honduras - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-28T11:31:42Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/honduras7 Ecotourism Stars of Hondurashttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/honduras-ecotourism-adventure-travel2023-10-21T09:35:47.000Z2023-10-21T09:35:47.000ZJorge Carlos Tejada Sobrinohttps://tripatini.com/members/JorgeCarlosTejadaSobrino<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12263184074,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12263184074,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12263184074?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amanecer_en_el_Cerro_Las_Minas,_el_punto_mas_alto_de_Honduras.JPG" target="_blank">HermésLeonelVega</a></span><br /> <br /> <br /> Though <strong>Costa Rica</strong> is <strong>Central America</strong>´s (and perhaps all of Latin America´s) premier star when it comes to ecotourism, there´s also an undersung but incredibly rich trove of eco treasures to be explored next door in Honduras, with lush rainforests and stunning coastlines, among other things. On the marine side – exploring the richness of the world´s second largest coral reef, the <strong>Mesoamerican Barrier Reef</strong> – the islands of <strong><a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/diving-into-roatan-honduras?edited=1">Roatán</a></strong> and <strong>Utila</strong> are better known. But here are a few more that nature lovers should definitely keep in mind:</p>
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<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cN_CH6RjZnA?si=TMvvr2s2GyzPuFVJ" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Cayos Cochinos</strong></span><br /> <br /> The “Hog Cays” are a group of two small islands plus 23 even smaller islets –reachable by charter boat or catamaran group tour from Roatán – which form part of <strong>Cayos Cochinos Marine Reserve</strong>. They have barely more than a hundred people living here – a handful of fancy mansions of wealthy Hondurans plus a small village of <strong>Garífunas</strong> (Hondurans of Afro-Caribbean descent) – and they´re absolutely fantastic for snorkeling and scuba diving.</p>
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<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nBBp1k-ZxI8?si=ocKJv93giw7bv6pJ" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Celaque National Park</strong></span><br /> <br /> Way out west some three hours from <strong>San Pedro Sula</strong> (which I´ll henceforth call SPS), the city with the country´s largest airport, into which many visitors fly, this 141-square mile (366-sq.-kilometer) park of “cloud forest” (above and top, a type of cool, moist, and misty rainforest) is home to Honduras´ highest peak, <strong>Cerro Las Minas</strong> (9,416 feet/2,870 meters). Hiking to the summit is a challenging but rewarding experience (and one that taking two to three days), but you can also just go hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting amid its nine rivers, steep cliffs, and majestic waterfall. Species you´ll spot include monkeys, reptiles, exotic butterflies, and a huge diversity of birds (except you probably won´t catch a glimpse of the prized but elusive resplendent quetzal, nor of the park´s ocelots and pumas).</p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://wikitravel.org/en/File:Cusucopark.jpeg" target="_blank"><br /> </a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12263186089,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12263186089,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12263186089?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://wikitravel.org/en/File:Cusucopark.jpeg" target="_blank">Juan Paz</a></em></span></p>
<p><a href="https://wikitravel.org/en/File:Cusucopark.jpeg"><br /> </a><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Cusuco National Park</span> </strong></p>
<p>Up 3,730 ft. (1,137m) in the northwestern <strong>Mentón Mountains</strong> just over an hour and a half northwest of San Pedro Sula, this very lightly visited, 90-sq.-mi. (234km²) spread is also mostly cloud forest, along with some deciduous, semi-arid pine, and rare “dwarf” forests. A number of guides and tour operators offer excursions out of SPS. Cosuco is famous for its incredible biodiversity, home to numerous armadillos as well as unique species like the Honduran emerald hummingbird, the endangered Cusuco salamander, and Baird´s tapir; there´s also a wealth of other opportunities for spotting more than 260 species of birds, including a higher-than-average chance of spotting the legendary resplendent quetzal. Hiking offers a chance to experience unspoiled natural beauty such as the <strong>Orion</strong>, <strong>Quetzal</strong>, and <strong>Toucan</strong> waterfalls. And check out those giant – and sometimes pretty colorful – mushrooms!</p>
<p><br /> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6nVc4c5pBMs?si=zAJRlDJQy2r4hUca" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Lake Yojoa</strong></span></p>
<p>Located just over an hour south of SPS, the country´s largest lake (31 sq. mi./79 km²) is surrounded by picturesque villages and coffee farms (some open to visitors), and is especially known for its birdwatching. You can also take boat tours; go kayaking; and explore the lush surroundings including the nearby eco reserves <strong>Cerro Azul Meambar</strong> (aka <strong>Panacam</strong>), <strong>Montaña de Santa Barbara</strong>, and <strong>Los Naranjos</strong>, as well as and <strong>Pulhapanzak Waterfall</strong> and the <strong>Caves of Taulabé</strong>. Tourism infrastructure includes a visitor’s center with eco-lodge and a restaurant as well as a network of trails, along which you´ll find a platform that´s great for birdwatching.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fotograf%C3%ADa_Jard%C3%ADn_Bot%C3%A1nico_Lancetilla_tela_Atl%C3%A1ntida_derechos_reservados_Olman_Torres.jpg" target="_blank"><br /> </a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12263193691,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12263193691,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12263193691?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fotograf%C3%ADa_Jard%C3%ADn_Bot%C3%A1nico_Lancetilla_tela_Atl%C3%A1ntida_derechos_reservados_Olman_Torres.jpg" target="_blank">OlmanTorres20</a></em></span></p>
<p><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fotograf%C3%ADa_Jard%C3%ADn_Bot%C3%A1nico_Lancetilla_tela_Atl%C3%A1ntida_derechos_reservados_Olman_Torres.jpg"><br /> </a><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Lancetilla Botanical Garden</span> </strong></p>
<p>Right near the resort are of <strong>Tela</strong> on the Caribbean coast (which lies an hour and a half from SPS), this spread established as an experimental plant station in 1925 is more akin to a small nature reserve; Honduras´ only botanical garden is one of the world´s largest at 6½ sq. mi. (17km²) and boasts an impressive 1,500 species of tropical plants and trees along with some 200 bird species. There are guided tours; a visitor center; a cafeteria, and cabins for overnighting. </p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12263194090,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12263194090,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12263194090?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Las-Marias-Moskitia-Honduras.jpg" target="_blank">Dpavon22</a></span></p>
<p><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Las-Marias-Moskitia-Honduras.jpg"><br /> </a><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Mosquito Coast (La Mosquitia)</strong></span><br /> <br /> This huge, remote region in the northeast – a three-hour flight from SPS if you don´t care to put yourself through a 20-hour drive – is named not after buzzing insects (though for sure there are plenty of those) but the local <strong>Miskito</strong> people. And it´s a biodiversity hotspot and home to the <strong>Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve</strong>, a 2,030-sq.-mi (5,250km²) <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong> which is one of Central America´s last untouched rainforests, serving up exciting jungle treks; river expeditions; kayaking on lagoons such as <strong>Brus</strong> and <strong>Iban</strong>; exploration of local cultures including Miskitos, Garífunas and several others; and of course another bonanza of birdwatching as well as spotting larger wildlife (for example, peccaries, giant anteaters, several species of monkey, and even the elusive puma).<br /> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12263195082,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12263195082,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12263195082?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pico-Bonito_(12122463094).jpg" target="_blank">Denis Fournier</a></em></span></p>
<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pico_Bonito_National_Park#/media/File:Pico-Bonito_(12122463094).jpg"><br /> </a><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Pico Bonito National Park</strong></span><br /> <br /> Located in the <strong>Nombre de Dios Mountains</strong> a half hour from the town of <strong>La Ceiba</strong> (an eco-adventure-travel hub three hours from SPS), this 218-sq.-mi. (564km²) spread is the country´s best known national parks, a mix of cloud forest, pine forest, and dry tropical forest ranging from sea level up to 8,000 feet. It´s home to breathtaking waterfalls like <strong>El Bejuco</strong> and <strong>El Zacate</strong> as well as a diversity of wildlife including jaguars, ocelots, and a wide range of bird species. Visitors can hit the many hiking trails; go whitewater rafting on the <strong>Cangrejal River</strong>; take a cool zipline canopy tour; stay at the eco-conscious <strong><a href="https://www.hotelrio.info/">Hotel Río</a></strong>; and even visit a small chocolate factory.</p>
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<p>For more information on the above as well as quite a few more ecotourism treasures, check out <strong><a href="https://honduras.travel/en/nature.php">Honduras.trave/nature</a></strong>.</p>
<p> </p></div>How about a romantic getaway to Central America for your Valentine?https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/how-about-a-romantic-getaway-to-central-america-for-your2015-02-12T22:00:31.000Z2015-02-12T22:00:31.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008920860,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008920860,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008920860?profile=original" /></a>Article by Shannon Farley</b></p><p></p><p>Every <b>February 14</b>, around the world, people exchange cards, flowers, candy and gifts with their loved ones on this <b>day of romance we call <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine%27s_Day" target="_blank">Valentine’s Day</a></b>. But <b>who is this mysterious <a href="http://www.history.com/news/6-surprising-facts-about-st-valentine" target="_blank">St. Valentine</a></b>, and where did these traditions come from?</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008920474,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008920474,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008920474?profile=original" /></a>February has been celebrated as a month of romance</b> dating all the way back to ancient Rome. The <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day" target="_blank">Roman fertility festival, Lupercalia</a>, was celebrated in the middle of February from Feb. 13 to 15. In the 5<sup>th</sup> century, <b>two martyred saints named Valentine</b> became the origin for the <b>Christian celebration of St. Valentine’s Day</b>. One St. Valentine performed marriages for young lovers in secret before he was killed; another St. Valentine, sentenced to death, wrote his love a last letter from prison signed “<b>From your Valentine</b>” – an expression still used today. So when <b>Christian and ancient Roman traditions merged,</b> they created the February 14 celebration known now as <b>St. Valentine’s Day</b>.</p><p><b>No record exists of romantic celebrations on Valentine’s Day prior to a poem by medieval English poet Geoffrey Chaucer</b>, written around 1375. The popular poem, written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia, refers to February 14 as the day birds come together to find a mate. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in Europe that <b>February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season</b>, which sparked the idea that <b>Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008921090,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008921090,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="253" alt="9008921090?profile=original" /></a>The <b>first mass-produced valentines,</b> with lace, ribbons and colorful pictures, began in the 1840s, created by Esther A. Howland in Massachusetts, USA. <b>Today an estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year</b>, according to the U.S. Greeting Card Association, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, after Christmas.</p><p><b>Valentine's Day traditional gifts</b> include cards, red roses and other flowers, chocolate and other sweets, jewelry, cute stuffed animals, and going out for a romantic dinner and evening.</p><p>How about a <b>romantic vacation</b>?</p><p><b>In Central America</b>, St. Valentine’s Day is known as <b>“Día del Amor y la Amistad”</b>, or Day of Love and Friendship. You can plan your <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/Trips/Luxury-Travel/59-*/" target="_blank">romantic getaway to Central America</a> with <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/" target="_blank">Central America Experience</a>, a Costa Rica-based travel agency specializing in <b><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/Trips/Honeymoon/31-*/" target="_blank">honeymoons</a>,</b> <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/Trips/Luxury-Travel/59-*/" target="_blank">luxury vacations</a>, family trips and <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/Trips/Mountain/87-*/" target="_blank">adventure travel in Central America</a>. <b>Central America Experience</b> offers <b><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Costa-Rica/3-2-*/" target="_blank">vacation packages in Costa Rica</a>, <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Panama/3-7-*/" target="_blank">Panama</a>, <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Belize/3-1-*/" target="_blank">Belize</a>, <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Nicaragua/3-6-*/" target="_blank">Nicaragua</a>, <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Guatemala/3-4-*/" target="_blank">Guatemala</a>, <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-El-Salvador/3-3-*/" target="_blank">El Salvador</a> and</b> <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Honduras/3-5-*/" target="_blank">Honduras</a>.</p><p> </p></div>Celebrate fascinating Christmas traditions in Central Americahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/celebrate-fascinating-christmas-traditions-in-central-america2014-12-14T21:21:00.000Z2014-12-14T21:21:00.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906864,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008906864,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008906864?profile=original" /></a>Some of the most <b>elaborate traditional Christmas celebrations</b> take place in the <b>seven countries of Central America</b>. Read on for more about each country’s unique festivity.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Christmas Celebrations in <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/" target="_blank">Central America</a><br /></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Panama/3-7-*/" target="_blank">Panama</a></strong></p><p>The Panama City Christmas Parade is the big festivity here. Decorated floats, marching bands and dancers in traditional costumes parade through Panama City to the beach where there is a tree lighting ceremony. At nightfall, there is also a parade of boats decorated with Christmas lights. On Christmas Eve at midnight, Panamanians shoot off fabulous fireworks. Traditional foods include chicken tamales and rice with chicken.</p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907065,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907065,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="350" alt="9008907065?profile=original" /></a> </strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Costa-Rica/3-2-*/" target="_blank">Costa Rica</a></strong></p><p>In Costa Rica, roads, shops and houses are beautifully decorated at least a month before Christmas. Lavish dinners accompany Christmas Eve celebrations, traditionally with roasted pork leg and tamales. In Costa Rica it's not Santa Claus who brings the Christmas gifts; they are instead brought by Baby Jesus on the night before Christmas called “La Noche Buena” (the Good Night).</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907264,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907264,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008907264?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Nicaragua/3-6-*/" target="_blank">Nicaragua</a></strong></p><p>The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, called “La Purísima”, starts off the Christmas season in Nicaragua. On Dec. 8, young people go caroling from house to house in celebration of the Immaculate Conception, and there are processions with statues of the Virgin Mary.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907297,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907297,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008907297?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-El-Salvador/3-3-*/" target="_blank">El Salvador</a></strong></p><p>Christmas in El Salvador focuses on family. Most families go to midnight mass together and then return home to begin an all-night party with a large dinner, serving roasted turkey, rice and chicken, and potato salad. As they wait for the arrival of Santa Claus, children play with sparklers, and fireworks are set off.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296593267,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296593267,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296593267?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Guatemala/3-4-*/" target="_blank">Guatemala</a></strong></p><p>In Guatemala, Christmas blends the Mayan culture with Roman Catholicism. Antigua, Guatemala, one of the oldest and most beautiful colonial cities in Central America, stages impressive traditional Catholic Christmas processions and festivals. In the nearby Mayan market town of Chichicastenango, vividly costumed indigenous dancers act out plays and musicals that blend modern Christianity with ancient Mayan beliefs. Most churches and public areas display Nativity scenes, and everyone always goes to Midnight Mass on Dec. 24, known as “La Misa del Gallo,” or the “Mass of the Rooster”.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907700,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907700,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="427" alt="9008907700?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Honduras/3-5-*/" target="_blank">Honduras</a></strong></p><p>People in Honduras also go to midnight mass on Christmas Eve, followed by a special dinner with tamales, roasted pork, chicken with rice, and torrejas – bread fried with honey and cinnamon – for dessert with eggnog. Las Posadas is a common tradition in Honduras, held from Dec. 16 to 24 when participants reenact the journey Mary and Joseph took to Bethlehem searching for a place to stay. The ritual involves statues of saints traveling to different designated homes each night as a way to symbolize the historic journey.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296592683,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296592683,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="438" alt="9296592683?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/trips-to-Belize/3-1-*/" target="_blank">Belize</a></strong></p><p>Having been colonized by the British, Belize is mainly a Christian nation, so you will see Christmas traditions like Christmas trees, decorated homes and midnight mass celebrations. However, indigenous and West African cultures also influenced local traditions like the Garifuna Wanaragua celebration, which happens on Christmas Day in towns like Dangriga where the West African culture is strong. Wanaragua is a masked Christmas procession where locals dress up in costumes meant to mimic the dress of their original European captors.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907869,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907869,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="440" alt="9008907869?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>Travel to Central America</b> with <a href="http://www.centralamericaexperience.travel/en/" target="_blank">Central America Experience</a>, a Costa Rica-based travel agency specializing <b>vacation packages to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Belize</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Article by <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ShannonFarley/posts" target="_blank">Shannon Farley</a><br /></b></p></div>Honduras' Most Marvelous Placeshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/honduras-attractions-travel-tourism-guide2019-09-24T06:19:07.000Z2019-09-24T06:19:07.000ZHelene Johnsonhttps://tripatini.com/members/HeleneJohnson<div><p><br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Cop%C3%A1n_Ballcourt.jpg/800px-Cop%C3%A1n_Ballcourt.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Cop%C3%A1n_Ballcourt.jpg/800px-Cop%C3%A1n_Ballcourt.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="800px-Cop%C3%A1n_Ballcourt.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cop%C3%A1n_Ballcourt.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Adalberto Hernandez Vega</em></span></a></p>
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<p><br /> Holidays in <strong><a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/honduras-offers-highquality" target="_blank">Honduras</a></strong> are truly economical and holds a wide range of beautiful places to see and do, including Mayan ruins, jungle adventure and ecotourism, Caribbean isles, and lively towns and cities. Here are its top highlights:</p>
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<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/copan-honduras-mayan-ruins-for-your-bucket-list" target="_blank">Copán</a></span><br /> </strong></p>
<p><br /> Dating back to around 100 AD, the capital of a powerful dynasty during the Mayan Classical period, ruling much of the surrounding area, is one of the Mayan world's greatest archaeological sites (top) because though while it's far from the largest, it boasts a large number of sculptures and hieroglyphs, on temples, stelae, altars, and even the site’s single most important structure, the Hieroglyphic Stairway, Right alongside it, Copán Ruinas is a marvelous small town with lovely cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, abundant greenery, and hospitable Mayan locals. This definitely is one of my most loved vacation spots in the Americas. Inexpensive hotels are ample. In simple terms, it is really the sort of village you will just fall in love with and never want to leave.<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10917585877,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10917585877,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="10917585877?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Westbay2106.jpg" target="_blank">Westbrowncanada</a></em></span></p>
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<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">The Bay Islands</span><br /> </strong></p>
<p><br /> The islands and cays astride the world's second largest barrier reef attract vacationers - and especially divers - more than anywhere else in Honduras. The best known island is <strong><a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/diving-into-roatan-honduras" target="_blank">Roatán</a></strong>, with beautiful beaches, charming towns and villages, <strong>Garífuna</strong> culture (these are Afro-Hundurans descended from Caribbean immigrants), and a variety of hotels and resorts as well as budget-friendly inns and guesthouses. Even more budget friendly, the smaller island of <strong>Utila</strong> is considered one of thee world's top dive destinations, both for the advanced and for newbies (dive courses and PADI certification are a fabulous deal here). <strong>Guanaja</strong> is even smaller, more laid back and bucolic, with just several dozen cars over the entire island. Similar castaway charm can be found on the <strong>Cayos Cochinos</strong>, two larger islands and a smattering of tiny cays.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/caribbean-rythm-gm939113412-256784097"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CBb4R95EAoI?wmode=opaque" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="">
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<p><strong>Tela</strong></p>
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The stretch of coast near the eponymous city of just under 100,000 has been developed into an increasingly popular beach-resort destination with a wide variety of offerings and activities, but is also home to nature reserves as well as many Garifuna communities such as <strong>Triunfo de la Cruz</strong> and <strong>La Ensenada,</strong> where visitors can experience this singular culture.<br />
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<p><strong>La Ceiba</strong></p>
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About an hour and a half along the coast from Tela, Honduras' third largest city (pop. around 200,000) also has a lot to offer - in addition to its surrounding beaches and resorts, La Ceiba boasts great nightlife, and has even been officially declared "the entertainment capital of Honduras," Also nearby is a terrific assortment of eco and adventure options such as whitewater rafting, leading to its other official destination, "the ecotourism capital of Honduras." Ferries run between here and the Bay islands.</p>
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<p><strong>Omoa</strong></p>
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A bit over an hour north up the coast from Tela near the border with <strong>Guatemala</strong>, this fishing town is a picturesque, laid back place to hang out, go to the beach, and explore its historic 18th-century <strong>San Fernando Fort</strong> (above). <br />
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La Moskitia</strong></p>
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And speaking of ecotourism, the country's easternmost region, along the so-called <strong>Mosquito Coast</strong>, is largely lush tropical rainforest, pine savannah, and marshes, with Central America's largest wilderness area and inhabited by Miskitos and other tribal peoples. It's very much an undervisited destination, with accommodations and amenities that are fairly basic - but very rewarding for the adventurous.</p>
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San Pedro Sula</strong></p>
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Honduras commercial capital and second largest city (pop. 719,000) is both a gateway to Copán and the Bay Islands, and worth a day or so in its own right, as a dynamic and stylish spot, with good dining and nightlife. Highlights include its lively <strong>Parque Central</strong> (central square), <strong>Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle</strong>, and museum of anthropology. Though infamous for its gang violence, SPS is quite safe in the areas frequented by visitors.<br />
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<strong>Tegucigalpa</strong><br />
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Honduras' capital (pop. ) rarely gets much attention from travelers beyond those who fly in here, because <strong>Tegus</strong> (as Hondurans dub it) is sprawling, polluted, high-crime, and offers little in the way of sightseeing. But if you have a day to spare, there are a handful of notable spots worth checking out, such as its central <strong>Plaza Morazán</strong> with its elaborate Baroque cathedral (above), the <strong>Museum of National Identity</strong>, and the <strong>Garinagu Cultural Center</strong>, focusing on the Garífuna, with extensive exhibitions, handicrafts, and performances.<br />
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<p><strong>Comayagua</strong></p>
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Some just over an hour north of Tegus, on the highway to San Pedro Sula, Honduras' first capital is a city of around 152,000 known for Honduras' best preserved wealth of Spanish colonial architecture, including an early-18th-century cathedral with Central America's oldest clock - built in the Muslim-ruled part of Spain around 1100. There are also a couple of worthwhile museums here, of religious art and archaeology.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Tela</strong></span><br /> <br /> The stretch of coast near the eponymous city of just under 100,000 has been developed into an increasingly popular beach-resort destination with a wide variety of offerings and activities, but is also home to nature reserves as well as many Garifuna communities such as <strong>Triunfo de la Cruz</strong> and <strong>La Ensenada</strong>, where visitors can experience this singular culture.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009363073,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009363073,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009363073?profile=original" width="750" /></a><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/rafting-whitewater-challenge-action-661724/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>skeeze</em></span></a></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>La Ceiba</strong></span></p>
<p>About an hour and a half along the coast from Tela, Honduras' third largest city (pop. around 200,000) also has a lot to offer - in addition to its surrounding beaches and resorts, La Ceiba boasts great nightlife, and has even been officially declared "the entertainment capital of Honduras," Also nearby is a terrific assortment of eco and adventure options such as whitewater rafting, leading to its other official destination, "the ecotourism capital of Honduras." Ferries run between here and the Bay islands. <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Exterior_Fuerte_de_Omoa_Honduras.jpg/800px-Exterior_Fuerte_de_Omoa_Honduras.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Exterior_Fuerte_de_Omoa_Honduras.jpg/800px-Exterior_Fuerte_de_Omoa_Honduras.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="800px-Exterior_Fuerte_de_Omoa_Honduras.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="800" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Exterior_Fuerte_de_Omoa_Honduras.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Dennis Garcia</em></span></a><br /> <strong><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> Omoa</span></strong></p>
<p>A bit over an hour north up the coast from Tela near the border with <strong>Guatemala</strong>, this fishing town is a picturesque, laid back place to hang out, go to the beach, and explore its historic 18th-century <strong>San Fernando Fort</strong> (above).</p>
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<p><br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Las-Marias-Moskitia-Honduras.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Las-Marias-Moskitia-Honduras.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="Las-Marias-Moskitia-Honduras.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Las-Marias-Moskitia-Honduras.jpg" target="_blank">Dpavon22</a></em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>La Moskitia</strong></span></p>
<p>And speaking of ecotourism, the country's easternmost region, along the so-called <strong>Mosquito Coast</strong>, is largely lush tropical rainforest, pine savannah, and marshes, with Central America's largest wilderness area and inhabited by <strong>Miskitos</strong> and other tribal peoples. It's very much an undervisited destination, with accommodations and amenities that are fairly basic - but very rewarding for the adventurous.</p>
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<p><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/Panoramica_san_pedro_sula.jpg/800px-Panoramica_san_pedro_sula.jpg?" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/Panoramica_san_pedro_sula.jpg/800px-Panoramica_san_pedro_sula.jpg?&profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="800px-Panoramica_san_pedro_sula.jpg?&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Pedro_Sula#/media/File:Panoramica_san_pedro_sula.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Gervaldez</em></span></a></p>
<p><strong><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">San Pedro Sula</span></strong></p>
<p>Honduras commercial capital and second largest city (pop. 719,000) is both a gateway to Copán and the Bay Islands, and worth a day or so in its own right, as a dynamic and stylish spot, with good dining and nightlife. Highlights include its lively <strong>Parque Central</strong> (central square), <strong>Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle</strong>, and museum of anthropology. Though infamous for its gang violence, SPS is quite safe in the areas frequented by visitors.</p>
<p><br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/23_Teguc_Hauptpl.JPG/800px-23_Teguc_Hauptpl.JPG" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/23_Teguc_Hauptpl.JPG/800px-23_Teguc_Hauptpl.JPG?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="800px-23_Teguc_Hauptpl.JPG?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="800" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:23_Teguc_Hauptpl.JPG" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Stzeugner</em></span></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> <strong>Tegucigalpa</strong></span></p>
<p><br /> Honduras' capital (pop. 1.6 million) rarely gets much attention from travelers beyond those who fly in here, because <strong>Tegus</strong> (as Hondurans dub it) is sprawling, polluted, high-crime, and offers little in the way of sightseeing. But if you have a day to spare, there are a handful of notable spots worth checking out, such as its central <strong>Plaza Morazán</strong> with its elaborate Baroque cathedral (above), the <strong>Museum of National Identity</strong>, and the <strong>Garinagu Cultural Center</strong>, focusing on the Garífuna, with extensive exhibitions, handicrafts, and performances.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Cathedral_Comayagua_Honduras.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Cathedral_Comayagua_Honduras.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="Cathedral_Comayagua_Honduras.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cathedral_Comayagua_Honduras.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>LeRoc</em></span></a></p>
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<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Comayagua</span><br /> <br /> </strong></p>
<p>Some just over an hour north of Tegus, on the highway to San Pedro Sula, Honduras' first capital is a city of around 152,000, known for Honduras' best preserved wealth of Spanish colonial architecture, including an early-18th-century cathedral with Central America's oldest clock - built in the Muslim-ruled part of Spain around 1100. There are also a couple of worthwhile museums here, of religious art and archaeology</p>
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<p> </p></div>Diving into Roatán, Hondurashttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/diving-into-roatan-honduras2019-04-19T04:47:44.000Z2019-04-19T04:47:44.000ZJosé Balidohttps://tripatini.com/members/JoseBalido<div><p><a href="https://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/ltf/2016/09/TBP-pic-Honduras-Roatan-West-End-Beach-Renee-Vititoe-shutterstock_171623777.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/ltf/2016/09/TBP-pic-Honduras-Roatan-West-End-Beach-Renee-Vititoe-shutterstock_171623777-640x419.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" alt="TBP-pic-Honduras-Roatan-West-End-Beach-Renee-Vititoe-shutterstock_171623777-640x419.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-945844p1.html">Renee Vititoe</a></em></span></p>
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<p><br />Right astride the <strong>Caribbean</strong>'s largest barrier reef – also the world’s second largest after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – this small island (just 83 square kilometres/32 sq. miles) off the coast of <strong>Honduras</strong> has become not only this country’s top visitor draw (outstripping the other main one, the impressive <strong>Mayan archaeological site</strong> <strong><a href="https://megustavolar.iberia.com/2013/12/copan-honduras/" target="_blank">Copán</a></strong>) but also, unsurprisingly, a star among the world’s diving community.<!--more--></p>
<p>Actually the largest of seven <strong>Islas de la Bahía</strong> (<strong>Bay Islands</strong>), this onetime pirate hideout today has several towns and villages spread over its), the largest of which is <strong>Coxen Hole</strong> – with around a mere 5,000 permanent residents. Like other Caribbean coastal areas of <strong>Central America</strong>, there is a strong influence of <strong>Garifunas</strong> – <strong>Afro-Caribbean</strong> English speakers – intermixed with Hispanics from mainland Honduras.</p>
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<p><a href="https://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/ltf/2016/09/L2F-Sep-16-pic-Honduras-Roatan-Prince-Albert-wrech-diving-John-A.-Anderson-shutterstock_36278611.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/ltf/2016/09/L2F-Sep-16-pic-Honduras-Roatan-Prince-Albert-wrech-diving-John-A.-Anderson-shutterstock_36278611-640x388.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" alt="L2F-Sep-16-pic-Honduras-Roatan-Prince-Albert-wrech-diving-John-A.-Anderson-shutterstock_36278611-640x388.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-67871p1.html">John A. Anderson</a></em>.</span><br /><br /></p>
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<p>Other cool little towns include <strong>West End</strong> (aka “the strip”, known for its variety of restaurants and bars), <strong>Dixon Cove</strong>, <strong>West Bay</strong> (perhaps the island’s best known stretch of paradisiacal beach), and <strong>French Harbour</strong>. Most of the vibe here is low-key, barefoot Caribbean, where it’s all about sun, sand, surf, partying – and, of course <strong>diving</strong>/<strong>snorkeling</strong>.</p>
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<p><br />Top dive highlights, for example, include “<strong>Mary’s Place</strong>”, with deep cracks full of colourful fish and coral overhangs; the wreck of the freighter <strong>Prince Albert</strong> (above); <strong>Cemetery Wall</strong>, starting at about 7.6 metres (25 feet); the <strong>Labyrinth</strong>, with towering formations and canyons, from 4.6 down to just over 18 m. (15-60 ft); and <strong>Shark Dive</strong>, the only spot where you can reliably see these toothy critters on a regular basis.</p>
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<p><a href="https://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/ltf/2016/09/L2F-Sep-16-pic-Honduras-Roatan-Garifunas-gary-yim-shutterstock_130173209.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/ltf/2016/09/L2F-Sep-16-pic-Honduras-Roatan-Garifunas-gary-yim-shutterstock_130173209-640x427.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" alt="L2F-Sep-16-pic-Honduras-Roatan-Garifunas-gary-yim-shutterstock_130173209-640x427.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-287167p1.html">gary yim</a></em></span></p>
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<p>To go along with that, you also have many of the activities you would expect in an outdoors holiday destination – golf, ziplining, various water sports, deepwater fishing, and sailing. In addition, there are several interesting attractions worth visitors’ while. The eco-minded might want to stop in at the 16-hectare (40-acre) <strong>Carambola Gardens</strong> near <strong>Sandy Bay</strong>, on a forested mountain slope, where you can get a splendid eyeful (and guided tours of) the local flora and fauna. The <strong>Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum</strong> is even larger (65 ha./160 acres), and throws in a hydroponics farms and obstacle course on which to challenge yourself. And the 5-ha. (12-acre) Archie’s <strong>Iguana Farm and Marine Park</strong> in <strong>French Cay</strong> specialises, obviously, in iguanas – some of which grow to up to four feet long – but you’ll also find monkeys, rescued sea turtles, and tarpon fish.</p>
<p>One particularly interesting aspect to pursue is exploring the culture of the local Garifunas (above), black people whose ancestors were from the English-speaking Caribbean and who are spread up and down much of Central America’s Caribbean coast. The village of <strong>Punta Gorda</strong> is perhaps the best place to meet them; learn about their culture; witness their music and drumming; and buy their crafts. You can visit on your own or through local tour operators such as <strong><a href="http://www.roatanculturetours.com/#_=_" target="_blank">Roatán Culture Tours</a>.</strong></p>
<p>More info: <a href="http://www.roatantravelguide.com/" target="_blank">RoatanTravelGuide.com</a>.</p>
<p>Best fares to San Pedro Sula <a href="http://www.iberia.com/gb/cheap-flights/San-Pedro-Sula/?utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=blogiberia&utm_source=utm_source=love2fly.home" target="_blank">from the UK</a>, <a href="http://www.iberia.com/es/cheap-flights/San-Pedro-Sula/?utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=blogiberia&utm_source=utm_source=love2fly.home" target="_blank">from Spain</a>.</p></div>