Discover Honduras
Explore Honduras’ Hidden Gems
Many people overlook Honduras, but that’s a huge mistake. Once you start to discover Honduras, you’ll see just how beautiful the country is. This trip will take you on an adventure from the mountains to the sea, so you can enjoy all the best parts of this Central American country. You’ll enjoy visiting quaint towns and exploring Mayan ruins, while learning about the rich history of the area. Then it’s off to immerse yourself in nature, staying in the heart of the jungle.
Honduras has so much to offer and now you can experience it for yourself. The people are friendly, the views are amazing, and it’s a traveler’s paradise. Get ready to snorkel, hike, swim in natural pools, and feed a sloth . . . it’s all waiting for you in Honduras!
Copan Ruins
The Paris of the Maya
Roatan Island
A Caribbean Wonderland
Pico Bonito
Where beauty reaches its peak
The Barrier Reef
Honduras, naturally yours
Highlights
On this tour, you’ll discover Honduras, from the moment you set foot on Honduran soil. You’ll head straight to Copan and then visit the ruins of Copan where a Mayan society once thrived. It’s not all about pretty towns and ancient ruins, though. Honduras has a lot of natural beauty to share, too. Go birdwatching in the mountains, hike through the jungle at night to see nocturnal animals, or take a dip in a waterfall pool at Pico Bonito National Park.
Honduras has some stunning beaches, as well. During your time on the Caribbean coast in Tela, you’ll visit a Garifuna village and learn more about the culture there. Later, you can go snorkeling and diving while on Roatan Island, checking out the coral reef, tropical fish, and more. In just over a week, you’ll experience some of the best sights Honduras has to offer.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at the San Pedro Sula International Airport, you’ll be picked up by our driver and taken to the nearby town of Copan. This charming rural village near the Guatemalan border is a nice, laid-back place to rest after your journey. Before you settle in for the evening, though, we’ll take you on a tour of Copan.
You’ll enjoy walking around the main plaza, which is beautifully cultivated to attract locals and tourists alike. The park area includes gardens and sculptures related to Mayan culture. It also showcases a Maya-style arch that is ideal for photos. The plaza is where people gather to buy and sell handmade items in the mornings and in the evenings, locals gather here to meet with friends and enjoy some of the street food from the vendors who set up here.
We’ll also visit the Archeological Maya Museum, also known as the Museum of Maya Sculpture. It’s set right next to the main plaza so it’s quite simple to head there next. If you’re interested in Mayan history, this is a must-see. This museum showcases jade sculptures, obsidian tools, and pottery, as well as other items that help us learn more about how the Maya people lived.
We’ll also visit the Tea & Chocolate Place where you’ll learn about the environmental issues facing this area of Honduras. They offer a tea menu of many different medicinal plants, or a ground cacao bean drink in their pleasant garden overlooking the mountains.
- Two nights in Copan.
After breakfast, you’ll head to the nearby Copan ruins, not to be confused with the town you’ve just left. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular place to visit thanks to the restorations done here. More than 4,500 structures make up the Copan Ruins complex, but we’ll stick to the central area where most of the restorations were done.
Copan is full of stelae, carved monuments that provide insights into how the Maya lived, managed their politics and social order. We will visit the Grand Plaza surrounded by stelae and altars, where public events were once held. It covers roughly three hectares and is bordered by the Acropolis complex, a ball court, and Temple 11. The ball court is one of the best preserved Mayan ball courts in the Maya world, so you can really get a feel for what the sport entailed.
The Hieroglyphic Stairway is something you can’t miss. It features the history of Copan carved in over 1,800 glyphs that follow 63 steps. Below the steps is a tomb where pottery and jade artifacts were found, giving even more insight to life here.
We’ll also visit Las Sepulturas Residential complex, which served as a home for the rich, noble families of Copan. They lived about half a mile from the main city and the complex is made up of smaller plazas, a palace and temple, as well as “office” buildings and a ball court. Many of the local artists and scribes lived in this area.
Perhaps most interestingly, the Copan sits atop a previous city, which can be seen only via tunnels under the ruins. While there are nearly 2 miles of tunnels, only two are open to the public. These are usually add-on tickets, but we include the tunnels in our tour. You can visit the Rosalila Temple, which sits below Temple 16 and is remarkably well preserved, with stucco masks and sculptures. You can see it from the tunnel, but it’s not possible to go up to the temple itself.
The second tunnel, Los Jaguares Tunnel, runs below Temple 26. Here, you’ll see multiple tombs and chambers that go back to the Early Classic period. Some rulers, including the 12th ruler K’ak Uti Ha K’awiil lie here.
After the tour, we’ll visit the Copan Sculpture Museum where many items from the ruins are preserved. Original stone sculptures and stelae found in the Copan ruins are set up here, including the original Stela A, which represents 18 Rabbit, the 13th ruler in Copan.
Perhaps the best part of the museum is the scale replica of the Rosalila Temple. The original temple is around 1,500 years old and is so fragile that visiting it is impossible. The scale model is the best option for viewing the handiwork of the ancient builders who created it.
Next we’re off to Macaw Mountain Reserve for a tour and coffee tasting. Immerse yourself in their botanical garden and meet some of the lovely birds that they rehabilitate to release into the wild. Macaw Mountain cares for around 350 different birds over 30 species, including endangered ones. You can see owls, Crested Caracaras, toucans, and macaws, among many others.
You can either relax for the evening and find your own dinner or optionally, you can visit Hacienda San Lucas for dinner. This beautiful farm is located just outside of town and serves as an eco hotel and restaurant. Gardens, hiking trails, and lush forest surround the hotel and the restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Mayan food.
Today, it’s off to the beach! Tela is a scenic town on the Caribbean coast with white sand beaches, plenty of jungle, and a unique Garifuna culture. Once we’ve arrived, you’ll tour one of the nearby Garifuna villages, Miami Village. The village is a good example of how the Garifuna people live, with traditional architecture where the buildings are made with natural materials found in the area.
While at Miami Village, you’ll have the chance to speak with the locals and enjoy Garifuna music and dance. You’ll enjoy a meal with the village people, as well, usually something like fresh fish cooked in banana leaves or coconut bread. The calm atmosphere of the village will have you feeling at home in no time.
We’ll also visit Los Micos Lagoon, one of Honduras’ largest lagoons, not far from Miami Village. It’s the prime birdwatching spot in the country, with dozens of species of birds nesting there. We’ll take a boat through the mangroves where you can spot fish, birds, and possibly other creatures that make the area their home.
Depending on how much time is left, we may visit a second Garifuna village, Triunfo de la Cruz. With around 10,000 residents, the town is quite small, but is a fun place to visit. Homes made from wood, concrete, or local materials line narrow streets and paths, making it a quaint town that is friendly and unique.
If you like you can spend some time on the beach or swim in the warm waters of the Bay of Tela, or join the locals in a dance. The village was founded in 1524 and has a lot of history, so don’t miss chatting with people and learning more about how they came to be here. You can do a little souvenir shopping before heading back to the hotel in Tela.
- One night in Tela.
This morning, you’ll drive to Pico Bonito National Park near La Ceiba on the Caribbean coast. It’s part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor and is well-known for the verdant jungle and cloud forests throughout the park.
You’ll be staying at the Lodge in Pico Bonito, so you’re close to all the action. The lodge offers rooms and cabins, but wherever you are, you’ll find yourself surrounded by vegetation, flowers, and birds. Get settled in your room and then we’ll head out on a hike through primary and secondary rainforest. If you enjoy birdwatching, be sure to keep your binoculars with you, since there are a variety of birds in the area. Your guide can tell you what to watch for as you loop around multiple observation towers where you can get some incredible photo ops and views. Once you return to the lodge, take advantage of the opportunity to visit the on-site butterfly farm or serpentarium to learn more about the wildlife in the area.
Have you ever dreamed of doing a night hike in Honduras? Now is your chance! You have the option of doing a night hike when nocturnal animals are out and about. There’s a high chance of spotting possums, bats, spiders, moths, tree frogs, and kinkajous while you’re hiking through the woods with your guide.
- Two nights in Pico Bonito.
After a relaxing morning and tasty breakfast, we’ll head out on a hike that takes us to an amazing 100-foot double drop waterfall. The hike itself is an adventure, with a chance to see plenty of birds and animals on the way. You’ll hike trails through a coffee plantation before reaching the thick jungle that makes up the majority of the park.
When you’ve reached the pool at the bottom of the waterfall, take some time to freshen up with a dip in the cool water. Experience the joy of soaking in a waterfall pool in the middle of the jungle. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people!
We’ll return to the lodge after the swim and you can explore on your own.
Most people think of Roatan Island when they think about Honduras, and for good reason. This island is the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands and mixes sandy beaches, pristine waters, and gorgeous mountains to create a true paradise. We’ll leave Pico Bonito and head straight to Roatan where you’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy the beach and go swimming. For the more adventurous, there are other water sports available, such as zip-lining, sailing, snorkeling, and even diving.
- Two nights in Roatan
Enjoy a traditional breakfast, then get ready for a day out on the Caribbean. We’ll hop on a boat and head out to the northern side of Roatan where the Mesoamerican reef system, the second largest barrier reef system in the world, provides the perfect spot to snorkel. Then it’s time to hop into the water and enjoy exploring the area.
Roatan’s reef is full of bright corals and colorful fish. You’ll even spot a shipwreck or two in the crystal clear water. Visibility on a good day can be up to 100 feet, allowing you to spot sea creatures from a distance. You’re likely to see rays, sea turtles, and even a few nurse sharks. When you’re ready to rest, just chill on the boat for a little while and enjoy some fresh tropical fruit.
After snorkeling for a while, it’s time to get out of the water and go check out some land animals. We’ll head to one of the local sanctuaries to visit rescued animals that live in a safe, protected environment. These include a variety of monkeys like white face monkeys, spider monkeys, and capuchin monkeys, as well as sloths, agouti, raccoons, and bright, friendly birds like toucans, macaws, and parrots. You can often hand-feed the sloths and even touch or hold one, depending on the day. Get ready for the best day ever!
Your trip has come to an end. You’ll fly out of Roatan International Airport and head home. Don’t forget, we offer tours to many other Central American countries, so you can always come back.
map, expenses & price
Discover Honduras
Expenses included:
-All private transportation.
-Seven nights of hotel accommodations.
-Professional certified guides.
-All park entrance fees.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-Domestic flights or ferries.
-Daily breakfast.
Extensions
ADD-ON
Need more surf and sun time? This extension takes you to the Cayos Cochinos or Hog Islands. Cayo Menor and Cayo Grande are the two big islands in this archipelago, but there are 13 smaller coral cays around them. It’s close enough to Roatan to have similar sights, but the islands are calmer and less tourist-heavy. You can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, diving, and just chilling on the beach. Both islands are vehicle free and are only reachable by boat.
The Cayos Cochinos are inhabited almost entirely by Garifuna, so it’s an excellent opportunity to experience their unique culture and immerse yourself in it. Enjoy delicious meals of fresh fish cooked in coconut oil, rice and beans, fried plantain, and other Garifuna dishes. You can spend most of your time in quiet contemplation here, but when you’re ready, the island residents are always up for a chat or a party.
add-on
While Roatan is the most famous Bay Island of Honduras, Utila comes in a close second. It’s one of the most affordable scuba diving destinations in the world and is considered to be more “off the beaten path” than Roatan. If you’re looking for a little adventure and want to enjoy the Caribbean Sea to the max, this trip will give you just what you want.
Utila is close to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, so it’s an amazing place to snorkel. It’s also handy if you want to take up scuba diving, since dive courses are available here. However, even just going out in a boat is a great experience. Depending on when you’re on the island, a simple trip in a boat to go snorkeling can bring you face to face with turtles, whale sharks, nurse sharks, and manta rays, as well as diverse tropical fish and corals. It’s certainly an experience you should enjoy if you can.
add-on
Want to get your PADI certification? Stick around for a little longer and we’ll arrange for you to learn to dive on either Roatan or Utila. Whether you’ve never even snorkeled before or have some experience in diving, there’s a PADI scuba certification available. Many of the entry-level courses can be completed in less than a week and you’ll have a chance to actually get out in the Caribbean Sea to practice.
Each island has its own best diving spots. On Roatan, you can visit a number of options for dives, including Mary’s Place, for divers with some experience. Just off the south coast of the island, this area has a fissure that cuts into the seafloor about 100 feet and features impressive coral gardens. You may also visit Hold in the Wall for all levels, though experienced divers will enjoy it most. It’s rather deep (130 feet), but you can explore sand chutes further up the wall or go all the way down to see plenty of sea creatures. The Texas dive site has a nice flat base where you can spot a variety of fish and even sharks. The currents here are strong and are good practice for beginner and intermediate divers.
Utila also has several good spots to enjoy dives. More than 90 dive sites offer options for all levels of divers. On the south side, the water is calm and shallow, with plenty of wide open spaces for beginners. To the north, the water is rougher and best for advanced divers. You can spot sharks, rays, and other larger marine animals in this area, as well.
add-on
If you haven’t had enough of Honduras’ natural beauty, extend your trip with a visit to El Cisne Farm. This beautiful family-run ranch that is managed by the Castejon family. It’s a completely functional and sustainable ranch where the family raises cattle and coffee. They also grow cardamom, cacao, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Take a pleasant horseback ride along trails that run by coffee fields, cattle pastures, and mountains. You’ll get to taste-test whatever fruits are in season. After the ride, you’ll enjoy a lunch made with fresh ingredients from the farm’s gardens and cattle. They even make their own chocolate sauce from their cacao.
In addition to the farm, you’ll visit the Luna Jaguar Hot Springs, a natural eco-spa with a Mayan twist. Tucked away in the lush forest, you’ll find a series of naturally heated pools ranging from warm to quite hot. One pool even includes an area where water pours over rock ledges for a natural hydro-massage. Have a soak and let your body relax after the horseback riding. The heated water is said to heal aches and pains and other maladies.
