Honduras

Honduras

Honduras offers diverse experiences from the ancient Mayan ruins of Copán to the stunning coral reefs of the Bay Islands, perfect for diving and snorkeling. Its rich culture, vibrant markets, and lush natural landscapes make it an appealing destination for adventurers and history buffs alike.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$30/day
Mid-range$75/day
Luxury$500/day

Known For

Central AmericaCaribbeanSan Pedro SulaTegucigalpaBay IslandsCopanLa Ceiba

🇭🇳 Country Information: Honduras

CapitalTegucigalpa
CurrencyHonduran lempira (L)
LanguageSpanish , English, Garifuna, Miskito
Phone Code+504
Electricity110V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

  • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service
  • Restaurants: 10
  • 15% of the bill
  • Tour guides: 10
  • 20 USD per person per day
  • Hotel staff: 1
  • 2 USD per bag for porters, 1
  • 2 USD per night for housekeepers
  • Taxi drivers: Usually no tip, but round up the fare

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are common in cities, but less so in rural areas
  • Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases
  • It is advisable to bring some USD cash for emergencies and exchange it locally, but the local currency (Lempira) is primarily used
  • There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
  • Politeness and greetings are highly valued
  • Avoid public displays of affection
  • It's customary to offer a small gift when visiting someone's home

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights are limited, and discrimination is prevalent. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are very strict, and penalties for drug offenses are severe, including for marijuana

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing
  • Be aware of local protests or demonstrations, which can sometimes turn violent
  • Photography near military installations or in certain indigenous communities may be restricted

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)
YesSí (SEE)
HelloHola (OH-lah)
PleasePor favor (por fah-VOHR)
Excuse meCon permiso (kon per-MEE-soh)
Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs)

Climate

General classification for the country of Honduras, which has tropical and subtropical climates, with variations based on elevation and coastlines.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Baleadas must_try

Baleadas are a staple of Honduran cuisine, featuring a thick flour tortilla folded in half and filled with mashed fried beans, *mantequilla* (sour cre

Sopa de Caracol regional_speciality

A rich and creamy soup made with conch, vegetables like yuca and plantains, and flavored with coconut milk and spices. This iconic dish is particularl

Plátano Frito (Fried Plantain) snack

Slices of ripe plantain fried until golden brown and caramelized. These are often served as a side dish to many meals or eaten as a sweet snack. They

Horchata non_alcoholic_beverage

A traditional chilled beverage made from rice, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and sometimes nuts or seeds. It is a sweet, refreshing, and popular drink thro

Pastelitos de Carne street_food

Small, deep-fried corn turnovers filled with seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken and potatoes. These savory pockets are often served topped with

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation in high-demand areas (e.g., Roatán, Utila) Accommodation
Book 2–6 months in advance, especially for peak season or smaller boutique resorts.

The best hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals on the Bay Islands (Roatán, Utila) sell out quickly, particularly during the dry season and major holidays.

Diving/Snorkeling Packages and Liveaboards (Bay Islands) tour_or_activity
Book 1–3 months in advance for specific dates or popular operators.

High-quality or PADI-certified dive operators, especially those offering liveaboards or specialized tours (like whale shark tours off Utila), have limited spots that fill up quickly.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Ferry between Mainland (La Ceiba) and Bay Islands (Roatán/Utila) Transport
Book 1 week to 1 month in advance, especially during holiday travel times.

While ferries run daily, they can sell out, especially on weekends, major holidays, or if poor weather causes cancellations and capacity is constrained on later boats.

Guided Tours of Copán Ruins Archaeological Site tour_or_activity
Book 1–4 weeks in advance, particularly for English-speaking guides during high season.

To ensure an experienced, highly-rated guide is available for your preferred date and time, especially if visiting during peak travel times.

Fun Facts

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