HONDURAS Recommendations

FLOR DE COPAN
The 411 - This town makes a nice stop for visiting the interesting cigar factory by the same name.

GRACIAS
The 411 - This little mountain town is a great place to while away a few days. Soak in the vibe and hike to a waterfall in the nearby national park/cloud forest. Recommended.

COPAN/COPAN RUINAS
The 411 - AMAZING Mayan ruins in a surreal setting. Don't miss it! The town by the same name makes a nice base to meet other travelers and head on outings to a nearby Mayan birthing spot in the countryside, exotic bird park, shade-grown coffee plantation + hot springs, where a scalding waterfall falls into a river and you build up river rocks to create a pool to whatever temp you want. Magical!

ROATAN
The 411 - One of the Bay Islands off the coast that boasts the second largest coral reef in the world. Many people swear by this as one of the cheapest + best places to get your diving license. I opted for sea kayaking + snorkeling which was also a good time. Very popular with the backpacking crowd.

TELA/MIAMI
The 411 - Watch yourself here as beach muggings are not uncommon, but I still HIGHLY recommend getting a local to walk with you or taking the daily pickup/bus to the fishing village of Miami for a truly unforgettable experience amongst the Garifuna people. Chances are you'll be the only gringo, but treated like a long lost relative.

LIVINGSTON (Guatemala)
The 411 - A Garifuna town with alot of attitude. Search out the live music on Friday + Saturday nights - Total improv with musicians and singers coming and going, people switching instruments, etc. When I was there there were a couple kinds of drums, someone playing on giant tortoise shells and maracas. People here are super-friendly and many travelers decide to stay awhile. Take the Rio Dulce boat cruise to a natural hot spring WATERFALL at El Paraiso and soak to your hearts content. Plan to spend the night.


RECOMMENDED 2-3 WEEK ITINERARY -
Fly into Tegucicalpa and split up the rest of your time between the places listed. It's all good, but Copan, Miami + Livingston were definitely the most memorable.

APPROXIMATE COSTS (For Low Budget Travel)
Room - $5-12/1p
Meal - $2-5/pp
Beer - $1.00
Visa - 90 days FREE

What's to Like?
A blend of grit, culture + beaches offers a little taste of whatever you're craving.

What's Not?
The fact that you've got to be on your game as it's far from crime-free.

Will you Starve to Death?
For vegetarians you'll be living off "Desayuno Tipico" - Tortillas, beans, fried plantain bananas, with or without the scrambled eggs. Don't expect things to be prepared without lard though. Another tasty treat is the super-cheap flour tortillas filled with scrambled eggs, hot sauce + cheese - A great snack anytime. If you eat fish you've got a LOT of options all along the coast and all super fresh.

Will you Dig It?
Not for a first time traveler, but if you're game for a little challenge it's a good time.

Check the "link" for photos of Honduras + this "link" for the Livingston area