Honduras

History

Honduras' colonial history dates back to the year 1502 in the port of Trujillo. That's were Christopher Columbus became the first European to reach continental soil, on his last voyage to the New World. The location marks the beginning of a trend that lasted more than 300 years and created a variety of cultural and architectural displays. Places like Comayagua and Tegucigalpa in the center of the country, Omoa and Trujillo in the Caribbean coast, Choluteca in the Pacific and Gracias in the eastern region are some of the best examples. Civil, military and ecclesiastical structures throughout the national territory still stand as silent witnesses of three centuries of Spanish domination. Located in the western region, Gracias, the capital of the department of Lempira, is an important part of Honduras' cultural legacy. It's considered the best-kept colonial city in the country. Gracias is part of the Lenca Route, a tour that visits the Lenca indigenous towns that remain true to their traditions and also boast unique colonial architecture. The Lencas are actually the ancestors of the Mayas. They lived between the year 9,000 and 2,000 B.C, which leads some historians to believe that this culture cemented the true roots of Honduras' society.

Safety Tips

When traveling to any tourism destination you should always take some precautions. Follow our advice for a safe and pleasant visit Honduras!

• Keep an eye on your luggage and don't ask strangers to watch it for you.
• Carry a copy of your passport with you. Make sure it has your picture and date of entry to Honduras.
• Keep your passport, return ticket and money in a safe place.
• If using traveler's checks, write down the numbers and keep them separate.
• Carry only the amount of cash you need for the day.
• Keep a low profile with your video and photo cameras.
• Remember that all taxies must be clearly identified.
• Ask and negotiate the fare for your ride.
• Exchange money in a bank or your hotel, never on the street.
• Keep your wallet on you, in a safe place.
• Try not to carry cash (remember that businesses in Honduras accept credit cards).
• Tipping is normal in tourism related activities and services.
• If you buy souvenirs, remember that negotiating the price is common practice in the country's markets.
• If you rent a car, remember to carry your driver's license, copy of your passport and rental contract.
• Obey by minimum and maximum speed laws.
• Remember that using drugs or drinking and driving is strictly forbidden.
• Wear your seatbelt at all times.
• If a traffic officer (wearing a uniform and identification) requests it, stop the car.
• Don't stop for strangers hitchhiking or waving on the street.
• In case of an accident, wait for the traffic officer. Don't move the car from the exact spot of the accident.
• Leave your car in a parking lot, never on the street.
• Don't leave valuables in the car or in plain sight of passersby.
• Be sure to lock all doors and close windows.
• Follow only the clearly marked trails in parks.
• If going on walks, form pairs or groups.
• Don't touch or hurt plants and animals in the area.
• In the beach, ask your hotel's front desk about dangerous areas, tides and undertow. Make sure there's a lifeguard on duty