The western highlands, home to the Copan Ruins, also boast a trove of small villages that were originally settled by the Spaniards between 400 and 500 years ago. Colonial forts and churches with gold-filigree altars are amongst this region’s treasures. Cultural activities can also be found amongst the Lenca Indians, the largest ethnic group in Honduras, who reside in this region. Lenca women produce beautiful handmade pottery of varying hues, using methods that have been passed down through the generations. Sacred ceremonies, which are an eclectic mix of Indian and Catholic traditions, can be observed during religious celebrations.

The Celaque National Park, the country’s highest peak at 9,347 ft (2,849 m), towers above the colonial town of Gracias, the very first capital of Honduras. Celaque is an indigenous word meaning “box of water.” And indeed, this wondrous mountain forest contains 11 watersheds. Trekking under the forest canopy to the summit takes a couple of days, but you will be rewarded with a unique cloud forest experience.

On the edge of the western highlands, located about an hour south of the city of San Pedro Sula, is Lake Yojoa, another favorite bird watching destination with more than 400 species of birds. The lakeshore also houses Los Naranjos Eco-archaeological Park, an early Lenca settlement.

Colonial History

Comayagua

If you have the time, a half-day detour to the colonial city of Comayagua is highly recommended. Although the process is ongoing, the city has been largely restored, and it contains several interesting sights, which include: one of the oldest working clocks in the world, a cathedral, four colonial churches, an archeological museum, and a religious art museum.

Museums and more parks

For the history buff, San Pedro Sula, the industrial capital of Honduras; and Tegucigalpa, the capital city, provide a medley of museums.

San Pedro Sula is the gateway to travel in Western Honduras and by land to Antigua, Guatemala. In the city’s backdrop is the Cusuco National Park, which is famous for quetzal sightings.

Tegucigalpa is usually a necessary stopover for those traveling by land to either Nicaragua or El Salvador. Much of the city’s water is supplied by La Tigra National Park, an easily accessible cloud forest with well-marked trails.

How to get there

Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and Roatan in the Bay Islands have international airports. Taca and Continental fly daily into cities of San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.

Continental, Delta, and Taca Airlines have direct weekend flights from and to the United States and Roatan from Houston, Miami, and Atlanta.