Honduras Holidays & Vacations | Travel to Honduras | Honduras Trip Guide

The country of lowlands and endless stretches of fertile valleys, Honduras, nicknamed as “Banana Republic” has sites filled with tourist potential lurking almost everywhere in its landscape. Its rich Mayan history, lush green mountains, pristine and not crowded sandy beaches everything has a magnetic and charismatic charm to it which can draw visitors towards them.

Similar to other Central American nations, Honduras was also home to the Mayan’s. The country under their rule prospered and several major cities were built. But for reasons not understood till date, the Mayan civilization suffered sudden decline and the slowly depleted off. With the country’s subsequent discovery by the arriving Europeans the indigenous Mayan culture took a heavy toll. Christopher Columbus docked his ship here in 1502 and named the country Honduras which is Spanish for ‘depth” in reference to the deep coastal waters found here. Further colonization by the Spanish heralded the country into a time of hardship and slavery till it achieved independence in 1821. But independence bought with it corruption, military coups, internal turmoil, numerous rulers and interference by the Americans. All this resulted in slow death of prosperity in the region. Banana cultivation was this regions major economic growth point, but with is also came political, labour and environmental scandals. American Banana companies started playing major role in the country’s political scenario. Anti American protests by the locals led to a military agreement with the Americans there by restoring some tranquility in the region by the last decade of the 20th century.

The capital city of Tegucigalpa is unlike any other metropolitan. With most of its old colonial structures intact, this city has the aura of old world charm still imbibed in it. On walking down its lanes one can experience its rich architectural heritage. With cobbled streets leading to tiny plazas the entire atmosphere is rustic and beautiful. Near the Guatemalan border are present the pre-Columbian remnants in the form of the Copan ruins. The idyllic Bay islands of Honduras are the most favorite and most frequented tourist location. Providing water adventure in the form of snorkeling, diving and kayaking the islands of Roatan, Utila and the Cayos Cochinos are famous charming locations.

Surrounding these Bay islands is the Meso American Barrier reef which is second only to the Australian Great Barrier Reef. Renowned diving schools are found here providing the experience of a lifetime. Discovering the lush green rainforests through treks through it is also gaining popularity with the tourists here. Protecting many animals and birds are the dense forests of the Mosquito coast which are ideal for such expeditions. The fun and gaiety spirit of the country can be seen during its festivals and carnivals amongst which the La Ceiba Carnival is the most spectacular, fun filled and lively.

Honduras can easily be earmarked to be one of the Mecca’s of outdoor adventure. With activities ranging from deep water explorations to hiking trails deep in its forests to maybe experiencing the magic of old Mayan ruins. Whatever you may indulge in, the never-say -die spirit of this country is contagious!

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