The most common question we get about Honduras is: how on earth do you pronounce its capital? And it’s true, Tegucigalpa does look a bit overwhelming! So, let’s take it nice and slow – Te-GOOS-ee-GAL-pa. There! That wasn’t so difficult, was it? Once you’ve come to terms with Tegucigalpa’s pronunciation, you can start exploring her historic centre. From the Cathedral to the anthropological museum and the pleasant pedestrianised avenue of Paseo Liquidambar. But the best of Honduras lies outside the capital city.
Honduras’ cloud forests are a lush blanket of mosses, bromeliads, and orchids. Hiking the forest trails, you may catch a glimpse of the Resplendent Quetzal or Red or Green Macaw. But you are unlikely to stumble across too many other tourists. For the ultimate jungle experience, you can’t go past the stunning Pico Bonito National Park. Here you will find the country’s most luxurious lodge. And the Nombre de Dios mountain range provides a spectacular backdrop to the forest landscape.
The Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras are home to an underwater paradise. In fact, they are rightly renowned as one of the best dive and snorkel destinations in the region. The largest island, Roatan, has a densely forested interior. So even land-lubbers will be kept happy with canopy tours and hiking trails!
UNESCO Heritage-listed Copan Ruins are the country’s contribution to Mayan archaeological wealth in this region. This extensive site is widely considered to be one of the most spectacular cities of the ancient Maya civilization.
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Tegucigalpa
The Honduran capital has the tongue twisting title of Tegucigalpa, which, in the ancient Nahuatl language, means ‘silver mountain’. The historic centre contains many of the city’s best attractions- the Cathedral, the anthropological museum and the pleasant Paseo Liquidambar, a pedestrian-only avenue where you can sit and watch the world go by.
Cloud Forest
Honduras’ cloud forests are a lush blanket of mosses, bromeliads and orchids; hiking the forest trails you may catch a glimpse of the Resplendent Quetzal or Red or Green Macaw, but you are unlikely to stumble across too many other tourists. For the ultimate jungle experience, you can’t go past the stunning Pico Bonito National Park, home to the country’s most luxurious lodge, with the Nombre de Dios mountain range providing a spectacular backdrop to the forest landscape.
Bay Islands
The Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras are home to an underwater paradise and are rightly renowned as one of the best dive and snorkel destinations in the region. The largest island, Roatan, has a densely forested interior with canopy tours and hiking trails to keep land-lubbers happy!
Copan
UNESCO Heritage listed Copan Ruins are the country’s contribution to Mayan archaeological wealth in this region and are considered by many to be one of the most spectacular cities of the ancient Maya civilization.
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Top 10 Mayan Experiences
The Maya civilisation stretched from Mexico to Honduras and was the most dominant indigenous society in Mesoamerica. And while this ancient civilisation declined and eventually collapsed, the Maya people live on, largely in southern Mexico and Guatemala. Today, the physical remnants of these great cities can be found dotted across Central America. The most famous of the Maya ruins is at Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula, but there are many other fascinating sites to visit. We invite you to explore our top 10 Mayan experiences; from impressive ruins to modern Maya communities! Contact us to organise a tailor-made holiday to this fascinating region.
Tulum in Mexico
Tulum is one of the last inhabited cities built by the Maya. Its main temple overlooks the Caribbean on a clifftop with a backdrop to a white sandy beach. Did you know, Tulum is one of the most-visited Maya ruins thanks to its proximity to the popular Riviera Maya? So we recommend rising early to beat both the crowds and the heat.
Tulum, Yucatan Peninsula
Uxmal and The Puuc Sites in Mexico
Pronounced ‘oosh-mahl’, this is one of our favourite ruins in Mexico due to the highly detailed art and decoration of the pyramids. But this area has much more to offer with a wealth of lesser-known Maya ruins. In fact, the Yucatan Peninsula is a wonderful area to organise a self-drive itinerary and explore at your own pace. So, why not get in touch and we can help design the perfect four-wheeled adventure?
Uxmal Ruins, Yucatan Peninsula
Palenque and Bonampak in Mexico
Lost in the jungles surrounding the Usumacinta River, both Palenque, and Bonampak are known for their beautiful friezes and well-preserved Mayan paintings. You’ll feel like Indiana Jones as you explore these beautifully crafted temple cities. Even better, at the remote site of Bonampak, chances are you will have the place all to yourself!
Palenque, Chiapas Mexico
Caracol and Cahal Pech in Belize
The Maya ruins of Belize are often overlooked in favour of the more famous sites in Mexico and Guatemala. But, Caracol is one of the most impressive sites in Central America, with a greater density of structures than Tikal! And Cahal Pech, the palatial home of an elite family, is one of the oldest Maya sites, dating back to 1200 C.E. Even today, on special occasions, traditional Mayan celebrations are held. So, why not explore both iconic and off-the-beaten-track Mayan ruins in Guatemala and Belize?
Caracol Ruins, Belize
Lamanai in Belize
Nestled on the banks of a lagoon, Lamanai has three large pyramids, a ball court, and an open plaza. To reach this Maya Ruin, you will have to travel upriver on a boat ride through the lush jungle. While these Mayan ruins are fascinating, even better is the wildlife! Exotic birds, crocodiles, and howler monkeys are all visible on the boat journey. And did you know this area of Belize also boasts the highest population density of jaguars in Central America? So, if you love history and wildlife, then this is the spot for you!
Lamanai Ruins, Belize
Tikal in Guatemala
Tikal is a mammoth complex surrounded by rainforests. In fact, the site contains more than 3,000 structures. As you explore the extensive site, howler monkeys and macaws provide a beautiful soundtrack. We recommend staying overnight in one of the rustic lodges near the entrance of the Mayan ruins. In this way, you can be up and exploring nice and early, before the stifling heat of midday. And if you’re up for a little adventure, how about staying at the remote Uaxactun tented camp? Talk to our Travel Specialists for more details.
Tikal Mayan ruins, Guatemala
Copán in Honduras
Copan is the most significant Maya site in Honduras. In fact, the city was home to 20,000 people at its peak. And it is here that significant achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and hieroglyphic writing all took place. Visit Copan and discover the incredible cultural developments that took place in this ancient city. Because Copan is located just over the border, it is also an easy day trip from Guatemala!
Copan Mayan Ruins, Honduras
San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexico
San Cristobal de las Casas is one of the best places to experience contemporary Maya life. The centre of San Cristobal is a riot of colour as people from highland villages all around descend on the central plaza to sell their wares. And you can’t miss a visit to nearby San Juan Chamula to see the fascinating syncretism of Catholic and Maya beliefs. Don’t miss this wonderful and very traditional part of Mexico.
San Cristobal de las Casas
Chichicastenango in Guatemala.
The Guatemalan tongue-twister of Chichicastenango has one of the most vibrant and colourful markets in Central America. Here you can buy everything from pottery to condiments, textiles, and masks. Check out our suggested highlands of Guatemala for a taste of what is possible in this very special part of the country.
Chichicastenango Guatemala
Lake Atitlan in Guatemala
Lake Atitlan is a great place to see the continuity of the Mayan population. Many lakeside communities are only accessible by boat or roads through the mountains. As a result, they have maintained the traditions and rituals of their ancestors. And there are multiple ways to explore Lake Atitlan. One of our favourites is with the wonderful Sky Route Trek from Antigua!
Lake Atitlan Guatemala
callhese are the top 10 Mayan experiences we have selected for you. We encourage you to experience them firsthand. Why not get in touch with one of our expert consultants? We will assist you in uncovering the highlights and hidden gems on a tailor-made holiday designed just for you. Give us a call!
We invite you to explore our top 10 Mayan experiences; from impressive ruins to modern Maya communities!
