pulhapanzak waterfall (Google Maps) not far away, which is truly spectacular.
If you decide to stay at the lodge, which I recommend, be aware that although the prices from the lodging are great with dorms starting at $9.99 (there are also private rooms and bungalows) there is no kitchen and the nearest town is like 10 minutes away by bus so you are “forced” to eat at the restaurant which is not super cheap. For the record, the whole region is considered extremely safe.
How to reach Lago de Yojoa?
The lake is located along the road from Tegucigalpa to San Pedro de Sula and therefore easily accessible by bus. Check out this page, there is extremely detailed information starting from all the main tourist destinations in the country.
Pulhapanzak falls.
La Ceiba
If you want to reach the Bay Islands, then La Ceiba is a must as the ferry departs from here. It is also a good base for exploring the nearby Pico Bonito National Park, considered by many to be the most beautiful in Honduras.
Unfortunately, I don’t have much information about this because I didn’t have time to visit the park. But you can find a very detailed guide here.
Where to sleep in La Ceiba?
Missing the afternoon ferry meant an unplanned overnight stay at the Guacamayos hostel. While the hostel itself is nothing exceptional, it’s clean and affordable. However, if you can, I’d recommend avoiding an overnight stay in La Ceiba altogether.
How to reach La Ceiba?
La Ceiba has direct buses from Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula several times a day.
Alton dive center.
Utila and Roatan (Bay Islands)
Here at last are the Bay Islands and the reason why many people visit Honduras. The two main islands are Utila and Roatan. Prices on the two islands are similar, although Utila seems to be slightly cheaper and with a good nightlife so it is more frequented by backpackers, while Roatan is more of a family island with “older” tourists, numerous hotels and resorts.
However, both islands offer diving and certification at bargain prices. In fact, it is one of the cheapest places in the world to earn your scuba certification. The PADI open water sells for about $300. There are plenty of “dive shops” offering packages of all types and prices from the moment you step off the ferry.
I personally paid $275 for the full course, lodging for the entire duration of the course and two dives (fun dives) at the end. The center is called Alton’s dive center. I would recommend it but I am sure other centers are just as good. Just walk down the main street and see what each store has to offer.
Diving is undoubtedly the main activity on the islands and the reason many people visit. But they still remain Caribbean islands with dreamy beaches, crystal clear water and a relaxed atmosphere where you don’t necessarily have to dive.
How to reach Utila and Roatan?
The cheapest way to reach them is by ferry from La Ceiba. There are two departures (about one hour, 720L ~ $30) plus one connection per day: ferry La Ceiba – Utila. Look here for the La Ceiba – Roatan ferry.
One of my first dives.
Copan Ruinas
Copan Ruinas is a small town that offers any kind of service needed by anyone who wants to visit the famous Mayan ruins of Copan.
The ruins of Copan
The ruins lack gigantic temples like those found in Tikal or Teotihuacan, but they feature numerous well-preserved sculptures and hieroglyphs that cannot be found in such abundance anywhere else. Undoubtedly, they are among the most beautiful I have seen while traveling in Central America.
The ruins are just 1 km from the village, making them easily accessible on foot or by taking one of the many tuk tuks waiting just outside the village. I recommend visiting in the morning right when the site opens at 8:00 a.m. to avoid the heat of the central hours. Admission costs $15, and in my opinion, a couple of hours is sufficient to explore the site.
After visiting the main ruins, I also suggest exploring another site called “Las Sepulturas,” located about a mile away along the main road leading out of town (Google Maps). While not as impressive, it is much less crowded and definitely worth a visit since it is included in the same ticket.
Many visitors to Copan Ruinas, myself included, often limit their visit to the ruins. However, for those interested, there are natural hot springs known as “Luna Jaguar Aguas Termales,” easily accessible from the village even by bus for $10 entry (Google Maps). Another worthwhile attraction is “Macaw Mountain,” a wild bird rescue center just a few minutes by taxi from downtown, with an entrance fee of $10 (Google Maps).
Copan Ruins.
Where to sleep in Copan Ruinas?
Hostel Iguana Azul is a great hostel.
How to reach Copan Ruinas?
There are direct buses from Tegucigalpa and La Ceiba with Hedman Alas but they are expensive. If you arrive from La Ceiba I recommend taking the Diana Express bus to San Pedro Sula, from Tegucigalpa take any bus direct to San Pedro Sula. Once you get here take the Casassola Express minibusses.
If you found this article helpful, please consider purchasing your travel insurance through one of the links on this site, doing so supports my work at no additional cost to you. For EU & UK Residents, i recommend True Traveller. For everyone else i recommend HeyMondo (5% discount). Thanks!
Crossing the Honduras-El Salvador Border
To reach El Salvador via the “El Poy” border crossing, first take a bus to La Entrada (40L). Transfer to another bus headed to Ocotepeque (L90). From there, you can find shared mini buses or taxis going to the border (L20). Once across the border, there are frequent direct buses to San Salvador. Overall, the process is quite straightforward, and I typically didn’t wait more than 10 minutes between buses. It’s advisable to start your journey early in the morning.
Crossing the Honduras-Guatemala Border
While I haven’t personally made this trip, the following information should be accurate: Mini buses from Copan Ruinas to the “El Florido” border depart every 20 minutes (20L). From there, take a bus to Chiquimula, departing every 10 minutes (16Q). Finally, catch a direct bus to Guatemala City, which takes about 4 hours and costs 45Q.
Note: There are also tourist shuttles available for these routes, but they are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Suggested itineraries in Honduras
Many travelers incorporate Honduras into a longer trip, often visiting just Copan from Guatemala or exploring the Bay Islands and Copan within a week. However, if you are planning a trip solely focused on Honduras, I recommend the following itinerary.
10-day itinerary in Honduras
The following itinerary is designed assuming arrival and departure from Tegucigalpa, but note that San Pedro Sula also has an international airport that you could fly into.
Lago de Yojoa (3 nights)
Day 1:
If you can, avoid spending the night in Tegucigalpa or San Pedro Sula and go straight to Lago de Yojoa.
Day 2:
Visit the Pulhapanzak waterfall.
Day 3:
Transfer to La Ceiba, ferry to Utila in the afternoon.
Bay islands (5 nights)
Day 4-5-6-7:
If you are interested in getting your diving certification then you need a minimum of 4 full days. Contact some dive center in advance for more information, otherwise just enjoy the island and its beaches. You can still do snorkeling, boat trips etc etc. And of course do some diving if you are already certified.
Copan Ruinas (2 nights)
Day 8:
Transfer to Copan Ruinas.
Day 9:
Explore the ruins.
Day 10:
Return.
If you have more days available, consider visiting Pico Bonito National Park near La Ceiba. You could also spend a few additional days in the Bay Islands or Copan Ruinas, where there are plenty of other interesting activities to enjoy. This would help complete a possible two-week itinerary.
How to get around Honduras
Buses in Honduras
Buses are undoubtedly the cheapest and most practical way to travel within the country. However, some companies operate from private terminals which can be confusing, especially in Tegucigalpa. It’s advisable to do your research ahead of time, perhaps by inquiring at your accommodation.
Hedman Alas is a luxury bus company in Honduras. While they are significantly more expensive than their competitors, they offer top-notch service if you’re looking for the best travel experience.
For shorter distances, “chicken buses” and minibuses are popular options. They can be crowded but are very affordable.
La Ceiba – Utila ferry.
Taxi in Honduras
Taxis are considered the safest mode of transport around the city, especially at night. Since they do not use meters, it’s important to agree on the fare before you begin your journey to avoid any issues. In my experience, taxi drivers are generally honest about pricing.
Domestic Flights in Honduras
There are frequent flights between Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and the Bay Islands. The companies are Aerolineas Sosa and Avianca, which operate under the name Isleña/TACA. Buses are significantly cheaper but if you don’t have budget problems flying, especially to the islands, can save you quite a bit of time.
Hitchhiking in Honduras
Hitchhiking is common in rural areas where buses run infrequently but is definitely to be avoided in the city.
Backpacking Honduras: costs
How much does a trip to Honduras cost? The cost of a trip to Honduras depends a lot on the type of activities you’re going to do. If you count on diving every day obviously the costs go up but otherwise it’s a really cheap country.
Cost of accommodation in Honduras
Hostels are cheap, with prices often starting at 200 NHL per night and private rooms from 500L. Some family-run hotels can be cheaper than hostels, with prices starting from 350 NHL for a double room.
Cost of food in Honduras
Food in local restaurants is inexpensive, and you can enjoy a good meal for 60-70 NHL. Street food is even more affordable. I recommend trying “baleadas,” which are flatbreads served with a spread of beans, cheese, and onions in the plain version. They are delicious and typically cost only 10 NHL each.
Baleada.
Cost of transportation in Honduras
Buses and public transportation, in general, are very affordable, typically costing between $1 and $2 per hour of travel. The more luxurious bus companies, such as Hedman Alas, are still relatively inexpensive by European standards.
Backpacking Honduras: Safety
Is Honduras safe? Statistically, Honduras has one of the highest murder rates in the world, which may deter some travelers. However, it’s important to note that much of this violence is related to local gangs fighting each other, primarily in urban areas. By using common sense and following local advice, you can minimize risks and enjoy a safe experience, especially in rural and tourist areas, which are generally considered safe.
Are you planning a trip to El Salvador? Check out these posts:
Do you have any questions? Updated information? Feel free to leave a comment or message me on Instagram!
If you found this article helpful, please consider purchasing your travel insurance through one of the links on this site, doing so supports my work at no additional cost to you. For EU & UK Residents, i recommend True Traveller. For everyone else i recommend HeyMondo (5% discount). Thanks!
For donations/pizzas and virtual beers 🙂
Did you like the post? Pin it!
