Signature Honduras: Jungle, islands and Mayan ruins
11 days from £3,225
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
You’ll be met at the airport and escorted to your accommodation for the night. San Pedro is not a very prepossessing city but your central accommodation is a convenient base. There is a modern gallery which showcases paintings by female artists from the city. There is a terrace which has a small bar and a swimming pool; you can access Wifi in the public areas.
Drive along the highway through Western Honduras, following the Chamelecon river valley. The countryside along the way is very scenic: forested mountains, livestock farms, tobacco plantations and, higher up, coffee farms. Arrive at Copán Ruinas a quaint little colonial town just 12 km short of the Guatemalan border. Close by is one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the region, Copán.
This friendly, family-owned Marina Copan hotel is situated on the corner of the main square in the quaint little town of Copán Ruinas, less than 15 minutes’ walk from the impressive archaeological ruins. The grand old building, built in the 40s, has the feel of a historic townhouse in the same vein as the predominant local style, with rustic terracotta roofs and shady colonnaded walkways.
Guestrooms are adorned with paintings by local artists, and are neutrally decorated with ceiling beams and tiled floors. Suites are particularly roomy and include extras such as a Jacuzzi bath and kitchenette.
The hotel has a second floor restaurant with an outside terrace overlooking the attractive free-form swimming pool which flows invitingly through the central courtyard. There are numerous small alcoves where guests can relax amongst tropical plants and fountains. Live Marimba music is regularly performed at weekends.
It is not as immense as Tikal but the Mayans’ craftsmanship has survived the passing of time – most impressively evident in the intricate carvings of the 21 stelae. Copán is believed to have been in its ‘golden era’ between 553AD and 738AD, before falling into decline soon after. Also visit the Maya Sculpture Museum, which exhibits artwork of the Mayan site. Access is through an impression of a snake’s mouth framing the entrance. Its centrepiece though is a replica of Rosalila Temple, which lies concealed under a larger pyramid at the site itself.
In the afternoon, choose between a visit to Hacienda San Lucas, which you will be able to explore a century-old rural retreat on horseback or on foot, and an excursion to the Macaw Mountain Bird Park where you can stroll through an aviary beneath the canopy of hardwood trees surprised by flights of scarlet macaws and parakeets.
This friendly, family-owned Marina Copan hotel is situated on the corner of the main square in the quaint little town of Copán Ruinas, less than 15 minutes’ walk from the impressive archaeological ruins. The grand old building, built in the 40s, has the feel of a historic townhouse in the same vein as the predominant local style, with rustic terracotta roofs and shady colonnaded walkways.
Guestrooms are adorned with paintings by local artists, and are neutrally decorated with ceiling beams and tiled floors. Suites are particularly roomy and include extras such as a Jacuzzi bath and kitchenette.
The hotel has a second floor restaurant with an outside terrace overlooking the attractive free-form swimming pool which flows invitingly through the central courtyard. There are numerous small alcoves where guests can relax amongst tropical plants and fountains. Live Marimba music is regularly performed at weekends.
Conventional, modern coffee plantations are replacing wildlife habitat, and the population of songbirds across North and South America is in significant decline. Shade-grown coffee, the traditional method of coffee farming, offers a promising alternative.
A short drive from Copán you arrive at Finca Santa Isabel where you are guided on a hike from the nursery where the coffee is planted into the mountains to where the plants grow under the shade of the trees. You’ll observe how the coffee is harvested and processed. As shade coffee farms support over 150 species of birds, you will also have the opportunity to spot and identify different species as you walk along the trails.
This friendly, family-owned Marina Copan hotel is situated on the corner of the main square in the quaint little town of Copán Ruinas, less than 15 minutes’ walk from the impressive archaeological ruins. The grand old building, built in the 40s, has the feel of a historic townhouse in the same vein as the predominant local style, with rustic terracotta roofs and shady colonnaded walkways.
Guestrooms are adorned with paintings by local artists, and are neutrally decorated with ceiling beams and tiled floors. Suites are particularly roomy and include extras such as a Jacuzzi bath and kitchenette.
The hotel has a second floor restaurant with an outside terrace overlooking the attractive free-form swimming pool which flows invitingly through the central courtyard. There are numerous small alcoves where guests can relax amongst tropical plants and fountains. Live Marimba music is regularly performed at weekends.
Set off by road to your lodge, set in coastal rainforest of Pico Bonito National Park. En route, stop off at Lancetilla Botanical Gardens in the eponymous national park. It houses one of the largest collections of plantains in the world (Honduras is the original banana republic) and is well respected for its work in conserving Honduran plant species. There is an abundance of birdlife here since many of the trees are fruit-bearing, providing vital sustenance to over 250 identified species.
The luxury Lodge at Pico Bonito is set between cocoa fields and the largest national park in Honduras. Although only 20 minutes from the town of La Ceiba, it has an isolated feel that invites relaxation and appreciation of nature.
The lodge is set in lush rainforest overlooked by the Nombre de Dios Mountain Range. The secluded wooden cabins are tucked within dense foliage, housing stylish and spacious rooms with ensuite bathroom and veranda. Thoughtful touches such as fresh flowers exemplify the attention to detail much-praised by guests.
Walkways wind between the reception area and the cabins, spread across well-tended gardens bursting with tropical vegetation, attracting a profusion of hummingbirds. Within these idyllic surroundings, you’ll also find a swimming pool, a superb restaurant and a small spa.
Pico Bonito is both the name of the national park and the 2,700m mountain that provides the lodge with an ever-changing backdrop. Trails lead into Pico Bonito National Park and to numerous nearby waterfalls. It’s also possible to explore on horseback, by mountain bike or on a kayaking trip through the mangroves. Wildlife is one of the area’s big attractions and the lodge’s observation tower offers superb views of the rainforest. It also has its own butterfly farm where you can see the striking blue morpho at close quarters.
Visit the unpopulated Cayos Cochinos (Hog Cays), reached in 45 minutes by boat from the port of La Ceiba. This exquisite archipelago and marine reserve comprises a collection of forested or palm-speckled coral islets ringed by chalk-white sand beaches and a reef alive with aquatic species.
Cruise among the islets, stopping at a Garifuna fishing community. The Garifuna are a mixed-race community descended from African slaves, indigenous islanders and Arawak Indians. They speak their own language and defend their own traditional way of life. Later, take a short walk along a forest trail. There’s plenty of time for sunbathing or snorkelling.
The luxury Lodge at Pico Bonito is set between cocoa fields and the largest national park in Honduras. Although only 20 minutes from the town of La Ceiba, it has an isolated feel that invites relaxation and appreciation of nature.
The lodge is set in lush rainforest overlooked by the Nombre de Dios Mountain Range. The secluded wooden cabins are tucked within dense foliage, housing stylish and spacious rooms with ensuite bathroom and veranda. Thoughtful touches such as fresh flowers exemplify the attention to detail much-praised by guests.
Walkways wind between the reception area and the cabins, spread across well-tended gardens bursting with tropical vegetation, attracting a profusion of hummingbirds. Within these idyllic surroundings, you’ll also find a swimming pool, a superb restaurant and a small spa.
Pico Bonito is both the name of the national park and the 2,700m mountain that provides the lodge with an ever-changing backdrop. Trails lead into Pico Bonito National Park and to numerous nearby waterfalls. It’s also possible to explore on horseback, by mountain bike or on a kayaking trip through the mangroves. Wildlife is one of the area’s big attractions and the lodge’s observation tower offers superb views of the rainforest. It also has its own butterfly farm where you can see the striking blue morpho at close quarters.
There are a number of activities which you can sign up for locally at the lodge, where the focus is on giving you the most varied eco-friendly experiences possible while you familiarise yourself with the bird-filled forest enveloping the property. They include early morning and night time hikes, white-water rafting, visits to local communities, guided tours of Mayan ruins and the botanical gardens. You can climb a couple of observation towers to view the wildlife which lives high in the canopy.
Alternatively – or additionally – you can avail yourself of the services of the lodge’s spa facilities, where pre-Hispanic healing methods have been adapted into soothing massages and facials.
The luxury Lodge at Pico Bonito is set between cocoa fields and the largest national park in Honduras. Although only 20 minutes from the town of La Ceiba, it has an isolated feel that invites relaxation and appreciation of nature.
The lodge is set in lush rainforest overlooked by the Nombre de Dios Mountain Range. The secluded wooden cabins are tucked within dense foliage, housing stylish and spacious rooms with ensuite bathroom and veranda. Thoughtful touches such as fresh flowers exemplify the attention to detail much-praised by guests.
Walkways wind between the reception area and the cabins, spread across well-tended gardens bursting with tropical vegetation, attracting a profusion of hummingbirds. Within these idyllic surroundings, you’ll also find a swimming pool, a superb restaurant and a small spa.
Pico Bonito is both the name of the national park and the 2,700m mountain that provides the lodge with an ever-changing backdrop. Trails lead into Pico Bonito National Park and to numerous nearby waterfalls. It’s also possible to explore on horseback, by mountain bike or on a kayaking trip through the mangroves. Wildlife is one of the area’s big attractions and the lodge’s observation tower offers superb views of the rainforest. It also has its own butterfly farm where you can see the striking blue morpho at close quarters.
Transfer to La Ceiba port for a ferry to Roatán island. Roatán is situated 50km off the coast of Honduras and is the most developed of the Bay Islands. It was once a hideaway for pirates and the infamous captain Henry Morgan made it his lair. Its people are a mix of Afro-Caribbean, European and Garífuna indian descent with English the main language spoken.
Fishing is still its main economic activity although in recent years it has become a top international destination for scuba diving and snorkelling. Sun worshippers can take advantage of some glorious secluded beaches while others can enjoy the eateries and use the facilities of the dive schools which line the powdery white sands of West Bay.
As its name suggests, Barefoot Cay is a laid-back, informal, friendly and welcoming resort. It sits on a private cay fringed with powder-white sand, just off Roatán island. It holds special appeal for scuba divers for whom there is an on-site PADI dive centre, but guests who only want to relax will also feel at home here.
There are 14 guest rooms no matter your preferences and style, from loft studios to oceanfront villas, catering for individuals, couples, families and groups of friends. Barefoot Cay’s villas are right on the beach, and the loft studios and suites have views overlooking Barefoot Cay and the Caribbean. Rooms include thoughtfully appointed amenities including Heavenly beds with high quality linens, luxury bath products, A/C, Wi-Fi, and in-room phones.
The step-on pontoon passenger ferry is available to take guests across the 85’ channel between Roatán and the Cay at any hour of the day or night, and the resort is situated in a central location on Roatán’s south shore, offering a perfect jumping off point for exploring and experiencing the island. There is a swimming pool and the Silversides Restaurant & Bar offers guests globally inspired dishes prepared from fresh, local ingredients.
Your intimate resort hotel is set right on the beach. It caters for divers so there are optional opportunities for you to explore the coral reef – some of the best undersea viewing in the world.
However there are plenty of things to do for those who are not sub-aqua aficionados. Roatán offers a wide variety of adventures which can be organised from the hotel, from zip-lining to swimming with dolphins and horse riding to sunset sails. Kayaking, fishing, glass-bottomed boat tours, golf : there’s something to appeal to everyone, and a spa on the premises if you need to relax after your exertions.
Of course, you might choose just to swing in a hammock, or enjoy a cocktail beside the pool.
As its name suggests, Barefoot Cay is a laid-back, informal, friendly and welcoming resort. It sits on a private cay fringed with powder-white sand, just off Roatán island. It holds special appeal for scuba divers for whom there is an on-site PADI dive centre, but guests who only want to relax will also feel at home here.
There are 14 guest rooms no matter your preferences and style, from loft studios to oceanfront villas, catering for individuals, couples, families and groups of friends. Barefoot Cay’s villas are right on the beach, and the loft studios and suites have views overlooking Barefoot Cay and the Caribbean. Rooms include thoughtfully appointed amenities including Heavenly beds with high quality linens, luxury bath products, A/C, Wi-Fi, and in-room phones.
The step-on pontoon passenger ferry is available to take guests across the 85’ channel between Roatán and the Cay at any hour of the day or night, and the resort is situated in a central location on Roatán’s south shore, offering a perfect jumping off point for exploring and experiencing the island. There is a swimming pool and the Silversides Restaurant & Bar offers guests globally inspired dishes prepared from fresh, local ingredients.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Honduras - Copan
Copán holidays centre on one of the Americas’ most remarkable Maya sites, where intricately carved stelae, towering temples and the New World’s longest hieroglyphic inscription reveal the story of a once-powerful civilisation. Set among jungle-clad hills, it remains Honduras’ greatest cultural treasure.
Honduras - Pico Bonito National Park
Pico Bonito National Park is one of Honduras’ most important protected wilderness areas, and it’s easy to see why once you’re there. Tropical rainforest, rushing rivers and wildlife. It’s known for its biodiversity, spectacular scenery and adventure. We can’t think of many places in Central America that offer this kind of nature encounter.
Honduras - Bay Islands and beaches
Turquoise water, soft sand and the second biggest reef system on the planet running along the shore, that’s Honduras’ Bay Islands in a nutshell. Roatán, Utila and Guanaja sit strung along the reef, and between them they cover pretty much everything you’d want from Bay Islands holidays: diving, snorkelling, beach days and a peaceful pace.
This low-key, little visited country shelters some of the top highlights for visitors in the region and here you will get to see them all: the intricate carvings at one of the Mayan Empire’s best preserved archaeological sites, Copán; the much lauded Lodge and Spa at Pico Bonito, set in a wildly biodiverse jungle-filled national park, and the sun-baked island Roatán, which hosts some of the best dive sites in the world.
A holiday to Honduras may not immediately spring to mind when you are considering travelling to Central America, even though it is the largest country there. The unassuming population of this relatively undeveloped country is friendly and welcoming (on this nature and culture-focused holiday you will be avoiding some of the trickier cites) and you’ll enjoy a country with a relaxed, unhurried feel, your experiences unbothered by the presence of hordes of tourists. You’ll be delighted to have uncovered a niche destination, quietly upgrading its infrastructure and slowly revealing its charms.
Rosie Kay
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
1 domestic flight by turbo-prop flights (40 mins) – NB limited luggage allowance; 1 boat trip; 4 scenic road journeys.
International flights to San Pedro Sula from the UK: Thursdays on Air Europa via Madrid; Sundays on American Airlines via Miami.
- Accommodation
Some of the accommodation has been chosen for its convenience of location; but they are all good quality, friendly establishments. Pico Bonito Lodge and Barefoot Caye Hotel on the Caribbean coast are regarded by most as truly first class.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; lunch days 3,4, 6; full board days 8,9,&10.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
11 days, 10 nights: San Pedro Sula 1; Copán Ruinas 3; Pico Bonito 3; Barefoot Caye 3.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Honduras is the lempira.
- How To Take It
In Honduras, you can change US dollar cash locally in banks and may be able to obtain cash advances via the few ATMs in larger towns and cities. You may have to ask your bank to authorise withdrawals before you leave the UK, and amounts may be limited. However these ATMs do not always accept foreign cards, which are also not usable in many smaller hotels and commercial outlets. Since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds. You can obtain cash advances in most banks throughout the country. IN some places you can pay in US dollars cash.
We recommend that you also take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash – in some places you can pay with this currency. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$35-45 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you may pay considerably more. The cost of living can be considerably cheaper in rural areas than major resorts.
- Tipping
Tips are welcomed and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
Tipping guidelines can be found in our Briefing Dossier.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket. However there is a charge of around $US40 charged locally for departures from San Pedro Sula.
- Trip Suitability
There are no long days of travel on this trip. This holiday is suitable for all, including families. However, if you have a disability we should be aware of, or other special requirements, please call us. From May to October the weather can be extremely hot and humid, you should bear this in mind if travelling with small children or elderly persons.
- Climate
Travellers in May to October should encounter high temperatures (around 35°C) and high humidity in the lowlands and on the coast and islands. There are likely to be some short bursts of heavy rainfall during these months. From December to April visitors will still encounter high temperatures in the lowlands, and plenty of sun. Rainfall and humidity will be lower at this time.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
Bring plenty of light cotton clothing and good, comfortable walking shoes. It’s sensible to have long sleeves for areas where mosquitoes may be hovering around.
Protection against the sun (sun-block, sun hat) and mosquito repellant are essential and you should bring swimwear. A daypack is useful for carrying sun block, guidebook, water and any extra layers.
The airline operating the light aircraft flight from Roatán imposes a hold luggage limit of 15kg.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in Central America.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements, including advice on yellow fever and malaria tablets.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Visas
From 15 August 2024, UK passport holders require a visa for Honduras. Full UK passport holders do not need a visa for the other countries visited on this holiday (see below if travelling via the USA). Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
APIS and ESTA – important flight information:
ESTA – if flying to, or via, the USA you will need to fill in your application to ESTA online.
This must be done by you personally.
Passports must also be digital e-passports with an embedded chip. Avoid locking suitcases if transiting the USA, as their customs authorities retain the right to break into them.APIS – Many countries now oblige airlines to provide additional information about passengers prior to the flight departure. This Advance Passenger Information (APIS) must be supplied to us promptly in order to issue tickets and avoid fare increases. We will provide the airlines with the relevant details if we are booking your international flights. If the information is not provided you may be denied boarding.
- When is the best time to visit Honduras?
Honduras holidays are possible at any time of the year. The coastal lowlands have a hot tropical climate all year round with temperatures approaching 30oC. The mountainous interior has a milder climate and in Dec – Jan temperatures hover around 18oC and it is cool at night. The rainy season runs May – Nov with afternoon showers – although precipitation is more persistent on the north coast. Sep – Nov is the season when rainfall may be heavy and hurricanes are possible.
- What's the official language of Honduras?
Spanish is the official language of Honduras.
- What is the official currency in Honduras?
The currency of Honduras is Lempira. You can change US dollar cash or travellers cheques locally in banks and may be able to obtain cash advances via the few ATMs in larger towns and cities. You may have ask your bank to authorise withdrawals before you leave the UK, and withdrawals may be limited. However these ATMs do not always accept foreign cards, which are also not usable in many smaller hotels and commerce. You can obtain cash advances in most banks throughout the country. NB: a charge of $US40 is made at the airport upon leaving the country (you can pay with a credit card).
- What is the time difference between Honduras and UK?
The time difference between Honduras and the UK is GMT-6 hours.
- Do I need a visa for Honduras?
As of 15 August 2024, UK passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Honduras. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate. If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- What vaccinations do I need for Honduras?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What places combine well with Honduras?
A visit to neighbouring Central America countries, such as tiny, friendly El Salvador; wildlife-rich, slickly organised Costa Rica and the Mayan cities of Guatemala, all easily accessed by land or air.
- How do you get to Honduras from the UK?
There are flights via US and European hubs, the journey from London takes around 15 hours.
- What are the festivals and cultural events in Honduras?
Semana Santa, Easter, throughout Honduras. Celebrated from Thursday through to Easter Sunday.
Festival Lluvia de Peces (Rain of Fish), Yoro, start of rainy season in Jun. Parades and carnival. It’s a puzzle for scientists, but the dark clouds are accompanied by very heavy rain which will last upwards of 3hrs. Once the rain has stopped, the city streets are littered with living fish. Commemoration of the arrival of the Garifuna communities, 12 Apr. Presentations by music and dance groups including the Ballet Folklórico Garifuna.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Take a PADI course or just get a taste of scuba diving in the Caribbean waters of the Bay Islands.
Ride in the scenic surroundings of Copán Ruinas, passing archaeological sites to arrive at a rural hacienda.
Visit an impressive Mayan archaeological site renowned for its intricate stelae.
Explore Latin America’s largest botanical gardens.
Explore Pico Bonito National Park, a wonderland of waterfalls, rainforest and abundant animal and bird life.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Beautiful lodge set in exuberant gardens, offering tropical luxury in an enchanting setting on the edge of a wildlife-rich rainforest.
Laid-back, friendly and welcoming boutique resort on its own private caye. A scuba diver’s dream, but equally suited to relaxation.
Friendly, comfortable and well-located hotel, following the design of a historic townhouse but with the addition of a free-form pool flowing through its leafy central courtyard.
Papagaio
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