Located in Central America, Honduras is a tropical paradise attracting many tourists every year to its gorgeous islands, lush rainforests and picturesque mountains. With its immediate access to the world’s second largest barrier reef, Honduras presents some of the best diving and snorkeling opportunities in the Caribbean. What’s more, this beautiful country offers many attractions like ancient Mayan ruins, colonial villages and festive celebrations. From whitewater rafting to hiking and exotic wildlife viewing, there is no end to the fun and adventure here. Learn more about the top tourist attractions in Honduras.
flickr/davich0Consisting of two main islands and several smaller cays, Cayos Cochinos provides a peaceful retreat for those who want to experience the natural beauty of Honduras without the hustle of tourist crowds. There are no roads or automobiles here, but there are hiking trails that link the beaches to the quiet villages. One of the popular hikes here is a climb to the lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views of the area. Additionally, the islands feature stunning beaches that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
flickr/iwantcheeseA popular site for thrill-seekers, Rio Cangrejal is Central America’s premier destination for kayaking and rafting. With its long stretches of white water rapids rushing around boulders and plunging over drop-offs, the river offers plenty of adrenaline rushes. Four different sections of the river are designated according to skill levels, ranging from inexperienced to advanced. There are several tour operators available in the area to arrange tours as well as trained guides to help novices learn the basics of rafting and kayaking.
flickr/benpohlDuring the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, the quiet colonial village of Comayagua bursts into a flurry of activity and color with its street carpet tradition. Made with layers of colored sawdust and other natural materials like rice and flower petals, the huge carpets are elaborately designed to depict Biblical figures and events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The community then joins in a procession of reenacting the events of the crucifixion by walking on the carpets in costumes, carrying religious icons and reading from scripture. Even for non-religious visitors, the tradition is a must-do to see the artistic beauty of the carpets.
flickr/garavisA must-do for nature lovers, the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve protects some of the Honduras’s largest surviving, unspoiled ecosystems as well as several endangered species. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing and rafting expeditions here as well as tours through the tropical rainforests to view exotic birds, monkeys, jaguars, crocodiles and iguanas. Additionally, the reserve shelters a great number of archaeological sites such as Mayan ruins and a spot visited by Christopher Columbus.
flickr/Duane NewmanThe picturesque island of Guanaja offers tourists an idyllic escape where they can relax or engage in fun outdoor activities. With its year-round warm temperatures, high levels of visibility and coral reef, the ocean waters surrounding Guanaja are ideal for diving and snorkeling. Other things to do include jungle trekking, hiking to Grant’s Peak, viewing a lovely waterfall, and exploring the shopping, cuisine and culture of the local villages.
See Also: Where to Stay in Guanaja
flickr/Laura KnightOnce used as a haven for pirates, the protected territory around Punta Sal is today a popular place to encounter the natural beauty and wildlife of Honduras. Amid diverse landscapes of sandy beaches, mangrove swamps, rainforests and coastal lagoons, tourists here can see a wide variety of wildlife species like tropical birds, sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, crocodiles, monkeys and boas. The reserve also features a traditional village of thatched huts where visitors can learn about the local culture.
flickr/Ben BeiskeA hot spot for many tourists, the largest natural lake in Honduras offers many things to see and do. With its abundance of fish and bird species, Lake Yojoa is ideal for fishing and birdwatching. Travelers can also enjoy dipping in nearby hot springs, exploring caves, hiking to stunning waterfalls, touring coffee plantations and investigating ancient Mayan ruins. What’s more, visitors will find plenty of restaurants and hotels in the lake area.
flickr/spooneaterOne of the Bay Islands, Utila is regarded as one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean. With the cheapest Open Water courses available in the Caribbean, Utila certifies more new divers than any other place in the world. However, diving is not the only feature that makes Utila a popular tourist attraction. In addition to other water activities like swimming, snorkeling, paddle-boarding and kayaking, visitors can hike or horse ride through the jungle, explore caves and climb Pumpkin Hill to enjoy panoramic views.
See Also: Where to Stay in Utila
flickr/Josh KelloggLocated in western Honduras, Copán is a relatively small Mayan site famous for its remarkable series of portrait stelae. The stelae and sculptured decorations of the buildings of Copán are some of the very finest surviving art of ancient Mesoamerica. Some of the stone structures at Copán date back to the 9th century BC. The city grew into one of the most important Maya sites by the 5th century with more than 20,000 inhabitants but was mysteriously abandoned a few centuries later. The nearby town of Copán Ruinas has all types of accommodations and other facilities for tourists.
See Also: Where to Stay in Copan
flickr/alfonsatorRoatán is one of the Honduras Bay Islands in the Caribbean Sea. A popular port-of-call for cruise ships, the island of Roatan is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Honduras because of its beautiful scenery and variety of activities. With its gorgeous beaches and coral reef, Roatan provides opportunities for diving, snorkeling and swimming. The island also features many attractions like the Iguana Farm, the Caramola Gardens and the Roatan Butterfly Garden.
See Also: Where to Stay in Roatan
10 Top Tourist Attractions in Honduras10 Top Tourist Attractions in Honduras
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