Attractions that put Honduras solidly on the discovery circuit in Central America are the majestic Mayan ruins of Copan, towns with charming colonial churches and historic fortresses, pine-clad highlands and wildlife-rich rainforests, opportunities for ecotourism experiences on the almost wholly untouchedm Mosquito Coast, and superb snorkeling and diving off the shores of the Eden-like Bay Islands.
TEGUCIGALPA & SAN PEDRO SULA
For both business and leisure travelers, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are international air gateways. “Teguse,” as the city is familiarly called, is the capital where government and diplomatic offices, as well as international organizations are located. San Pedro Sula is the commercial heart of the country where more than 60 percent of the nation’s gross domestic produce is produced. Blessed with a beautiful natural setting, Tegucigalpa is a quirky sort of place, with narrow streets twisting up the hillside nurturing charming pockets of colonial architecture. Hotels are mostly modern structures, such as the hilltop Honduras Maya (just next door to the Casino Royale), while the boutique hotel of Portal del Angel is set in an attractive mansion. East of downtown and well-positioned next to shopping mall amenities, as well as close to governmental offices, are the Hotel Camino Real InterContinental, the Marriott Tegucigalpa and the Hotel Clarion. An outstanding visitor alternative is the National Gallery of Art, formerly a 17th century convent and now displaying works from prehistoric to colonial periods, as well as modern works by Honduras artists. Extend your stay here to buy one of your own colorful and very collectible native paintings in the nearby mountain hamlet of Valle de Angeles. Or, you can step back in time into the 16th century while exploring the art-filled church of the former mining town of Santa Lucia or go birdwatching along the cloud forest trails of La Tigre National Park.
In Tegucigalpa, make dining out part of your capital experience. For instance, high above the city is La Cumbre, offering both panoramic views and some of the best international food in town, and for Honduran dishes, as well as live mariachi music, El Patio is one of the best spots. When in San Pedro Sula, everyone likes a meal out at Don Udo’s, which cooks up continental cuisine with a Honduran flair. Another favorite spot is Pat’s Steakhouse for prime Honduran beef and seafood. After dinner you can go bar hopping in the Zona Viva or just hang out at La Cava before retiring, perhaps, to your home-away-from home at the Hilton Princess or Real InterContinental. While both business and leisure travelers may be on their way to somewhere else in Honduras, before taking off stop in for a tour around the Museum of Anthropology and History, a treasure house of pre-Columbian antiquities from Olmec and Mayan to Lenca Indian cultures. And leave time to go people-watching and shopping among the stalls of the outdoor Mercado Guamilito, at its best on weekends.
THE NORTH COAST
Nature lovers and birdwatchers are going to find the North Coast a virtual natural wonderland. Mostly by boat, explore the Cuero y Saldo Wildlife Refuge, a protected wildlife zone replete with manatees, crocodiles, howler monkeys and birdlife galore. Also in this corner of Honduras is the Lancetilla Botanical Garden, the second largest botanical garden in the world and founded by the United Fruit Company. It’s home to thousands of species of exotic plants attracting dozens of species of exotic birds. La Ceiba is the area gateway, a 125-mile drive from San Pedro Sula, and Hotel Quinta Real is a good place to hang your sombrero, as well as arrange for touring by mountain bike, kayak or canopy zipline.
THE BAY ISLANDS
A short plane ride away from San Pedro Sula or La Ceiba are the Bay Islands, a pristine archipelago that spreads out over 92 sq. miles and whose major islands—Roatan, Utila and Guanaja—float along the world’s second largest barrier reef. In clear Caribbean waters, divers and snorkelers will find that turtles and stingrays are almost as common as parrot fish, while whale sharks make themselves at home off Utila. Continental Airlines flights from the United States go nonstop to Roatan, the biggest of the Bay Islands and the Holy Grail for scuba divers, with 40 or more dive sites. Every kind of dive and snorkel experience is here for the asking—day dives, night dives, wreck diving among deep and shallow reefs made up of a variety of colorful corals, sponges and tropical marine life. Other water-bound attractions include the famous “dolphin experience” at Anthony’s Key Resort, which also offers deluxe cabana accommodations and a topnotch fleet of dive and snorkel boats. Land-based visitors will enjoy visiting botanical gardens, an iguana farm and quiet fishing villages; shopping and dining around laid-back West End town; taking a zipline ride in the rainforest canopy (a choice of four on the island); and basking on beautiful beaches. West Bay is considered the finest of island beaches and it is home to the Mayan Princess Beach Resort and the luxury, new Infinity Bay Spa & Resort.
COPAN: A MAYA WORLD WONDER
A 3-hour drive from San Pedro Sula, the archaeological site of Copan is among the most spectacular in the Americas. Its main ceremonial center covers about 75 acres with pyramids, temples, ball courts and dozens of intricately carved stelae portraying those who ruled this great city between the 5th and 9th centuries. The history of the Kings of Copan is recorded on the Hieroglyphic Staircase and treasures found in the ruins are housed on site in the brilliantly designed Museum of Sculpture, including the dazzling 4-story replica of the Rosalila Temple. Ancient Copan is one of two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Honduras (the Rio Plantano Biosphere Reserve is the other). In addition to exploring the ruins, be sure to visit Macaw Mountain Bird Reserve and perhaps go horseback riding or take a soak in the area’s hot springs. A bonus to visiting Copan is a stay in the charming and lively village of Copan Ruinas, where Marina Copan is an in-town hotel favorite, while the Hacienda San Lucas is a lovely choice on the outskirts. Soon to come is a new airport 11 miles from town, receiving small-plane flights from San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Roatan and La Ceiba.
It Would Be a Shame to Miss...
Pico Bonito National Park, the second largest national park in the country, is located on the North Coast near La Ceiba. It is most famous for having the highest peak of the Nombre de Dios mountain range, Pico Bonito, as well as for its great variety of habitats— rainforest, cloud forest and dry forest—which are home to jaguars, mountain lions, armadillos, wild pigs, monkeys, toucans, white-tailed deer, river otters, motmots and many more. A 20-mile network of trails follows the Zacate River and the churning Rio Cangrejal offers some of Central America’s most exciting whitewater rafting. All this beauty and action is most accessible from the country’s first luxury eco-entry, the Lodge at Pico Bonito, whose 20 secluded cabins are nestled in this magnifi cent rainforest, as well as from Las Cascadas Lodge on the banks of the Cangrejal River.
Celebrations for All Seasons
Jan. 25-Feb. 4: Celebration of the Virgen de Suyapa, Honduras’ national saint, culminating in a massive celebration at the basilica in Tegucigalpa.
Mar. 19: Festival of Copan Ruinas in honor of San Jose, which starts the week previous to the 19th.
Apr.: Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is a spectacle in many cities (note Santa Rosa de Copan in western Honduras and Comayagua in central Honduras), marked with elaborate parades and beautiful carpets of colored sawdust and flowers.
Apr. 12: Garifuna Festival in the village of Punta Gorda on Roatan, a carnival celebrating the arrival of the Afro-American people from the West Indies.
May: La Ceiba carnival, known as the Feria de San Isidro, is a week-long carnival of dancing and music,
June 22-24: Trujillo, the oldest town in the country, honors Saint John with a festival.
June 29: In honor of its patron saint’s day, San Pedro holds a June Fair, with events that include cattle shows and art expositions.
Aug.: Caribfest, a mega-Latino musical event, is held at the Coral Cay Nature Park on Roatan.
Dec. 12-16: In Gracias in western Honduras, a Guancasco Festival (celebrating “peace” between different communities) coincides with the Festival of Santa Lucia.
TEGUCIGALPA & SAN PEDRO SULA
For both business and leisure travelers, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are international air gateways. “Teguse,” as the city is familiarly called, is the capital where government and diplomatic offices, as well as international organizations are located. San Pedro Sula is the commercial heart of the country where more than 60 percent of the nation’s gross domestic produce is produced. Blessed with a beautiful natural setting, Tegucigalpa is a quirky sort of place, with narrow streets twisting up the hillside nurturing charming pockets of colonial architecture. Hotels are mostly modern structures, such as the hilltop Honduras Maya (just next door to the Casino Royale), while the boutique hotel of Portal del Angel is set in an attractive mansion. East of downtown and well-positioned next to shopping mall amenities, as well as close to governmental offices, are the Hotel Camino Real InterContinental, the Marriott Tegucigalpa and the Hotel Clarion. An outstanding visitor alternative is the National Gallery of Art, formerly a 17th century convent and now displaying works from prehistoric to colonial periods, as well as modern works by Honduras artists. Extend your stay here to buy one of your own colorful and very collectible native paintings in the nearby mountain hamlet of Valle de Angeles. Or, you can step back in time into the 16th century while exploring the art-filled church of the former mining town of Santa Lucia or go birdwatching along the cloud forest trails of La Tigre National Park.
In Tegucigalpa, make dining out part of your capital experience. For instance, high above the city is La Cumbre, offering both panoramic views and some of the best international food in town, and for Honduran dishes, as well as live mariachi music, El Patio is one of the best spots. When in San Pedro Sula, everyone likes a meal out at Don Udo’s, which cooks up continental cuisine with a Honduran flair. Another favorite spot is Pat’s Steakhouse for prime Honduran beef and seafood. After dinner you can go bar hopping in the Zona Viva or just hang out at La Cava before retiring, perhaps, to your home-away-from home at the Hilton Princess or Real InterContinental. While both business and leisure travelers may be on their way to somewhere else in Honduras, before taking off stop in for a tour around the Museum of Anthropology and History, a treasure house of pre-Columbian antiquities from Olmec and Mayan to Lenca Indian cultures. And leave time to go people-watching and shopping among the stalls of the outdoor Mercado Guamilito, at its best on weekends.
THE NORTH COAST
Nature lovers and birdwatchers are going to find the North Coast a virtual natural wonderland. Mostly by boat, explore the Cuero y Saldo Wildlife Refuge, a protected wildlife zone replete with manatees, crocodiles, howler monkeys and birdlife galore. Also in this corner of Honduras is the Lancetilla Botanical Garden, the second largest botanical garden in the world and founded by the United Fruit Company. It’s home to thousands of species of exotic plants attracting dozens of species of exotic birds. La Ceiba is the area gateway, a 125-mile drive from San Pedro Sula, and Hotel Quinta Real is a good place to hang your sombrero, as well as arrange for touring by mountain bike, kayak or canopy zipline.
THE BAY ISLANDS
A short plane ride away from San Pedro Sula or La Ceiba are the Bay Islands, a pristine archipelago that spreads out over 92 sq. miles and whose major islands—Roatan, Utila and Guanaja—float along the world’s second largest barrier reef. In clear Caribbean waters, divers and snorkelers will find that turtles and stingrays are almost as common as parrot fish, while whale sharks make themselves at home off Utila. Continental Airlines flights from the United States go nonstop to Roatan, the biggest of the Bay Islands and the Holy Grail for scuba divers, with 40 or more dive sites. Every kind of dive and snorkel experience is here for the asking—day dives, night dives, wreck diving among deep and shallow reefs made up of a variety of colorful corals, sponges and tropical marine life. Other water-bound attractions include the famous “dolphin experience” at Anthony’s Key Resort, which also offers deluxe cabana accommodations and a topnotch fleet of dive and snorkel boats. Land-based visitors will enjoy visiting botanical gardens, an iguana farm and quiet fishing villages; shopping and dining around laid-back West End town; taking a zipline ride in the rainforest canopy (a choice of four on the island); and basking on beautiful beaches. West Bay is considered the finest of island beaches and it is home to the Mayan Princess Beach Resort and the luxury, new Infinity Bay Spa & Resort.
COPAN: A MAYA WORLD WONDER
A 3-hour drive from San Pedro Sula, the archaeological site of Copan is among the most spectacular in the Americas. Its main ceremonial center covers about 75 acres with pyramids, temples, ball courts and dozens of intricately carved stelae portraying those who ruled this great city between the 5th and 9th centuries. The history of the Kings of Copan is recorded on the Hieroglyphic Staircase and treasures found in the ruins are housed on site in the brilliantly designed Museum of Sculpture, including the dazzling 4-story replica of the Rosalila Temple. Ancient Copan is one of two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Honduras (the Rio Plantano Biosphere Reserve is the other). In addition to exploring the ruins, be sure to visit Macaw Mountain Bird Reserve and perhaps go horseback riding or take a soak in the area’s hot springs. A bonus to visiting Copan is a stay in the charming and lively village of Copan Ruinas, where Marina Copan is an in-town hotel favorite, while the Hacienda San Lucas is a lovely choice on the outskirts. Soon to come is a new airport 11 miles from town, receiving small-plane flights from San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Roatan and La Ceiba.
It Would Be a Shame to Miss...
Pico Bonito National Park, the second largest national park in the country, is located on the North Coast near La Ceiba. It is most famous for having the highest peak of the Nombre de Dios mountain range, Pico Bonito, as well as for its great variety of habitats— rainforest, cloud forest and dry forest—which are home to jaguars, mountain lions, armadillos, wild pigs, monkeys, toucans, white-tailed deer, river otters, motmots and many more. A 20-mile network of trails follows the Zacate River and the churning Rio Cangrejal offers some of Central America’s most exciting whitewater rafting. All this beauty and action is most accessible from the country’s first luxury eco-entry, the Lodge at Pico Bonito, whose 20 secluded cabins are nestled in this magnifi cent rainforest, as well as from Las Cascadas Lodge on the banks of the Cangrejal River.
Celebrations for All Seasons
Jan. 25-Feb. 4: Celebration of the Virgen de Suyapa, Honduras’ national saint, culminating in a massive celebration at the basilica in Tegucigalpa.
Mar. 19: Festival of Copan Ruinas in honor of San Jose, which starts the week previous to the 19th.
Apr.: Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is a spectacle in many cities (note Santa Rosa de Copan in western Honduras and Comayagua in central Honduras), marked with elaborate parades and beautiful carpets of colored sawdust and flowers.
Apr. 12: Garifuna Festival in the village of Punta Gorda on Roatan, a carnival celebrating the arrival of the Afro-American people from the West Indies.
May: La Ceiba carnival, known as the Feria de San Isidro, is a week-long carnival of dancing and music,
June 22-24: Trujillo, the oldest town in the country, honors Saint John with a festival.
June 29: In honor of its patron saint’s day, San Pedro holds a June Fair, with events that include cattle shows and art expositions.
Aug.: Caribfest, a mega-Latino musical event, is held at the Coral Cay Nature Park on Roatan.
Dec. 12-16: In Gracias in western Honduras, a Guancasco Festival (celebrating “peace” between different communities) coincides with the Festival of Santa Lucia.
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