Honduras: 10 Reasons to Visit This Beautiful Gem of Central America

If you are looking for a beautiful place worth sightseeing in Central America, consider Honduras. Honduras is the second biggest country in Central America. Due to its excellent beaches and coral reefs, its colonial villages, and its ancient ruins, Honduras is a favorite destination for sightseeing. Due to its important attractions, it would be inevitable not to visit the place. In this article, we have listed several of the attractions in Honduras which are worth sightseeing.

1. Little French Key (Roatan)

When sightseeing around Honduras, specifically at Roatan, you may want to visit Little French Key. It is a private island resort which offers several amenities including snorkeling, massage, and water horseback riding. The Little French Key is known for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. It is also an ideal resort for sightseeing exotic animals which have been rescued in its Animal Rescue Center. You can also explore the reefs that surround the resort where marine life is abundant.

2. Copán Ruins Archaeological Site (Copan)

The Copán Ruins Archaeological Site contains the ancient ruins of the Maya civilization. It is located in the Copan Department of Western Honduras. Discovered by Diego Garcia de Palacio in 1570, the attraction features ancient citadels and public squares which shows the development of the old city. When sightseeing around the archeological site, tourists witness several caves which contain Mayan artifacts. You can also see several temples and royal complexes which used to be essential structures for the Mayan civilization.

3. West Bay Beach (Roatan)

A significant sightseeing attraction in Honduras, the West Bay is a favorite bay in Roatan, Honduras. It is also recognized as the most extensive of the bay islands of Honduras. It features a full white sand surrounded by a large reef barrier, the second largest reef barrier in the world. Aside from sightseeing, tourists can also do several activities including snorkeling, swimming, and diving. Tourists can also explore the reef and expose themselves to different marine lives. Due to its stunning scenes, the West Bay has been regarded as one of the best beaches in the world.

4. Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hang Out (French Harbour)

The Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hang Out is an animal sanctuary situated in Roatan, Honduras. This is one of the sightseeing popular sightseeing attractions in Honduras where tourists can have close encounters with sloths, monkeys, and even guraras. Staff would allow tourists to hold sloths and monkeys. Aside from the sanctuary, tourists can also try out snorkeling packages where they can visit the coral reef. While the shelter is relatively small, the attraction is undoubtedly a must-visit when in Honduras.

5. Macaw Mountain Bird Park & Nature Reserve (Copan)

Situated outside Copan Ruinas in Honduras, the Macaw Mountain Bird Park & Nature Reserve is a private reserve which aims to save the macaws which are endemic to Central America. Alongside the macaws, the sanctuary also houses several parrots, kingfishers, and toucans, among others. It is a fascinating sightseeing attraction for wandering around. The natural reserve also contains a cafe and restaurant for tourists who would like to unwind after a day of sightseeing around the attraction.

6. Gumbalimba Park (Roatan)

The Gumbalimba Park is another sightseeing attraction in Roatan, Honduras. A destination for Roatan adventures, the park features several activities which would immerse tourists in nature. Gumbalimba Park has a botanical garden which houses over 200 plant species. Furthermore, it contains an animal preserve with monkeys, exotic birds, and other native animals. Aside from water activities, its beachfront offers a peaceful place for relaxation and sightseeing. Gumbalimba Park got its name from a native tree species in Honduras.

7. Museum of Mayan Sculpture (Copán)

The Museum of Mayan Sculpture is a cultural institution situated in Copan in western Honduras. It features several stone carvings which are taken from the ancient Mayan city. Opened in 1996, the Museum of Mayan Sculpture seeks to preserve the original stone monuments of Copan. The museum introduces sightseeing tourists and locals about the history and culture of Copan and Honduras. When in Honduras, the museum should be one of the sightseeing attractions which you should visit.

8. Maya Key (Roatan)

Enjoy sightseeing and relaxing at the Maya Key Private Island Retreat. Sometimes called as Maya Key, the island resort is one of the highlights of Honduras which are worth sightseeing. Tourists can relax and unwind on the secluded beaches which are perfect for sightseeing, snorkeling, and swimming. Visitors to the island can also explore the garden paths which are filled with exotic flora. After several exhausting days of sightseeing, the Maya Key Private Island Retreat the ultimate place to go.

9. La Tigra National Park (Tegucigalpa)

La Tigra National Park is the first national park situated near Tegucigalpa in Honduras. Established in 1980, the park features the exotic natural beauty of the La Tigra Mountain which houses an extensive cloud forest tropical vegetation. The national park houses several species of animals including amphibians, reptiles, and over 200 species of birds. Oaks, pines, and encino trees also thrive abundantly at La Tigra National Park. The ceibo tree, which is considered as the sacred tree of the Mayans, is also worth sightseeing.

10. Carambola Botanical Gardens & Trails (Roatan)

Located at Roatan in Honduras, the Carambola Botanical Gardens & Trails is a beautiful attraction which offers a unique island nature experience. When sightseeing around the gardens, tourists may be able to see several plant species including ferns, orchids, and palms. You can also hike through a path to the top of a mountain ridge for a picturesque view of the beautiful Caribbean. Animals including birds and Roatan Anoli lizards thrive abundantly on such attraction.

◎ Closing

Due to its strategic location, Honduras has been the home to several natural attractions including beaches and national parks which are worth sightseeing. Its cultural attractions are reminiscent of the rich history of Honduras through the years. Honduras is truly a beautiful gem which is worth sightseeing in Central America.