FAQ Honduras: attractions, photos, visa, prices. Sights of Honduras - what to see. Complete guide to iconic places The largest island in Honduras
The small Latin American state of Honduras has a truly sonorous name. Maybe that’s why various kinds of catchphrases and expressions mentioning him are found so often in Russian speech. The popular aphorisms in Russia “The wrong country was called Honduras”, “Only Guadeloupe knows how difficult it is to be Honduras”, “Honduras, Honduras is in the heart of each of us” are excellent confirmation of this.
A single-root verb even appeared in our language - "Honduran", meaning “to work hard”, “to work hard”, and the saying “it’s better to work hard in Honduras than to work hard in Kolyma” has steadily entered into speech.
Surprisingly, for some reason the name of this particular country on the Caribbean coast is often pronounced not only in communication between people, but also on TV screens. And what’s interesting is that it’s not from the news! Suffice it to recall the classics of Soviet cinema. The dialogue between our beloved heroes Evgeny Leonov and Leonid Kuravlev in the film Afonya by Georgy Danelia brings a smile to more than one generation of TV viewers:
— Afanasy, don’t you know what the UN decided about Honduras?
- Who is he?
- Hmmm, I live like in a cave...
Or here is the conversation between the main characters Liya Akhedzhakova and Juozas Budraitis in the film “The Sinner”:
- Petya, what are you doing?
— Honduras worries me.
- What???
- Honduras... Latin America...
-Where have you been?
At first glance, Honduras seems like a particularly unremarkable state. Why is Honduras so “popular” with us? Is it really just because of its “biting” name?
Of course not. This country has its own zest that sets it apart from the general background not only in Central America, but throughout the world. It is located on ancient Indian lands. Starting from the 2nd century. AD For many centuries, Honduras was the center of the Mayan civilization, known today for its writing, art, architecture, and the achievements of science and technology.
It is not surprising that Indian culture is still evident in almost all spheres of life of Hondurans, and Indian customs and traditions are very common here. Even the state currency, the lempira, is named after the leader who fought against the Spanish colonialists. Residents of the country still consider the red macaw parrot to be a sacred animal, believing that it is capable of causing rain and maintaining contact with the world of the dead.
These are the ruins of large settlement Maya in the 7th – 8th centuries AD. Here are the classic Indian structures: pyramids, steles, columns, statues, ceremonial temples - everything over 100 buildings. Scientists have not yet come to a conclusion why in the 9th century. AD the city was abandoned, and the tribes left these lands and moved to the Yucatan Peninsula.
There is only one place in all of Honduras where wealthy tourists can find peace luxury holiday on the beach. This is the tropical island of Roatan in the Caribbean Sea. There is crystal clear water, through which coral reefs are visible.
The island of Roatan, unlike others in the Caribbean, is not oversaturated with tourists and five-star hotels - everything is much simpler here. It is this simplicity that has its charm.
There is an institute of marine sciences on Roatan, only students there do not sit over notes, but train dolphins. For $100, tourists are given the opportunity to swim with these mammals in an outdoor pool and take part in a mini-performance themselves.
There is another special place on the island - the private resort of Little French Key. Everything on it is created for a comfortable holiday for tourists: snow-white beaches, water bars, zoos with exotic animals.
Located in the heart of Tegucigalpa, it brings together all the best that the capital of Honduras has to offer. Business card– San Miguel Cathedral, built in 1782. There is also a monument to the national hero Francisco Morazan.
Adjacent to the square pedestrian lane similar to the Moscow Arbat. The locals are very proud of him. Above this street hangs a chic example of contemporary Honduran art - the installation “Bottles” - cut-off bottoms into which colored water is poured create a mosaic graphic pattern.
The museum displays many exhibits related to the culture and history of Honduras. Of particular interest to tourists is a virtual visit to the ruins of the old Mayan city of Copan.
The largest waterfall in Honduras in height 43 meters is perhaps the most beautiful natural attraction of the country. The waterfall has one important feature - watching it, you get the impression that it has no beginning, but flows out of the forest.
It was the capital of Honduras in the 16th - 19th AD. The architectural style of that time is clearly visible in the city's sights. The calling card of Comayacua is the cathedral of the same name with the oldest clock in the world, as well as the Church of La Merced.
A small resort island in the Caribbean Sea with an area of only about 50 km2. It is considered the most economical holiday destination in Honduras.
The second longest reef on the planet, stretching 900 km. It has a rich world of underwater flora and fauna. The most deep depression is located 300 meters from sea level. Most of the reef, like the entire ocean floor, has not been explored.
One of the main natural attractions of the country is favorite place rafters throughout Latin America– the conditions for extreme mountain rafting here are simply ideal. The length of the river is 25 kilometers.
Located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, the national park is the most beautiful place in Honduras. The park is home to over 200 species of birds, pumas, monkeys, and many other representatives of the animal world.
The only natural lake in Honduras, with an area of 280 km2. Is on top 700 meters above sea level within the boundaries of two national parks of the country. There are picturesque views around the reservoir.
Located on the coast Caribbean Sea and occupies an area of 750 km2. Animal world The reserve is represented by many species of fish, birds, dolphins, crocodiles, iguanas, snakes and monkeys.
Discovered in 1502 by Christopher Columbus and named "Island of Pines". There are actually many trees of the same name growing on Gaunaha, including its rare species - the Caribbean pine.
Founded in 1987. It is located in the north of the country and has its own peculiarity - the elevation difference in the park exceeds two kilometers. Most The reserve's territory is occupied by tropical forests.
The islands have been declared a nature reserve and are protected by environmentalists. The sea here is clean and many call it a paradise for divers.
Second largest area Botanical Garden the world in which he lives over 300 species of different birds. Here is the largest orchard and bamboo forest.
The forests of the reserve are rich in expensive mahogany. In addition, over 2,000 aborigines of the endangered Mosquito people live on its territory. The park is protected by UNESCO and is included in the World Heritage List.
The park has a wide variety of tropical trees. Mountain oaks in the park reach heights 40 meters. Broadleaf tobacco and grapes grow here. The reserve is home to salamanders, monkeys, jaguars and many other animals.
The main type of garden walk is ecotourism. The jungle is filled with wild orchids and exotic trees. A rather rare chocolate tree grows here.
Located in the city of Camayagua. Tourists are allowed to go 300 - 400 meters deep into the caves. The total explored length is about 13 km.
In addition to picturesque cities, ancient ruins and colorful architectural monuments sights of Honduras include unique objects and events of intangible significance. So, the highlight of this amazing country is the Garifuna people, whose language, culture and dances are included in the World Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Every year for a century something unusual happens in the department of Yoro. a natural phenomenon- a rain of fish that leaves behind hundreds of living fish. Hondurans attribute this phenomenon to the miracle of Saint José Subiran, the patron saint of the poor.
Colorful National holidays and carnivals are widely known even outside the state. In February, you can visit the brightest event in the spiritual life of the country - the colorful procession of La Virgen de Suyapa. Popular among tourists are yachting, rafting and other exciting activities. entertainment in Honduras.
Centuries-old history of Honduras left a galaxy of remarkable monuments cultural significance. Picturesque cities Comoyagua and Choluteca, the narrow cobbled streets of the town of Santa Rosa de Copán, bear many evidences of the colonial past. are widely represented in the pearl of the country - the capital of Tegucigalpa: the quaint facades of the ancient churches of Iglesia de San Francisco, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores amaze with their monumental grandeur and unique interior decoration.
Tourist routes offer travelers exciting excursions in Honduras in nearby and remote corners of the country. Under the guidance of experienced tour guides, vacationers can experience the wonders with their own eyes. ancient city Mayan Indians Copan, visit the impenetrable tropical jungle of the Mosquito Coast, take part in the traditional carnival procession of the island of Utila.
No less interesting for excursions are natural monuments of Honduras– picturesque and rich in natural diversity national parks of the country La Tigre and Rio Platano.
Museums of Honduras
If you arrived in Honduras, be sure to visit National Museum in the capital of the country, Tegucigalpa, famous for its rich collection of archaeological and ethnographic exhibits. Very curious attractions La Ceiba Museum - this one most interesting museum has more than sixteen thousand different butterflies and insects from 139 countries.
A diamond in the rough is about Honduras, the second largest country in Central America, amazes tourists with its natural beauty and diversity of wildlife. Travelers can explore idyllic Caribbean beaches, bird-rich lakes and jungles, pristine a tropical forest La Mosquitia and the Mosquito Coast. But gems countries are its beautiful islands. Shrouded in beautiful coral reefs - part of the second largest barrier reef in a world that stretches north to Mexico - these tropical islands perfect place recreation, both beach and active in the form of diving. Honduras is also home to the archaeological treasures of Copan - one of best places history of the Maya in the world.
Sights of Honduras
Roatan)
Roatan is the most popular place among tourists in Honduras; in a year alone, more than 300 thousand people visit it, which is a very large figure for a poor Central American country and a huge help to a poor budget. Roatan is the largest and most developed island in a group of islands - Islas de la Bahia.
Amazingly beautiful coral reefs line its shores, offering excellent diving and deep-sea fishing opportunities, sea world around the island is extremely diverse (coral reefs and grottoes, hundreds of species, tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, moray eels, in the spring months - whale sharks). One of the most favorite places tourists have West Bay Beach, where conditions for a beach holiday are paradise.
Attractions on this small Caribbean island include the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences, the Roatan Museum, a marine park and a tropical arboretum.
Copan)
Copan is archaeological site Mayan civilization, located in the department of Copan, in western Honduras, near the border with Guatemala. Copan was once a major classical kingdom from the 5th to the 9th centuries AD. The city was located in the extreme southeast of the Mesoamerican cultural region, bordering the Ixmo-Colombian cultural region. Copan in those centuries was a powerful city, ruling a vast kingdom in the southern part of Maya. The city suffered a major political and military disaster in 738 AD when Washaklahun-Ubah-K'avil, one of the greatest kings in the dynastic history of Copan, was captured and executed by his former vassal, King Quirigua. This unexpected defeat led to the decline of the kingdom.
The archaeological site of Copan is the most studied Mayan city in the world and is a World Heritage UNESCO. Travelers will find many attractions here. Copan is famous for the steles and altars that are scattered throughout the vast area, most of which were built during 711 and 736 AD. Other highlights include the ball court, a unique temple that has the longest known Mayan text, and the Acropolis with magnificent carved reliefs of the 16 kings of Copán. A significant part of the eastern part of the acropolis was washed away by the Copan River, the river was diverted to protect the site from further damage.
Official website: copanruins.com
Museum of Mayan Sculpture)
The Copan archaeological site is home to a magnificent museum of Mayan sculpture that displays a series of original sculptures, steles and altars recovered during archaeological excavations to Copan. Undoubtedly, the main attraction of the museum is the richly decorated temple of Rosalila, which was discovered intact during excavations. This wonderful museum is an important stop on a tour of Copana.
4. Utila
32 kilometers from west coast Roatan is located in heaven Caribbean island- Utila, which is famous for its magnificent waters so ideal for diving. Tourists from all over the world flock to this 13-kilometer island to dive into the depths of the Caribbean Sea. In addition to the warm, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, Utila boasts two beaches perfect for family vacation under the scorching sun of the tropics.
5. Little French Key
Little French Key is a private island resort, itlocated on the southern coastal windward side of the beautiful island of Roatan, in the chains of the Gulf of Honduras. Picture hammocks strung between coconut palms, sparkling clear Caribbean waters with fantastic snorkeling opportunities and white-sand beaches lined with kayaks and sun loungers.This cozy paradise is home to a private zoo with exotic animals that are mostly rescued.
Little French Key, located next to the second largest coral reef in the world and surrounded by crystal clear, warm and turquoise water, is hereThe sound of the sea and the coolness of the Caribbean breeze are harmoniously combined with an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
Official website: littlefrenchkey.com
Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences)
Institute of Marine Scienceson the Honduran island of Roatan is famous for its bottlenose dolphins - bottlenose dolphins. It is located on the northwestern coast of the island, next to the resort Anthony's Key Resort. Institute of Marine Sciences of Roatan trains local residents and tourists interact with the marine ecosystem of the Caribbean and offers the opportunity to see dolphins in a natural lagoon. Lovers of their favorite animals can swim with dolphins, play simple games or enjoy the experience of diving with them.
7. La Tigra National Park
About 20 kilometers from Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, is the country's first national park - La Tigra (Parque Nacional La Tigra). La Tigra is one of the most beautiful places in Honduras. Situated at an altitude of 2,270 meters, this pristine stretch of lush Central American tropical jungle is home to ocelots, pumas and monkeys. The park is also home to many amazingly colorful and beautiful birds More than 200 species live within its borders, including toucans and trogons. This is one of the most visited parks in Honduras and is worth a separate excursion.
8. Lago de Yojoa)
Along the main road between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, there is a natural landmark of Honduras - Lake Yojoa. Yojoa is the largest natural lake in the country and the main habitat for birds of this Central American country. More than 480 species of birds have been found here, including whistling ducks, northern jacans and toucans. Two mountain national parks bordering the lake are Santa Barbara National Park on the north shore and Cerro Azul Maybar National Park on the south.
Parque Nacional Jeanette Kawas)
Formerly known as National Park Punta Sal, this beautiful desert area is now named after environmental activist Jeannette Cavas, who passionately fought for conservation in Honduras. The park stretches along a peninsula at the western end of Tela Bay and is renowned for its biodiversity, featuring tropical jungles, mangrove wetlands, sparkling beaches and coral reefs. wild nature is abundant and includes many rare species birds and mammals. In the park you can find dolphins, howler monkeys and a large number of tropical birds, including toucans and quetzals.
Museum of National Identity)
The main museum of Honduras is the Museum of National Identity, which is housed in a historic 18th-century colonial building. The museum features an impressive collection of Honduran and international art. The museum's historical exhibits reveal the country's fascinating past, from pre-Hispanic times to the present day. The highlight of the museum is virtual tour along the Mayan Acropolis in Copan.
Official website: min.hn
A diamond in a rough setting is about Honduras, the second largest country in Central America, amazes tourists with its natural beauty and diversity of wildlife. Travelers can explore idyllic Caribbean beaches, bird-rich lakes and jungles, the pristine rainforest of La Mosquitia and the Mosquito Coast. But the country's gems are its beautiful islands. Shrouded in beautiful coral reefs—part of the world's second largest barrier reef, which stretches as far north as Mexico—these tropical islands are ideal for both beach and diving holidays. Honduras is also home to the archaeological treasures of Copán, one of the best sites of Mayan history in the world.
Below is our overview: the main attractions of Honduras
1. Roatan Island ( Roatan)
Roatan is the most popular place among tourists in Honduras; in a year alone, more than 300 thousand people visit it, which is a very large figure for a poor Central American country and a huge help to a poor budget. Roatan is the largest and most developed island in the Islas de la Bahia group of islands.
Amazingly beautiful coral reefs line its shores, offering excellent opportunities for diving and deep-sea fishing, the marine world around the island is extremely diverse (coral reefs and grottoes, hundreds of species, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, moray eels, and in the spring months - whale sharks). One of the most favorite places among tourists is West Bay Beach, where the conditions for a beach holiday are paradise.
Attractions on this small Caribbean island include the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences, the Roatan Museum, a marine park and a tropical arboretum.
Copan)
Copan is a Mayan archaeological site located in the department of Copan in western Honduras, near the border with Guatemala. Copan was once a major classical kingdom from the 5th to the 9th centuries AD. The city was located in the extreme southeast of the Mesoamerican cultural region, bordering the Ixmo-Colombian cultural region. Copan in those centuries was a powerful city, ruling a vast kingdom in the southern part of Maya. The city suffered a major political and military disaster in 738 CE when Washaklahun-Ubah-K'avil, one of the greatest kings in Copan's dynastic history, was captured and executed by his former vassal, King Quirigua. This unexpected defeat led to the decline of the kingdom.
The archaeological site of Copan is the most studied Mayan city in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers will find many attractions here. Copan is famous for the steles and altars that are scattered throughout the vast area, most of which were built during 711 and 736 AD. Other highlights include the ball court, a unique temple that has the longest known Mayan text, and the Acropolis with magnificent carved reliefs of the 16 kings of Copán. A significant part of the eastern part of the acropolis was washed away by the Copan River, the river was diverted to protect the site from further damage.
3. Mayan Sculpture Museum ( Museum of Mayan Sculpture)
The Copan archaeological site is home to the magnificent Mayan Sculpture Museum, which displays a series of original sculptures, steles and altars recovered from archaeological excavations at Copan. Undoubtedly, the main attraction of the museum is the richly decorated temple of Rosalila, which was discovered intact during excavations. This wonderful museum is an important stop on a tour of Copana.
4. Utila
32 kilometers from the west coast of Roatan is the paradise Caribbean island of Utila, which is famous for its magnificent waters, so ideal for diving. Tourists from all over the world flock to this 13-kilometer island to dive into the depths of the Caribbean Sea. In addition to the warm, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, Utila boasts two beaches perfect for family holidays under the scorching sun of the tropics.
5. Little French Key
Little French Key is a private island resort, located on the southern coastal windward side of the beautiful island of Roatan, in the chains of the Bay of Honduras. Picture hammocks strung between coconut palms, sparkling clear Caribbean waters with fantastic snorkeling opportunities and white-sand beaches lined with kayaks and sun loungers. This cozy paradise is home to a private zoo with exotic animals that are mostly rescued.
Little French Key, located next to the second largest coral reef in the world and surrounded by crystal clear, warm and turquoise water, here the sound of the sea and the coolness of the Caribbean breeze are harmoniously combined with an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
6. Institute of Marine Sciences of Roatan ( Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences)
The Institute of Marine Sciences on the Honduran island of Roatan is famous for its bottlenose dolphins - bottlenose dolphins. It is located on the northwestern coast of the island, next to Anthony's Key Resort. The Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences educates locals and tourists about the Caribbean marine ecosystem and offers the opportunity to see dolphins in a natural lagoon. Lovers of their favorite animals can swim with dolphins, play simple games or enjoy the experience of diving with them.
7. La Tigra National Park
About 20 kilometers from Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, is the country's first national park - La Tigra (Parque Nacional La Tigra). La Tigra is one of the most beautiful places in Honduras. Situated at an altitude of 2,270 meters, this pristine stretch of lush Central American tropical jungle is home to ocelots, pumas and monkeys. The park is also home to a variety of amazingly colorful and beautiful birds, with over 200 species living within its boundaries, including toucans and trogons. This is one of the most visited parks in Honduras and is worth a separate excursion.
8. Lake Yojoa (Lago de Yojoa)
Along the main road between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, there is a natural landmark of Honduras - Lake Yojoa. Yojoa is the largest natural lake in the country and a major habitat for birds in the Central American country. More than 480 species of birds have been found here, including whistling ducks, northern jacans and toucans. Two mountainous national parks border the lake, Santa Barbara National Park on the north shore and Cerro Azul Maybar National Park on the south.
9. Jeannette Cavas National Park ( Parque Nacional Jeanette Kawas)
Formerly known as Punta Sal National Park, this beautiful desert area is now named after environmental activist Jeannette Cavas, who passionately fought for conservation in Honduras. The park stretches along a peninsula at the western end of Tela Bay and is renowned for its biodiversity, featuring tropical jungles, mangrove wetlands, sparkling beaches and coral reefs. Wildlife is abundant and includes many rare species of birds and mammals. In the park you can find dolphins, howler monkeys and a large number of tropical birds, including toucans and quetzals.
10. Museum of National Identity ( Museum of National Identity)
The main museum of Honduras is the Museum of National Identity, which is housed in a historic 18th-century colonial building. The museum features an impressive collection of Honduran and international art. The museum's historical exhibits reveal the country's fascinating past, from pre-Hispanic times to the present day. The highlight of the museum is the virtual tour of the Mayan Acropolis in Copan.
