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Honduras - Central America
 
Riding Tour: Copan to
the Caribbean
Geography:
Honduras is located in the heart of Central
America.Its territorial extension covers 112,482 square km. It has 3
borders, the west one linking with Guatemala, the southwest with El
Salvador and the east with Nicaragua. To it's north lies the Caribbean Sea
and to the south the Pacific Ocean. With over 800 km of Caribbean coast
it's blessed with some of the most pristine beaches left in the Caribbean.
Biologically and ethnoculturally, Honduras is the meeting point between
north and south America. In as much as in Honduras, one may observe plants
and animals typical of the north, mixed with flora and fauna of south
America, accounting for the unique biodiversity of the isthmus.
Climate:
Its topographic diversity is the response
to a climatic variety, that goes from the coldest climates on the high
mountains, through the temperate on the medium altitude lands, down to the
hot lowlands on the Caribbean and the hot and dry lands on the south.
Average temperature is between 20o and 30o C.
Population:
The population of the country is estimated at six million inhabitants; the
great majority being racially mixed with ethnic minorities such as the
Garífunas, Lencas, Miskitos, Pech, Tawahkas, Tolupanes and Chortís.
Language:
Spanish is the official language. On the Bay Islands, English is spoken as
well as at some Hotels in San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.Various dialects
of the living indigenous cultures are also spoken elsewhere.
Currency:
The official currency is the Lempira. Major
credits cards and US Dollars are accepted by most establishments, with the
occasional exception in remote areas.
The Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean coast of
Honduras is one of the richest regions in popular culture, contemporary
history and tropical ecological diversity. It is the region that possess
the greatest agricultural and industrial development.
The geography of the region
is varied. A mountainous belt extends from west to east, leaving a great
coastal plain and extensive valleys drained by large rivers. The climate
is hot and humid. There are more than 300 kilometres of beach with smooth
white sands providing the magic touch of the Caribbean. There are Garífuna
villages which represent the greatest cultural wealth of the region.
In this area there are a good number of
protected zones, beaches, communities, and people who make it one of the
sites for tourists par excellence with a very good offer of substructure
and quality services. The air connections are made through the airports of
San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba and a system of highways connects the entire
region. The main cities are San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, El Progreso, Tela,
Trujillo and Tocoa.
The Central Region
The central part is a very mountainous
area.During the colonial and republican periods this region became the
mining centre of Honduras and the Central America colonies with its
deposits of gold, silver and other precious metals.Culturally, was the
centre of convergence of the pre-Columbian cultures in the Maya and non
Maya areas. Moreover, the main centres of population of the colonial
period, Comayagua and Tegucigalpa, were and are still in this region.
ts productive activities are concentrated
in agriculture. It also has an extensive forestall reserve. Mountains of
medium altitude averaging 1400 metres above sea level dominate the
topography of the region. The area create a pleasant, cool climate during
most of the year. The supply of services, tourist substructure and
telecommunications is well conditioned. Its main cities are Tegucigalpa,
Comayagua, Siguatepeque and Danlí.
Bay Islands
The Bay
Islands is a collection of three large islands and over 60 islets and keys
starting some 30 miles off the coast of Honduras, in Central America. A
tropical paradise, the Honduras Bay Islands has long attracted an eclectic
mix of settlers whose descendents make up the spicy cultural soup that
flavors the Bay Island experience. The islands were well populated by a
robust indigenous culture when Columbus first set foot on Guanaja in
1502. European pirates like Henry Morgan, Coxen, Morris and Van Horn used
the island as a base for raiding Spanish ships beginning in the 1600s.
They took refuge in the many hidden ports on Roatan, spending their down
time hunting and fishing and lazing about in the tropical sun. After the
Spanish eventually depopulated the islands, and they lay uninhabited, the
Bay Islands were re-settled first by the Garifuna, who settled in Punta
Gorda on Roatan, and later by British-descended settlers from the Cayman
Islands, who set up colonies in Utila, Roatan and Guanaja. Today,
Islanders speak predominantly English with a strong island accent, and
part of the attraction of the Bay Islands is their authentic island
culture that still manifests itself in its people, their language and the
architecture of their towns.
In the 1960s the
Bay Islands began to earn fame as a sport diving destination, since they
possess the greatest variety of corals and sponges in the Caribbean.
Today the islands are one of the Caribbean's most popular dive
destinations. Dedicated dive resorts on the islands are typified by
elegant simplicity. Most are designed to blend in with the island
environment, and none are built higher than the tallest palm tree. And
although the Bay Islands are well known for first class diving, only
recently have many other activities been made available on the islands,
converting them into an ideal destination for anyone in search of a true
Caribbean experience.
Roatan
Roatan is the largest, most
developed and most frequented of the Bay Islands. Essentially a long,
forested ridge rising from the Caribbean, it retains much of the original
landscape that the Buccaneers knew in the 17th and 18th Century. The dive
industry has grown tremendously on Roatan based on the quality of its
coral reefs. Both the northern reef and southern fringing reef boast
around 40 dive sites each, characterized by plummeting walls, crevices and
caverns, and excellent shore diving.
In decades past, Roatan was
exclusively a diving destination, offering few organized activities for
those whose interests lie elsewhere. But in recent years, and
particularly with the arrival of cruise ships which 2 days a week drop off
800 or more passengers to tour the island, Roatan's menu of activities has
expanded exponentially. Here are some of the activities from an
ever-expanding list of things to do on Roatan:
Glass Bottom Boat - On Roatan,
there are two air-conditioned, glass-bottom boats that will take you on an
hour-long tour where you can peer out at the coral reef from seven feet
under the water. The Underwater Paradise leaves from Half Moon Bay Cabins
at Half Moon Bay, just east of West End. The Coral Reef Explorer operates
out of West Point on West Bay Beach, to which you can catch a
complimentary water taxi from the Coconut Tree Hotel.
C-BUG (Mini-sub) - For a unique
experience, take a ride in the two-person submarine located at West End.
The C-BUG mini-sub will take you down to 700 ft., where little light
penetrates but visibility is unmatched. Plants don't grow at these
depths, but a strange assortment of plant-like animals haunts this
ecosystem that very few people have witnessed.
Tropical Treasures Bird Park - The
brilliant tropical colors and charming personalities of Honduras' parrots,
macaws and toucans are on display at this beachside bird park in Sandy
Bay. It's a relaxing afternoon activity, and informative guided tours are
offered to acquaint visitors with these fascinating and endangered birds
kept in spacious aviaries. Originally a private collection, the park now
contains one of the most complete parrot inventories in Central America,
including the Scarlet Macaws, Great Green Macaw, Blue and Gold Macaw, Hans
Macaw, White-crowned Parrot, White-fronted Parrot, Mealy Parrot, Red-lored
Parrot, Orange-chinned Parakeets, Green Conures, Keel-billed Toucans, and
Collared Aracaris. A special attraction is a sub-species of the
Yellow-Crowned Parrot, an endangered species endemic to the Bay Islands.
Iguana Farm - The owner of this
quirky attraction has spent years protecting and raising the over-hunted
green iguanas that laze about in the trees around his house in French Key,
east of French Harbor. This out of the way site may not seem like much
until the owners throw out a pile of vegetable leftovers on their
driveway. Then suddenly dozens of iguanas descend from the trees to fight
over the scraps. The farm has a number of the big, red males that are so
rarely seen anymore.
Horseback Riding - There are a
number of places that offer great horseback riding in West End and West
Bay. You have the option of riding up into the hills behind these
beachside communities, or riding along the sand and into the azure water
of some of the island's best beaches.
Island Tours - A couple of
companies offer interesting island tours. Averyl's Adventures will take
you by air-conditioned van out to the town of Jonesville, where you hop in
a motorized dory for a 30-minute cruise along a narrow canal through the
mangrove "tunnels", arriving finally at some small keys. After returning,
you will drive to Marble Hill Farms in the community of Diamond Rock,
where the owners make home-grown jams and jellies out of hibiscus flowers,
mangos, pineapples, guavas, mutton peppers and island plums. You can sit
on the porch overlooking a beautiful tropical garden, sample the products,
and watch the Fork-tailed Emerald and Green-breasted Mango hummingbirds
fly into the feeders. The tour ends with a visit to the Distant View bar
in Milton Bight, where you can enjoy an island vista and a performance by
the Garifuna dancers from nearby Punta Gorda.
Sailing - The Belvedere Lodge is
home to the beautifully maintained Onair IV sailing yacht, which offers
sunset sailing tours. Another sailing yacht offers an exclusive Champagne
tour called Champagne Away, which includes a gourmet meal and glass of the
bubbly, as well as opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
Sea Kayaking - Kayaking companies
in West End offer many ways to experience the beautiful Roatan coastline.
From half-day rentals to one, two or 6-day tours, sea kayaks offer the
most adventurous way to get around to the island's best snorkeling spots.
Dolphins at Anthony's Key -
Anthony's Key Resort, one of the Bay Island's most popular dive Meccas,
has for years been developing a dolphin program through their Roatan
Institute for Marine Sciences located on the property. Trained dolphins
perform daily shows of acrobatic leaps and spins. In another beachside
enclosure on nearby Baily's Key, the Dolphin Encounter offers the chance
for you to wade into the water and play with the dolphins. The Dolphin
Swim is available for those who want a more intimate experience with these
intelligent marine mammals. Anthony's Key Resort also offers divers the
opportunity to dive with the dolphins.
Water Skiing, Jet Skiing,
Parasailing, Snorkeling - West End is a center for watersports on Roatan.
You can sign up for an organized jetski safari, which will take you out
beyond the reef and Marine Park, into open water. Water-skiing in the Bay
is also available. Great snorkeling can be had right off the beach, or
boats can be hired to take you out to the farther reefs. Snorkeling is
often combined with sailing trips, kayak trips, or jetski trips.
Parasailing offers you a chance for a bird's-eye view of the island as you
are harnessed into a parachute and pulled behind a boat like a human
kite. You rise to above 100 ft., from which you can survey the beautiful
colors of the reefs and the verdant island greens.
Rental Cars, Scooters, Mountain
Bikes - It is easy to rent vehicles which give you the freedom to explore
the island at your own pace. Open topped jeeps, motor scooters, and
mountain bikes are all available to rent for the short or long term. The
paved road that runs from West End to Oak Ridge offers spectacular views
over both sides of the island.
Beaches - The many beaches from
Sandy Bay west to West Bay are excellent, offering places to stop and
relax or have a drink. Our longest and least frequented beaches are
located at the east end of the island. The small village of scattered
houses called Camp Bay, which is east of Diamond Rock, is the site of Camp
Bay Beach, a two-mile long deserted stretch of white sand bordering azure
Caribbean water. There is almost nothing to buy out there, so you might
consider your trip to Camp Bay a picnic and bring food and drink with
you.
Shopping - In souvenir shops
throughout the island you will find a colorful and funky selection of
handcrafts made in Honduras, other Central American countries, and even
Mexico. You can fill an afternoon just going from one eccentric little
shop to another.
Travel Tips
Animals: Pets must be
accompanied with a proof of vacination and a medical certificate from
their home country.
Churches:
Catholic churches can be found troughout the country. There are also other
denominations within the country. Check with your hotel front desk for
more information
Climate: The climate varies
due to Honduras being located between two oceans. The north is hot and
humid; the central region is cooler and the south is usualy hot and dry.
There are two seasons; dry and wet The dry season is from November to May
and the wet from June to October.
Clothing: Like other Central
American countries it all depends on what part of the country you are in.
Sweaters or a jacket are a must if you are staying in the mountains. Light
colored cotton clothing is essential when you visit the Caribbean coast
and other lowland areas. A wide brimmed hat and sunglasses are suggested
for the beach.
Communications:Telephone
services is found throughout the country as well as telex, and fax .
Honduras is also linked to the Internet.
Currency exchange:The
official Currency is the Lempira. The rate versus the US dollar
fluctuates. We recommend you to check at a local bank the current exchange
rate.
Customs:
On entering Honduras, your belongs are subject to a customs check.
Prohibited items may include weapons, drugs, animal and agricultural
products. There is a limit for duty free limits, please check before
arrival.
Credit
Cards and Traveler Checks: All major credit cards are excepted in
the larger tourist areas and at most restaurants, hotels and stores,
however Visa is more excepted than Mastercard. Traveler checks can be
exchanged at most banks but some will only accept a certain kind.
Departure Tax: Foreign
travelers over the age of 12 must pay USD 25.00
Electricity: 110 volts, 60
mhz is found trhoughout the country.
Entry Requirements: Visas:
Citizens of most Western European countries, Austraila, Canada, New
Zealand, the UK and the USA can stay 30 days without a visa. Extensions
are possible to a total stay of 90 days. You can enter with only a valid
passport. Most other countries require a visa and valid passport. Please
check ahead before traveling.
Government:Honduras is a
democratic republic and elections are held every four years.
Hospitals:
Healthcare is very good and hospitals can be found throughout the capital
and in San Pedro Sula. In out- lying areas contact your hotel front desk.
Insurance: We recommend that everyone
should have some form of personal insurance.
Language:
Spanish is the official language. English is spoke in all the
tourist areas.
Media: Honduras
has 6 daily newspapers also an English newspaper that is published weekly.
International newspapers and magazines are often available in large
bookstores or large hotels. Honduras has a large selection of radio
stations and local TV stations, also cable TV brings in a large number of
channels, including news and movies in English.
Photography:
Most film and photography equipement is found
throughout the country. If you require a specialist film or specialist
equipement. It may pay to bring it along with you.
Population: Honduras has a
population of approximately 5 million. Over 50 percent live in rural areas
and more than half are less than 18 years of age. The majority are mestizo,
part white and part Indian, there are also many indigenous cultures.
Nearly ten percent of the countries population live in the capital city of
Tegucigalpa and another ten percent live in the San Pedro Sula area.
Taxes A 12% valed added tax
to merchendise and services.
Telephone:
World-wide direct dial service is available trhougout the country.
Time zone: Honduras is in
the Central standard time zone and does not observe daylight saving time.
Honduras is 6 hours behind Greenwich means time (GMT)
Tipping:
A 10% tip in restaurant is customary but some restaurant add it to
your bill. It's wise to check your bill before tipping.
Topography: Honduras is the
knee of Central America, bordered to the south by Nigaragua and El
Salvador and to the west by Guatemala. It encompasses an area of over
43000 square mile and is the second largest country in Central America. It
has a 400 mile long Carribean coast. The Caribbean Bay Islands and,
further north east, the distant Swan Islands are both part of Honduras
territory.
Vacinaccions:
No vacinations are required to enter Honduras, but you should be vacinated
against typhoid and tetanus.
Water:
Tap water is usually not safe to drink in all of
Honduras. Restaurants and Hotels will treat their water making it safe to
drink or either only use purified water. Safe bottled purified water can
be brought throughout the country.
Weights and measures:
Honduras uses a combination of metric and imperial measures.
lenghts and distances are metric ( kilometres, metres ), land areas are
measured in metric ( acres ) and in most cases a local measurement as well
( manzana, cuardas ). Weights are sometimes measured in pounds and
sometimes in kilograms. Gasoline is measured in gallons.
Tourism in Honduras
Tourism is one of the youngest and least
developed industries in the Honduran economy. Although abounding with
attractions, a very basic substructure prevents the tourist trade from
attaining the characteristics of massive tourism. Thus, authenticity is
lent to the experience of traveling Honduras, which is also,
geographically speaking, one of the gateways to the ancient Mayan World
and the region known as Mesoamerica.
Hike to mysterious cloud forests nestled
high in mountains. Navigate on clear jungle river rapids, coastal lagoons,
and narrow wetland canals. Contemplate Honduras' pristine landscapes.
Visit the national parks and protected areas and discover the incredible
biological diversity of tropical nature, exotic animals inhabiting vast
rain forests containing hundreds of bird species.
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