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Capital: Tegucigalpa (co-capital) and Comayagüela (co-capital, forming the Central District)
System: Unitary presidential republic
Area: About 112,492 square kilometres (43,433 square miles)
Size comparison: Roughly half the size of the United Kingdom and about the same size as the U.S. state of Ohio
Population: Approximately 10.5 million people
Languages: Spanish (official), with several recognised indigenous languages spoken, including Garífuna, Miskito, and Pech
Religion: Predominantly Christian, with the majority identifying as Roman Catholic, followed by a significant number of Protestant and Evangelical denominations
Country Information
Honduras, situated in the heart of Central America, is a country of striking contrasts and remarkable beauty. Bordered by Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua, with both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, it offers a geographical variety that few nations of its size can match. Its Caribbean shores are dotted with palm-fringed beaches and the famous Bay Islands, a diver’s paradise blessed with vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Inland, the terrain rises sharply into mountains and cloud forests, where coffee plantations thrive and traditional villages remain largely untouched by time. Despite being one of the less visited countries in the region, Honduras possesses a richness in landscape and culture that rewards those who venture beyond its well-trodden neighbours.
The country also carries the weight of a deep and complex history. Long before the arrival of the Spanish, Honduras was part of the vast Maya civilisation, and the ruins of Copán remain one of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas, renowned for their intricate carvings and stelae. Colonial influences later left their mark in the architecture of towns such as Gracias and Comayagua, where cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and centuries-old churches preserve a sense of the past. Yet Honduras is not merely a museum piece; it is a place where living traditions endure. Colourful festivals, indigenous crafts, and a cuisine rich in maize, beans and tropical fruits continue to shape daily life, connecting the present to centuries of cultural heritage.
Modern Honduras, however, faces many challenges alongside its natural and historical wealth. Issues such as poverty, political instability and concerns about security have often overshadowed the country’s attractions on the global stage. Yet there is resilience and warmth in the character of the Honduran people, who are known for their hospitality and strong sense of community. In recent years, there have been efforts to encourage sustainable tourism, protect national parks and support local artisans, offering visitors a chance to contribute positively to the economy while experiencing the country’s authenticity. For the traveller willing to look past the headlines, Honduras reveals itself as a land of surprising charm, where rugged mountains, ancient ruins and turquoise seas blend with a culture that is both proud and enduring.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency & banking
💰 Currency
Official Currency: Honduran Lempira (HNL), often abbreviated as “L” or sometimes “HNL.”
Coins: 5, 10, 20, and 50 centavos, and 1 and 2 lempiras.
Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 lempiras are in circulation, with 20, 50, 100, and 200 lempiras most commonly used.
💱 Currency Exchange
Currency can be exchanged at:
🏦 Banks
💶 Currency exchange offices (widely available in major cities and tourist areas)
🏨 Hotels (rates are usually less favourable)
🏧 ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns, generally offering competitive exchange rates.
💳 Credit & Debit Cards
✅ Widely accepted in: Hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and larger shops in urban centres.
⚠️ Less common in: Local markets, small shops, and rural areas — cash is strongly preferred.
Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards.
American Express may be accepted in some upscale hotels or international establishments.
Tipping
🍴 Restaurants
A tip of around 10% is standard if service isn’t already included.
🏨 Hotels
Around 50–100 lempiras is customary for bellhops or housekeeping staff.
🚕 Taxis
Tipping isn’t expected, but rounding up to the nearest 5 lempiras is appreciated.
🗺️ Tour Guides & Drivers
About 200–400 lempiras per day, depending on service quality and group size.
Communications
📱 Mobile Phones & SIM Cards
If you’re planning to stay connected while travelling in Honduras, picking up a local SIM card is both inexpensive and straightforward. It’s the best way to get affordable mobile data and local call rates without relying solely on Wi-Fi.
Major Providers:
Claro – the widest coverage, including many rural areas
Tigo – strong data speeds in cities and larger towns
Hondutel – limited reach but competitive in some regions
Where to buy: You can purchase a SIM at airport kiosks, official mobile shops, shopping centres, or even small electronics stores. Remember to bring your passport — it’s required for registration.
Cost: Expect to pay around L150–L250 HNL for a SIM card including a few GB of data and some local minutes. Top-ups are widely available in corner shops, supermarkets, and street kiosks.
🌐 Internet & Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi hotspots: Free Wi-Fi is common in most hotels, many cafés and restaurants, and occasionally in public spaces such as plazas and bus terminals.
Connection quality: Internet speeds are generally reliable in major cities like Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and La Ceiba, but can be patchy in smaller towns, rural areas, and the Bay Islands.
💡 Tip: Download offline maps before travelling to remote regions — especially if you’re heading to the mountains, national parks, or less developed coastal areas, where coverage can disappear quickly.
Getting around
🚖 Taxis
Taxis are common and affordable in major cities such as Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and La Ceiba.
Colours & Safety:
Official taxis often have clear identification numbers and signage; avoid unmarked ones for safety.
How to use them:
Always agree on the fare before setting off, as meters are rarely used.
For extra security, book through your hotel or a reputable app.
Rates: Short city trips can cost from around 50–100 HNL, with longer journeys proportionally more.
Tipping: Not required, though rounding up is appreciated.
Apps: In larger cities, apps such as InDriver are increasingly popular for safer bookings and clearer pricing.
🚌 Buses & Minibuses
Local Buses (Colectivos): Very cheap, but routes and stops may be confusing for first-time visitors as timetables are flexible.
Long-distance buses:
Comfortable services (such as Hedman Alas or Viana) connect major cities and tourist hubs, often with reclining seats, air-conditioning, and sometimes refreshments.
Minibuses (Rapiditos): Common for shorter intercity or suburban routes; they usually depart when full, are cheaper than buses, but less spacious.
🚗 Rental Cars
Recommended if you’re confident with driving in both cities and rural areas — ideal for exploring places like Copán Ruinas, Gracias, or remote Caribbean towns.
Requirements:
An International Driving Permit is advised.
Driving is on the right-hand side.
Roads: Main highways are generally good, but rural roads can be rough, unpaved, or affected by weather.
Cost: From about 1,000–1,500 HNL per day for a small vehicle.
Tip: GPS apps work well in cities, but keep offline maps for rural or mountainous areas where signal can vanish.
🚐 Private Drivers & Tours
A comfortable but more expensive choice, ideal for:
Day trips from San Pedro Sula to Pico Bonito or Tela
Visiting Copán Ruinas with a knowledgeable guide
Many hotels and agencies can arrange English-speaking drivers or full guided tours with transport included.
✈️ Domestic Flights
Perfect for saving time on longer routes, such as Tegucigalpa to Roatán or San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba.
Carriers like CM Airlines and Lanhsa offer regular services between major cities and the Bay Islands.
Flights are reasonably priced and cut journeys of 6–8 hours by road down to under an hour.
🚶 Walking & 🚴 Biking
Walking: Ideal for exploring colonial centres like Comayagua or Gracias, as well as island towns such as Utila and Roatán.
Biking: Popular in certain regions, such as mountain trails around Lake Yojoa or coastal rides on the Bay Islands. In cities, however, heavy traffic makes cycling less practical without a guide.
Health advice
The US Center For Disease Control maintains an updated list of medical advice for those travelling to Honduras
💉 Vaccinations
No special vaccines are required for entry, but the following are recommended:
Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Polio)
Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travellers
Hepatitis B: For longer stays or close contact with locals
Typhoid: If you’re planning to eat from street vendors or visit rural areas
Rabies: If you’ll be spending time outdoors or around animals
💡 Tip: Check with your healthcare provider at least 4–6 weeks before travel.
🥤 Food & Water Safety
Tap water: Not safe for drinking – stick to bottled water (cheap and widely available).
Ice: Often made from tap water – avoid unless you’re sure it’s from purified sources.
Street food: Delicious, but choose busy stalls where food is freshly cooked.
Fruit & vegetables: Peel them or wash with bottled/filtered water.
🤢 Traveller’s Diarrhoea
Mild stomach upsets can occur while adjusting to local food or water.
Pack:
Oral rehydration salts
Anti-diarrhoeal medication (e.g., loperamide or Imodium)
Basic antibiotics (ask your doctor)
💧 Stay hydrated and opt for light meals if affected.
🌞 Sun & Heat Protection
Honduras has a tropical climate with hot, humid conditions in the lowlands and cooler temperatures in the highlands.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.
Sun protection: Use SPF 30+, wear sunglasses, and a hat.
Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics are best – pack a light jumper for cooler evenings in the mountains.
🏔 Altitude & Climate Considerations
While most of Honduras is low-lying, some destinations (such as Tegucigalpa and mountain regions) sit at higher elevations with cooler temperatures.
Take it easy for the first day or two if you’re not used to higher altitudes.
Warm layers are useful – nights can feel chilly in upland areas.
💊 Pharmacies & Medical Facilities
Pharmacies: Readily available in towns and cities; many sell common medicines without a prescription.
Hospitals & Clinics: Private facilities in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula usually offer better service than public hospitals.
Travel insurance: Strongly recommended for emergencies, private care, or unexpected illness.
Safety
1️⃣ General Safety
🛡 Crime rate: Honduras has higher levels of violent crime compared with some other Central American countries, though incidents are less common in main tourist areas such as Roatán, Utila, and Copán Ruinas. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places like bus stations and markets — keep valuables secure.
👮 Police presence: Tourist police operate in key destinations including Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and the Bay Islands. They are usually helpful, and some officers may speak English.
🚶♀️ Solo travel: Many travellers, including women, explore Honduras safely. However, dress modestly and avoid isolated or poorly lit areas after dark.
2️⃣ Political Stability & Regional Tensions
🏛 Political climate: Honduras experiences periods of political tension, including protests and roadblocks, particularly in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.
📢 Avoid demonstrations: Even peaceful protests can turn unpredictable — it is safest to steer clear.
🗺 Stay informed: Check official travel advisories (e.g., the UK Foreign Office) before and during your visit.
3️⃣ Tourist Areas
🏞 Relatively safe: Tourist hotspots such as Roatán, Utila, Copán Ruinas, La Ceiba, and Pico Bonito National Park are generally regarded as safe when sticking to well-travelled routes.
🛠 Infrastructure: Tourist areas often have good signage, guided tours, and reliable local hospitality, though rural areas may be less developed.
4️⃣ Transportation Safety
🚗 Road conditions: Main highways are usually in fair condition, but secondary and rural roads can be poorly maintained, narrow, or winding.
🚦 Driving caution: Driving styles may be unpredictable, and road rules are not always observed — defensive driving is essential.
🚕 Taxis & apps: Use official taxi stands, hotel-arranged taxis, or ride-hailing apps such as InDriver in larger cities.
5️⃣ Women Travellers
🤝 Respectful culture: Honduras is socially conservative but welcoming to visitors.
👗 Dress modestly: Covering shoulders and knees in rural or traditional areas helps avoid unwanted attention.
🌙 Night safety: Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in unfamiliar or poorly lit streets.
6️⃣ LGBTQ+ Travellers
🏳️🌈 Legal status: Homosexuality is legal, but attitudes remain conservative, particularly outside major urban and tourist areas.
🤫 Discretion advised: Same-sex couples may prefer to avoid public displays of affection.
7️⃣ Cultural Sensitivity
🧥 Modest dress: Especially important when visiting indigenous communities, churches, or religious festivals.
🍷 Alcohol etiquette: Alcohol is widely available, but public drunkenness is frowned upon.
📸 Photography: Always ask before photographing people, particularly in Garífuna and indigenous communities.
📞 Emergency Contacts (Nationwide)
🚨 General Emergency: 911
👮 Tourist Police (Policía de Turismo): +504 2290-3136 (English sometimes spoken in main hubs)
☎ Medical emergencies: Hospitals and private clinics are available in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and La Ceiba.
Would you like me to als
Climate
Honduras’ Climate – From Caribbean Shores to Mountain Highlands
Honduras’ climate is as diverse as its scenery — from the warm Caribbean coastlines 🏝 to misty pine-clad highlands 🌲 and even cool mountain towns. Understanding the weather will help you pack wisely and enjoy your journey to the fullest.
🌦 General Climate Overview
Honduras has a mix of tropical lowlands and cooler highland climates, with two main seasons:
🌸 Wet Season (May–October)
Hot and humid in the lowlands, particularly along the Caribbean coast.
Frequent showers, often in the afternoons.
Lush landscapes and greener forests — though heavy rains may affect rural roads.
☀️ Dry Season (November–April)
Clearer skies and less humidity — ideal for beach trips and city exploring.
Warm and sunny across most regions.
Cooler evenings in the highlands.
🗺 Regional Climate Differences
| Region | Wet Season | Dry Season |
|---|---|---|
| Tegucigalpa (Highlands) | 18–28°C 🌦 warm/showery | 15–27°C 🌙 cooler, dry evenings |
| San Pedro Sula (Lowlands) | 25–34°C 🌧 hot/humid | 23–32°C ☀ warm/less humid |
| La Ceiba (Caribbean Coast) | 24–32°C 🌴 heavy rains | 22–30°C 🌞 sunny/pleasant |
| Copán Ruinas (Highlands) | 17–27°C 🌦 mild showers | 14–25°C 🌙 cool/dry nights |
| Roatán (Bay Islands) | 26–32°C 🌧 humid/showery | 25–30°C 🏝 sunny/ideal beach weather |
💡 Note: Highland regions have more noticeable day–night temperature changes — warm by day, cooler at night.
☔ Rainfall
Wet Season (May–October): Heaviest along the Caribbean coast, especially around La Ceiba and the Mosquito Coast.
Dry Season (November–April): Minimal rainfall, particularly in the south and western highlands.
Sudden downpours and flooding can occur in coastal or jungle areas — always check local advice before outdoor trips.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (Nov–Apr): Best for beaches, diving in the Bay Islands, exploring Mayan ruins at Copán, and city sightseeing.
Wet Season (May–Oct): Lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and vibrant wildlife — but expect heavy rain along the coast.
🎒 Packing Tips by Season
Dry Season:
🧥 Light jacket for highlands • 🧢 Hat & sunglasses • 💧 Water bottle • 👟 Comfortable walking shoes
Wet Season:
🌂 Waterproof jacket • 👟 Quick-dry shoes • 🦟 Insect repellent (especially coastal/jungle areas) • ☀ Sunscreen
All Year:
Layers for altitude changes • Refillable water bottle • Sturdy footwear
Visa information
🛂 Visa on Arrival
Available for many nationalities, including the UK, USA, Canada, EU countries, Australia, and New Zealand.
📍 Where to get it: At major airports such as Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (San Pedro Sula), Toncontín International Airport (Tegucigalpa), and at most land borders (always check in advance, as smaller crossings may not issue visas).
💵 Cost: Around $30–$50 USD for a single-entry visa.
📅 Validity: 30 days (extensions available at immigration offices).
💳 Payment: Cash preferred (USD or Honduran Lempira – HNL); limited facilities for card payments.
🎫 Tourist Pass Equivalent
Honduras does not have a single nationwide tourist pass, but in some regions (such as Copán Ruinas or Bay Islands) you may find combination tickets for multiple local attractions.
💡 Tip: Check with tourist information centres for multi-site or bundled deals to save on entrance fees.
💻 E-Visa / Online Application
Travellers who do not qualify for a visa on arrival can apply in advance through a Honduran embassy or consulate, or in some cases via online platforms.
⏱ Processing time: Typically 3–5 working days, but may vary depending on your nationality and point of application.
🌍 Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of many Central American and some South American countries (e.g. Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil, Chile) can enter Honduras without a visa.
🗓 Stay limit: Usually up to 90 days in a 12-month period, under the CA-4 Agreement (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua – treated as a shared visa area).
🚪 Border Crossings
✈ Airports:
Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (San Pedro Sula): Main international gateway.
Toncontín International Airport (Tegucigalpa): Serves the capital city.
Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (Roatán): Popular for Caribbean island arrivals.
🛤 Land Borders:
El Florido (from Guatemala): Common route for travellers to Copán Ruinas.
Agua Caliente (from Guatemala): Visa on arrival available.
Las Manos (from Nicaragua): Frequently used crossing point.
El Amatillo (from El Salvador): Heavily trafficked commercial and tourist route.
Electrical
Which power plugs and sockets are used in Honduras?
🔌 Power Plugs and Sockets in Honduras
In Honduras, the power plugs and sockets are of type A and type B. The standard voltage is 110 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
🔋 Type A
Also known as the two flat-pin plug, this socket is widely used across Honduras.
⚡ Type B
This socket includes two flat pins and a grounding pin. It is also compatible with type A plugs.
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