top of page
Search

Honduras Travel Guide: 10-Day Itinerary, Hidden Gems & Safety Tips

Updated: Aug 6

The fact: Not many people would consider travel to Honduras.

The intrigue: Honduras is often considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world outside of war zones, with San Pedro Sula once known as the former "murder capital of the world." That’s precisely what intrigued us. Instead of letting the headlines define our experience, we set out to explore the real Honduras.

ree

While most travelers stick to the cruise-friendly shores of Roatan, our journey took us inland—through jungles, waterfalls, mountains, and ancient ruins. The result? One of the most raw, authentic, and awe-inspiring adventures we’ve ever had.

This blog is a firsthand guide to uncovering the hidden treasures of Honduras with a 10-day itinerary, local food tips, vegan-friendly options, and sustainable travel experiences.


10-DAY HONDURAS ITINERARY


  • Days 1–3: San Pedro Sula, Tela, Garifuna Community, Lacentilla Botanical Gardens

  • Days 4–6: Lake Yojoa – D&D Brewery, Pulphanzahk Waterfall, Lake Azul

  • Days 7–9: Pico Bonito National Park – Camping & Trekking

  • Day 10: Roatan Island – Daniel Johnson’s Sloth Sanctuary

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FLIGHTS + VISA

We flew with Copa Airlines from Miami via Panama. Honduras offers visa on arrival (free) for travelers holding a previously used, valid US visa (with at least 6 months validity).

ree

LANGUAGE

Spanish is the primary language, and very few locals speak English—especially outside touristy areas.


BEST TIME TO VISIT

December to April is the dry season. We went in July and faced thunderstorms only in the evenings.

CURRENCY

Carry Honduran Lempira for local transport. USD and cards are widely accepted in touristy areas.


Getting Around

For safety, opt for private or shared taxis. Hitchhiking and chicken buses are cheaper but require Spanish fluency.


SAFETY

Tourists are rarely targeted. Stick to safe neighborhoods, research in advance, and be street-smart.


Where We Stayed


San Pedro Sula

Found a safe and charming stay via Booking.com

Lake Yojoa

D&D Brewery – huge portions, vegetarian options, great location

Pico Bonito Camped for one night, then stayed at Omega Lodge, an eco-retreat in the jungle

Vegan + Vegetarian Food in Honduras

Though meat-heavy, Honduran cuisine has vegan-friendly delights like baleadas (refried beans, avocado, and plantains). We hunted down local vegetarian spots and had some surprisingly good meals in the jungle lodges.


Highlights of Honduras


Tela + Garifuna Culture 

The Garifuna community was a cultural highlight. Dancing, storytelling, and connecting with their traditions brought us closer to the soul of Honduras.


Authentic cultural experiences are an integral part of traveling for us. We had the opportunity to learn more about the vibrant traditions of the Garifuna community. While dancing to the rhythmic beats of drums and the melodies of traditional songs, the echoes of ancestry resonated within our souls. We exchanged stories, shared laughs while understanding their hardships. Their eyes and beautiful faces weave tales of resilience.

Lacentilla Botanical Gardens 

Second largest in the world. Though we came for birdwatching, we left stunned by the biodiversity.

Although, that's not why we came here. Our guide is a bird-watcher and we learned that Honduras is heaven for bird watching. We found so many incredible species of them.

Copan Ruins

Unlike anything in Tikal, these ruins feature intricate stelae and altars. The Hieroglyphic Stairway narrates dynastic history. Watching wild macaws fly over the ruins was surreal.

ree

As we wandered amidst these impressive Mayan ruins, we noticed the differences and began comparing them to the ruins in Tikal. In all honesty, there was no comparison. The intricate carvings and stelae on these ruins tell stories of a bygone era. The sense of wonder grew as imagined the vibrant civilization that once thrived here.

Copan was once an important city within the grandeur of the Mayan empire. This archaeological site boasts intricately carved stelae and altars - remnants from a time when it thrived as an artistic and cultural hub between AD 426-820. The Hieroglyphic Stairway here holds great significance with its monumental inscriptions narrating dynastic lineage over centuries.

Intricate carvings on these structures serve as windows into their past - offering glimpses into rituals, royal ascensions, victories over rival kingdoms. The best part for me was being able to watch countless macaws fly over the ruins, as they've been watching over this sacred site for centuries... which brings to our next attraction, just 10 minutes away from Copan..

Macaw Mountains

 Just 10 minutes from Copan, the sanctuary helps repopulate endangered macaws. An ethical wildlife experience that left us speechless.

As we set foot in the enchanting realm of Macaw Mountains, we felt an instant thrill of witnessing vibrant splashes of color come to life. There was already the chatter of exotic birds echoed through the dense foliage, and it didn't take long for us to spot them – the magnificent Macaws. The sight of these majestic creatures in this protect habitat was a soul-stirring moment. There is commendable work being done by the team at the sanctuary.

ree

Macaw Mountains had more in store for us than just fleeting glances of winged wonders. We stumbled onto little corners the where different birds gathered together creating a captivating spectacle. Watching these social birds interact was a reminder of the importance of preserving their habitat and protecting the delicate balance of nature. We left the place with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of Honduras and a resolve to spread the word about the magic that awaits those who venture to this biodiverse haven. Embrace the magnificence of nature and get ready to be spellbound by these feathered gems that call Honduras their home.

Lake Yojoa

 Lush and serene, surrounded by hills. Interactions with the locals made it even more special.

ree

The glistening waters of Lake Yojoa, embraced by rolling hills and lush forests, create a mesmerizing sight that's straight out of a fairytale. From the moment we set foot on its shores, I felt an instant connection with the tranquility of this natural wonder. What makes Lake Yojoa truly special is the sense of community that envelops you as you explore its wonders. We loved staying in the D&D Brewery - whether it's the helpful smiles of the locals sharing tales of the lake's folklore , every interaction felt like a delightful chapter in a travel novel. The people of Honduras are just fantastic.

Pulphanzahk Waterfall

We chose the behind-the-waterfall hike (over ziplining). It’s wet, wild, and worth every second. Book via D&D Brewery for $17 per person.

ree

We donned our protective gear and made our way down to the thunderous sound of gushing water. As we turned a corner, there it was – a breathtaking display of grandeur! Pulphanzahk Waterfall stands tall and proud, its emerald waters plunging into a crystal-clear pool below. A magical rainbow shining like feathers on a peacocks head. Oh, but we are not here for just any stroll through the park. There are two ways to experience this waterfall - zipline or hike behind the waterfall.

We chose the latter. Our guide took us behind an enclosed section of the park - we could feel the excitement building in the pit of our stomachs. With every step we took, the spray from the falls hit us like a burst of invigorating energy. It's as if Mother Nature herself was giving us a high-five for daring to venture into her secret world.

As we walked behind the waterfall, the sheer power of nature left us breathless. So, grab your courage and get ready embrace the thrill of walking behind this mighty waterfall. It's a bucket-list adventure you'll treasure forever.


To book: have the D&D Brewery team take you to the falls. Costs $17 per person todo this.

Lake Azul

 A biopark near D&D Brewery with waterfalls and turquoise lakes.

Pico Bonito National Park

 The El Bejuco hike is not for the faint-hearted—80% is rough terrain. But the waterfalls, wildlife, and sunrise views made it unforgettable. Book with Emilio for $150 per person (includes gear and guides).

This hike is called El Bejuco Waterfall hike and it can take about 4 hours if you are reasonably fit. In non-rainy season, I would rate this hike 7/10 not so much for the altitude gain but more for the lack of trails - for 80% of the time, we were just on narrow paths climbing massive boulders.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we pitched our tents beneath a star-studded sky, immersing ourselves in the wild embrace of Pico Bonito. The crackling campfire, laughter, and stories exchanged with our fantastic guides around it created cherished memories that filled our souls with a profound sense of connection to each other.

The next morning, during sunrise, time seemed to slow down, allowing us to savor every moment and appreciate the beauty of the towering mountains. The park's biodiversity is truly a treasure trove.. rare mushrooms peeked out from the foliage and colorful butterflies danced in the sunlight. I was in awe of Honduras' commitment to conservation and its role in preserving these delicate ecosystems.

To book: contact Emilio to book the experience for you. Costs $150 per person for everything.

Roatan – Daniel Johnson’s Sloth Sanctuary

 Day trip from La Ceiba via ferry ($72 round trip). Hugging a sloth ethically, under expert supervision, was the most heartwarming moment of our trip.

The sanctuary's commitment to the well-being of the wildlife here was evident in every aspect of the experience. From educating visitors on animal conservation to providing a safe environment for them to flourish, Daniel Johnson's Sloth and Monkey Sanctuary sets an inspiring example of responsible tourism. If you're an animal lover like me, seeking a heartwarming encounter, don't miss this one.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who believes everything the media says, then Honduras may sound terrifying. But those who dare to look deeper will find one of the richest, most biodiverse, and welcoming countries in Central America.

Whether you seek pristine beaches, mist-covered mountains, ancient ruins, or cultural immersion—Honduras has it all. It's raw, it’s real, and it’s ridiculously underrated.

ree

Thanks for reading! Got questions? Drop them below.

With love, 

Anki



Wayfarer Footprints has captured the imagination of explorers and dreamers across the globe. Our travel journey—filled with immersive adventures, honest insights, and practical tips—has resonated deeply with readers who seek meaning beyond the map. From solo travel stories to offbeat discoveries, we’re proud to have been recognized by both Indian and international media



bottom of page