Guide To Honduras

Trekking Under The Canopy: A Condensed Guide To Honduras
By Maria Fiallos

A trip to Honduras, the quintessential banana republic, conjures visions of endless fields of fruit ripening under a tropical sun and sweat browed laborers. An image that until recently was not far from the truth. Although its lacks the comforts of mass tourism destinations, and banana plantations are still aplenty, this small country is fast becoming a favored eco-tourism destination. Exotic wildlife, free-flowing rivers, mist-covered cloud forests, coral reefs, and mile upon mile of white sand beaches are attracting those with a hankering for nature. Complementing the effusive natural surrounding are historical small towns featuring central plazas, colonial architecture, and white-washed adobe homes with red tiled roofs that blend harmoniously into the landscape. The friendly inhabitants, who are known as ladinos or mestizos due to their European and indigenous mixed ancestry, will invariably greet you with a warm smile.

Whether you’re in search of a luxurious nature retreat, a beach resort, a Spanish school, a dive vacation, a bird watching expedition, or a bare-bones trek through the jungle, the country’s burgeoning tourism industry caters to all tastes and budgets.

Geography, Location, and Weather

Flanked by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Honduras is a small nation with an area of just 43,281 sq mi (112,100 sq km). It is situated in the middle of Central American isthmus, and bordered by El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. Central and Western highlands enjoy a temperate climate, while the north coast region is typically hot and humid and the south coast is hot and dry.

Language

Spanish is the official language of Honduras. Caribbean English is spoken on the Bay Islands, as well as Spanish.

Main Attractions

Honduras possesses two world heritage sights, the Copan Ruins and the Rio Plátano Biosphere Reserve.

The Copan Ruins are a definite must see with the longest hieroglyphic stairway in the Maya World as well as the most intricately carved sculptures. Archaeologists have deciphered most of the hieroglyphs, which recount the history of the 16 rulers of the Copan Dynasty. The Maya ruler’s tradition of erecting new structures on top of a previous king’s temples provides a fascinating view of the lost culture, as well as a couple of ghostly tunnel tours. The archaeological site includes a large museum that contains many of the park’s original sculptures. The picturesque adjacent town of Copan Ruinas offers accommodations ranging from rustic to sophisticated. Activities in and around town include hiking in the nearby mountains or to the waterfall, visiting the Macaw Bird Park, a coffee farm, or an indigenous community where you can watch artisans at work.