Most of us who have visited Honduras know that the country is not far from a perfect paradise – at least in terms of nature. Tropical beaches, ancient Mayan ruins and fascinating colonial cities… you could briefly describe Honduras. As Central America’s second largest country, it has a lot to offer; according to aceinland, everything from dreamy nature to exotic dishes and fantastic coral reefs. Below are some of the most exciting sights that make Honduras a unique destination!
Roatan
Among all the islands of the Bay Islands, the largest island is Roatan and you can easily get there by plane or boat. The island is an obvious favorite because it has everything you could wish for in a tropical paradise: beautiful tropical beaches, coral reefs and stunning scenery. West Bay is one of Roaton’s best beaches, with shimmering white sand with palm trees scattered along the shore and crystal clear turquoise waters. The coral reef is a great place to snorkel and it is even possible to swim with the local marine life!
Utila
As one of the Bay Islands, Utila is considered one of the best diving destinations in the entire Caribbean. With the Caribbean’s cheapest Open Water courses, Utila certifies more new divers than any other place in the world. However, diving is not the only thing that makes Utila a popular tourist attraction; In addition to other water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and paddle-boarding, visitors can also choose to hike or jungle, explore caves and climb beautiful Pumpkin Hill to enjoy the stunning views, which make the area a real gem.
Copánruinerna
For those who are interested in ancient ruins, the Copán ruins are a perfect choice. It is an ancient Mayan site that was discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio, but the site was not excavated until the 19th century. The city was occupied by the Maya for about 2000 years and it was abandoned as early as the 10th century. Now you can walk through the vast area and learn the history of ancient civilization. It is especially interesting to explore the Mayan citadel, where you see standing stoneware, overlapping step pyramids and a variety of ruins. The Copán ruins are now on the UNESCO World Heritage List and it is believed that the area served as a very important political, civil and religious center in the Copan Valley.
Comayagua
With an altitude of 594 meters above sea level, the former capital is a dream for those who like Spanish colonial architecture. Comayagua was an important place for politics and religion until it lost its title as capital in 1880, but has remained a favorite of many because of its architecture. In the central square there is a beautiful cathedral with America’s oldest clock, and the town hall from the 17th century is also very impressive. The city is still a traditional place for Catholic traditions, where ceremonies such as Easter celebrations are an exciting experience for tourists.
Río Plátano Biosphere Nature Reserve
This nature reserve is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is not at all strange considering that the place is home to over 2000 indigenous peoples! In addition, there are 721 species of vertebrates (including many endangered species), 411 bird species, 108 species of reptiles and amphibians and last but not least, you will find 585 plant species in the area. Río Plátano is one of the very best places to see Central America’s tropical rainforest and the plants and animals that live there. It is highly recommended to take part in a guided tour and see the beautiful rainforests, mountains and the fantastic savannas!
