The most dangerous city in the world. Honduras. Review: San Pedro Sula Honduras tourist reviews Luna Yagura Thermal Springs

Excursions to unique cultural sites past, exciting diving, relaxing holidays on the marble beaches of the Islas de la Bahia archipelago - tourism of honduras will be of interest to any category of vacationers.

Washed by the azure surface of the Caribbean Sea, the best resorts of Honduras They welcome tourists with cozy hotels and wonderful beaches. The most famous place for a beach holiday is the colorful Roatan - small island with marvelous nature and gentle tropical sun. Holidays on the island open up opportunities for active rest– the picturesque underwater world of the island bays will be of interest to lovers of diving and snorkeling.

Due to the country's subtropical location and above-zero temperatures, the Montecillos and Opalaka mountain ranges remain snow-free even in winter. That's why ski resorts Honduras cannot be implemented in this country.

Modern Honduras It is famous, first of all, for its resorts located on the Caribbean coast. In the full meaning of this word health resorts of Honduras not heard. However, developing tourism Honduras offers holidaymakers sanatoriums and boarding houses in various parts of the country. Luxurious hotels in famous resorts provide clients with wellness services and SPA treatments.

Diverse in subject matter and focus Honduras tours will be of interest to any vacationer. Fans of active recreation and extreme sports will appreciate the wide range of opportunities for rafting and diving, as well as the availability of interesting and dangerous routes into the mountains and jungle. Fans of historical and cultural tourism will undoubtedly appreciate the unique sights of Honduras. On the coasts of the country, all conditions have been created for an eventful and fulfilling holiday, and simply relaxing on the beach.

Delightful beaches of Honduras are rightfully considered one of the best in the world: silky White sand, picturesque coral reefs, luxurious tropical nature make the country an excellent place for a beach holiday. The best local beaches belong to the islands of the Islas de la Bahia archipelago, the resorts of the cities of Tela and Trujillo.

Diverse in price category and services offered Honduras hotels are distinguished by traditional hospitality and have deservedly earned good feedback from tourists.

Transport of Honduras

There are 3 operating in the country international airport, located in the cities of Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba. Ground communication between cities and neighboring countries is carried out by rail, as well as by buses.

The photo report turned out to be tragic. Reporters photographed scenes of arrest, fear, pain, grief and death.
In San Pedro Sula, there are 169 murders per 100,000 people every year. Local laws allow civilians to own up to five personal weapons. 83.4 percent of murders in this country occur with firearms. In the United States, the percentage is 60.

Attention! Photos contain death scenes!

Police tape surrounds a crime scene next to the body of a victim in the city of San Pedro Sula on March 22, 2013.
Unidentified assailants killed three men and one woman in a working-class area, local media reported. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

A woman cries next to the body of Justiniano Lara (not visible in the photo). He was killed by unknown assailants in the city of San Pedro Sula. Honduras, March 25, 2013. (Esteban Felix / Associated Press)

Thirty-year-old Carlos Pineda's body lies on a stretcher outside the morgue at a public hospital. He was shot in the head in San Pedro Sula. Honduras, March 25, 2013. (Esteban Felix / Associated Press)

A man lies on a stretcher in the emergency room of a local hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the leg. He has a cross on his chest that says “Jesus Loves You.” San Pedro Sula, March 20, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

The covered body of a man who was killed during a shootout between members of the Mara 18 street gang and police officers. This happened during an anti-drug operation in the entrance of a house in San Pedro Sula on March 27, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera / Reuters).

Suspected members of the Mara 18 street gang sit in a pickup truck. They were arrested after a shootout with police and military during an anti-drug operation in San Pedro Sula on March 27, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

Confiscated weapons lie on a sofa after several members of the Mara 18 street gang were arrested during an anti-drug operation. San Pedro Sula March 27, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera / Reuters)

People stand near a crime scene where the body of a man was found, who was shot by street thugs. San Pedro Sula, March 28, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

Two men are taken on stretchers to a local hospital operating theater after they were attacked by gang members. San Pedro Sula, March 27, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

A syringe rests on a wall inside the emergency room of a local hospital in San Pedro Sula on March 20, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

A doctor talks to a family member of a victim in the emergency department of a local hospital in San Pedro Sula, March 29, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

A patient reacts painfully as a doctor examines his injuries, which were sustained during a confrontation with a local gang. San Pedro Sula, March 28, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

A woman's body lies on the ground at the crime scene. She was killed with three shots to the head in San Pedro Sula, March 21, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

Forensic experts at the crime scene where a young man was shot. San Pedro Sula, March 28, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

Friends and relatives stand near the crime scene where a young man was shot and killed. San Pedro Sula, March 28, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

Believers from the Light of the World Christian Church participate in an anti-violence march in San Pedro Sula, March 28, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

Family members of a woman who was hit by a stray bullet during a shootout between rival gangs in San Pedro Sula on March 27, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

A man's legs are strapped to a stretcher in the emergency room at a local hospital. The victim was shot in the head in San Pedro Sula on March 23, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

Police escort a Mara 18 gang member to the emergency room at a public hospital in San Pedro Sula. Honduras March 23, 2013. (Esteban Felix / Associated Press)

A security guard stands at the door of the emergency room of a local hospital in San Pedro Sula on March 20, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

A woman carries a child while walking near police officers after a shootout between members of the Mara 18 street gang and law enforcement. The collision occurred during an anti-drug operation in San Pedro Sula, March 27, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

Police officers stand guard during training football team Mexico at the Olimpico Stadium in San Pedro Sula, March 21, 2013. (Jorge Cabrera/Reuters)

Before my trip to Latin America, I did not plan to stay in Honduras, but only intended to cross through it on the way to Costa Rica. The fact is that even experienced travelers warn tourists against staying in this country, calling it a “bandit region” and “territory behind barbed wire.” However, in reality, Honduras is a unique, diverse and incredibly vibrant country. One has only to get outside the bounds of the vast cities, and all its secrets are revealed to you in full view.

This country revealed to me beautiful Mayan monuments, not inferior in their grandeur to the famous ancient cities of Guatemala. Here I plunged into the endless greenery of national parks, which worthy compete with the jungles of Costa Rica, and relaxed on the pristine beaches of the Caribbean Sea, which can be the envy of even Cuba.

In Honduras, I fully felt that I was in the very middle of Central America - amazing and unique. And the time spent here became for me one of the most memorable of my entire long journey.

Visa and border crossing

Honduras for Russians is visa-free country, if the period of stay does not exceed 90 days. This time is quite enough to travel around a small country. However, if your business requires you to stay for a longer period, you will need to apply for a visa.

The easiest way to do this will be in one of the countries Latin America after the 90 days given to you for your stay. I would not recommend applying for a visa before traveling. The fact is that there is no Honduras embassy either in Russia or anywhere in the CIS. As far as I know, the closest consulates to us operate in Germany and France. Agree, traveling to Europe is a rather expensive way to get a visa to a small Latin American state. But on the American continent there are Honduran embassies in every country. Most often, tourists apply for a visa for a long stay in neighboring Guatemala or Belize.

All visas in Latin America are issued quickly and easily, and are more of a formal necessity than a method of strict control over those staying. All you need is a completed application form, a photo and round-trip tickets (or, which is much simpler, a ticket reservation, which can be canceled after submitting the documents). The cost of a visa is about 30 USD.

Moreover, if the allowed 90 days have not yet come to an end, and you have already decided that you want to stay here, you can simply extend the period of your stay at the Honduran Migration Service. To do this, you will only need a completed application form and a passport, as well as 10-50 USD, depending on the desired length of stay.

However, even tourists who forgot to register in Honduras after the deadline usually managed to avoid trouble. Most often, this problem pops up at the airport upon departure and is settled with 20-30 USD, after which the distracted tourist returns home with peace of mind.

Border crossing

Crossing the border is no less simple. Border Service It works just fine in the country. And the earth’s border, in comparison with the catastrophic situation in Guatemala, resembles a wonderful oasis in the desert. The difference between them is truly amazing. For example, in Guatemala, border crossings are small, rickety houses, where 3-4 employees puff away at one incredibly old computer, and huge independent markets stretch around. When you get to Honduras after this, you feel as if you are in the future.

The local migration points are small but modern buildings, equipped with air conditioning and good technology. Even entry stamps into Honduras are placed on passports using compact printers, resulting in discreet and neat stamps. By comparison, when entering Guatemala, they first gave me a bold mark from yesterday’s date, noticed an oversight, added an even bolder “Cancelled” stamp, after which they slapped a third, now current stamp. Needless to say, appearance It didn’t brighten up my passport at all.

To cross the border you will need a passport and a completed migration card. Return tickets are not required, but they may ask how many days you plan to spend in the country. When crossing the border on land, you will also be required to pay an amount equal to 1.5 USD. True, unlike neighboring countries, where the “fees” go straight into the pocket of the border guard, in Honduras you will be given a receipt for payment. There is no payment required at the airport upon arrival.

For compliance customs rules in the country they look at it carelessly. At the earthly border, our things were not checked at all. However, a set of official customs regulations does exist in Honduras.

Allowed to import:

• No more than 2 liters of strong alcohol;
• No more than 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars;
• Perfumes in reasonable quantities (for personal use);
• Gifts worth no more than 50 USD.

Import is prohibited:

• Weapons;
• Drugs and narcotic-containing medications.

Import permit required:

• Skins of rare animals;
• Live birds and animals (including domestic ones);
• Antiques.

How to get there

Despite the fact that Honduras is slowly gaining popularity among tourists, it is rarely chosen as the only holiday destination. Most often, it becomes a pleasant bonus for traveling around Mexico, Guatemala or Costa Rica. Therefore, there are really many ways to get here - you can take a plane from Russia and fly directly to Honduras, or you can get there from neighboring countries - by bus, transfer, car and even ferry.

By plane

Getting to Honduras from our region is not so easy - you will need to make at least one transfer and spend almost a day on the road, and in some cases even more.

With a transfer to the USA

Due to the popularity of Central America among American tourists, the most cheap way fly to Honduras from Russia - use connecting flights with transfers to the USA. Aeroflot, in alliance with Latin American carriers Avianca and Aeromexico, offer several good options.

• The most economical of them will be a 30-hour flight from Moscow with transfers in New York and. Prices start from 800 USD in both directions.
• The fastest will be a 20-hour flight from Moscow with one transfer in New York. However, in this case, round-trip tickets will cost at least 1100 USD.
• There are no one-stop flights from St. Petersburg to Honduras. Residents cultural capital It will be more profitable to give preference to a flight with transfers in Moscow and New York - such a flight will cost about 1200 USD (round trip) and will take about 24 hours one way.

In addition, to make such a flight you will need to apply for an American transit visa, which can add hassle when preparing for an already difficult trip.

With a transfer in Europe

If you don't want to bother with a transit visa, it will be easier for you to choose one of the flights with a transfer in Europe. Such flights, however, will cost more - from 1200 USD from Moscow and from 1500 USD from St. Petersburg. And the journey will take more than 30 hours. Flights are operated by KLM and AirEuropa, with transfers made in Amsterdam, Paris or Madrid.

Making your own route

In my opinion, creating a flight route yourself will be much cheaper than choosing ready-made connecting flights. At the same time, you will most likely save not only money, but also time. Even if your only destination is Honduras, and you do not plan to stay in neighboring countries, you can easily create a convenient itinerary. After all, Latin American companies regularly fly throughout the continent and offer great options for every traveler. Here you can monitor prices.

1. Look for stocks from Russia to Latin American countries. From time to time, European airlines, for example, KLM or AirEuropa, offer cheap flights to Colombia or Panama starting from 300 USD (!) round trip. Even if no special offers appear during your trip, do not despair: look through the popular destinations among our tourists. The easiest way would be to buy tickets to Mexico, which, if purchased in advance (at least 3 months before the trip), will cost you 600 USD (for a round-trip ticket).
2. Now we choose tickets to Honduras. You can find them on the websites of carriers Avianca, Avior or Aeromexico, as well as on general search engines. Flight tickets from the cities of Mexico, Colombia and Panama will cost from 100 USD round trip. In addition, you can choose a transfer time that is convenient for you and avoid long waits at the airport. True, it is worth paying attention to whether you will need to change the airport - often in Latin American cities, internal and international flights are performed in different terminals, which may be located far from each other.

International airports in Honduras

The country has two airports that accept international flights. They are conveniently located on opposite ends of the country, allowing tourists to arrive at the point they choose to begin their journey through Honduras.

• Toncontin Airport is located in the capital of Honduras - the city of Tegucigalpa. It serves most international flights. However, due to the crime situation that prevails in the capital, tourists do not tend to fly to Tegucigalpa, trying to find workarounds. But if your destination is the south of the country, as well as neighboring states - for example, Nicaragua and, you should fly directly to Toncontin.

• Ramon Villeda Morales Airport (Ramon Villeda Morales) located 15 km from the second largest city in the country - San Pedro Sula. Like other megacities in Latin America, it is fraught with many dangers. However, this is the largest airport in the north of the country, where the largest number of attractions are concentrated. This is why Villeda Morales Airport is popular among tourists.

By bus

It is impossible to get to Honduras from Russia by bus. But for traveling around Latin America, this method will be quite convenient and, without a doubt, the most economical. For lack of railways In the region, bus service is developing with a bang, offering tourists better conditions every year. Moreover, in Central America There are 3 types of bus transportation, which I will now talk about in more detail.

International buses

There are currently several bus companies that operate between major cities in Central America. Most of them have their own terminals, equipped with lockers and sales offices. The undoubted advantages of buses are the possibility of purchasing a ticket at the last minute and an attractive price - from 25 USD for an overnight trip. But there is one minus - international buses They stop only in big cities, without visiting tiny tourist towns. Therefore, you will have to continue the journey to the desired oasis of safety on your own - by public transport or taxi.

The undisputed leader in tourist transportation is Ticabus. And, in my opinion, this is the only company capable of ensuring the safety of tourists traveling to Honduras. After all, only Ticabus can boast of terminals in the central part of cities, which is important in dangerous Latin American cities. Their buses are also equipped with toilets, air conditioning and TVs, and when crossing the border, the drivers themselves hand out migration cards to passengers and explain where to go.

There are other companies, such as Hedman Alas and King Quality. They sometimes offer cheaper tickets than Ticabus, but their terminals are so far from the city center that the traveler is faced with the choice of paying a hefty sum for a taxi or risking his belongings in an attempt to get to the station on his own. The situation is aggravated by the fact that these buses often leave at night, which exposes tourists to even greater danger.

Tourist transfers

Travel agencies Central Americans have come up with a wonderful thing - transporting passengers from one tourist city to another. Even more than that, they guarantee to deliver tourists straight to the hotel door. In my opinion, this is a wonderful idea that makes traveling around the region as safe as possible. In addition, competition between agencies is very high, so prices for such transportation remain quite reasonable - from 30 USD for an overnight move. You can reserve a seat in one of the minibuses that are used for such transportation at any hostel, hotel or travel agency.

Chickenbass

Chickenbuses are former school buses from the United States that now serve as public transport throughout Central America. They got their real name here - the fact is that the flat roofs of the buses are used with great enthusiasm by local residents to transport not only endless bales, but also boxes with live chickens.

Chicken buses run for distances of no more than 100 km, so when traveling to Honduras from Guatemala or Nicaragua, be prepared to change at least 4 buses. Moreover, since one trip costs 1.5-4 USD, you won’t be able to save much. However, many tourists of their own free will arrive in Honduras on the chicken bus - the most antediluvian and at the same time the most authentic transport in Central America.

By car

Get to Honduras from Russia by own car It will be extremely difficult, and at best such a journey will take you several months. But a rented car will be an excellent assistant when traveling around Central America. The cheapest place to rent a car is in Mexico or Costa Rica - from 25 USD per day. In Guatemala, neighboring Honduras, prices will start from 35 USD. You can compare prices from different rental companies. Borders are usually passed without any difficulties in a rented car.

There are many more gas stations in cities than in deserted areas. Therefore, you should not miss the opportunity to refuel when you have it. A liter of gasoline in Central America costs about 1 USD on average. Another piece of advice I would like to give to motorists is to be careful about where you park. Try to choose hotels with a protected area for cars and under no circumstances leave them on the street, especially in major cities.

By ferry

Another luxury opportunity to get to Honduras is Caribbean cruises from Cuba, Mexico and. The cost of such pleasure starts from 70 USD per day. This price includes cabin accommodation, entertainment and refreshments. For a fee, passengers are offered to enjoy the best dishes from the chef. After a week of sailing through the crystal waters, the ship will take you to the Caribbean island of Roatan.

From Roatan, you can take an hour's boat ride to the mainland of Honduras - the island of La Ceiba, and go exploring the tropical country. But I'm afraid that after a week of luxury holidays on a luxurious cruise ship you'll never want to leave the pristine shores of Roatan.

Tourist regions

Honduras can be divided into 7 regions, each of which attracts tourists in its own way. You can see their location on the map below.

central region

Almost all tourists traveling around Honduras end up in its capital sooner or later. Despite the fact that the surroundings of Tegucigalpa contain many dangers, travelers flock here from all over the country. After all, the central region is the largest transport hub in Honduras, and sometimes it is simply impossible to get from one tourist area to another without passing Tegucigalpa. In addition, there are several attractions in the region. For example, national park La Tigra, which is considered one of the the most beautiful places in the country.

South Region

This territory, stretching from the capital of the country to the Pacific coast, is most often visited by tourists on the way to Nicaragua. At the same time, it is not wildly popular among vacationers, and therefore is an excellent place to get away from the noisy tourist route and see real life in Honduras.

The main attraction in the area is the volcanic island of El Tigre, located in the calm waters of the Gulf of Fonseca. I would also recommend checking out the colonial city of Choluteca - unlike the unsafe capital, it will be a great place for a relaxing holiday on the way to Nicaragua or other regions of the country.

Central Highlands

This region is the most visited by tourists traveling around Honduras by bus. After all, it is located between the two largest transport hubs countries - San Pedro Sula in the north and Tegucigalpa in the south. At the same time, the central highlands of Honduras are famous for their relative serenity. Attractions such as picturesque lake Yojoa and the colonial town of Comayagua make the region especially attractive to tourists. A trip to the powerful 43-meter Pulhapansak waterfall will help add a spark to your relaxing holiday.

Western Highlands

This region has probably become my favorite in the country. Primarily thanks to its landscape full of pine forests and high mountains. There are many excellent trekking routes here, walking along which I was able to see many rare birds in the wild.

In addition, the departments of Lempira and Intibuca are home to the largest number of indigenous people in Honduras. In some places, such as around the village of La Esperanza, you can find women who still wear traditional colored headdresses while working in the fields.

But this is not what most tourists come here for. They are attracted by the ancient Mayan city of Copan, which has no analogues in all of Honduras.

Olancho

Despite the impressive size of the Olancho region (it makes up a fifth of the entire territory of Honduras), there are not many tourist attractions here, and transport links are far from the best in the country. However, it is this area that preserves the last remaining tropical and cloud forests untouched by civilization: the El Boquerón and Sierra de Agalta national parks. And as a starting point for exploring the region, the cities of Juticalpa and Catacamas, equipped with everything necessary to accommodate tourists, are suitable.

North coast

This region extends for 300 km along Cote d'Azur Caribbean Sea. The most popular cities here are Tela, La Ceiba and Trujillo. They attract tourists from all over the world thanks to their wide beaches, clean and warm water, Caribbean cuisine and bustling nightlife. The main inhabitants of this region are descendants of Africans, and this feature makes north coast even more different from the rest of Honduras.

The region's rainy season typically runs from November to January, and the hurricane season runs from August to October, so I would recommend traveling to the Caribbean coast of Honduras between February and July. However, the temperature here rarely drops below 25-28° throughout the year.

Due to its popularity among tourists, this region is famous for its good transport links and high quality roads. The main transport hub is the large city of San Pedro Sula, from which it is easiest to get to the coast.

La Mosquita

The La Mosquita region is without a doubt the most unexplored in Honduras. It will be appreciated by true adventurers who want to conquer little-explored lands. However, I would recommend traveling around these regions accompanied by a guide.

Also, if you are going on an expedition, you should stock up well on food and purchase necessary equipment in advance. Life in the region is very simple - villages often do not even have electricity, and the food of local residents is limited to rice, beans and river fish.

The main attractions of the region are five biosphere reserves. They were created to protect this territory, the most pristine in all of Central America. The most famous reserve in the region is Rio Platano, amazing and unique.

Top cities

The population centers of Honduras are extremely diverse. In large cities, everything literally screams of danger. From the first minutes in the metropolis, it became clear to me why travelers call these places “the territory behind the barbed wire.” A double layer of wire tops the three-meter fences of each building, including schools and kindergartens.

Small tourist towns, on the contrary, seem to be imbued with an atmosphere of friendliness, safety and tranquility. Here you can not be afraid to walk and take photographs even in the dark, and visit local bars and discos.

I will tell you more about the cities where tourists most often find themselves below.

Tegucigalpa

As I wrote above, the capital of Honduras is fraught with many dangers and gives the impression of an unfriendly city. Here you need to be constantly vigilant and take all precautions. However, it would be dishonest not to notice that there is still something to see in the city. The 19th-century colonial buildings scattered throughout the historic center are still in good condition. Tegucigalpa is also famous for its rich collection historical museum.

San Pedro Sula

The second largest city in Honduras is the main transfer point on the way to the Caribbean coast, so tourists have to stop here one way or another. However, I would recommend spending as little time as possible in this metropolis.

Despite the impressive size of the city, it does not have a rich history behind it, and the only attraction in San Pedro Sula can be called Cathedral. Due to the fact that tourists rarely stay in the city overnight, housing prices are inflated to the limit - a bed in the cheapest dormitory will cost you 20 USD per person (in comparison, in Copan a cozy double room with a garden view costs 10 USD) .

To kill time in San Pedro Sula, you can visit the Anthropological Museum. But I admit that my only walk around the city was a trip to the grocery supermarket, after which I chose to spend the remaining time in an expensive hostel behind barbed wire.

La Ceiba

The main resort town on the Caribbean coast of Honduras. All vacationers come here, most of whom subsequently go to small villages in search of a perfectly clean beach or absolute silence. However, many remain in La Ceiba, falling in love with the unusual rhythm of the city. Most restaurants, hostels and souvenir shops are concentrated here, and at night La Ceiba turns into a noisy disco with dancing until the morning.

Copan

This small town consists of only a few streets, but hundreds of tourists come here every day. The fact is that within walking distance from the settlement there is an ancient Mayan city. In addition to the ruins of Copan, several other attractions in the surrounding area include the Macau Bird Park and the stunning Luna Jaguar Hot Springs. Moreover, I remember Copan as cozy, clean city, which is very rare in Central America.

Comayagua

The city was the capital of Honduras from 1537 to 1880. The deprivation of this status in favor of Tegucigalpa helped Comayagua preserve the unique atmosphere of colonial times and not suffer from the misfortunes of the 20th century that turned modern megacities Honduras to the “cities behind barbed wire”. Comayagua seems to be lost in time, and the tourists who come here are lost along with it. And of course, I was absolutely captivated by the large number of city museums.

Choluteca

This quiet colonial town is located right on the Pan-American Highway, making it a convenient stop for tourists traveling to Nicaragua and. Here you will not find fascinating museums or luxurious restaurants, but in the vicinity of the city there are many important attractions, such as the volcanic island of El Tigre.

Islands

After traveling through mainland Honduras, I discovered island world of this diverse state. And I was surprised to learn that the coastal waters hide real treasures that any traveler dreams of finding - secluded beaches, nature reserves and a rich underwater world.

Islas de Bahia

Islas de Bahia is a separate department of Honduras in the Caribbean. You can get to the group of these islands from resort town La Ceiba in 1 hour. Due to its popularity with tourists, communication is good and boats leave every hour and a half. Ticket prices start from 30 USD one way.

The department of Islas de Bahia is truly unique. In my opinion, the main advantage of these islands is that even the most diverse groups of tourists will find among them the ideal holiday destination to suit their taste.

• Roatan is the largest and most popular island in the group. Almost all Caribbean cruises stop here. Most tourists from the mainland come here. Roatan is great for family vacation and active learning depths of the sea- there are several diving schools on the island. Accommodation here mostly consists of stylish bungalow hotels with a swimming pool costing from 80 USD per day, but if you wish, you can find simple apartments for 30-40 USD.
• Guanaja- a very small island. First of all, it is famous for its privacy. Here you can walk for a long time in silence along hilly paths and swim in small bays. Also, thanks to the unique underwater world, diving is well developed on the island. Hotel prices here will be more expensive than on Roatan - it is unlikely that you will be able to find accommodation for less than 100 USD.
• is closest to the mainland of Honduras, making it the most accessible and budget island for vacationers. Hundreds of tourists flock here every day, and for good reason - after all, the water here is much cleaner than on the mainland, and housing costs almost the same as in noisy La Ceiba (from 15 USD per day).

Cayos Cochinos

Another very small group of islands is located off the Caribbean coast of Honduras. The entire territory of this archipelago has the honorary status of a national park due to its untouched nature and pristine beaches. You can also get there by boat from La Ceiba in less than an hour. I was able to visit these islands as part of a one-day excursion, which is offered by all excursion bureaus on the coast. However, Cayos Cochinos also has several hotels where tourists can spend as much time as they deem necessary.

El Tigre

The volcanic island of El Tigre is located in the coastal waters of Honduras from Pacific Ocean. You can get there by taking one of the many boats that travel between the island and the fishing village of Coyolito. Thanks to good beaches, calm water and plenty of sun, this island seemed to me not only one of the most cozy corners Pacific Ocean, but also an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of mainland Honduras for a couple of days. In addition, there are wonderful trekking routes here.

The only city on the island, Amapala, is trying its best to attract tourists. However, for several days on El Tigre, I practically did not meet any foreigners.

Top attractions

I admit, I did not expect that Honduras, which in the minds of many people is associated only with bandits and underground wars, contains such a variety of natural and cultural attractions. Here, every tourist will find the ideal entertainment to suit his taste: luxury vacation lovers will appreciate the idyllic beaches of the Caribbean Sea, adventure seekers will appreciate the wild jungle of La Mosquita, and fans of eco-tourism will love Honduras for the opportunity to observe rare species of birds and animals. Connoisseurs of culture and history will be delighted by the archaeological treasures of Copan and the rich collection of the historical museum in Tegucigalpa, and the close location of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef to the department of Islas de Bahia makes the underwater world off the coast so rich that it will not leave even the most experienced divers indifferent.

In short, this country truly contains all kinds of attractions that Central America can offer to tourists. I will list the main ones.

Copan

Undoubtedly, the Mayan city of Copan is the most recognizable and visited attraction in Honduras. Hundreds of tourists come here every day to look at this miracle created by the best craftsmen. ancient civilization. In addition to the pyramids, numerous excavations and the rich collection of the Mayan sculpture museum, on the territory of the complex you can see quite rare and well-preserved elements of the life of the Mayan Indians.

Even after I visited several similar complexes in Guatemala, Copan found something to surprise me with. For example, only there I was able to see a perfectly preserved site for playing tlachtli - a ritual and sports activity that was of great importance for the Mayans.

Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve

The endless forests of Rio Platano, on the contrary, are the ideal place to get as far away from civilization as possible and fully experience what living in harmony with nature is like. The reserve is home not only to rare species of birds and animals, but also to several indigenous peoples who have managed to maintain their usual way of life thanks to the protected status of the Rio Platano.

The easiest way to get to the reserve is with organized tour from the cities of La Ceiba or Tela. However, if you have time, you can try to go on this trip yourself. After all, in a crowd of 20 tourists it will be much more difficult to feel the desired harmony. Entrance to the reserve is free, but you will have to rent a boat on site - this is the only type of transport on the territory of Rio Platano.

Lake Yojoa

Lake Yojoa is not just a wonderful place for relaxation and bird watching. It is conveniently located near the country's main road leading from Tegucigalpa to San Pedro Sula, making it very popular among tourists. This is the largest natural lake in Honduras and is home to many birds. Home to more than 480 species, including whistling ducks and yellow-fronted jacanas, birdwatchers have become the lake's main visitors. Tourists can even rent a canoe to get as close to the birds as possible, but a simple walk along the banks of Yojoa gave me a lot of pleasure.

If possible, it is worth staying in the area of ​​the lake for several days, because there are a lot of interesting places: Yojoa borders two national parks, and in the surrounding area there are waterfalls, caves and coffee plantations.

La Tigra National Park

Just 20 kilometers from the restless Tegucigalpa lies La Tigra National Park, which is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places in Honduras. At an altitude of 2,270 metres, these pristine lands feature a dense cloud forest that is home to ocelots, pumas and monkeys, although seeing these large mammals during the day is not easy. The park is also home to a variety of birds - more than 200 species live here, including the sacred quetzal.

Thermal springs "Luna-Yagura"

Of course, Luna Jaguar is not the only thermal springs in Central America. In Costa Rica, for example, this entertainment is currently gaining increasing popularity, attracting hundreds of tourists every day. In the most popular of them, the administration even has to set daily limits, since the pools cannot accommodate everyone. And that is why “Luna-Jaguar” is still unique - because only here you can enjoy the procedures almost completely alone.

Despite its close location to the city of Copan (only 20 km) and good transport links (buses to the nearest village, Agua Caliente, run several times a day), the thermal springs have not yet gained the wild popularity that they enjoy in Costa Rica. Therefore, for only 11 USD you can enjoy several hours of luxurious and, most importantly, “individual” thermal treatments. By the way, in Costa Rica the entrance ticket will cost you 60 USD.

The Luna-Jaguar center consists of about ten multi-level pools, where the hot waters of thermal springs are mixed in different proportions with cold water. Here you can relax in a natural jacuzzi, take a mud bath and even take a steam bath in a pool with temperatures above 50 degrees. A few hours spent there give an unprecedented feeling of lightness and tranquility. And, despite the simplicity of this entertainment, general accessibility and low cost, visiting the thermal springs became for me one of the most memorable events during my entire trip to Honduras.

Botanical Garden "Carambola"

This wonderful Botanical Garden located on the island of Roatan. It is lined with trekking trails that lead tourists through thickets of fruit trees, palm trees, ferns and orchids. You can choose the level of difficulty of the walk that suits you. And the strongest and most resilient will receive a worthy reward - the top of a mountain ridge, from which a stunning view of the serene Caribbean Sea, barrier reefs and pools of the Dolphin Research Institute with mammals frolicking in the water opens.

Macau Bird Park

Macau Mountain is a small protected reserve within walking distance from Copan, whose administration works to protect and develop the population of tropical birds. Some people may find this type of entertainment less interesting than wild forests, where you can watch birds in natural conditions. However, I liked “Macau” because you can see the local inhabitants up close, and you can even sit someone in your arms. And, either due to the large number of birds and the bright kaleidoscope of fluttering wings, or because of the wonderful location of the reserve in a green gorge with dense trees, but it was in “Macau” that for the first time I felt that I was in a tropical region.

Arches Iguana Park

Arches Sanctuary, located on the island of Roatan, is the largest iguana park in the country. For many tourists, walking along narrow paths surrounded by hundreds of teeming iguanas of all colors and sizes evokes conflicting feelings. However, despite everything, hundreds of people visit the park every day to spend time in such unusual company.

Little French Key

You can get to this tiny island from the city of La Ceiba or other Caribbean Islands as part of a one-day excursion. Little French Cay is an eco-friendly tropical paradise where tourists are invited to spend several hours relaxing in hammocks, swimming in clear waters and exploring the underwater world. However, in my opinion, much more amazing place on the island there is a contact reserve, where you can not only see rare representatives wildlife, but even pet many of them - including large representatives of the cat family.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay on Roatan is an important point for those who adore the underwater world, but have not yet learned the basics of diving. Armed with a mask and snorkel, you can observe rare fish and corals in the shallow waters of the bay. Undersea world Half Moon rivals the most remote reefs of the Caribbean in its beauty and richness. And only here everyone can get acquainted with these wonders without making any special efforts and avoiding dangers.

Weather

Honduras is a hot tropical country. Daytime temperatures in the lowland areas here rarely drop below +25 degrees. However, like everywhere else in Central America, the climate of Honduras is difficult and even poses some dangers, such as rain and hurricanes.

However, choose best time traveling will not be difficult. You just need to understand what goals you are pursuing on this trip. In addition, the country is still far from the peak of its popularity, and the flow of tourists here does not increase too much during favorable periods, and prices practically do not jump. For example, I traveled around Honduras in April - at the height of the dry season, and never once felt discomfort from an overabundance of people or high prices for tourist services.

The only exception to this rule is Semana Santa, the week of Catholic Easter. At this time, significantly more tourists come to Honduras, and accommodation in most cities should be booked in advance. The dates for celebrating Easter, like ours, are different every time. In 2017, Semana Santa was celebrated from April 9 to 15.

The dry season in Honduras is from December to June. This is an ideal time for traveling on the mainland, beach holidays (including on the islands) and diving. If you are planning to go to water trip along one of the country's many rivers, I would recommend choosing the very beginning of the dry season, when the rivers are fullest.

The rainy season lasts from July to November. In autumn, there is a danger of hurricanes that pass over the Caribbean Sea, often affecting the coastal regions of Honduras and Islas de Bahia. But the rains awaken life in numerous national parks and water reservoirs. Without a doubt, this is the ideal time for bird and animal watching. Therefore, if your main goal is ecotourism, it would be logical to go on a trip in June-July, when precipitation is still insignificant and cannot interfere with long walks.

Also, before your trip, you should find out the road situation in the region where you are going. For example, in remote lands like Olancho or La Mosquita, roads are severely washed out during the height of the rainy season, sometimes completely blocking traffic.

Moving around the country

The transport situation in Honduras is mixed. Tourist regions in the north of the country boast not only well-established transport links, but also excellent quality roads. In the south, on the contrary, there are places so remote that they can only be reached by car. Still, there are many ways to travel around Honduras. The most popular today are buses; airplanes and car rentals are also in great demand among tourists. And in coastal regions they cannot do without water transport.

By plane

Traveling by air is a great way to leave unsafe cities as quickly as possible. However, unfortunately, it is not possible to travel around Honduras solely by plane. Today, this direction is only developing in the country. It gained the greatest popularity among tourists traveling to the Caribbean coast and the islands of Islas de Bahia.

Prices for flights across the country start from 100 USD round trip; tickets should be purchased in advance, as the cost rises noticeably several weeks before the expected departure date. The most famous airline in Honduras is CM Airlines, and several large Latin American companies, such as Avianca, also operate domestic flights. Most often they offer 1-2 flights per day to each destination.

By bus

Buses are the most popular mode of transport in the country for logical reasons. Firstly, they cover a much larger area than air Transport. Secondly, their schedule is more regular, so travelers do not need to purchase tickets in advance. The third reason, of course, is the price - if you want, you can travel through all of Honduras for 10-15 USD. Buses in the country are divided into two types.

• Commercial buses mainly aimed at tourist transportation. Companies such as Hedman Alas and Transportes Viana operate several flights daily on popular tourist destinations. These buses are equipped with air conditioning, TVs and toilets and go quite quickly. You can buy a ticket for a flight at train stations and in private terminals of companies. According to my calculations, the fare starts from 5 USD per hour. On average, traveling from one tourist destination to another takes from 3 to 6 hours.
• Chickenbass, Old school buses from , are not equipped with any of the above amenities. Moreover, they often do not have glass on the windows, and narrow seats designed for American children will create wild inconvenience for adult passengers. And yet, chicken buses have advantages, which is why many tourists prefer to use this antediluvian transport. Firstly, they depart from city stations every hour to an hour and a half. Secondly, tickets are purchased directly from drivers and are 2 times cheaper than on commercial buses. And in general, chickenbass is simple and easy to use. I've heard of many cases where people have given up on the idea of ​​traveling by chicken bus because they don't know Spanish. However, in my opinion, this transport is the only place in Honduras, where knowledge of the language is not useful - just read the name of the destination on the windshield of the bus, and the driver will not be too lazy to show you the cost of the ticket on his fingers.

By car

A car is a great way to travel around Honduras, especially if you plan to venture into remote areas of the country. You can rent a car at one of the many bureaus that are located at airports, major cities and tourist spots. Prices start at 35 USD per day, gasoline costs about 1 USD per liter. To conclude an agreement, you will need a passport and an international driving license.

There are 2 nuances when traveling in a rented car that I would like to warn tourists about:

1. Don't forget to refuel in populated areas. When moving long distances, it is better to stock up on gasoline in reserve. The fact is that on the deserted roads of Honduras, gas stations can be very rare, especially in non-tourist regions like Olancho, where searching for gasoline can turn into a whole problem.
2. Be careful when searching for parking for your car. Do not leave it on the street, especially in large cities. Even if you leave for a minute, you may find the windows of your car broken upon your return, and you risk being left without wheels overnight.

On the boat

Thanks to access to two oceans, a huge number of endless rivers and the critical condition of roads in some regions, water transport is well developed in the country. For example, if you are vacationing in the Caribbean Sea and book a tour to the Rio Platano Nature Reserve, be prepared that from La Ceiba you will immediately set off on the road by boat. It will be much faster and easier than driving by land transport. Inside the reserve you will also have to travel exclusively by boat. Therefore, if you experience discomfort from sea travel, I would recommend stocking up on appropriate medications in advance - and going with a light heart to explore the sea and marshy regions of Honduras, which occupy a good third of the country.

Connection

The quality of communications in Honduras also directly depends on the development of a particular region. For example, on the Caribbean coast or in Copan, every establishment will gladly offer you free wifi, and on the streets settlements You will come across internet cafes every now and then. In Olancho, on the contrary, communications are so undeveloped that even landline telephones available in the region can be counted on one hand. Fortunately, mobile connection works everywhere.

If you plan to make a lot of calls to local numbers, I would advise purchasing a local SIM card. In all tourist cities there are telecom stores of Tigo and Claro operators, which often offer good rates to foreigners. However, it will still be more profitable to make calls to Russia from roaming or international cards like SimTravel.

In order not to be left without communication while traveling in remote areas of Honduras, it is worth taking an external battery with you. Of course, in tourist regions, power outages are practically impossible, but in the wilds of Rio Platano it will be much more difficult to find an outlet.

Language and communication

There are 10 different languages ​​spoken in Honduras, most of which are Indian dialects. The most popular language is Spanish. It is spoken by the majority of the country's inhabitants.

In the department of Islas de Bahia, which is populated mainly by people of African descent, English is very popular. It is spoken by a good half of the local residents. In other regions of Honduras, only tourism service workers speak English. Even despite the popularity of Honduras among American tourists, the local population still has little understanding of the international language. However, as in other Latin American countries, finger communication in Honduras is an effective method that is appropriate in almost any situation.

Spanish language courses have recently become a popular practice in the tourist cities of Honduras, offering foreigners the opportunity to improve the knowledge necessary for travel. In turn, many Americans, coming to Honduras, offer their services to local residents, staying in the country as an English teacher. I must say that for many this is becoming a good way, if not to recoup the entire trip, then at least to earn a little extra money while traveling.

Despite the friendliness of the locals and their desire to help all tourists who do not speak the language, I would still recommend learning at least a few phrases in Spanish before the trip. Knowledge of the language in Honduras is not an urgent need, but it will be an excellent bonus that will help you emerge victorious from controversial situations. Therefore, below I will give a few important phrases that may be useful to a tourist while traveling.

10 phrases you need to know:

• Buenos días (Buenos días) - Good afternoon.
• Como está (komo estA) - How are you doing?
• Muchas gracias (muchas grAsias) - Thank you very much.
• Por favor (por favOr) - Please.
• Cuanto cuesta (cuanto cuesta) - How much does it cost?
• Es muy caro (es muy karo) - This is very expensive.
• Donde está (Donde estA) - Where is it located?
• Puede ayudarme (puede ayudArme) - Could you help me?
• Habla inglés (Abla inglEz) - Do you speak English?
• Si/No (si/no) - Yes/No.

Features of mentality

There are several ethnic groups living in Honduras. Almost 90% are mestizos, whose descendants have lived in the country since colonial times.

Largely local residents friendly and eager to help. They are open to communication and love to praise their country, the attractions that attract tourists to them, and the local cuisine. Even the Indians living in Honduras seem more open to modern world than, say, Ecuador and .

In large cities, people seem less friendly. They look at rare tourists with surprise and distrust. Sometimes, when I got lost, I was afraid to approach someone on the street to ask for directions. However, often people themselves asked if I needed help.

The Caribbean coast is inhabited by another fairly large ethnic group - the Garifuna, descendants of African slaves. They are noisy and sociable people. They love tourists and are happy to make contact, showing the famous Caribbean hospitality.

As elsewhere in Latin America, Hondurans do not keep their cities clean at all. With the exception of tourist and resort points, mountains of garbage litter the roads everywhere. Very often I observed how bus passengers, after eating or drinking on the road, throw bags, candy wrappers and bottles out of the window. It seems that in Honduras people are simply not used to using inorganic materials and do not realize that the earth will not soon digest the wrappings they throw away.

Food and drink

Honduran cuisine does not boast a huge variety of dishes and ingredients. The diet here is quite standard for Central America - beans, rice, meat and fish, corn flour, as well as vegetables and fruits. On the Caribbean coast, the situation is a little more interesting - the Garifuna add coconut milk to their food and prepare wonderful dishes from fresh seafood.

In many establishments for locals, I often saw complex dishes on the menu like “breakfast of the day” and “lunch of the day.” I was very amused that these two items differed from each other in only one ingredient - in the morning, meat with beans and tortillas were served complete with a fried egg, and at lunchtime - with rice.

However, Hondurans, like all Latin Americans, are extremely proud of their national cuisine. They truly believe that by adding a simple ingredient like cheese to the corn dough for Mexican tortillas, they are inventing their own unique dish. Thus, hundreds of new names for corn tortillas appear in Central America, and locals in every country ask foreigners something like: “Have you tried pupusas yet? HOW DID YOU NOT TRY PUPUSAS?! Be sure to try it! It’s the same as arepas, but with cheese.”

By the way, Honduras turned out to be the only country in Central America with a large selection of dairy products. Cheese making is well developed here, and in many tourist cities I came across specialized stores where the most delicate fresh cheeses were sold by weight at ridiculous prices.

In general, in my opinion, the main treasure of Latin American cuisine is freshly squeezed juices. For some reason, most fruits here are consumed in this form. Honduras is no exception. For every breakfast and lunch they serve simply amazingly delicious fruit juices from mango, papaya and guava. In many establishments, fresh milk is added to the glass, turning soft drinks into the most delicate milkshakes.

The only low-alcohol drink in Honduras is beer. Local producers mainly offer light and light varieties, which are great for quenching thirst on a hot day. And the main strong drink in this tropical country, of course, will always be rum. The department of Islas de Bahia produces premium rum - Pirate's Grog, which is mostly exported, while most residents prefer the Nicaraguan budget brand Flor de caña.

5 dishes worth trying

Plateau Tipico

Plateau tipico is the main dish in Honduras. It's so popular that I'd rather put it in the "dishes you'll have to try anyway" section. Even the name itself is translated from Spanish as “classic dish.”

Plateau tipico is served everywhere - in expensive restaurants for tourists it can serve as a signature dish, and in simple cafes for locals it can be the only dish. Its recipe will also almost always be the same: in more elite establishments, a piece of meat is pre-marinated, and in budget establishments it is fried without preparation. The remaining ingredients, such as rice, dark beans, fried plantains and cheese, remain the same.

It’s funny that the price for plateau tipico will vary dramatically depending on the class of the establishment. And, if in a cafe for locals you pay from 2.5 USD for a dish, then in a restaurant the cost can reach 25 USD, which tourists, in fact, have to pay only for clean tablecloths and an ironed waiter’s shirt.

Baleada

Baleada, one of the "modifications" of Mexican tortillas, is considered the most popular street food in Honduras. It is a large pancake made of corn flour, into which ingredients for every taste are added - primarily cheese or sour cream, black bean paste, pieces of fried meat and avocado. The cost of baleada in street stalls starts from only 1.5 USD, and thanks to its rich filling, it is an excellent way to satisfy your hunger for several hours.

Yojoa fish

Fried fish from Lake Yojoa is without a doubt the most popular fish dish. You can try it almost anywhere in the country. Freshwater fish, similar in taste to carp, are coated in salt, spices and flour, then fried and served with the standard set of side dishes - rice, beans and fried plantains.

While traveling in Honduras, I had a suspicion that the residents had long ago called “Yojoa fish” not only the catch from the famous lake, but also all freshwater fish in general. However, I was not able to test this in practice, and fortunately, it was not necessary - the fish in Honduras turned out to be universally tasty and, most importantly, fresh.

Tapado

If you set out to find something unique, National dish Honduras, which has no analogues in other Central American countries, then, of course, it will be tapado. The main ingredients of this thick stew are yucca (a root vegetable vaguely reminiscent of potatoes) and sycamore (a savory relative of the banana). Otherwise, recipes vary in each region. For example, “tapado olanchado” is prepared from meat and sausages, which are cooked for a long time at low temperatures. And “tapado costeño,” which tourists can try on the Caribbean coast, is made from fish and seafood with the addition of coconut milk.

Sopa de caracol

This is perhaps the most amazing and unusual dish you can find in Honduras. Sopa de Caracol is a thick Caribbean soup made from shells, seafood and fish made with coconut milk. The indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean coast, the Garifuna, add local vegetables to it - cassava and plane trees, as well as various spices. Thus, this simple, typical Garifuna dish contains the maximum amount of exotic ingredients for tourists from our region.

Shopping

Honduras was not the first country on my trip to Latin America, and I didn’t think that it could surprise me with anything, especially in terms of shopping and buying souvenirs. However, everything turned out differently - in addition to the fact that almost all goods that are produced on the vast continent are sold here, in Honduras you can make quite unusual purchases that will become a wonderful reminder of the trip for you and your loved ones.

What you need to know about shopping in this country

Shopping in Honduras can be divided into two broad categories: manufactured goods and handmade goods.

Factory goods

This category includes clothing from local and foreign manufacturers, accessories, jewelry, food and alcohol. For such things you should go to large shopping centers and specialty stores. It is not recommended to buy such goods secondhand, because in most cases you will buy a fake, especially when it comes to jewelry or alcohol. Prices in large shopping centers are practically the same, the choice is always great, and the sellers are polite and competent. It’s not worth bargaining in such places, except in jewelry stores, where you can get a good discount if you buy several pieces of jewelry.

Handmade goods

When purchasing goods in such places, bargaining is simply necessary, since most often the prices for everything are doubled. Don’t be afraid to offer your amount, and if the seller doesn’t want to accept it, say that you need to think about it and pretend to leave - this should be the decisive argument in the auction.

Perhaps the main feature of Honduran craftsmen is their frantic ingenuity. For example, the Garifuna living on the Caribbean coast make jewelry from shells, and in Indian regions nuts and seeds are used as the main material for jewelry.

However, in fact, the imagination of local traders goes far beyond the possible, as I was able to verify on one of the first days of my stay in Honduras: in a small market in Copan, a man was selling colorful chickens. They scurried around in a funny way, creating an incredible kaleidoscope with their movements. I approached the enclosure several times, trying to understand the mystery of this phenomenon. At one point, I couldn’t stand it and asked the merchant why the chickens were painted. The answer was priceless: “Simple. To sell better."

I must say that sales were really good. Local residents willingly took colorful chickens at a price of 1 USD for 4 chicks. Later, I read about the technical implementation of this trick - paint is introduced into the egg, due to which the chicken is born with a bizarre color. After the plumage changes, the chick takes on its natural appearance and in the future becomes an unremarkable chicken.

Best cities for shopping

The best places to shop can be divided into 3 main categories.

• Big cities, such as Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, have the largest number shopping centers. Megacities are suitable for shopping in the standard sense of the word. There are many modern, well-guarded malls where you can wander for hours, choosing clothes and accessories in the stores of local manufacturers and the largest European and American brands.
• Tourist cities, for example, Copan or La Ceiba, are best suited for choosing souvenirs and gifts. Local merchants offer a large selection of unique, handcrafted goods, which can vary greatly from region to region.
• Caribbean Islands, especially Roatan - a luxury shopping destination. These safe areas are home to the largest number of luxury boutiques that offer tourists jewelry, as well as branded clothing and accessories.

What to bring from this country

Honduras is diverse in everything from its landscapes to its multinational population. That is why the choice of souvenirs here, in the heart of Central America, is very rich. Even travelers who have traveled the entire region and learned the selection of Latin American souvenir markets by heart will discover something new in Honduras. This happened to me too.

Rum and cigars

These truly Caribbean products are highly valued by both our tourists and those waiting for them at home. Rum and cigars are a win-win gift option that will turn an ordinary day into an incendiary holiday. In addition, premium rum is produced in Honduras, which is sold at a price of 30 USD per 0.5 liter. In our area, such a bottle can cost a truly exorbitant amount.

Cigars will be an equally memorable souvenir. In addition to well-known brands like Honduran Plantanions and Fortuna, on tobacco plantations you can buy so-called “puro” - a natural tobacco product rolled directly on the farm without adding chemicals. Such cigars are stored for much less time than factory ones. And yet this is a unique gift, because it is simply impossible to purchase “puro” outside the Caribbean regions. In addition, on the farm, one such cigar will cost only 2 USD.

Coffee

Of course, coffee is one of the staples of Latin America, and each country argues about the superiority of its product over others. I do not consider myself an expert on this drink, however, based solely on my subjective opinion, I will say that the most tasty coffee I was able to try it in Colombia and Honduras.

It is here that it is distinguished by its strong, rich taste and invigorating aroma, which is remembered for many months. All souvenir markets in the country are overflowing with grains of different varieties, and connoisseurs vie with each other about which brand is the most worthy. However, from my own experience, I can note that the most amazing coffee that I bought during my entire trip to Honduras was sold in a supermarket in an inconspicuous cellophane pack for 1 USD.

Textile

Mayan textiles are much easier to find in Guatemala. But even in the Indian regions of Honduras, tourists have the opportunity to purchase bright fabrics with absolutely unique patterns. In my opinion, Mayan textiles are not only infinitely beautiful, but also a universal gift. After all, prices for it, depending on the size, can start from 2-3 USD for a handbag or wallet and reach 50 USD for a blanket and even a hammock.

Ceramics

Lenca women living in the Indian regions of Honduras are resurrecting their unique craft - making pottery in pre-colonial traditions. I must say that they succeed very well: holding black and white vases and masks with bizarre, mysterious patterns in their hands, a feeling of something ancient and mystical appears. The painting of Lenca products takes travelers back to the distant times of shamanic rituals and tribal wars, and, of course, such a decorative element will become the main decoration of any home. In addition, the price of ceramics in Honduras is relatively low - from 15 USD per product.

Regional souvenirs

In every region of the country I wanted to buy some characteristic trinket. After all, Honduras is so diverse, and impressions (including material ones) should be comprehensive. Therefore, wherever I went, I went to the local souvenir shops and almost always found something new there.

Regional souvenirs are divided into two categories: geographical position, which from time immemorial has influenced the choice of material, and the traditions that have developed in one or another region of Honduras over many centuries. For example, craftsmen from Copan make and sell straw dolls for 2-5 USD. Find them in large quantities you can on the road to the ruins of Copan and on the territory of the complex itself. And the Garifuna, who have lived for centuries on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, create various elements decor from sea pebbles, shells and coconuts. The price for such souvenirs can be very different - from 2 to 50 USD, depending on the complexity and size of the products.

Jewelry made from natural materials

Handmade jewelry sold in Honduras on tourist streets or in private souvenir shops. As I wrote above, the style and material of the products will also vary significantly in each region: the Indians use seeds and nuts to create jewelry, and the Garifuna make beads from shells and sea stones. The cost of products varies from 3 to 20 USD.

I must say that many of these decorations are made with great talent. And most importantly, all these handmade beads and earrings may soon disappear under the load of Chinese jewelry that is massively filling the souvenir markets of Latin America. And this threat also makes them an original and, most importantly, valuable gift.

Jewelry

On largest island Honduras, Roatan, shopping and buying gifts takes on a completely different flavor. There are several luxury boutiques and jewelry stores that sell jewelry with diamonds, tanzanites and other precious stones. Of course, prices in such stores will not be low, and you are unlikely to find anything cheaper than 100 USD. But there is practically no risk of purchasing a fake here, because large international companies, for example, the world famous Diamonds International, trade in Roatan.

Vacation with children

Traveling to Honduras with children is sure to be a rewarding experience for the whole family. However, kids need special comfort, and this country cannot yet boast of such a developed tourism infrastructure as, for example,. Therefore, I would like to give tourists with children a few useful tips, which will help make the trip rosy and cloudless for the whole family.

• It is better to build a travel route around tourist-developed regions, such as the area around Copan and the Caribbean coast. These are both the safest and most interesting places for children: in Copan they will be able to get acquainted with the amazing history of the Mayans and see tropical birds in the Macau Park, and the unforgettable world of the Caribbean islands will forever remain in their hearts.
• It is better to choose a car as a means of transportation around the country - even in tourist areas, the wait for public transport can take several hours. In addition, the most interesting attractions for tourists are located in one part of the country - in the north, and it is quite possible to get from one point to another in 4-5 hours.
• Don't forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent. However, there is no need to purchase protection in advance - you can easily find everything you need in tourist spots in Honduras.
• And, of course, carefully monitor compliance with safety precautions so as not to spoil your holiday by missing important and valuable things.

Safety

Safety remains one of the key points when traveling in Honduras. As I already wrote, large non-tourist cities - Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula - are unsafe in the country. They are the main transport hubs of the country, where hundreds of tourists make transfers every day. And it is here that the most dangerous and unprincipled criminals come in search of profit. Therefore, when in megacities, it is important to be very careful and attentive. This will help you avoid trouble and reach safe tourist areas safely.

• If you need to make a transfer in a large city, plan your route in advance. Find out if you need to change the station, which one public transport runs between terminals. Such information on English language There are plenty on sites like Tripadvisor and Lonelyplanet. By staying in one place as little as possible, you don't attract as much attention and therefore avoid 90% of the dangers.
• You shouldn't draw attention to your things either. Do not put your bags on the roofs of the chicken buses, but try to carry them into the cabin. Bright tourist backpacks stand out noticeably among the poor backpacks of Latin Americans and openly indicate that a tourist is traveling on board the bus.
• When traveling by car, be careful with it not only in large cities, but also in the surrounding areas. You should not leave it unattended, even for a short time.
• Several times I had to take a taxi directly from the station, but other travelers do not advise doing this. If possible, you should ask a trusted person to call you a car - for example, hotel or travel agency employees.

• Do not carry documents along with money and equipment. It is best to hide your passport in your inner clothing pocket.
• And the most important rule is that if you do become a victim of a robbery, under no circumstances try to ask or bargain with the criminal. They are all armed and have no idea of ​​morality, so trying to save your things could cost you your life.

Popular types of scams

Just a few years ago, robbers in Central America attacked only in dark, deserted alleys. However, recently tourists have become more cautious, and people live poorer, so the methods of theft have become more sophisticated.

The main tactic of “inventive” thieves is to press for pity. They may act like they are in trouble and call for help so that you and your precious things can get as close to them as possible. close quarters. There are also popular cases when a local passenger joins you in a taxi and asks you to split the cost of the trip with him. Such joint trips in most cases end in the robbery of tourists. Therefore, my advice will be cynical and simple - do not succumb to provocations and do not let thieves pity you.

There is another, less dangerous type of fraud in the country - price gouging for any type of tourist services. Avoiding deception in this case is simple: always check the price before concluding a transaction. If after this they try to deceive you, it will be easier for you to prove that you are right. As a last resort, you can pay the original agreed amount and walk away, and the seller will most likely not interfere with you.

5 things you definitely shouldn't do

• Walk around San Pedro Sula at night;
• Leaving things unattended in large cities;
• Drink raw water and buy cut fruits on the street;
• Travel to remote regions without a guide or provisions;
• Buy souvenirs at the seller's price without haggling.

5 things you must do in this country

• Walk among the ruins of Copan;
• Swim with dolphins in Roatan;
• Pet a toucan in Macau Park;
• Explore the wild wilds of Rio Platano;
• Enjoy relaxation in thermal springs.

Nearby countries

As I wrote at the very beginning, Honduras rarely becomes the only destination for tourists traveling around Latin America. And it’s not surprising, because there are so many stunning, colorful and, most importantly, accessible countries nearby. Almost all of them are visa-free for Russians, which makes travel much easier. The only exception is, however, in most cases tourists can receive a free e-visa. This process will take you no more than 10 minutes.

Guatemala

For a closer acquaintance with the Mayan world, you need to go to Guatemala. In addition, it is very easy to do - between tourist cities These countries have a well-established transfer system. Ticket prices start from 20 USD one way, and the minimum travel time is about 5 hours. It is in Guatemala that most Mayan cities and ethnic villages are concentrated. Here traditional holidays last for several days, and Indian markets with painted fabrics occupy several streets of beautiful colonial cities.

Salvador

El Salvador is not very popular among tourists, so it is still a good option for desperate travelers who decide to go off the beaten path and discover the real life of Latin America. In addition, there are several amazing national parks, majestic volcanoes and archaeological sites, and you can get to El Salvador from Honduras in just a few hours and 15 USD using buses or transfers.

Nicaragua

To climb to the top of the volcano, to visit the actual big lake in Central America and walk through well-preserved colonial cities, you should go to Nicaragua. The trip can also be made using different types buses - from chicken buses for 10 USD to a comfortable Ticabus for 30.

Costa Rica

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Even in the most developed countries, crime rates are often alarmingly high. Thus, in the USA there are about 15 thousand murders a year and more than 5,000 robberies of private apartments and houses every day. However, America seems to be simply an oasis of calm and security compared to the places that will now be discussed.

In recent years, the city has been in economic decline, and this clearly affects the crime level. Over the past 40 years, the lowest number of murders in the city per year was 197, and by 2014 it no longer fell below 30-40 per month. That is, murders are committed on the streets of Baltimore every day - and often more than one. Considering that the city has only 600 thousand inhabitants, the figure is impressive. New York, once considered a crime-ridden city, is now 14 times behind Baltimore in the number of murders.

Poverty and corruption are the main reasons for the criminalization of Brazilian cities, experts say. Brazil's third largest city, Salvador, has 1,800 murders a year. And this is still an achievement after the terrifying figures of the 1990s, when up to 3,000 murders were committed in the city per year, or almost a dozen a day! Responsibility for most of the violent crimes lies with members of the two rival criminal groups that divide the city, the Grupo de Perno and the Comando de Paz, which, ironically, means "peace team."

More recently, Natal was a popular resort among tourists and even hosted matches of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The situation changed instantly: today, according to statisticians, the probability of being killed or robbed just walking down the city street is 65%! The reason is the sharp increase in corruption and the subsequent redistribution of spheres of influence, where interested parties are taking full advantage of the help of local gangs, which became completely insolent when the official “roof” appeared.

Fortaleza - beautiful city with unique beaches and beautiful architecture, but all this is blocked by the highest level of crime and drug use. The murder rate here is about 60% per 100 thousand population, which means that out of 100 thousand passers-by on the street (not uncommon for a city with a population of one million), 60 will not return home today. Robberies are common in Fortaleza, but kidnapping for ransom is even more popular. Usually, criminals do not torture the victim and hand him over to family and friends in exchange for money literally a few hours after the abduction, but this is unlikely to greatly brighten the mood of the abducted person. If you are a good citizen. and especially as a tourist, you are categorically not recommended to go out at night.

In the 1960s, the city prospered as American companies began mining coal here, and local residents, for the most part, worked for the benefit of American companies for quite decent money. But by the end of the 20th century, the mines closed, and the city, where thousands of people were left without work, was gripped by a wave of crime. The number of murders in Ciudad Guyana is more than twice that of Detroit, and the number of thefts, robberies and rapes here is off the charts.

The capital of salsa and drug cartels, Cali has long held one of the highest murder rates in South America. This city is one of the capitals of regional drug trafficking, and at the same time a place where gangs of drug dealers regularly carry out their showdowns. Dozens of people fall under stray bullets in fights between bandits, and even more become involved in their affairs, only to die later too.

Cape Town police are proud to say that the number of solved murders in the city has increased by 2% in recent years. This, however, is not very impressive when you consider that during the same period the number of murders themselves increased by 4%, and the number of car thefts by 14%. And robberies of residential buildings and apartments are happening without stopping! True, crime is mostly concentrated in poor neighborhoods that are not accessible to tourists, but anything can happen.

Another arena of daily battles between drug cartels for the redistribution of spheres of influence. The murder rate is 70 per 100 thousand population, which seems frightening in a population of 300 thousand people. The worst thing is that no one knows where the next shootout will take place, the victims of which are Once again may become innocent.

In recent years, the number of murders in the city has quadrupled. Some of the most notorious were the murders of “Miss Venezuela” and another local beauty queen, who was shot directly in the face. According to statistics, 50% of city residents own firearms, and many, without hesitation, are ready to use them in the midst of an ordinary domestic quarrel.

Distrito Central has something to contrast with Venezuelan Valencia: “Miss Honduras” and her sister were shot here in 2014. Murders and robberies are commonplace here, and, again, drug trafficking is the main reason. However, there is also one here. local type of crime, namely maritime piracy. There is a flow of drugs through the sea through Distrito Central, for which pirates are hunting, although they do not disdain peaceful tourist yachts that unknowingly sail into the dangerous waters here.

With a population of 400 thousand people, the number of murders in Maturin is relatively small (for South America, of course) - 505 per year. But the number of drug-related crimes - from illegal trade to thefts and robberies committed by drug addicts - is breaking all records. The reason is simple: Maturin is one of the main transit points for drug trafficking from South America to North America, so almost everything here revolves around this illegal business.

This popular resort is truly life-threatening! In a city with a population of 800 thousand people there are about 1000 murders a year! It is difficult to calculate how many of them are classified as domestic and street violence, and how many relate to drug clan clashes. One thing is certain: the latter are certainly more spectacular. Once, drug cartel killers shot their victim on the beach directly from a jet ski, forcing the whole city to talk about themselves. There is no need to repeat that these guys do not pay attention to whether civilians will fall under their bullets.

Several decades ago, during civil war, many residents of San Salvador left for the United States. Having settled in Los Angeles, they put together several powerful street gangs. When the war subsided, some of them returned to their homeland and quickly created powerful drug trafficking channels between San Salvador and Los Angeles. This thriving business, which has become almost the main one for the residents of San Salvador, although profitable, is very dangerous: almost 2,000 murders occur every year in this city with a population of two million.

There are no laws in this city and there is practically no police activity. It is run by the drug lords of Honduras, and they rule very brutally: every resident, even not directly involved in drug trafficking, must cooperate with them or die. In a city of less than a million people, there are about 900 murders a year.

This city can be called the murder capital of the world. In 2016, over 20 thousand murders occurred in Venezuela, more than 4,000 of them in Caracas. And this is for almost four million people! However, the reasons for this state of affairs are unclear. Caracas does not have drug trafficking hubs or powerful rival gangs that control the entire city. Most likely, the reason is general poverty, weak government, and the powerlessness of the police and courts: according to statistics, only 8% of caught criminals receive convictions.

is an amazing country that captivates tourists with its extraordinary atmosphere of ancient grandeur, architectural and historical monuments, as well as phenomenal objects of nature. The huge territory offers guests a varied and unforgettable vacation. First of all, travelers will be delighted by the resorts of Honduras, washed by the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. Tourists will find endless sandy beaches, cozy beaches and endless opportunities for active activities. Our article will introduce you to the best resorts in Honduras.

Top 10 best resorts in Honduras

1. . The capital of the republic is considered one of best resorts Honduras. It is also political, economic and Cultural Center countries. The bustling resort is located in a picturesque mountain valley, on the slope of which evergreen fragrant pines grow. A mild and at the same time fresh climate always prevails here. There are activities for everyone: getting acquainted with, tours of protected areas, going to a restaurant, theater or nightclub.
2. . Next no less famous resort located in the west of Honduras, a few kilometers from the border with Guatemala. This is the ancient Mayan city of Copan. Among tourists, this resort is known for its picturesque waterfalls, coffee plantations and natural hot springs. Historians and art historians can get acquainted here with various sculptures of the ancient Mayans, objects of their life and culture. The city itself has many beautiful squares and religious monuments.


3. It is the third most important city and resort in Honduras. Currently it is main city department of Atlantis and one of the most important tourist centers countries. Along the entire Caribbean coast there are giant ceiba trees, after which the resort got its name. Here tourists can visit unique national parks and mangrove swamps. Most often, travelers take the route to the Rio Maria and Los Chorros waterfalls. La Ceiba is the capital of ecotourism.


4. In the northeastern part of Honduras is the amazing resort of La Mosquitia. This area is surrounded mountain ranges and the valley of the Rio Coco River, occupied one fifth of the country. Here tourists can expect evergreen forests, pine savannas, deep rivers, wild beaches and blue lagoons in the mangroves. Excursions to natural and anthropological reserves will be interesting. It is here that the Garifuna, Miskitos and Pech Indian tribes still live in the virgin forests.


5. The island of Roatan, part of one of the country’s 18 departments, is especially popular among fans of beach holidays. The climate here is favorable all year round, and the short wet season does not spoil your holiday. The island is covered in stunning beaches and literally surrounded by coral reefs. This makes Roatan an ideal destination for diving and spearfishing enthusiasts. In addition, right on the coast here you can stay in a star hotel with first-class service.


6. This is a small but very cozy resort located on the Caribbean coast. It attracts travelers with its endless beaches with airy white sand. On the territory of Tela there is a national park where tropical and mangrove forests grow. Part of the park is covered with swamps, unique coastal reefs and rocky shores, which are overgrown with sparse bushes. The city itself has restaurants, cafes and numerous markets.


7. In the very center of the mainland, in the mountains, this attractive resort of Honduras is located. The city itself and its surroundings boast many colonial-style buildings, historic churches and cathedrals. The Lenca Indian tribes give this resort a special flavor. Naturalists can meet here such rare animals as tapir, coyote, ocelot, koat, kinkajou and others. Despite the fact that this is the coldest region of the country, active tourist holiday here at the top.


8. The resort is located on south coast state and is of particular importance. The city has a port called Henekan. The resort is adjacent to a number of islands with golden beaches and excellent diving conditions. San Lorenzo attracts tourists with the genuine hospitality and friendliness of the indigenous people, delicious seafood served in coastal restaurants, and evening life with its holidays and festivals.


9. This is real paradise with beautiful, wild and clean beaches. Utila is the smallest of the three islands of the Islas de la Bahia department. For beginners and diving aces, there is a huge selection of dive sites. And thanks to the whale sharks that live in local waters, the island has gained worldwide popularity. Utila is surrounded by seamounts and shoals, shrouded in diverse marine life. In cozy cafes on the island you can try traditional coconut bread and snail soup.


10. At the foot of the Merendon mountain ranges in the northwestern part of the country there is an incredible beautiful resort Honduras. From here, tourists can travel to the scenic areas of the Cordillera or to National Park. You can bask in the sun on the beaches of the Caribbean coast. One of the main advantages of San Pedro Sula is the Museum of Anthropology and History. Here you will get acquainted with the country's cultural epic, animals and flora Honduras.