When I socialized the idea of going to Honduras, the first reaction I got from people was, “isn’t it unsafe” ? Yes, Honduras, especially the capital Tegucigalpa, has been notoriously famous for mugging, murder and kidnapping.
Not that I wanted to be a dare devil, but I think it’s a misconception that every traveler to Honduras gets mugged. So, I went ahead and never regretted the decision.
My main reason to visit Honduras was, scuba diving. Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is the 2nd largest coral reef system in the world and the islands of Honduras are an excellent and one of the most cost effective places to dive. Roatan, Útila, Hog Island, and Guanaja – located in the north of the main land feature amazing dive/snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.
Most people tend to go to Belize for diving in the blue hole. And I am pretty sure it is beautiful there in Belize. Besides Belize, I highly recommend Honduras as a dive spot. Especially, if you want to get a better bang for your buck.
The country has lot more to offer than just diving/snorkeling . A short boat ride from the Islands to the port town of La Ceiba is also an access point to Pico Bonito National Park.
Flowing from deep within the rainforest of the Pico Bonito National Park down to the Caribbean Ocean, Rio Cangrejal, 20-mile river, has rapids ranging in difficulty from class II to class IV. Generally the river runs highest from September to February, but is doable almost all year. I went in April and still did some pretty awesome rafting in pouring rain. There is something serene about being in the nature when it rains heavily.
Besides rafting, there are plenty of day-hikes and multi-day backpacking hiking trails to chose from.
And horse-back ride is one of the ways to traverse through villages in the rain forest area.
Vegetarian food didn’t seem like a big issue, there are plenty of fresh fruits, beans and rice cooked with coconut milk available pretty much everywhere. Be sure to checkout local markets for one of the best mangoes you will eat in the Americas.
If you are into culture and history, Honduras will not disappoint you on this aspect too. Copan mayan ruins are just a 7-hour bus ride away from La Ceiba.