It has all the right ingredients for a tourist hotspot; pristine beaches, great hotels and a rich cultural history. Despite this, Honduras has scarcely registered on the Western radar in the past, other than its 15 minutes of fame in 1998 when it was ravaged by Hurricane Mitch. These days it is enjoying a boom in popularity as a relatively unknown, unspoiled and undeveloped destination, recognized for its Ecotourism opportunities, affordable scuba diving, mountain treks and river rafting, as well as its appeal to the rich and famous eager to escape the prying eye of the paparazzi.
Toucans pose alongside orchids in the humid cloud forests and mountains, while banana plantations cover the rest of the aptly named 'Banana Republic', famous for its banana cake, banana pancakes, fried plantain and banana chips. Many ancient Mayan and Lenca ruins can be found hidden away from civilization in lush jungle landscapes, ready to enchant the most seasoned of travelers. One of the country's most breathtaking Mayan archaeological sites is the Copan Ruins, a World Heritage Site set in a verdant valley in the far western region of Honduras, reminiscent of something out of an Indiana Jones movie.
The once thriving port of Trujillo has an intriguing pirate history and exquisite tropical beaches, while the region known as the Mosquito Coast, which extends towards the Nicaraguan border, is the largest tract of tropical rainforest north of the Amazon and is one of the most popular spots in the world for ecotourism. The country also boasts 373 miles (600km) of Caribbean white sand beaches, and the offshore Bay Islands such as Utila, Roatan and Guanaja are an extremely popular destination, particularly for divers and snorkelers. There is plenty more to discover in this exciting country, however, and the warmth and hospitality of the Honduran locals is bound to lure first time visitors back time and time again.
The Basics
Time:
Local time is GMT –6.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. Flat blade attachment plugs and flat blades with round grounding pin are in use.
Language:
Spanish is the official language although English is often spoken in the Bay Islands.
Health:
Mosquito-borne illnesses are an ongoing problem in Honduras. All travelers are advised to take mosquito repellent to prevent illnesses such as malaria and dengue fever, as well as to protect from annoying mosquito and sand fly bites. It is strongly recommended that routine vaccinations are up to date. Tap water is not safe to drink but bottles or bags of purified water a readily available. Honduras regularly suffers from severe air pollution, which can aggravate or lead to respiratory problems. For divers, there is a hyperbaric decompression chamber on Roatan. State hospitals are under-funded and travelers should use private hospitals where possible. Health insurance is recommended.
Communications:
The international access code for Honduras is +504. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not in use. Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies and coverage is generally good along the coast and around major towns. Internet cafes are common and can be found in major towns.
Contacts
Visa Agencies
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Tourism
Honduras Tourist Board, Tegucigalpa:
Honduras Embassies
Embassy of Honduras, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 966 7702.
Embassy of Honduras, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7486 4880.
Embassy of Honduras, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 8900.
Embassy of Honduras, Sydney, Australia: +61 (0)2 9247 1730.
Foreign Embassies in Honduras
American Embassy, Tegucigalpa:
British Honorary Consulate, Tegucigalpa:
Canadian Embassy, San José, Costa Rica (also responsible for Honduras): +506 2242 4400.
Australian Embassy, Mexico City, Mexico (also responsible for Honduras): +52 (0)55 110 12200.
South African Embassy, San Pedro Sula: +504 552 4702.
Honduras Emergency Numbers
Emergencies:
Airports
Toncontin International Airport (TGU)
Location:
The airport is located three miles (6km) southwest of Tegucigalpa's centre.
Time:
Local time is GMT – 6.
Contacts:
Tel: +504 233 1115.
Facilities:
The airport features a post office, bank, bureau de change, many restaurants, several airline lounges, a duty free shop and a first aid room.
Parking:
There are 150 short-term parking spaces available.
DepartureTax:
US$30, or US$27 for Honduran nationals.
Climate
Honduras's climate is hot and humid almost all year round. The coast is hot and tropical while the mountainous area is slightly cooler. The north coast is prone to a very hot climate and experiences rain throughout the year.
The dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. The Caribbean coast experiences heavy rain from September to February. Average annual temperatures hover around 90°F (32°C). Hurricane season runs from June to November and landslides, mudslides and flooding may occur.
Passport & Visa
Visa Agencies:
Avoid the stress and queues, get a visa agency to arrange your visa.
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Global Visas, London, UK. 0207 190 3903 or www.globalvisas.com
Entry requirements for Americans:United States citizens do not require a visa if visiting for a stay of up to three months. A valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months. A valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months. A valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months. A valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months. A valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months. A valid passport is required.
Passport/Visa Note: Travelers require a passport valid for at least three months on arrival and must hold proof of onward/return ticket and all documents required for next destination. Extensions are possible for a fee of US$10 to US$50 at the Immigration Department.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
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