Best Things to Do in Honduras – Backpacking Honduras Travel Guide

Best Things to Do in Honduras – Backpacking Honduras Travel Guide

Though some may think twice about traveling to this Central American country because of its history and image, we believe that Honduras is a paradise just waiting to be discovered. What makes this place so special, you ask? There are beautiful places to visit in Honduras for an adventure with nature, and a beautiful destination to visit and we will tell you all of them in our Honduras travel guide.

There are plenty of things to do in Honduras like scuba diving, white-water rafting, bird watching and eating lots and lots of seafood. The biodiversity backapcking Honduras is a privilege bestowed upon us by nature; it’s something we shouldn’t waste and must enjoy! Perfect place to visit coming from Guatemala, Costa Rica or Nicaragua if you are doing the backapcking route in Central America.

Aside from that, there is also plenty of culture and history in Honduras. In fact, it is home to some Mayan ruins and other archeological sites. Museums can also be found all over the country to help you understand the Honduras’ culture better.

The Caribbean coast is a wonderful place to explore and this Central American paradise can be the starting point of your Caribbean adventure. In this post, we’ll let you in on the best time to visit Honduras and all the wonderful places to visit in Honduras. Sit tight, it’s going to be a bumpy and exciting ride!

Read here best Honduran breakfast, Honduras travel tips Honduras sim card for tourist and how to get from Tegucigalpa airport to city center.

Honduras Travel Guide- Before Backpacking Honduras

Currency And ATMs in Honduras

The currency in Honduras is called the Honduran Lempira (HNL) and 24 lempiras is equal to $1 USD. Check here to see the exact rate! While ATMs in Honduras are almost everywhere in touristic places. If you do need to withdraw cash, there are plenty of safe machines especially at the airport that won’t do any damage to your card or your finances. You can also opt for ATMS inside malls or in plazas instead of the stand-alone ones. Most of the ATM machines in Honduras are reliable and safe.

Here’s a travel tip: Have a separate bank account for your travel money to make sure that you don’t overspend and try to split your money and your cards in different places in your luggage and your pockets. Makes sense, right?

Safety in Honduras

When traveling to any foreign country, we must always be our most vigilant, careful selves. Those who have been backpacking and overlanding all over the map know that part of having a good time is acting responsibly as well. So, how does when prepare for backpacking Honduras?

Honduras is a country that probably has a culture much different from yours. In fact, it may be the reason why you want to travel here in the first place, right? However, don’t forget to be mindful of the cultural differences and how things work socially in Honduras. For example, women are advised to be extra vigilant because, like everywhere else, women are more vulnerable to verbal or physical assault, robbery and other crimes. 

Everyone is advised to avoid wearing fancy jewellery or showing any displays of wealth in general. When I was backpacking Honduras back in 2012, there were no night buses in the country because it was quite dangerous to travel at night. It’s best to take public transportation during the day as I did. It’s just good sense to do so, right? Everything turned out fine, not a scratch and all.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

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You can get Safetywing Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included

Health

When traveling to another country, backpackers are also advised to get the necessary shots to keep their immunity up in a foreign land. Hepatitis A & B, measles, rubella, tetanus, polio and typhoid vaccinations are recommended while visitors from Panama and South America are required to present proof of getting shots for yellow fever.

Also, during the rainy season, it’s best to bring an insect repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases (like yellow fever and dengue) and bites from bugs. These health concerns can be avoided by always keeping clean and avoiding any suspicious-looking places or food.

Visa

All travelers arriving in Honduras need to present a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. There are many countries that do not require a Visa for 90 days in Honduras. Some nations in the exemplist list are the EU nations, the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore and many more. Visa extensions are also available upon entering Honduras. Other countries are required to get a tourist card from their consulates to Honduras. However, everyone is required to have a ticket for return or onward travel. Better plan your trip well to avoid any problems with you visa! Click here to read if you need a visa for backpakcing Honduras.

Best Time to Visit Honduras

Honduras is a mostly hot and humid country all year round. It is a tropical nation, after all, and has its typical dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. The dry season is a great time to visit Trujillo, La Ceiba, Tela and Puerto Cortes to fully enjoy the Caribbean coast. Caribbean Honduras is also the ideal place to explore jungles and to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve. However, the Caribbean coast gets plenty of rain especially from September to February.

You can get the coolest temperatures in the Honduran Highlands. The capital city Tegucigalpa can be found in this region. The peak season in Honduras is from January to June, a time when the weather is dry and cool in most parts, especially in the nation’s capital. It is the best time to visit Honduras’ Spanish colonial hill towns and see some Mayan ruins.

How to get Wi-Fi in Honduras

Most establishments and tourist spots also offer Wi-Fi to its customers and visitors. Even in somewhat remote places, you’re sure to find hotels and resorts that have good internet service.

SIM CARD AT TEGUCIGALPA AIRPORT

I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at Tegucigalpa airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Tegucigalpa. Read here Honduras sim card for tourist and best Honduras eSim

You can find the cheapest Honduras eSim with Airalo Honduras eSim prepaid for $9 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days (USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10%). GigSky Honduras eSim for $11 USD with 1 GB data valid for 15 days and for $40 USD with 5 GB data valid for 30 days.

MTX Connect eSim Honduras for €24 with 4 GB data valid for 14 days. Holafly Honduras eSim for $44 USD if you use our code GAMINTRAVELER coming with 6 GB data valid for 15 days.

Accommodation: Where to stay in Honduras

There are plenty of ways to save up on accommodation costs while backpacking Honduras. From dorms and B&B’s to hotel rooms and apartments, you’ll always find ones that won’t burn a whole through your wallet. If you are to stay in a dorm, expect to pay 7 to 9 USD a night.

This usually comes with free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Those who feel much comfier staying in budget hotels should allot 12.50 to 15 USD for a room. These fees may cover some amenities like the swimming pool and a kitchen. Though a bit uncommon, Airbnb is available in Honduras and may cost around 15-25 USD for shared accommodation and up to 40 USD for an entire apartment. Not bad, right? 

Just make sure to choose a room you most feel comfortable in but also fits your budget. You can also try sleeping for free! Click here to read the many ways you can get rid off your accommodation budget wherever you travel.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN HONDURAS WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!

Honduras Travel Itinerary

If you are coming overland as I did i from Guatemala, its convenient to visit Copan Ruins on the North. You can visit San Pedro de Sula and we don´t recommend spending so much time there. If you are traveling slowly you can spend a couple of days. If not you can go to La Ceiba where you can get a ferry to Roatan or Utila the Bay Islands.

Utila is one of the cheapest places in the world to do your Open water course scuba diving. It will cost you around $250-300 USD and it will take 3-4 days to finish. You can stay longer doing more dives or snorkeling. There is good nightlife with bars and restaurants in this small island. 

After your experience diving it would be great to visit the cultural part in Comayagua and Tegucigalpa, you can spend 3-4 days walking around, meeting local people, practicing your Spanish, visiting museums, and cathedrals and trying local food. You can also go to Pico Bonito and Rio Platano to have a great experience with the nature in Honduras. It would be fine to spend 4-5 weeks  so you will have enough time to try all the things to do in Honduras. After Honduras you can go backpacking Nicaragua or backpacking Guatemala.

Daily Budget for backpacking Honduras

Since 1 USD is equivalent to 24 HNL, people from North American and European countries already have an advantage when backpacking Honduras. As we have mentioned, there are many ways to go around this mountainous nation. If you ride the bus, a trip for every hour only costs 2 USD. There are also different kinds of taxis in Honduras. A typical air conditioned taxi will charge around 2.50 USD for a short ride, while one without air conditioning can go for much cheaper. If you’re going from one city to another with a taxi, you an expect to pay 8 USD or more.

There are also plenty of budget-friendly authentic local restaurants in every city of Honduras. A meal at a local place can cost less than 3 USD, which is much cheaper to a fast food meal that’s around 6 USD. On the other hand, having a meal at a restaurant can eat up around 5.50 USD from your budget. Here’s a travel tip when eating at a restaurant in Honduras: make sure to read your bill. If you see servicio written on it, it means you are already paying for the obligatory tip. Beer in Honduras’ bars is pretty cheap at around 1.70 USD.

Another item you’d most likely spend money on is entertainment. This covers the activities you’re going to try, the sites you are going to visit and the tours you’re going to take. For example, most scuba diving joints charge around 32 USD per dive. It’s pretty cheap compared to other countries, I’m telling you. If you want to see the Copan Ruins, the entrance fee is around 9.20 USD and the guided tour costs 22 USD. You can also pay for going inside the tunnels which will cost you an extra 10 USD. Another fun activity in an area rich in natural resources is zip lining. From here, you can see Honduras from a bird’s eye view. A typical zip lining experience costs 21 to 42 USD per person.

There are many things to do in Honduras and I’m sure you’d like to try them all. Honduras is an inexpensive country; I’m sure you’d make the most out of your money here. So, plan your trip well and make sure you have enough budget to keep you going and flowing all over the country.

Places to visit in Honduras

Tegucigalpa

Located in the Southern-Central highlands, Tegucigalpa is Honduras’ capital and largest city. This hilly city has a huge population and has an international airport, 12 universities, 5 sections and 892 colonias. Tegucigalpa is a bustling city with so much potential but is often overlooked when backpacking Honduras. Here, you can visit Museo para la Identidad Nacional and get to know Honduras better with their very accommodating and knowledgeable tour guides. You can also stop by Catedral de San Miguel Arcángel, a church that was constructed in the 1700’s. There are truly plenty of cultural gems in Tegucigalpa! Also, just 20 km outside this city is Parque Nacional La Tigra that has a beautiful cloud forest and well-marked hiking trails.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN TEGUCIGALPA WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!

Utila

If you’ve always wanted to try diving but is looking for the most beautiful yet affordable spot to learn, Utila is just that. Backpackers seem to always have this island in their Honduras travel itinerary because of its beauty and simplicity. It is the smallest of the major Bay Islands at only 13 km long and 5 km wide.

Aside from diving, there are a number of other water activities to try here like snorkeling, canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking and fishing. For relaxation, there are spas, yoga and pilates centers all around the island. Utila’s beaches and cays are also a main attraction and each spot is definitely one of a kind. 

An Open water course costs around $250 USD and they include accommodation, check and compare prices and choose your best option. You can do in different languages for sure English and Spanish. Food is little bit more expensive than mainland and internet was working fine! Nightlife was great in Utila and day trips diving and snorkeling were incredible. In Honduras the coral reef coming from México and Belize is the second largest coral reef in the world!

Travel Tip: There are two daily ferries going to Utila from La Ceiba around $25 one way. Make sure leaving La Ceiba 9 am and 4 pm.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN UTILA WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!

Roatan

Lying on the southern edge of the second largest barrier reef in the world is Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands and the most visited as well. It is another excellent diving and snorkeling spot and one of the main places to visit in Honduras.

You can also enjoy Roatan’s waters by going sailing, Flyboarding, and even swimming with dolphins. These adventures are both safe and fun and are perfect for families, couples and solo travelers. There is so much to explore in this island from its beaches to its mountains to its remote areas. Roatan is a paradise filled with wonderful surprises!

Roatan is bigger than Utila and prices are higher! You have all the things that you need in Roatan if you want to spend long time!

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San Pedro Sula

Passing through San Pedro Sula usually comes up in any Honduras travel guide because it is a travel hub and a business zone in the country. Despite not having too many sites to explore, it serves well as an entry point for those coming from Guatemala and other foreign countries.

If you’re planning to spend at least a day in this city, you can drop by one of El Merendon’s hills and take a photo with the iconic Coca Cola sign here. Those who want to experience a fun-filled nature trip can go zip lining at Mountain Adventures.  It is also a private hiking destination and has a beautiful restaurant that serves truly amazing food. Finally, Mercado de Artesanias Guamilito is a great place to buy souvenirs and local crafts. 

It´s well connected with transportation and there are local buses going to all the destinations in Honduras!

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La Ceiba

Known as the “Entertainment Capital of Honduras,” La Ceiba has a fun, inviting vibe because of its friendly locals and the city’s zona viva or the nightlife district. This is the perfect place to party in Honduras and will serve as your jumping point to the Bay Islands.

Before heading over to the islands, you can explore La Ceiba’s parks and nature reserves. Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge is a site that’s perfect for nature lovers. You can also take eco tours, horseback riding tours and wildlife tours to appreciate La Ceiba’s natural charm.

It´s very quiet and if you can manage to get on time to get the ferry to Utila, I recommend this. Otherwise there are a few bars and restaurants at night if you have to stay in La Ceiba.

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Cayos Cochinos

From La Ceiba or Tela, you can reach Cayos Cochinos. Also known as Hog Islands, this breathtaking paradise that stands out from other places to visit in Honduras. Cayos Cochinos is made up of 2 small islands and 13 small coral cays that are all very exciting to explore.

This is also a great place to meet the Garufina people and learn about their rich culture. With Cayo Cochinos’ crystal clear waters, pristine beaches and incredible views, its hard not to fall in love with one of the best destinations in Central America.

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Comayagua

If you’re looking for historical sites in Honduras, Comayagua is a great place to see some Spanish Colonial architecture, neo-classic buildings, colonial plazas and old churches. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral was completed in 1711 and is one of the oldest in Central America.

As it is a very Catholic city, you might want to spend your Easter week in this idyllic town. You can also visit Mudeo de Comayagua, an important building in Honduran history as it used to house the presidential office, congress and supreme court during the country’s years of independence.

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More Places to visit in Honduras

Lago de Yojoa

If you are enjoying your stay in Honduras and would like to extend your Central America adventure to Nicaragua, don’t forget to stop by Lago de Yojoa. This beautiful lake is a wonderful fishing and bird-watching destination and is known for its biodiversity. There are coffee plantations to visit in the area as well.

Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve

A safe haven for some endangered species like the jaguar, giant anteater and the Central American tapir. With plenty of animal and plant life, the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the La Mosquitia area of Caribbean Honduras. It is an important area that is preserved with the help of its indigenous people and local inhabitants. Migratory birds visit this beautiful forest every February and March.

Pico Bonito National Park

Another beautiful protected area in Honduras in the Pico Bonito National Park in the Nombre de Dios mountains. The site is perfect for hiking, with trails that are also enjoyable for bird watchers and nature lovers in general. There are great waterfalls in the park and you can even swim in natural pools. How refreshing!

It’s definitely not just a place for birders and hikers; it is for families and lovers as well. Some things you might want to bring on your visit include extra clothes, hiking boots (and extra socks, too!), and a windbreaker. Get ready to have fun with nature in this national park!

Jeanette Kawas National Park

If you’re looking for an unspoiled paradise in Honduras, you can take a day trip to this area in the northern Caribbean coast. Also known as Parque Nacional Punta Sal, it is one of the best places to enjoy snorkeling, hiking and other activities with nature. Even just walking along its beaches, exploring its mangrove and tropical forests, or encountering howler monkeys is enough for you to appreciate Mother Nature in all her splendor.

Things to do in Honduras

Visit the Copan Ruins

Just by the border between Honduras and Guatemala lies the remains of a Classic period Mayan kingdom that is frequented by tourists from all over the world. If you are thinking of places to visit in Honduras, this is one that should definitely be on your list.

This complex of ruins has temples and hieroglyphs that date back to around 400 to 800 A.D. The city was abandoned due to lack of resources but this site now flourishes as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980.

The entrance fee is $15 USD and its totally worth it!

Snorkeling and scuba diving in the islands

Honduras’ Bay Islands is one of the most affordable diving spots in the world. You won’t have any trouble finding a good spot because, as an upside to the country’s notoriety, there’s more than enough Honduras for everyone! You can go snorkeling at Roatan and the Jeanette Kawas National Park. Scuba diving spots also abound all over Roatan, Utila and Guanaja. The coral reefs here are spectacular!

Riding buses where the radio plays the Holy Mass

I was riding local buses and I found for first time playing the prayer on the radio. People were listening to the pray since it was so loud. I love living these experiences that´s why I love riding public transportation.

Try the famous baleada

Baleada is a traditional Honduran dish with ingredients famously eaten all over South and Central America. Perfect for breakfast or lunch, this street food is basically made of mashed fried red beans on the inside and a flour tortilla on the outside. Some add cheese, butter, scrambled eggs, plantain, avocado and chismol to their baleada for that extra flavor. Is it a taco? A burrito? No, it’s a baleada!

Enjoy some enchilada

We may be familiar with the enchiladas of Mexico, but Honduran enchiladas are actually quite different. Similar to tostadas, the Honduran version are served with fried flat corn tortillas. On top of the tostillas are ground beef, cabbage, tomato, ketchup or tomato sauce, and other spices. This is an excellent food to enjoy with your hands.

Order a plate of pupusa

There are so many ways to prepare and enjoy corn tortilla. One of the most famous dishes in Honduras and El Salvador is pupusa, or thick corn tortilla stuffed with all sorts of delicious fillings. You can eat an assortment of cheese, beans and beef pupusas that are then served with curtido de repollo.

Stay healthy with a Palmito Salad

While tortilla and its many varieties are famous all over Latin America, dishes like ensalada de palmitos also abound in Honduras. This simple salad dish is made of hearts of palm (which taste similar to artichokes) and can be mixed with typical ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, olives, capers and garlic. Order this in any Honduras restaurant; it’s a definite must-try!

Cool off with a glass of licuado

A licuado is a smoothie made from fresh fruits or fruit juices. The fruits are blended with milk, yogurt, ice and a sweetener and will save you from hot and humid days in Honduras. This non-alcoholic drink is popular among tourists and locals alike. It can be drunk in your hotel, at the beach or in the busy streets.

Festival in Honduras

Semana Santa

Like other predominantly Roman Catholic nations, Holy Week or Semana Santa is a big deal in Honduras. One of the best time to visit Honduras is during this week because of all the marvelous parades all over the country. In these parades, events in the Bible from the Easter story are reenacted by locals.

Punta Gorda

Celebrated every year on the 12th of April. Punta Gorda celebrates the 4,000 Garufina people who settled in Roatan many years ago. It is one of Honduras’ biggest festivities, with tourists and locals partying in the Caribbean coast and beyond.

La Feria de San Isidro

This festival is considered the carnaval of La Ceiba and is comparable to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras Festival. If you’re looking for places to visit in Honduras, you might want to stop by La Ceiba during the week before the third Saturday of May to take part in this festival.

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If you are backpacking around Central America maybe you will go to South America. Read our backpacking guide to Ecuador, backpacking guide to Bolivia and also all the things to do in Colombia!

Happy Travels!