Destin-Nation Honduras: Central American Travel on the Cheap
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A A AThe Central American country, which is slightly smaller than Ohio, packs a punch, offering Mayan ruins, virgin jungle, and pristine beaches.
As it stands, the U.S. dollar trades for just under 19 Honduran lempira. To put that in more concrete terms: Cocktails cost $1.50. The cocktail lounge? A handful of pleasant small towns dotting the Caribbean coastline.
About 3 hours by air from Texas, Honduras is also convenient and perpetually warm - a little humid perhaps, but its a privilege to whine about such things come winter. The San Pedro Sula airport is a convenient entry for beach goers, who may want to rent a car given the recently paved highways that run across the northern coastline.
Tip: Make sure to look into travel safety tips when visiting Honduras.
San Pedro Sula
The second largest city in Honduras is the country's major tourist gateway. And San Pedro Sula does roll out a hell of a welcome. The buzzing city is dominated by a traditional Spanish church and, for visitors, the Mercado Guamilito, a massive traditional handicraft market where enterprising bargain hunters can find goods from all over Central America before picking up a cheese and cream filled "Baleada" tortilla.
The idyllic Pulhapanzak waterfall and the stalactite-crowded Taulabe Caves are a daytrip from town. Canopy tours and spelunking expeditions are available through Jungle Expedition (from $130 for one).
Where to Stay: The small Casa de los Arcos is an excellent budget option for visitors who want a little more personal service. The hotel offers homey room from $60. Because San Pedro Sula is a travel hub there are larger, more establish options like the Intercontinental with its $165 rooms.
Getting There: San Pedro Sula is a lovely town in its own right, but also central enough that travelers wind up here whether they want to or not. Non-Stop flights from New York, Miami, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale and Houston arrive a the Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport outside of town. The 3 hour flight from Houston on Continental runs daily.
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Honduras looks like an adventure! Hopefully my Spanish will be good enough by the time I can visit South America :D I've been teaching myself using this Eton Institute phrase book on my Kindle. Its pretty good haha I can actually sort of have a conversation with a Spanish-speaking person. Want to get started on French soon too.
Do people speak English at all in Honduras?
honduras is not mexico. So would think it is safer than most. Have not been to honduras but have been to costa rica and it is an outstanding vacation destination whether it be beech or jungle destinations.
June 11 2011 at 4:07 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI love Honduras; I've been there twice in the last 5 years. San Pedro Sula is a jewel.
June 11 2011 at 3:42 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI love Honduras; I've been there twice in the last 5 years. San Pedro Sula is a jewel.
June 11 2011 at 3:41 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI owned a business in Central America and based myself out of Nicaragua.... It was very pleasant and except for a few minor inconveniences there were no major problems....... Now one thing for sure, it is a different culture but isn't that why most people travel outside the U.S. , for the experience. I have a feeling that the time is near that there will be a lot of folks who will be looking hard at places like Honduras.......
June 11 2011 at 2:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI had to spend a month in Honduras on business. There is one decent (?) hotel in Tegucigalpa, and San Pedro Sula is not much better. In short, the place is a dump...save your money.
June 11 2011 at 1:37 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThe small Casa de los Arcos is an excellent budget option for visitors who want a little more personal service. The hotel offers homey room from $60. Because San Pedro Sula is a travel hub there are larger, more establish options like the Intercontinental with its $165 rooms.
walkerperu. net
I'm a little skittish on all things Spanish now. I'm sure it's a lovely country but what's the "beheading rate" of tourists? Call me paranoid but I'd rather take my chances with travel to Canada & taking on a rabid liberal..
June 11 2011 at 1:07 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replywho in their right mind would take a vacation south of the border nowadays?...
June 11 2011 at 11:09 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI prefer "less expensive" (meaning less cost) than "cheap" travel (meaning poor quality).
June 11 2011 at 9:26 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot 5 Deals
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