The 6 best experiences in Honduras

Many consider Honduras one of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba diving destinations. Roatán – one of the country’s three principal Bay Islands – has many spectacular dive sites within the specially protected waters of Roatán Marine Park.

On an excursion with a dive shop like West Bay Divers, it’s not uncommon to spot sea turtles, eagle rays or plenty of tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter the elusive whale shark.

However, Roatán isn’t the only premier spot for diving in Honduras. The other two Bay Islands, Guanaja and Utila, along with the smaller Cayos Cochinos archipelago, also boast some of the best scuba dive sites in the world.

Utila is internationally known as a dive destination, both for its marine life and laid-back culture. At this enclave, backpackers often become certified PADI divemasters at dive hostels like Alton’s Dive Center and stick around much longer than they intended.

The zip-line canopy tours at Gumbalimba Park in Roatán can give you plenty of thrills and adrenaline spikes. But if you want to go on a truly immersive adventure, head to the El Naranjo region of the Cangrejal River valley on the mainland, about 12km (7.5 miles) from the city center of La Ceiba.

Here, you can take a wild whitewater rafting ride on the Rio Cangrejal through Class III–V rapids that churn from the boulders rising up from the river bed.

Long-running operation La Moskitia Ecoaventuras offers rafting excursions with experienced guides to navigate the course. Trips can also be organized through the Jungle River Lodge.

Detour: Another freshwater adventure is canyoning with the guides at Las Cascadas Lodge, who’ll lead you on a jungle hike up the river gorge to rappel down a series of waterfalls. While not for the faint of heart, the slow and meticulous 15m (50ft) descent on a rope as the force of falling water pounds your body offers a rush you won’t soon forget.

Bird nerds flock to Honduras with good reason – it’s the convergence point of over 760 species of North American and South American bird species.

Bird-watching is especially promising in Honduras’ national parks, where hiking trails let you explore a bit when you’re not standing still with your eyes glued to binoculars. But you don’t need to be an expert to get excited about the wild toucans, hummingbirds and parrots you’ll spot on a rainforest hike through Pico Bonito National Park.

Cerro Azul Meámbar and Montaña de Santa Bárbara national parks, on opposite sides of Lake Yojoa in the western interior, are also worthy bird-watching destinations with great hiking trails.

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You may spot some scarlet macaws in the wild around the ruins of the Archaeological Park of Copán Ruinas, the site of a once-great Maya city dating back to 300 CE.

Since this former settlement didn’t have much gold, the Spaniards’ pillaging in the 16th century wasn’t as horrendous as at other Maya sites across the region. Accordingly, though the site is known for its “ruins,” it has a high state of preservation.

Honduras’ two biggest cities, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula have less-than-stellar reputations when it comes to crime. Yet since they host the two principal airports in the country, a stopover may be inevitable. Consider spending more than just a night – if you keep your wits about you, you’ll find the pair of cities as safe as any major metropolis and even filled with charm.

The capital city Tegucigalpa is the country's political hub, with government buildings and remnants of its Spanish colonial past. Most of the historical places of interest are in El Centro, the district surrounding the Plaza Morazán, named after the former Central American president Francisco Morazán (1830–39), immortalized in a statue at its center.

As you stroll among local families and a handful of tourists around this square, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and the city’s Catholic Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel.

Nearby, there’s also the Centro de la Cultura Garinagu, where you can learn about Honduras’ Afro-Indigenous Garifuna community. Several interesting museums lie in the vicinity; if you only have time for one, make it Museo para la Identidad Nacional.

Across the country, Hondurans get the party started when the sun goes down. If you’re into craft beer, San Pedro Sula’s offerings include Cerveceria La20, featuring a taproom and outdoor beer garden; Alquimia Cervecera commands a crowd for its live music. For a night of dancing, head to Morena, an indoor/outdoor venue to eat, drink and meet young locals.

The capital city Tegucigalpa (known locally as “Tegus”) also has its share of nighttime hot spots. Head to Santé for live music that ranges from Coldplay covers to metal tribute bands. If the club is more your scene, stop by the Vegas-inspired poolside DJ dance parties at Blu Bar, the rooftop venue of the Real Intercontinental Hotel.

While popular nighttime spots are spread out in the bigger cities, they’re more condensed – and therefore easy to hop between on foot – in smaller towns. La Ceiba’s nightlife is primarily in and around the waterfront area known as El Malecón, where bars are lined up next to each other.

At its eastern end is the popular beach bar La Casa del Jaguar. If you’re daring enough, order their signature yet diabolical cocktail shot, Semen del Diablo. (Yes, the translation is exactly what you think it is).

In the Bay Islands, nightlife is concentrated on the main drags of town. In Roatán, head to West End Road, lined with a string of bars. Sundowners and Blue Marlin are the go-to venues for live music, while pirate-themed Booty Bar has dance floors for DJ nights.

Utila’s main (and only) drag has a similar if younger vibe. If you’re looking to party like a college student, head to party bar Tranquila or to La Cueva, which has a killer karaoke night that lasts until the wee hours of the morning.