Honduras Travel
The second-largest country in Central America, Honduras is a destination packed with exquisite coral reefs, tropical rainforests, remarkable beaches on the Caribbean coast, a vast selection of wildlife and captivating Latin culture. Its most famous historical site, the phenomenal Mayan ruins at Copán, is also one of its most popular tourist attractions.
Wherever you go in this diverse, vibrant country, you’ll find untamed scenery, offering plenty of adventures and experiences. Travel to Honduras to visit the iconic Bay Islands. Famous for their exceptional coral reefs, snorkelling and diving are popular pastimes to view sea turtles and whale sharks.
Why visit Honduras
- Almost 40% of Honduras comprises protected natural areas – that’s the largest protected area in Central America.
- Discover an incredible variety of wildlife, including over 700 species of birds, as well as monkeys, manatees, iguana and tapir.
- The beaches fringing the Caribbean Sea are beautiful, and the diving and snorkelling superb, especially around the Bay Islands.
- There are so many ancient Mayan ruins to explore, most famously at Copán.
- Experience the rushing white-water rapids at Rio Cangrejal.
- Meet indigenous people like the Afro-Carib Garifuna tribe that lives on the Bay Island of Utila.
- The nightlife here is exceptional, especially in San Pedro Sula.
- The rum is renowned, and there are many bars where you can enjoy it.
Jungle landscapes, marvellous Spanish colonial towns, magnificent archaeological ruins, idyllic Caribbean beaches and delicious food are just some of the reasons to visit Honduras. But there are plenty more, including unparalleled coral reefs, incredible wildlife and plenty of adventure activities. Contact Thompsons Holidays, specialists in South and Central America, to book your personalised Honduras holiday package.
Things to do in Honduras
In Honduras, you can enjoy the best of two wonderful worlds – the charm of Central America and the exotic beauty of the Caribbean. Add some phenomenal Mayan ruins in Copán, a vibrant nightlife, fabulous rum and coffee, and you have a winning formula for an unforgettable holiday package! There are so many activities to enjoy in Honduras, as well as a variety of exceptional tourist attractions.
Whether you’re a keen adventurer who enjoys abseiling and white-water rafting, or prefer less active pursuits like lazing on pristine sandy beaches or learning about ancient cultures and traditions, you can do it all in Honduras. You can view an incredible selection of wildlife, explore three distinct Amazon areas, snorkel and dive to enjoy a spectacular underwater world, discover charming colonial towns and savour exceptional cuisine.
Things to do in Honduras
- Learn about the unique Garifuna culture.
- Enjoy an idyllic Caribbean holiday on one of Honduras’ offshore islands.
- Go hiking in Pico Bonito National Park.
- Enjoy white water rafting at Rio Cangrejal.
- Visit Copán's legendary archaeological ruins.
- Explore Trujilla‘s cobbled streets and old fort.
- Go diving and snorkelling around the Bay Islands.
- Discover the faded grandeur of Comayagua, once the capital of Honduras.
- Soak up the sun on Central America’s most beautiful beach, West Bay.
- View crocodiles, macaws and other wildlife in the lush rainforest of Moskitia.
- Enjoy ziplining in the Amazon jungle.
- Dine at one of the excellent restaurants on the shores of Lake Yojoa.
With a wealth of national parks to visit, ancient Mayan ruins, pristine beaches, remote paradise islands and some of the best diving spots in the world, there are so many reasons to visit Honduras. Thompsons Holidays specialises in this phenomenal country. Let us put together the ultimate Honduras holiday package for you.
Know before you go...
When is the best time to visit?
- Best time to visit Honduras is in the dry season (summer), December to April.
- Wet season (winter) is June to November.
- May and November are hot, with afternoon showers.
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to San Pedro Sula in Honduras with one stopover: 23 hours, 40 minutes.
- There are no regular flights from South Africa to Honduras.
- South African passport holders do not require a visa to enter Honduras for a stay of up to 90 days.
- Passports must be valid for 6 months after departure from Honduras.
- Honduras is 8 hours behind South Africa.
- Daylight saving is not practiced in Honduras.
- The official currency is the Honduran Lempira (HNL).
- Credit cards are widely accepted & ATMs are prevalent.
- US Dollars are widely accepted in Honduras.
- Tipping is customary in Honduras, a very poor country, so spread some wealth.
- The official language is Spanish.
- English is widely spoken.
- Christianity is the main religion in Honduras.
- When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively. (See ‘What to pack’).
- It is not safe to drink tap water in Honduras. Bottled water is readily available.
- Many public restrooms charge a small fee for use, so keep change on hand for this.
- Smoking is not permitted in public areas such as restaurants, bars and indoor work places as well as on public transport. Airports offer designated smoking rooms.
- Vaccinations – please check with your travel clinic before you go.
What must I pack?
- Lightweight clothing in summer, warm layers for winter or beach wear depending on where you are going.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor.
Getting around
- Transport within Honduras revolves around buses.
- Towns in outlying areas may have less sophisticated transport infrastructure – it depends where you are going.
What can I do to be a responsible traveller?
- Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- Instead of using plastic bags, take fabric shopping bags with you.
- Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.
Safety tips
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.
What do I do in an emergency?
- If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
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