Top 23 Attractions in Honduras

A country not filled with tourists, which keeps many secrets and beauties. Without a rich population and developed cities, Honduras boasts white sand beaches, beautiful rainforests, luxurious coral reefs and excellent diving conditions. Connoisseurs of ancient cultures will find here the amazing ruins of Mayan cities.

Among the most popular islands in Honduras are Roatan, Utila and Guanaja. Diving prices are incredibly low here, and the water is very clear. The underwater world of Honduras is very rich. It is not polluted by industries and garbage, the nature here is beautiful.

Honduras is a country of pristine nature. Friendly and carefree people live on the islands, and the clear sea and coral reefs attract more and more tourists here. In big cities, you can see beautiful colonial buildings, and on the way to the beach, you can stumble upon a tall beautiful waterfall.

What to see in Honduras?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

Roatan Island

The island is located in the Caribbean Sea and belongs to Honduras. Tourists come here for excellent ecotourism and diving. The water here is very clean, and the reefs are not far from the coast. Therefore, Roatan is considered the best place for diving in the Caribbean. The coral reefs here are healthy and in good condition. Here you can see dolphins, sharks, turtles and rays.

Pulhapanzak waterfall

This is the largest waterfall in Honudras, which is included in almost every excursion program. Its height is 140 meters. It is surrounded by jungle and is the most popular waterfall in Honduras, but it is fairly easy to get to. Guides lead tourists inside the waterfall, but it’s better not to do it alone.

The ancient city of Copan

Copan is one of the largest Mayan cities. It is believed that he is the embodiment of the highest development of the art and culture of the people. The city began to exist at the turn of our era, its heyday falls on the 7th-8th centuries, but after the 9th century it was abandoned. Until 1839, ancient buildings destroyed river waters and wild plants. Now there are more than 100 buildings in the city, amazing statues, columns, burial places.

Colonial architecture in Comayagua

Comayagua was the capital of Honduras from 1537-1880. Beautiful colonial buildings have been preserved here. Among them is the Cathedral of Comayagua, which has a clock - one of the oldest in the world, the oldest in the city, the most beautiful church of La Merced. There are also the ruins of the convent of San Francisco and the residence of the bishop. The city has four museums.

Utila Island

The size of the island is small, only 12 km long and 4 wide. Utila is considered the cheapest island in Honduras. Off its coast you can see a whale shark and even swim next to it. There are many very cheap diving schools. The people are friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. Near the island there are two marine reserves.

Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

This is a 900 km long reef, the second largest in the world. It includes the Belize Barrier Reef, 280 km long. Its corals protrude above the water, creating small islands. The underwater world of the reef has half a thousand species of fish, manatees and sea turtles live here. Most of the reef has not been explored. Its most beautiful and deepest cave reaches 300 meters in diameter and resembles a dark blue abyss.

Little French Key

This is a private resort on the island of Roatan. Everything here is created for the perfect holiday. The territory includes snow-white beaches, where bars and restaurants are located. There are also bars on the water, a zoo with exotic animals. Tourists are offered spa treatments, sun loungers, hammocks, water loungers. Here you can ride horses, eat fresh seafood and swim in the sea.

Outdoor carpets Comayagua

The street carpets of Comayagua can be seen during the week between Palm Sunday and Easter. They are made from natural materials: rice, colored sawdust, flower petals, flour, nuts, cereals. Huge carpets depict biblical motifs related to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Locals conduct rituals and read the Holy Scriptures.

Marine Science Institute of Roatan

The Institute was founded in 1989 to protect and study the marine world. Students and schoolchildren come there to gain new knowledge about nature. There are amazing activities for tourists. Here you can swim with dolphins, which are not kept in captivity, they swim freely and do what they want. Visitors are helped to communicate with them. The staff is pleasant and responsive.

Kangregal River

The river flows near the forests of the Bonito Peak National Park. This is one of the most picturesque rivers in Central America. Its length is 25 km. The Kangregal River provides some of the best white water rafting in Central America. Extreme lovers will have to overcome numerous and difficult rapids. It is better to do this accompanied by professional instructors, it is not safe to do this alone.

La Tigra National Park

La Tigra is the oldest national park in Honduras. This is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The area of ​​the park is 7482 hectares. It is located at an altitude of 1800 to 2185 meters above sea level. Virgin forests have been preserved there, in which more than 200 species of birds, ocelots, cougars, monkeys live. Erythrina, a sacred Mayan tree, also grows in the park.

Lake Yohoa

This is the largest lake in Honduras. Its area reaches 285 sq. km. The average depth of the lake is 15 meters. It is of volcanic origin and is located at an altitude of 700 meters. The lake is bordered by two national parks, and there are restaurants on its shore. More than 800 species of different plants grow near the water and 400 species of birds live.

Jeanette Cavas National Park

The park was founded in 1994 on the Caribbean coast. Its area is 781 sq. km. The park has white sandy and rocky beaches, swamps, forests, coral reefs, lagoons and rivers. Many animals live there. Among them, fish, birds, several species of dolphins, crocodiles, iguanas, snakes and monkeys.

Guanaja Island

Columbus discovered the island in 1502 and named it the island of pines. It is located 76 km from the coast of Honduras. The island is 18 km long and 6 km wide. Today, the island is home to many rare Caribbean pines. It also has a mountain 500 meters high. The locals are very friendly and there are not many tourists. The island has white sand beaches and very clear water.

Pico Bonito National Park

Pico Bonito was founded in 1987. It occupies 564 sq. km. and is located in the north of Honduras. The elevation difference in the park ranges from 60 to 2480 meters. The park includes the Nombre de Dios Pica Bonito mountain range, which in good weather is visible even from Roatan. The territory of the park is filled with tropical forests that cross rivers and streams. Among the representatives of the fauna are rare butterflies, birds, primates, artiodactyls.

Cayos Cochinos Islands

These islands are located 30 km. from the large Honduran city of La Ceiba. They have been declared a nature reserve, and tourists call them heaven on earth. A few fishermen live on them, a hotel and a drive center operate. The sea here is clean, the local cuisine consists mainly of fish. Diving is often done here, because the water is calm and clear. For a small fee you can rent a boat.

Botanical Garden Lansetilla

The park was founded in 1926 by the railway company. Now it is the second largest botanical garden in the world. More than 350 species of amazing birds and various animals live on its territory. Visitors are led through the largest orchard and bamboo forest. Then the Lansetilla River appears, in which you can swim.

Museum of National Identity in Tegucigalpa

Tegucigalpa is the capital of Honduras, which lies in the mountain valley of the Choluteca River. The Museum of National Identity is one of the most visited museums in the city. He works from Tuesday to Sunday. There are exhibits related to the history and culture of Honduras, and there is also a stage for public performances. Also there you can see a virtual tour of the ruins of the ancient Mayan city - Copan.

Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve

The reserve is located in the northeast of Honudras. It was founded in 1982, its area is 5250 sq. km. Included in the UNESCO heritage list. The Rio Platano is home to 2,000 Mosquitos. The Rio Platano flows through the reserve. Its tropical forests are rich in expensive redwood, which is illegally exported from here. There are 400 species of birds, representatives of the cat family.

El Cusuco National Park

El Cusuco is located 20 km from the city of San Pedro Sula. The park has a very rich flora. Mountain oaks here reach 40 meters in height. Broadleaf tobacco and coniferous trees also grow here. Thickets of grapes and orchids add picturesqueness. About a hundred exotic birds, salamanders, monkeys, jaguars live in the national park.

Botanical Gardens of Carambola

Ecotourism is preached in the gardens. Here the jungle is adorned with wild orchids and fruit trees. There are many streams on the territory of the gardens, various birds and animals live. Guides tell stories about nature and lead tourists to the mountain, which offers a great view. The gardens also feature the popular chocolate tree.

Taulabe caves

These are caves located in the city of Comayagua. The studied area is 12 km. Tourists are only 400 meters deep into the caves. The caves themselves are very dry. Paths are laid inside, which are interestingly highlighted. In addition, different corners of the caves are illuminated, creating amazing shadows.

Archaeological park and ruins of Quirigua

The city of Quirigua arose in the II century, and in the VIII century it was the capital of an independent state. During this time, the city flourished. The drawings left in it, sculptural calendars and the ruins of buildings serve as a huge source of knowledge about the Mayan culture. There are also many sculptures that depict various aspects of people's lives. Quirigua is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.