See the mountains, banana plantations, rainforest and Caribbean shores along the Northern Coast of Honduras. Enjoy relaxing island and beach getaways or scuba diving and jungle adventures. Visit historical coastal villages, enter Spanish-colonial cathedrals and watch sea turtles nesting.
Outside the December to February peak season and Semana Santa (Holy Week around Easter), it’s mostly intrepid travellers who come to the Northern Coast of Honduras for eco-tours.
If flying into San Pedro Sula’s international airport, you can visit the city’s huge cathedral, Parque Central and the Museum of Nature before heading to the coast. Be aware that widespread poverty and gang-related crime have taken a toll on the city and its residents and take all necessary precautions. If you are an experienced traveller, this should not stop you from enjoying the region’s spectacular nature though, as picturesque tropical islands are just a short flight away. The marine life around palm tree-covered Roatán and Utila is amazing and the clear, warm waters are a scuba diver’s dream.
You can also reach these islands by ferry by first taking a bus to the port of La Ceiba. On your way east, spend some lazy days in a humble bungalow along Tela Beach. In the La Ceiba vicinity, hike through Pico Bonito National Park to see monkeys and swim or raft near waterfalls.
For the final leg of the Northern Coast, fly to Brus Laguna and explore the bio-diverse La Mosquitia jungle. Spend a night in Plaplaya village with African-American Garífuna people to see their sea turtle conservation project.
In between Brus Laguna and La Ceiba lies historic Trujillo with its strip of restaurants and bars along the beach. It’s overlooked by the cannons of the colonial Santa Barbara fortress.
When touring the Northern Coast of Honduras, get local safety advice to fully enjoy your stay in this breathtaking region. Also adapt to the slow pace of life and leave all worries for “mañana”: Tomorrow is another day!
