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Honduras Ecotourism:
A Green Haven for
Geotourists and Budget-Minded
Honduras, formerly part of the Spanish empire, allegedly derived its name from Christopher Columbus's reference to it as the depths... literally, Honduras means the depths. And in a way, its name is appropriate when you consider the endless depths of Honduras ecotourism opportunities. From walking on the gorgeous beaches, to photographing nature in the cloud forests and mangrove swamps, to scuba diving among its world renowned coral reef, to exploring the Mayan ruins of Copan, Honduras ecotourism may not be as developed as other Central American countries, but the natural surroundings are pure, abundant, and vibrant. And a green adventure in Honduras is relatively inexpensive and offers incredible value for the price.
Honduras is one of the initial members of National Geographic Traveler's Geotourism Charter, which is a commitment to tourism that sustains and enhances the environment, culture, heritage and well-being of the residents of a country or region. In addition to being conservation- and ecotourism-minded
geotourism
involves the local community in sharing their heritage, customs, cuisines, stories, arts, etc. with travelers to make the geotourist's experience an amazingly rich, mult-dimensional one. In short, geotourism makes for dynamic adventures. And Honduras is geared for geotourism.
Honduran Natural Wonders
Sitting solidly in Central America, just north of Nicaragua and the Pacific Ocean, south of the Gulf of Honduras, and east of Guatemala, Honduras is a biodiversity hotspot, due in large part to its tropical climate. While most of Honduras is mountainous, the lowlands in the northeast and northwest and the coastal plains are home to thousands of species of vascular plants including hundreds of orchids, more than 700 bird species, and hundreds of reptiles, amphibians and bats. Dubbed the "last lungs of Central America," the Rio Platano Biospehere Reserve in the La Mosquitia region is a lowland rainforest and UNESCO World Heritage site rich in wildlife. The Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef system in the world, and the Bay Islands are spectacular diving, snorkeling, and kayaking destinations. You may get to see whale sharks, manta rays, bottlenose dolphins and parrot fish.
Honduran Culture and History
All but a fraction of Hondurans are Mestizo, a mix of Amerindian and European descent. The remaining Amerindian population comes from one of seven indigenous groups. Honduras also has enclaves of Palestinian and Chinese descent, making it an interesting and eclectic cultural mix.
The Mayan ruin of Copan, a World Heritage Site, and the colonial town of Copan Ruinas are must-sees. The Hacienda San Lucas is a century-old family retreat and a fantastic place to stay to enjoy the local cuisine, the ruins, the town, and the nearby Maya Chorti community, La Pintada.
Honduran Ecotourism 411:
Know Before You Go
Clothing to Pack. As is typical of the Caribbean, the climate is largely warm and moist, with cooler temperatures in the mountains. The rainy season extends from October through January. In general, pack for warm weather. Casual clothing that dries quickly and breathes well will be most comfortable. For women, taking a sarong is a great idea as it doubles for dressier occasions as well as a wrap when breezes bring a chill. As in any sunny climate, sandals, sunblock, sunglasses and a hat are basic must-brings. For additional packing tips, please peruse
Packing Essentials.
Currency. The native currency is the Lempira. American dollars are widely accepted, as are credit cards and travelers' checks. ATMs allow access to cash, but be careful when withdrawing--limit ATM activity to daytime in secure areas. For additional safety tips when traveling, please see
Travel Health and Safety.
Internet. Access to internet is fairly easy, as well as international telephone access and faxes.
Language. The official language is Spanish. But there are various indigenous languages still spoken, such as Garifuna, which is a Creole with French, Spanish, and English influences.
Considering a trip to enjoy Honduras Ecotourism? Be sure to pack your camera and check out Travel Photo Tips before you go.
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