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In this article, we’ll cover the best places in Honduras to include in your itinerary. These are some of the best cities and towns in Honduras. We’ve also some of the best islands in Honduras, as well as a few of the top attractions in the country.

Honduras is an amazing country with so much diversity and beauty to explore. There are so many beautiful places to discover in Honduras. Whether you’re coming for 2 weeks or for a month, there are so many wonderful places in Honduras that you should check out.

Of course, we couldn’t fit all these amazing places into our last trip to Honduras. This is why we asked our favorite bloggers to help us out and let us know the unmissable places we should include in our list. Thankfully, we have the top 10 places to visit in Honduras.

With the help of our blogger friends, we’ll cover the best cities to include in your visit, the best natural wonders in Honduras, and the best islands – because who doesn’t want to spend time on Caribbean islands?! With this list, you’ll be able to have an amazing time in this little country in Central America.

And if you need any more information about Honduras, don’t forget to check out our article that covers the most asked questions about visiting this country in Central America.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

Best cities to visit in Honduras

Here are the top 2 cities in Honduras you should include in your itinerary. Each one has something very different to offer. One is a vibrant capital, while the other is a sleepy town in Honduras where you get a great mix of culture, tradition and jungle vibes.

This section will help you better pick what city in Honduras you want to visit.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras’ vibrant capital city

Contributed by Diana from TravelsInPoland.com

Tegucigalpa is a vibrant and lively city, and quite different from many other cities as it has its own history and culture. There are so many reasons why it’s made its way onto our list of the best places to visit in Honduras.   

One of the best things about the city is its access to a range of outdoor activities. Parque el Picacho is a beautiful park to visit in the city. La Tigra National Park is located just a few miles outside the city and offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Inside the city, there are a host of churches, local eateries and more.

To get to Tegucigalpa, you can fly into Comayagua International Airport which is about 40 miles away from the center of the city. However, if flying in from European cities such as Krakow, Paris, or Stockholm, a stopover must be made in Madrid, as the airport has only one direct flight from Europe.

Interestingly, flights used to go to Toncontin International Airport, but as the second most dangerous airport in the world for landing, the government made a series of decisions that eventually moved international flights to a different airport.  

One of the best tips for visiting Tegucigalpa is to hire a local guide. This city has many hidden gems that only locals know about, and a guide can help you discover the best places to visit and eat. It can get overwhelming being in the city, and having a local is extremely helpful in this city.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, Hotel Intercontinental is a great option. It caters to a diverse range of visitors and can also host international events, conferences, and even weddings.

The best time to visit Tegucigalpa is between November and February when the weather is mild and dry. However, the city is beautiful year-round, so it’s worth visiting at any time of the year. To fully experience Tegucigalpa, plan to spend at least three to four days in the city. This will give you enough time to explore the city’s history, nature, and culture in one of the best places in Honduras.

Copan, a town in Honduras you should explore

Contributed by yours truly from WeDidItOurWay.com

Copan is this great little town located in western Honduras, very close to the border with Guatemala. The best way to get there is to catch a bus from San Pedro Sula, which is about 200 km away.

Copan is a charming little town known for its Mayan Ruins. In fact, the town bears the same name as the ruins. The Copan Ruins are considered to be some of the best-preserved ruins in Central America. But more on those later! Visiting the ruins is probably the best thing to do in this cute town in Honduras, But if you’re looking for other things to do in Copan, you’re in luck, because there’s plenty!

Copan is known for its birdwatching. There are over 300 species of birds in the region, so don’t be surprised to spot toucans, macaws, and parrots. You can also visit the bird sanctuary, Macaw Mountain, which is an eye-opening experience. You can also relax at Luna Jaguar Spa, immersed in nature, where you’ll spot more wildlife!

Central Park is a great place to hang out and people-watch. If you want to take your knowledge of the area further, ViaVia offers a great walking tour. The Tea and Chocolate Place is a wonderful place to eat chocolate, learn about the process and support local communities. In fact, Copan is a great place to experience the vibrant local culture, see their traditional arts and crafts, like pottery and weaving.

When in Copan, we recommend staying around Central Park. It’s the most central place to be, making it easy to walk around town and to get to all the best attractions. And with 3-4 days in Copan, you should have enough time to explore all this amazing place in Honduras has to offer. As for when to visit, the best time to visit Copan is during the winter months, from November to March. While the summer in Copan is also very nice, with warm days and cool evenings.

Best attractions to visit in Honduras

Honduras has plenty to offer especially in terms of natural and historical attractions. In this section, we’ll go over some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Honduras, as well as some of the most historic ones.

We’ll explore some of the national parks in Honduras, as well as waterfalls, huge lakes and ancient Mayan ruins. Overall, regardless of what you’re into, you’ll find an amazing place in Honduras that’s worthy of adding to your bucket list!

Pico Bonito National Park, a must-see place in Honduras

Contributed by Vanessa of WandersMiles.com

Pico Bonito National Park was established in 1987 and is the largest and most biodiverse park in Honduras. It is part of the larger Mesoamerican Biological Corridor that spans across Central America. 

With minimal hotels, this lush tropical forest is the ideal haven for a busy lifestyle. Be ready to listen to the sounds of the birds, running water, and the wind moving the trees.  

Pico Bonito is not just about forest bathing, it’s an incredible place to feed your adrenaline with a range of outdoor pursuits. Take on the rapids of the Cangrejal River with white-water rafting guides, swimming and boulder-jumping, trek through the Honduran rainforest to the Cascada el Bejuco, wildlife and bird-spotting, and horse-riding through the wilderness. 

Parque Nacional Pico Bonito is located a 25-minute drive from La Ceiba ferry port. The Yaruca bus from La Ceiba town center will stop at Pico Bonito. Alternatively, catch a taxi from La Ceiba.  

The temperatures are warm all year, although the dry months are from February to July. To make the most of mindfulness time in nature as well as the more adventurous activities, plan to spend a minimum of 3 days at Pico Bonito, more if you can! 

Hotel Rio is a great place to stay with a choice of riverside or mountainside accommodation. Alternatively, check out Villas Pico Bonito or Omega Tours Eco-Jungle Lodge which offers an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and accommodation. 

Pulhapanzak Waterfalls, an unmissable attraction in Honduras

Contributed by Zoe from ZoeGoesPlaces.com

Just a few miles from the shores of Lake Yojoa, you’ll find the 45-meter-tall Pulhapanzak Waterfalls. The water pretty much always flows over the cliff edge with some strength. So much so that a hydroelectric plant has been built near the waterfall to harness its energy. The sheer power of this fall makes it a must-see place in Honduras.

From the lake (Penas Blancas or Los Naranjos), hop on a chicken bus in the direction of San Pedro Sula. Get off in San Buenaventura and then walk 15 minutes to the entrance. In the town, you’ll find a handful of convenience stores selling drinks and snacks. As well as a couple of local restaurants. 

But a visit here isn’t just for the waterfalls. You can also ride the 7-part zip line, take a tour into the caves behind the waterfall and go swimming in the pools above it. In fact, you can also camp overnight or stay in the on-site cabanas. A small shop sells souvenirs, snacks and clothes and food is available from the restaurant there. 

Unfortunately, you can’t get to the base of the waterfalls. But you can walk down some wet and muddy stairs to get to a more hidden viewing platform, away from the main one at the side of the falls.

The waterfalls are stunning and if you visit during the week outside of national holidays, you’ll be one of only a handful of people there. It makes for a great half-day activity from Lake Yojoa. The 100 Lempira entrance fee is worth it to visit one of the best attractions in Honduras.

Lago de Yojoa, the largest lake in the country, a place in Honduras worth visiting

Contributed by Madison from MadisonsFootsteps.com

With an area of 110 square miles, Lago de Yojoa (Lake Yojoa) is the largest lake in Honduras. An estimated 500 species of birds and 800 species of plants call this region home and, even in 2023, Lago de Yojoa remains an untouched gem of Central America. 

Getting to Lago de Yojoa from San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa is relatively easy. From both cities, you can purchase a ticket on El Mochito bus for 50 Lempiras or $2. January – June is the best time to visit Lago de Yojoa to enjoy sunny weather, and a 3-4 day itinerary should be plenty enough to see the best that the region has to offer. 

The lake, and surrounding town, are most widely known for bird-watching. However, hiking, kayaking, fishing and stand-up paddleboarding are also popular activities in the area. Adventure-inclined tourists might enjoy the Pulhapanzak Extreme Waterfall Tour, where you’ll plunge 140 feet down into Pulhapanzak, Honduras’ largest waterfall. The Los Naranjos Ecological and Archaeological Park is another popular choice, consisting of several kilometers of trails and a kilometer-long boardwalk stretching over the lake. 

In Lago de Yojoa, there’s only one choice of accommodation – D&D Brewery. With a mix of private and dorm-style rooms, D&D is one of the only places to stay in Lago de Yojoa where fellow travelers can mingle and enjoy a freshly brewed beer…or two. Located in Los Naranjos, the property includes an open-air restaurant, an on-site brewery, comfortable cabins, tons of bookable excursions and relaxing massages – all surrounded by a lush, jungle canopy.

If you plan to visit Lago de Yojoa during your next visit to Honduras, make sure you have data and a functioning cell phone. Wifi is all but nonexistent, and traveling through mainland Honduras can be difficult without reliable internet. Additionally, be sure to travel with an ATM card and plenty of cash – credit cards are not widely accepted here. 

Copan ruins, a must-see place in Honduras

Contributed by yours truly from WeDidItOurWay.com

If you’re looking for a special place to visit in Honduras, look no further than the Copan Ruinas, the ancient Mayan ruins located in the town of Copan. These ruins are probably one of the most famous places in the country. And luckily, unlike the many ruins in nearby Belize, Guatemala or Mexico, these ruins are never crowded.

The Copan ruins are considered to be one of the best-preserved ruins in Central America. This is why they are an absolute must when you’re in Copan, but also, in your Honduras itinerary. This Mayan site features intricate stone carvings asl well as impressive architecture like pyramids, temples, and ball courts. You can see so much of this ancient Mayan city while walking around the ruins.

The Copan Ruins were dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. They were designated a significant cultural and historical destination, and it’s easy to see. The entrance fee for the ruins is $15 USD, giving you access to the ruins and the Sepulturas which you can visit over a period of 2 days. At the entrance to the ruins, you can also purchase a ticket for the digital museum, the tunnels or the archaeological museum.

From town, you can easily walk to the Ruins entrance, or take a tuk-tuk there. You’ll need about 2-3 hours to walk all around the site, climb those pyramids and take your pictures. Also be sure to look out for macaws, because they are everywhere.

Finally, make sure you arrive early, ideally at opening, as the sun and heat get harder to bare as the day progresses.

Las Sepulturas, an incredible place to discover in Honduras

Contributed by Trisha from MexicoInsider.mx

Las Sepulturas is an archaeological site that showcases the lives of the Maya elite who inhabited the area between the 5th and 9th centuries AD. The site is thought to have functioned as a residential area for nobles, with several architectural complexes and plazas that display the intricacy of Maya craftsmanship. It’s a historic site that deserves its spot on our list of amazing places in Honduras.

You may have heard about the Mayan ruins in Mexico first as they are more popular tourist destinations but the ones in Honduras (including Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador) are historically connected through the shared cultural heritage.

You can wander through the various structures, such as the impressive House of the Bacabs, which showcases detailed stucco masks and delicate decorations. To visit this historic place in Honduras, you can go on a guided tour. This will help you understand its historical and cultural significance better. You can also easily visit by yourself without paying a guide. 

To get to Las Sepulturas, you need to get to the town of Copan Ruins first, which is easily accessible by bus or shuttle from San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa. From Copan, the site is 2 km away and can be reached by a nice 30-minute walk or a short tuk tuk ride.

Entrance fees for Las Sepulturas cost $15 USD, including access to the archaeological site and the nearby Copan Ruins. The site is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be uneven. Also, bring insect repellent as there can be a lot of mosquitoes here during the wet season.

For accommodation, Hotel Marina Copan is your best choice. The rooms are comfortable and affordable. They also have a decent restaurant called Gilfos, so you don’t have to go out if you don’t want to!

Best islands to visit in Honduras

Honduras is also home to some amazing islands. Here are the top 3 that are worth visiting while you’re in the country. From scuba diving to snorkeling, parties to posh chilling, there is something for everyone on these islands in Honduras.

The only tough decision will be to choose which one you want to visit!

Guanaja, a hidden gem of an island in Honduras

Contributed by Larch from TheSilverNomad.co.uk

Around 140 km off the coast of Honduras is the small island of Guanaja. One of the three Bay Islands, it is less touristy than neighboring Utila or Roatán. With pine-covered hills, white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, it is a beautiful place to visit in Honduras.

Flying to Guanaja from La Ceiba on the mainland of Honduras is the easiest way to get there. Traveling around the island is quite unusual as there are very few roads. Getting around is mainly by boat. Everything from getting to different parts of the island to visiting The Cay for restaurants or shopping.

At only 13 miles long and 3 miles wide, you might think that there is not much to do. Guanaja has 38 dive sites and there are plenty of exotic fish to see whether you dive or snorkel. You can go fishing, kayaking, hiking, sailing, and rappelling or just laze on the beaches. Try the beaches on Graham’s Place where you can stay or eat at the restaurant.

If you are visiting near the end of July, join the festivities for Carnival week.  The carnival marks the landing on Soldado Beach by Christopher Columbus in 1502. There is a re-enactment and party on the beach as well as a flotilla of boats.

The weather in Guanaja is generally good all year round. However, it can be quite humid in the spring month. The temperatures rise during the summer. The island can be affected by winds during the autumn.

A week to two spent on the island will leave you relaxed and revitalized. But if your time in Honduras is limited, you can also spend a good 3-5 days here.

There aren’t many places to stay in Guanaja, but there also aren’t too many travelers, so you should be ok finding accommodations. However, to keep costs low and make sure you have a good selection, book your place in advance.

If you’re looking to discover an untouched place in Honduras, Guanaja is your hidden gem!

Roatán, a beautiful island in Honduras

Contributed by Rai from ARaiOfLight.com

Roatán is arguably the most beautiful and most popular destination in Honduras. Located in the western Caribbean, off the northern coast of the country, Roatán is renowned for its unmatched coral reefs, some of the best beaches in Central America, and clear waters.

Don’t miss the unique opportunity to explore the world’s second-largest coral reef. The Mesoamerican Reef extends over 600 miles and is home to an abundance of marine life. Other places to visit in Roatán include the beautiful West Bay Beach, the Gumbalimba Wildlife Park, the private island of Little French Key, Sandy Bay Marine Reserve, and the scenic Carambola Botanical Gardens.

Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, zip-lining through lush forests or simply lounging on the beach are just some of the many activities on offer in this beautiful place in Honduras. There is also a great choice of accommodations all around the island. So you’re always close to the action!

The island is serviced by the Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport, but the best way to get here is by a 1-hour 15-minute ferry from the mainland. Plan a trip between March and August to experience the most welcoming conditions, while avoiding the rainy season that lasts from October to February.

Offering some of the cheapest Caribbean vacations, Roatán attracts travelers from around the world who come to relax, chill out, and explore its amazing tropical surroundings. No wonder it’s on our list of the best islands to visit in Honduras!

Utila, a scuba diver’s dream island in Honduras

Contributed by yours truly from WeDidItOurWay.com

Utila is another one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, located in the Caribbean Sea. For avid scuba divers and those eager to learn, it’s one of the best places to visit in Honduras. This small island is known mainly for its coral reefs and many dive sites, all offered at very affordable pricing, much cheaper than neighboring Roatán.

Being the cheapest place to learn how to dive in Central America, Utila mainly attracts young backpackers. Being home to tons of bars and restaurants, Utila is a also great place in Honduras where travelers can relax, party and enjoy the island life. Best of all, you can find great accommodations at very reasonable prices.

Even if there aren’t a ton of things to do on the island, it’s worth spending at least 3-4 days here. More if you plan on diving or snorkeling! You can also visit the cayes around the island – the most beautiful ones being Water Caye and Jewel Caye. By renting an ATV for the day, you can explore the lesser-known north side of the island. You can also kayak there, through the mangroves. On the North Side, you can hike up Pumpkin hill or just chill on the beach.

The party scene is also quite big in Utila. Many of the best bars and restaurants like Tranquila Bar, Skid Row, Mango Tango and Treetanic Bar, have specials going on a few days a week. You can party until the early hours of the morning… as long as you’re not diving!

Overall, Utila is a great place to visit in Honduras. It’s cheap, the people are friendly and if you’re looking to spend an unforgettable time on a Caribbean island, this is your perfect island in Honduras!

A few things to know before visiting Honduras

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you plan on visiting Honduras. These are the top things to know, but if you’re looking for a more complete list, make sure you check out our article here.

Is it safe to travel to Honduras?

The short answer is yes! Honduras has a bad reputation for having high crime rates. This is a big concern for travelers. But, like most places in the world that are deemed unsafe, Honduras can still be a great place to visit. So many travelers go there each year and have a great time without any incidents.

With the places we’ve listed here, you should be fairly safe. And with most travel destinations, it’s important to take appropriate precautions to stay safe.

Avoid certain areas that are known to be more violent. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t get drunk and belligerent late at night. And you should be fine!

How can you safely travel in Honduras?

Here are some extra tips to help you stay safe in Honduras:

• Research your destination and accommodations before you go. We have quite a few articles to help you out with this.
• Take some extra precautions to prevent theft. You can use a money belt. Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t carry all your money at once.
• Carry a copy of your passport and important documents with you. Leave a copy with a trusted contact at home.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid isolated areas or areas known for high crime rates, especially late at night.
• Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals. Duolingo is great for that!

When is the best time to visit Honduras?

This is always a tough question to answer as it will depend on what you’re looking to do, and where you want to go. The dry season typically runs from December to April. This means more tourists, higher prices, but good weather.

The rainy season, from May to November, is when the country is at its lushest. It’s great to avoid crowds, but also for ec-tourism like white water rafting and birdwatching.

If you plan on visiting the Bay Islands, the weather is more temperate, so you can visit them year-round. If you want to scuba dive while on the islands, avoid going in September and October as that’s when they get the most rainfall, making visibility much poorer. As for the sealife you can expect to see, sharks, turtles, dolphins and rays can be seen almost year-round. Whale sharks are mainly present from March to May, and August to October.

What are the requirements to enter Honduras?

This varies from country to country, but overall, your passport needs to be valid for 6 months. And if you plan on visiting Guatemala, Nicaragua or El Salvador, keep in mind that you have a cumulative 90 days in these 4 countries.

Under the terms of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (CA-4), tourists may travel freely within any of these CA-4 countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua) for up to 90 days without having to undergo formalities at border immigration checkpoints. If you exceed the 90-day limit, you will be fined.

The 10 best places in Honduras you have to visit

There you have it! The 10 best places to visit in Honduras. We hope that with this list, you have enough to fill your Honduras vacation with memories that will last a lifetime. Each place has something unique and different to offer, as this diverse country really has a great mix of amazing places to explore.

Thanks to some amazing blogger friends, we were able to compile such an epic list. As a reminder, here are the 9 best places in Honduras:

1. Tegucigalpa
2. Copan
3. Pico Bonito National Park
4. Pulhapanzak Waterfalls
5. Lago de Yojoa
6. Copan ruins
7. Las Seputluras
8. Guanja
9. Roatán
10. Utila

Let us know in the comments which place you’re most excited to explore. Are there any other places you’d like to include on this list? We’re always looking for more hidden gems, especially in the lesser-known parts of Honduras!

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