Travel guide to Honduras

As well as bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, three quarters of Honduras is covered with hills, mountains, valleys with fertile soil, and lots of banana plantations. And not least, the country also posseses a vast and almost untamed region host to a wealth of impressive animals such as wild boars, monkeys and alligators. Honduras is basically a paradise for nature explorers.

Facts

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Local name
Republica de Honduras
Capital
Tegucigalpa (900,000)
Size
112,492 square kilometres
Principal Languages
Spanish
Principal Religion
Roman-catholic
Inhabitants
6,338,000 (1997)
Government
Republic
Geography
Honduras landscape is dominated by a mountain range going from east to west. The mountains are separated by rivers running to the Caribbean Sea or into the Pacific Ocean. In the northern part of the country, a lower fertile area is situated with many banana plantations.

Travel preparation

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Best time to visit

The lowlands by the Pacific Coast are warm all year, whilst the mountains and the highlands in Honduras are often chilly and rainy - especially from May to October. By the Pacific Coast it can rain during all times of the year.

Literature

Central America on a shoestring Central & South America Honduras Handbook

Local conditions

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Currency

Lempira (La)

Net cafes

You will find Internet cafés in all larger cities of Honduras.

In case of emergency

Police (199) Fire department (198) Ambulance (37 86 54)

Tipping

Usually a service charge has been added to the bill - otherwise it is customary to give a tip of 10% in restaurants and hotels.

Timezone

Honduras is 6 hours behind GMT.

Weight and Measures

Weight: Kilos Length: Metres

Photography

Honduras has no policies on photographing. However, it may be a good idea to ask a person before taking his or her picture.

Drinking water

The drinking water in Honduras should be boiled before use.

Electricity

Electric current operates on 110, 120 and 220 volts AC, 60 cycles.

Behaviour

Honduras has no specific guidelines concerning behaviour.

Business Hours

Banks are open from 9.00 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8.00 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays. Shops are open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8.00 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays. Office opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8.00 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays.

Food and drink

Honduras is famous for its impressive fish- and shellfish dishes. You will find many superb seafood restaurants in Honduras. Moreover, a typical meal may consist of tortillas, beans, rice, cheese or roasted bananas.

Disabled travellers

Honduras is not a very easy country to travel in when disabled. Getting around may be difficult and it may be a good idea to contact all places you want to visit before going.

Holidays

New Year's Day, 1 January Day of the Americas, 14 April Labour Day, 1 May Independence Day, 15 September Francisco Morazán, 3 October Columbus Day, 12 October Army Day, 21 October Christmas Day, 25 December

Accommodation / Hotel

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Camping

You will find many campsites in Honduras as it is by far the most common way of spending the night. You should consult the local tourist agency for possible campsites.

Hotels

You will find some hotels in Honduras. In Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula you will find the most expensive and luxurious ones. In other parts of the country prices are lower, but here you may also find many comfortable hotels.

Bed og breakfast or guesthouse

You can find some good places that function as guesthouses or have cottages available by the beach. These places are often of a fine quality and with a pleasant atmosphere. Prices vary depending on the area.

Hostels

You may stay at hostels in Honduras' larger cities. However, the quality may not always be very high, and it may be a good idea to check out the place before paying for a room.

Local transport

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Planes

Domestic planes are available between most larger cities in Honduras. Due to occasionally bad weather conditions (during the rainy season), domestic flying is a popular means of transportation.

Bus

Buses are available between most cities, and the capital especially has a well-developed bus network.

Trains

Only one passenger train is available in Honduras, and the destination is between San Pedro, Puerto Cortés and Tela. Trains run slowly and have occasionally been out of order. Therefore you are advised to check the current situation before using the train as a means of transportation in Honduras.

Taxi

Taxis are available in all larger cities. They do not run on a taximeter, so you are advised to fix a price before entering the taxi.

Car rental

Car rental is possible in the capital Tegucigalpa and a few other large cities.

Special conditions

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Honduras has been listed as dangerous country to travel in. The country has experienced a rise in crime and many attacks, so you are advised to check current Foreign Office guidelines before travelling there.
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