Honduras Travel Guide
Looking for an in-depth Honduras travel guide?
Then you’re in the right place!
Located in Central America, Honduras is a country of lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and deep history.
There really is something for every kind of traveler in this country of just over 43,000 square miles.
And while the country may have a reputation for being dangerous, don’t let that deter you from checking out this travel gem.
Beach lovers will definitely want to check out the Bay Islands, located just off the east coast of Honduras. The region’s three main islands — Utila, Roatan, and Guanaja — offer a laid-back vibe, white sand beaches, and plenty of nightlife for those who like to party.
The islands are also home to breathtaking coral reefs and many different types of fish, making them a diver’s or snorkeler’s paradise. If you’re looking for a beach experience away from the pristine resorts of the easter islands, Honduras’s Caribbean Coast is the place to go.
Honduras was also once a major hub of Mayan civilization and there are plenty of historic ruins to explore throughout the country.
One of the most popular sites is the Copan Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just a few miles from the Guatemala border.
Here, you can check out a Mayan citadel and learn more about this great civilization. Throw on some comfortable shoes, as this site has a lot to explore!
The country’s more rural areas are places of unspoiled natural wonder, with great sites for outdoor explorers — especially hikers wanting to explore some of the world’s best hikes. Do some rafting along the Cangrejal River, hike through the Moskitia Forest, and check out the serene Lago de Yojoa.
Any way you slice it, there’s so much to see in Honduras and no two trips will look exactly alike!
Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Honduras, a destination that should be mentioned in every Central America travel guide!
Note: This ultimate guide to Honduras travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!
Honduras Map
Use this Honduras travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!
Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.
Honduras Travel Advice
Plan the perfect trip to Honduras with these travel guides.
Top Honduras Tours
Explore the local culture with the help of a Honduras tour guide!
- Roatan Shore Excursion: Monkeys, Sloths, and Snorkel Adventure
- Roatan Ziplines Sloth Park and West Bay Beach Break
- Roatan Barrier Reef Snorkel & Monkeys/Sloth Sanctuary from French Cay
- Day Trip to La Tigra and El Picacho Park from Tegucigalpa
- Roatan Shore Excursion: Kayak Harbor Adventure and Reef Snorkel from French Harbour
- Day Trip to the Mayan Ruins of Copan from San Pedro Sula
Renting A Car In Honduras
Need a rental car for your Honduras trip?
Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.
Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!
Honduras Hotels
Click here to browse hotels in Honduras!
Prefer self-contained stays?
Click here to check out unique local rentals!
You can also use this map to search for local stays:
Honduras Travel Insurance
It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Honduras tour. When visiting Honduras — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.
In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).
Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.
With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Honduras itinerary.
Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.
Honduras Travel Guide FAQ
Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Honduras.
Q: Is it safe to vacation in Honduras?
While crime is very much a reality in Honduras, the country is generally pretty safe to visit. There are certain areas to avoid due to higher crime rates, including municipalities along the north coast and in the central part of the country.
Most experts suggest avoiding Gracias a Dios department; its remote location and high level of drug trafficking make it particularly dangerous for travelers.
On the other hand, the Bay Islands, Copan Ruins, and other areas popular with tourists have a much lower crime rate and have a more robust law enforcement presence.
Keep alert and understand how to avoid pickpockets to protect yourself from petty crime in these areas, but know that more serious violent crime is not as common.
Q: Is Honduras expensive to visit?
Honduras is a very affordable place to visit. The average traveler should budget about $29 USD per day for meals, accommodation, transportation, and other expenses while in the country.
Accommodation rates are a bit more expensive around the coast, so keep that in mind.
Flights will likely be your biggest expense for this country. Round-trip flights from the U.S. generally cost around $400-$500 USD depending on the airline and departure destination, though you can find some great deals if you shop around.
Q: What do I need to know about traveling to Honduras?
One thing to know about Honduras is that the country’s poverty rate is very high. Many of the people you’ll encounter in the country are likely struggling to get by. Be a conscious visitor in Honduras and tip well, shop local, and don’t haggle too much with merchants.
Also, be sure to keep cash handy while in Honduras. Many businesses do not accept credit cards and working ATMs are scarce, so plan to get plenty of cash — ideally in the local currency — before you go.
Q: What are some travel tips for people visiting Honduras?
Leave plenty of time when traveling via ground transportation in Honduras. Local taxi and van services don’t always run on time, so be sure to work any possible delays into your itinerary.
While English is commonly spoken on the Bay Islands, Spanish is the national language of Honduras and most Hondurans only speak Spanish. Learn a few words and phrases before your trip to help you get by and show respect for the locals. Luckily, Spanish is often one of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers.
The country’s climate makes it a particularly welcoming environment for mosquitoes, many of whom carry diseases like malaria and dengue.
Malaria vaccinations, while not required by the Honduran government, are highly recommended. You can get vaccinated and acquire any medications you may need for your trip at your local doctor’s office.
And be sure to pack plenty of insect repellant and cover-up in particularly damp areas.
Q: What is the best place to visit in Honduras?
No visit to Honduras is complete without a trip to the Copan Ruins! Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area was once the center of Mayan civilization in the Copan Valley.
Explore the Mayan citadel and stone portraits throughout the site to get a sense of what life was like in the area thousands of years ago.
While there, you can visit the Museum of Mayan Sculpture for even more insight into the artifacts found among the ruins.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Honduras?
Citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union do not need a visa to visit Honduras for less than 90 days. Visitors from these countries will need to show a valid passport and proof of a return flight upon entry into the country.
It’s recommended to view your country’s Honduras International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Honduras Embassy.
Q: Are credit cards accepted in Honduras?
While credit cards are sometimes accepted — especially Visa and Mastercard — many establishments only take cash, so make sure to have that on hand.
Moreover, it’s smart to bring two ATM cards in case you run into an issue.
Q: What is the best time to visit Honduras?
While Honduras is a year-round destination, the dry season is between December and April.
Q: What months are summer in Honduras?
Summer in Honduras runs from November to April.
Q: Can you drink tap water in Honduras?
It is best to avoid drinking the tap water in Honduras.
Q: What is the hottest month in Honduras?
The warmest months in Honduras are typically April and May.
Q: What is the local currency in Honduras?
The local currency in Honduras is the Honduran lempira.