TRAVEL TIPS
HONDURAS
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW Located in the heart of Central America,
Tegucigalpa is the country’s capital and its
Honduras is divided into eighteen departments
government center, while San Pedro Sula is
and it shares borders with Guatemala, El
considered the “industrial capital” owing to
Salvador and Nicaragua. Along the coast the
the large number of factories operating in the
climate is tropical, and in the inland valleys it
region. Another popular city is La Ceiba, which is
is temperate. It has two main seasons: the dry
known by local residents and tourists alike as the
season and the rainy season.
location of the best festivals and the Carnival.
The economy is experiencing a tourism boom,
Known throughout the world for having the
and the country has sites representing much
world’s second largest coral reef barrier, the Bay
of the history of the Mayan civilization. The
Islands are a charming archipelago made up of
two largest cities in Honduras are Tegucigalpa
three main islands: Roatán, Utila and Guanaja.
and San Pedro Sula. Other major cities are La Ceiba and Tela.
Explore and discover this marvelous natural world in Honduras.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS HONDURAS
WHEN TO GO The best time to visit Honduras is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The Caribbean region and Roatรกn Island are main tourist destinations from March to May. The end of spring and the summer are very warm, and humidity characterizes the northern coast and the region of the Bay Islands in the Caribbean. The region of the Mayan ruins at Copรกn and the western highlands have a more temperate climate than the Caribbean region during the summer.
This is an ideal time for diving on the Bay Islands and for taking in the natural beauty of La Moskitia. The forest and the fields are lusher during the rainy season, from October to January. One of the most famous events in Honduras is the Carnival, which takes place in the third week of May in the Ceiba region.
CLIMATE Honduras has a tropical climate on the coasts while its inland area and highlands have a temperate climate. The country has two main seasons: a rainy season from May to October, and a dry season from November to April. The northern coast and the Caribbean have a warm, rainy climate year around. Temperatures vary greatly with the altitude, and are lower on the plateaus and highlands. The Caribbean region has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and frequent intense rain.
The climate in the south, on the Pacific coast,
and Juan Manuel Gálvez), with domestic
tends to be more tropical and dry. Hurricanes
flights between Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula,
may form between August and November.
La Ceiba and Roatán.
Travelers should not come to Honduras in that period. The average temperature in the coastal
You can take a ferry boat from La Ceiba to
region of the country is 31°C while in the
Roatán and Utila islands, and a catamaran from
highest areas it is 23°C.
Roatán to Utila and Guanaja islands. There are two departures per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
TRANSPORT
The region of La Moskitia can only be reached by plane. The catamaran service in Roatán has capacity for up to 450 passengers.
Various means of transport will allow you to explore the regions of Honduras. The best
There are several bus companies in Honduras,
options are transportation by bus, ship, train,
including some with high-quality, modern
automobile or taxi.
buses. The best known bus company is Hedman Alas. Another good option is Viana,
The country has four international airports
with service between Tegucigalpa, San Pedro
(Toncontín, Golosón, Ramón Villeda Morales
Sula and La Ceiba.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS HONDURAS
ATTRACTIONS Experience the various attractions that Honduras offers visitors. Enjoy the natural landscapes and make the most of your trip to learn more about the country’s culture and history.
COPÁN RUINS Located close to the Guatemalan border, the Copán ruins are synonymous with tradition, culture and beauty. Considered Honduras’ main attraction, they embody the history of the ancient Mayan civilization. They were
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological park has remains from the period in which the Mayans inhabited the Copán Valley. Other important stops are the “Las Sepulturas” archaeological site and the Mayan Sculpture Museum.
SAN PEDRO SULA This is the second largest city in Honduras, and it is known as the country’s industrial hub.
TELA Located on the Caribbean coast, the city of Tela is an acclaimed tourist destination. Its white beaches are surrounded by tropical parks such
Pico Bonito National Park is the second largest
as Lancetilla Botanic Garden, Punta Sal Marine
national park in the country. It is a famous
National Park and Punta Izopo National Park.
point because it contains the highest peak in the Nombre de Dios mountain range. Although
The internationally renowned Lancetilla Botanic
this area is difficult for visitors to explore, the
Garden preserves and conserves the country’s
lower areas, such as the Zacate and Cangrejal
wildlife. The garden is divided into two areas:
rivers, are easier to reach.
the Wilson Popenoe garden, which is an area for experimental cultivation, and the virgin
Various tributaries flow into the Cangrejal river,
forest Biological Reserve.
which serves as the boundary of the tropical forest in Pico Bonito National Park. This is an
Punta Sal Marine National Park has various forests, swamps and a small tropical forest, while Izopo National Park is considered a wildlife refuge.
LA CEIBA Due to its strategic location, the modern city serves as a departure point from which visitors can easily reach the most important tourist destinations in the country. La Ceiba is nestled among mountains, rivers, spectacular forests and beautiful beaches. It offers various attractions, including ecological tours, rafting or canoeing on Rio Cangrejal, horseback riding, and hiking.
ideal place for rafting and other water sports.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS HONDURAS HONDURAS
LA MOSKITIA This is the largest rain forest in Central America. La Moskitia can be reached only by plane or boat. There are tours offering various attractions in the jungle forests. You can enjoy a rafting adventure, hike on forest trails or explore the region’s wildlife.
BAY ISLANDS Known throughout the world for their stunning coral reefs, the Bay Islandsare a magnificent archipelago made up of three main islands -Roatán, Utila and Guanaja- in addition to more than seventy cays scattered throughout the region. Roatán Island has the second largest barrier reef in the world. It also has various enchanting beaches with white sand and crystal-clear
TEGUCIGALPA The historic center of Tegucigalpa, which is considered one of the most important cities in the country, puts the charm of Honduras’ capital on full display. The city boasts several old churches, a cathedral with an eighteenthcentury baroque dome, the National Museum and historic monuments. La Tigra National Park is must stop, offering an incredible sightseeing adventure where visitors can delight in rich natural beauty, waterfalls and rare species in the middle of the forest.
YOJOA LAKE Surrounded by mountains, Yojoa Lake is the largest natural lake in Honduras. Lying in a depression formed by volcanic activity, it possesses an impressive array of plants and birds, which draw thousands of visitors.
water, which draw many tourists. Here you will see intense marine life and stunning
natural beauty. This is the most modern
One of the parks is the Butterfly Garden, located
and the busiest island, offering various
in the town of West End. The park offers a broad
sports attractions, parks, museums and top
range of colorful butterflies, and a small number
restaurants and bars.
of birds, such as macaws, parrots and toucans. The main attraction is diving, which allows visitors to see the marvelous coral reefs and enjoy an incredible experience while swimming with the dolphins. Visitors can choose between local diving services and packages offered by cruise ship operators in order to see the marine life and the coral. Deep sea fishing is a common activity among visitors to the island.
WHERE TO STAY The various regions of Honduras offer a wide range of accommodation. You will find conveniently located hotels, guest houses, resorts, camping sites and hostels that charge reasonable rates.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS HONDURAS
The best option for backpackers is to stay
La Ceiba is known for its busy nightlife, with a
in the capital, Tegucigalpa, which has a
range of bars and various festivals. The hotel
broad range of hotels, including the leading
and resort options will allow you to make the
international hotels, located in Colonia Palmira.
most of your stay in the region.
The capital’s “Pink Zone” has modern hotels, fine restaurants and an exciting nightlife. In
The resorts and bungalows are ideal for
addition, Tegucigalpa is full of attractions with
those who wish to relax on Caribbean
natural and cultural activities.
beaches with crystal-clear water. The main island is Roatán, and the other islands
San Pedro Sula is the commercial hub of
that make up the Bay Islands are Utila and
Honduras, and it is the region most often visited
Guanaja. Utila is famous among backpackers
by business travelers. Modern hotels are located
for its low-priced, quality accommodation.
on Avenida Circunvalación, close to downtown. Nightlife in San Pedro is more sophisticated,
The beaches in West Bay and West End are the
with a number of modern lounges.
best places to stay on Roatán Island.
bananas, pepper sauce, avocado, chicken, pork, onions and bell peppers. “Pastelitos” are made with corn flour tortillas and beef or chicken, potatoes and a variety of spices. Tamales are a traditional foodstuff in Central America, and the regions of Honduras have more than 20 types of tamales, which are made with steamed corn flour and stuffed with meat, beans, vegetables and bell peppers. On the country’s northern coast, food is made according to Garifuna traditions. One of the most popular foods in the region is machuca, a purée made of green bananas with coconut milk, fish and other ingredients. Fish, lobster, shrimp and crab are part of the Honduran population’s daily menu. Cassava is also a very common dish.
DINING OUT Traditional cuisine in Honduras consists of an enormous variety of regional dishes. There is a wide range of regional cooking traditions in Honduras. In the central part of the country, corn is the basis of most dishes. Other common dishes are based on seafood, fish, chicken, beef, pork and vegetables. One of the most original and popular foods in the country is the Honduran version of the burrito, called baleada, which is made with wheat flour tortillas filled with beans, cheese and sour cream. Other ingredients can be added, such as scrambled eggs, sausage,
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS HONDURAS
A traditional dish in southern Honduras is seafood stew made with fish, crab and shrimp. Restaurants in Tegucigalpa have a large number of creative dishes. The Pink Zone in Colonia Palmira and the area around the Multiplaza Mall are home to a large number of restaurants with cuisine of every nationality.
SHOPPING MULTIPLAZA MALL Tegucigalpa’s Multiplaza Mall is a sophisticated shopping area where shoppers can visit more than 200 stores, restaurants, and movie theaters, and with a parking lot for more than 1,000 vehicles. The mall is integrated into the finest hotel in the city, the Real Intercontinental.
METROMALL Also in Tegucigalpa, Metromall has more than 100 stores with national and international
selling handicrafts and local products from the
brands, in addition to a financial center,
region are located there. Most of the stores
restaurants, beauty shops and movie theaters.
are small, open-air establishments. Here you
MEGAPLAZA MALL
can find various items made of carved wood, as well as baskets, embroideries, fabrics
Located in La Ceiba, the Megaplaza Mall is a
and ceramics. Coxen Hole is one of the most
two-storey shopping center with a number of
bustling areas on the island.
stores, restaurants, and movie theaters. The region of Roatán Island also has a Megaplaza Mall.
COXEN HOLE, ROATÁN ISLAND On the west end of Roatán Island, Coxen Hole is the island’s cruise ship port. Various stores
STREET MARKETS Honduras’ street markets are ideal for shopping for local handicrafts, wooden articles and souvenirs.
Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards are accepted at nearly all establishments, including the leading supermarkets, shops, hotels and rent-a-car establishments. Most hotels will accept dollars, but it is easier to use lempiras. Most banks in Honduran cities exchange dollars or euros for lempiras. You must show your passport when exchanging money. You can also find ATMs anywhere.
You will find a large variety of cigars, in addition to wooden articles, rattan fabrics, ceramics, baskets, paintings and various typical Honduran items. Downtown Tegucigalpa also has various handicraft stores.
CURRENCY Honduras’ currency is the Lempira (HNL), which is divided into 100 cents or centavos. Bills of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 500 lempiras are in circulation.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS HONDURAS
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
195 198 199 191 197
RED CROSS, FOR EMERGENCIES FIRE DEPARTMENT HONDURAN NATIONAL POLICE (FUSEP) NATIONAL LONG-DISTANCE INTERNATIONAL LONG-DISTANCE
HONDURAN SOCIAL SECURITY INSTITUTE
237-4771 MATERNAL AND CHILD HOSPITAL
232-5934 TEACHING HOSPITAL
232-2322