Top 10 must-visit spots in Honduras

Honduras is brimming with sights, making it hard to choose where to start. From hiking through lush tropical rainforests and misty cloud forests to exploring rivers and lakes, or uncovering the secrets of ancient Maya archaeological sites, there’s so much to experience.

The coastline boasts stunning beaches and vibrant reefs, and if you're in the mood for a refreshing drink – whether it’s a rum punch or the local specialty, gifiti – you’ll find plenty of opportunities for fun. Here’s your guide to the best places in Honduras.

1. Punta Gorda, Roatán

Top spot for immersing in Garifuna culture

While Roatán is often considered touristy, the bustling scene is mostly on the western side of the island. For a glimpse into authentic Roatanian life, venture to the eastern municipality of Santos Guardiola. Here, you’ll find the Garifuna community of Punta Gorda, the island's oldest permanent settlement.

The Garifuna people, who are of African and Indigenous Arawak descent, were displaced from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and formed Garifuna communities in regions of Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Their culture is now a vital part of Honduras' national identity, influencing everything from Afro-beats to machuca, a popular seafood stew made with coconut milk and a boiled ball of mashed plantains.

Garifuna culture is showcased at the Garifuna Cultural Center in Punta Gorda, established by Audrey Flores, a former New Yorker seeking her heritage. Although the center is currently closed for expansion, you can still explore Garifuna history and culture on their website, with plans for a grand reopening in 2024.

2. Eastern Roatán

Ideal for tranquil beaches

Although more serene than the west, eastern Roatán still features a few resorts and boasts some beautiful beaches. Perched on a sandy bluff, Paya Bay Resort, managed by local islanders, resembles more of a spiritual retreat than a typical vacation spot.

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this resort offers a peaceful and private atmosphere along with various activities, including snorkeling, hiking, meditation, and yoga. Day passes are available for visitors not staying overnight, and the 22-acre private property includes the island's only clothing-optional beach.

Just a six-minute drive to the southwest brings you to Camp Bay Beach, the prime public beach in the area. This popular spot is perfect for family barbecues and sandy picnics. With its natural white sands and swaying coconut palms, Camp Bay embodies the essence of Roatán's beaches before resort development.

For those seeking adventure, visit Jonesville on the southern shore for an exciting kayaking tour. Navigate through lush mangrove forests along the coast, complete with several tunnels to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden treasures, as legends suggest these tunnels once served as pirate hideouts.

3. Guanaja

Perfect for escaping the crowds

Among the three primary Bay Islands, Guanaja stands out as one of the most stunning. Its limited development and less accessible transportation options have helped maintain a serene and natural environment. Come to fully experience the vibrant greenery and hike the 4km (2.5 miles) trail to enjoy breathtaking views from Michael’s Rock Peak, passing by the only waterfall found on Honduras’ islands along the way.

Many of the island’s most picturesque beaches are so remote that they can only be reached by water taxi. Hire a boatman to take you to Soldado Beach, Graham’s Cay, or Bayman Bay Beach for a truly peaceful escape.

Several laid-back beach resorts, such as Clearwater Paradise and End of the World Resort, primarily cater to scuba diving enthusiasts. If you're looking to get certified, this is the ideal spot, offering access to some of the country’s finest dive locations.

However, the tranquility of Guanaja may soon change due to a new ferry service from Roatán that started in October 2021, operating four times a week. Additionally, domestic flights and charter boats are now arriving on the island.

4. Utila

Top destination for nightlife

In contrast to Roatán, which attracts an older crowd of former backpackers, Utila remains a vibrant paradise for young party enthusiasts eager to scuba dive, enjoy drinks, free dive, sing karaoke, soak up the sun, and repeat the fun the next day.

Numerous tales abound of travelers who planned to stay just a couple of weeks but ended up making Utila their home for years. About 150 expatriates now call this lively island home, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere that invites everyone, even amidst the nightly festivities.

The island's small town features a single main street lined with vibrantly painted bars, shops, eateries, and accommodations. You can easily find out where the party is happening any night—whether it’s a live music event at Bando Beach or a karaoke session at La Cueva. Not every venue is a loud party spot; alongside hostels like La Hamaca, there are quieter boutique hotels such as Manurii and Sea Eye Hotel.

Utila has evolved from its days of inexpensive backpacker pizzas and greasy food, emerging as a foodie haven with upscale seafood restaurants like Captain Willis Bistro and Asian fusion spots such as Mister Buddha, famous for their delightful “bananero roll,” an inside-out maki topped with plantain slices.

5. Cayos Cochinos

Top destination for a day trip

Cayos Cochinos is a picturesque archipelago near La Ceiba, consisting of two main islands, Cayo Grande and Cayo Menor, along with 13 smaller coral keys. While some keys feature basic Airbnbs, others are privately owned or simply showcase stunning white sandy beaches. The largest, Cayo Grande, offers ample space for several accommodations, including Vitos Eco Diving Resort and Cabañas Laru Beya.

A popular way to explore Cayos Cochinos is by taking a day tour from La Ceiba or Roatán. Boats transport visitors to prime locations for sunbathing and snorkeling. The rich marine life thrives thanks to efforts from organizations like the Coral Reef Alliance, with chances of encountering nurse sharks or eagle rays.

Some tours include lunch, but if you stop at Cayo Chachahuate, you can enjoy local fare from the Garifuna community, with the freshest catch from local fishermen, far superior to anything kept in a cooler all day.

6. Pico Bonito National Park

Ideal destination for wildlife encounters

La Ceiba, situated on the northern coast, was once the heart of the banana trade. It is thought to be the birthplace of the baleada, Honduras' beloved unofficial national dish, featuring beans, cheese, sour cream, curtido (a cabbage relish), and either meat or eggs, all wrapped in a grilled tortilla.

Today, La Ceiba is recognized as the gateway to Honduras’ premier biodiversity hotspot – Pico Bonito National Park. Named after the distinctive triangular peak at its center, Pico Bonito is home to toucans, jaguars, monkeys, and a variety of other wildlife. Consider hiring a guide for the challenging three-hour hike to witness the breathtaking Cascada Zacate (you'll hear the roar of the falls long before they come into view).

Adjacent to Pico Bonito, Rio Cangrejal serves as La Ceiba’s adventure hub for river activities like whitewater rafting and kayaking. El Naranjo is a fantastic base, offering accommodations ranging from the charming B&B La Villa Soledad to the eco-adventure-oriented Omega Lodge.

7. Tela

Top spot for discovering Parque Nacional Jeannette Kawas

Tela, located on the northwest Caribbean coast, is one of the most attractive beach towns on the mainland. Like La Ceiba, it has a history rooted in banana cultivation, but today, it's favored for its beach resorts and delicious cuisine. If you're tired of fried fish, sample the sopa de caracol (snail soup), a dish so famous that it inspired a popular song.

In addition to an impressive aquarium, the Tela Marine Research Center serves as a crucial research hub for Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, an illness devastating coral populations throughout the Caribbean. Tela Bay offers several white-sand beaches, including a public beach in the town, but the finest beaches are found half an hour away in Parque Nacional Jeannette Kawas, the largest national park in Honduras.

Within the park, snakes, monkeys, and jaguars can be spotted amidst the rainforest, which also features secluded beach coves, mangrove forests, and the country’s largest saltwater lagoon. Access is via boat, so consider booking a tour with a Tela-based company like Garifuna Tours for an immersive experience.

If you're seeking a respite from the beach, Tela is close to one of the largest botanical gardens in Latin America – Lancetilla Jardín Botánico. Spanning 1680 hectares (4151 acres), the park showcases a remarkable bamboo tunnel along with a diverse array of tropical species.

8. Copán

Best place to explore Maya heritage

Visiting the meticulously preserved Copán Archaeological Site Ruins is the primary draw for those venturing to the western region of Honduras. This site was once home to a significant Maya civilization, showcasing artifacts from 250 to 900 CE. The highlight? On most days, you can enjoy the ruins almost entirely to yourself.

Beyond channeling your inner Indiana Jones, there's plenty more to discover in Copán. When the sun shines, so do the sunflowers. Grab your camera and visit El Paseo de los Girasoles (The Path of the Sunflowers), a working farm that grows sunflowers as feed for dairy cows and has unintentionally turned into an Instagram sensation.

It might seem a bit perplexing, but the town surrounding the Copán Ruins is called Copán Ruinas. This quaint town is an ideal base for your explorations, with accommodation options ranging from the longstanding Iguana Azul hostel to the newer, upscale Hotel Marina Copán. After a day of adventures, unwind with tea at El Lugar del Té y Chocolate.

For the most breathtaking sunsets in town, catch a taxi up to Hacienda San Lucas, a converted farmhouse that serves as a hotel and restaurant, offering stunning views of the sunset over the Rio Copán. The signature drink here is named after the national bird, the scarlet macaw, which you can see up close at the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve, located just 10 minutes from the Copán ruins.

9. Tegucigalpa

Best destination for museums and cultural experiences

Even if you struggle to pronounce the name of Honduras' capital, don't worry—locals simply call it 'Tegus' (te-goose). While tales of crime may deter some, being street-smart will ensure that Tegucigalpa is as safe as any major city.

Most attractions are located in El Centro, particularly around the Plaza Morazán, named after a former president. Here, you can visit the 18th-century main cathedral and the Centro de la Cultura Garinagu, which showcases Garifuna culture.

Just a few blocks away, you can delve into Honduras' national identity at the Museo para la Identidad Nacional, which offers guided tours in English.

For a break from the city's hustle, make your way to Parque Naciones Unidas El Picacho in the northern part of Tegucigalpa. A trail here leads you to the Picacho Christ, a smaller, 20-meter (66-foot) version of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue.

You can also enjoy a day trip from Tegus to Parque Nacional La Tigra, the nearest national park, which features cloud forests, rivers, and waterfalls. Alternatively, visit Valle de Ángeles, a 16th-century mining town with restored buildings now home to woodworking artisans.

10. Lake Yojoa region

Best spot for bird-watching and hiking

Lake Yojoa, the largest lake in Honduras, is a popular getaway for locals, situated about four hours from Tegucigalpa. Restaurants along the lakeshore offer delicious fried fish accompanied by traditional sides of rice, beans, curtido, and plantains.

If you love craft beer as much as lakeside adventures, stay at D&D Brewery, a local microbrewery that also serves as a lodge and adventure hub. They can organize a variety of excursions on or near the lake and provide meals afterward.

Lake Yojoa is nestled between two national parks: Parque Nacional Montaña de Santa Bárbara, home to the towering 2744m (90,003ft) Montaña de Santa Bárbara, and Parque Nacional Cerro Azul Mèambar (also known as PaNaCAM). Both parks are renowned for their hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.

The quetzal, a bird of great significance to the Maya, is a sought-after sight in this region. However, if birdwatching isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of other forest wildlife to enjoy while hiking to the parks' numerous waterfalls.