The Real Dangers of Traveling in Honduras
Let’s face it, Honduras has a terrible safety reputation. The USA government issues travel warnings that are completely out of place and scare travelers. Honduran press does not help. They compete between each other to see who can print a more disgusting photo on their front page. This in a race to encourage Honduras citizens to buy their newspaper. TV stations do the same, competing for higher ratings during the local news programs. But what are the real dangers of traveling in Honduras?
I have been traveling in Honduras for the past 24 years. Yes, I live here, so you will say I am biased. We all are in one way or another. But contrary to the Travel Warnings that are written by someone sitting in a desk in Washington D.C., I am actually living and traveling throughout Honduras. You will have to give me that credit at least. I actually deal with real dangers of traveling in Honduras! The guy in the state department office does not, he only imagines them, and it is that simple!
So Getting to the Issue, what are the Real Dangers of Traveling in Honduras?
For starters, life is full of dangers. If you walk out to the street back home and get in your car, you could have a car accident. There are thousands of persons in the world who die in car accidents every year. The dangers of being in a car accident are much higher that those of traveling in Honduras!
Here is a List of Some of the Real Dangers of Traveling in Honduras that You Should be Aware of.
1.- You may get distracted while you walk down the cobblestone streets. These are common in Copan Ruinas, Gracias, and other colonial cities in Honduras. The friendly, honest smiles of the locals can distract you. And as you answer back to their call of “buenas!” you could trip and fall. If you do twist your ankle, the locals will rush to help you get up and get you to a comfortable place to recover!
2.- You may drive off the road as you are travel up the Cangrejal River Valley, also known as “Toucan Alley”. There is a danger that you will get distracted watching the keel billed toucans as they fly around from tree to tree between Pico Bonito and Nombre de Dios National Parks. To avoid an accident, park your car and admire these lovely colorful birds!
3.- If you are walking the streets in downtown Tegucigalpa, there is chance you may run into the devil himself! Yes there is a lovely bronze statue of Satan in the Plaza de los Dolores in Tegucigalpa. Need not to worry, Saint Michael Archangel, the patron saint of Tegucigalpa has it all under control! So relax, take a photo and continue your journey.
4.- As you walk into the Magnificent Mayan Archaeological Park in Copan, you will need to concentrate on watching the trail. This is not an easy task as you have a flock of magnificent scarlet macaws sweeping over your head and screaming out as loud as the can while they do so. Fortunately there is a way to overcome this danger. Stop where you are, get your camera out and take a video of this free show they are offering you![themify_hr border_width=”1″ width=”1″ color=”light-gray”]
5.- Beware of the hot springs in Honduras! After a relaxing bath in the natural hot springs, you may choose to have a massage. Do take note, the chances of falling asleep in the middle of it are quite high! You may never even get the chance to enjoy it to the fullest because you fell asleep! What a waste of money… or is it?
6.- While in Honduras, you will discover the most popular of Honduran foods: the Baleada. These tasty wheat tortillas stuffed with beans, cream, cheese and other goodies are delicious! Best of all, they are affordable. You will be able to have many of them without it having an impact on your budget. The down side, of course, is the risk of gaining wait while you are traveling in Honduras. Perhaps the best prevention to this real danger of traveling in Honduras is to walk as much as possible when in one of the many great destinations in Honduras. If you where to get sick from overeating, remember that you have a 30 day insurance policy upon arrival to Honduras! The insurance is 504 Assist and it is free for you upon arrival to Honduras for up to 30 days![themify_hr border_width=”1″ width=”1″ color=”light-gray”]
7.- Without doubt, some the biggest dangers of traveling in Honduras are present when you drive on Honduran highways after dark. No, I am not talking about highway robberies; these are rare in Honduras. I am talking about the trucks without tail lights. Did I mention the cattle on the road and potholes that are impossible to see? I am also talking about total lack of highway signs on some highways. The chances of hitting a pot hole and blowing a tire are quite high. Fortunately, there is an easy remedy for this risk: stay off the highways after dark!
Honduras, Love Outright…
8.- And then of course, there is the risk that you will go head over heels and fall in love with the country! It is no coincidence that the current marketing campaign to promote tourism to Honduras is titled “Love Outright”! If you do fall in love with Honduras, you can always plan another trip here. Worst case scenario for this danger is that you will become at expat living in Honduras. This is not such a bad situation. I must confess that this happened to me 24 years ago. I fell in love with Honduras and a special young lady. We have been together since, and have a family who live in the Cangrejal River Valley in La Ceiba.
If you happen to be in our neck of the woods, please stop by and visit! We own and run a small bed and breakfast in the Cangrejal River Valley. It is La Villa de Soledad. I promise that if you do come and visit, you will have a complete understanding of the real dangers of traveling in Honduras! Happy travels in Honduras!
May 1, 2018 @ 10:06 pm
Have things changed in Honduras in the past few months, since the election. I heard that there was some civil unrest, but recently there have been reports from refugees seeking asylum in the US claiming that there are gangs charging a “War Tax” and killing people who don’t pay in the cities, especially Tegucigalpa, mostly against business owners, residents, and transportation related drivers (bus, taxis). I have heard that this has been going on even before the election, and I worry that this will impact quality of life in Honduras, and potentially impact tourists who want to visit there. Your post makes it sound so inviting and I want to see it, but I have concerns.
May 1, 2018 @ 10:47 pm
Hi Lorraine! Thanks for writing to us! There is no doubt that there are some dangerous areas in the big cities, especially in Tegucigalpa and San PEdro Sula. Gangs are a problem in some neighborhoods and the government is trying to address those issues. As for the “refugees” seeking asylum in the US, my belief is that most of them are actually looking for better opportunities, since there is certainly a lack of jobs in Honduras. Lets face it, if you show up at the US Border and tell the border patrol that you want an opportunity to restart your life in the USA and are willing to work hard, they will send you back to your country. The most compelling story you can tell is that your life is at risk if you are sent back. This is a carefully choreographed show that they put up in the USA. I have always said that the best way for the regular US Citizen to help keep immigration down is by traveling to Honduras and spending their vacations here. That extra income generates jobs and opportunities for the locals. It also generates more taxes for the government and thus there will be better security for all.
As a general rule, those promoting civil unrest are leftists and anarchists. They do not have the support of the majority of Honduran citizens. Most Hondurans are tired of protests and just want to work. I want to insist on the fact that foreigners are not targeted in Honduras and are perfectly safe, as long as they use some common sense. I invite you to come to Honduras and see for yourself. If you read through the reviews that travelers post, they rarely mention feeling unsafe in Honduras.
May 2, 2018 @ 2:04 am
Awesome. Thank you for your quick response. I have read so many positive blogs and posts, but I wasn’t sure how many were current – a few were from 2011 give or take. The news seems to have some scary stories, but it didn’t seem to match with what I had read from visitors. I am hoping to visit Utila next year, with at least a stopover in Roatan, but I can’t see any longer stays without visiting the mainland.
May 5, 2018 @ 12:45 pm
Good to know you are planing to visit Utila. As you probably already know, there is great ferry service between Roatan and Utila, which means that you can fly directly into Roatan. When you do visit the mainland, plan on at least a couple of days in the Cangrejal River area just outside of La Ceiba. There you will enjoy Pico Bonito National Park and find many different things to do in La Ceiba. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!
June 19, 2018 @ 10:43 pm
Good to know that there are places to go in Honduras rather than the U.S. Glad to know it isn’t as bad as the media makes it sound. So those complaining about the U.S. enforcing the laws regarding those trying to claim asylum at the borders should be reassured by your article that there are good spots in Honduras and no need to attempt to break the law or risk their children’s lives.
June 21, 2018 @ 5:26 pm
Perhaps the biggest problem in Honduras is lack of opportunities. This moves many to look north towards the American Dream and pursue that quest. There are a few neighborhoods in the large cities that are controlled by gangs. Life can be hazardous if you happen to live in these neighborhoods and those who do, consider the risks of travel in search for better opportunities.
August 2, 2018 @ 3:59 am
Hi, my girlfriend and I are seriously considering a trip here, but in the first page of Google search results about safety your blog is the first one with anything positive to say. It looks like an amazing country but doubts are starting to creep in… your blog seems a little overly positive.. I wouldn’t say the same for my city in the UK and it has one of the lowest crime rates! Obviously it’s meant to be taken with a pinch of salt, but if you really haven’t seen any crime in 24 years, you must have some great tips to keep safe beyond being aware?
August 2, 2018 @ 1:43 pm
Hi Rory! Thank you for your message and comments. I have indeed lived in Honduras for over 24 years now. During that time, I have been blessed without having any serious crime happening against me and my family. They once broke into my home and stole a few things, but other than that, not much to speak about. I do of course have friends that have had crimes committed against them, in most cases because they were foolish and in the wrong part of town. The fact is that you will find crime anywhere in the World. Honduras is not more dangerous that the rest of the World. If you use your common sense and know were you are going to ahead of time, you will find that you will thoroughly enjoy your visit to Honduras. One thing that is important to state is the fact that tourists are NOT targeted in Honduras. We do not have terrorist attacks either.
August 26, 2018 @ 2:55 am
It is refreshing to read your post John. I married a beautiful woman from Tegus 10 years ago. We now run Hotel y Restaurante Frontera del Caribe in Puerto Cortes Honduras. I have long said you can go to any town, big or small, anywhere in the world and get yourself in trouble, or worse. Like you said, the dramatized stories about safety in Honduras are more intended to sell newspapers than to advise tourists.
September 11, 2018 @ 3:18 am
If you are thinking of visiting Honduras, do it! We have been to Roatan twice, and will be visiting a third time next month, along with staying a few days on Little Cay in Utila. My favorite place in the world to vacation. People are so friendly. As with any place, be smart about where you go.
October 13, 2018 @ 9:07 pm
I seriously consider visiting Catacamas, Honduras in the Olancho district. This would be my first vacation abroad in a long time. Any tips or suggestions would be great. And also things I should avoid.
October 15, 2018 @ 12:13 am
Catacamas is a nice city and you should have to problems there. I would suggest you visit the Talgua Caves as well as La Muralla National Park.
October 14, 2018 @ 8:06 am
Where is the spring that has the water ph of 8.5 that Dr. Sebi spoke of, and why can’t we see the hotel charges so we can budget for an extended trip.?????
October 15, 2018 @ 12:15 am
Hi Sheila, the spring is in the mountains very close to the Usha Village. You would have to contact the Usha Village directly to get pictures of the property and a quote for an extended stay. We only wrote an article about them, but we are not associated or affiliated to them in any way or manner.
November 20, 2018 @ 6:00 pm
Hi John and others. I very much appreciate being able to read current information about Honduras from someone who has lived in the La Ceiba area and works in the tourism business.
My family is traveling to Roatan this December but has concerns about mainland. I appreciate comments that any city in the world can be unsafe, but can you explain your blanket claim that tourists are not targeted in Honduras? I’ve read reports online involving tourists that state everything from petty theft to kidnappings, armed muggings, and murder. The latter are rare, but they’ve happened. We are specifically concerned about the possibility of getting stopped on the road from La Ceiba to the San Pedro Sula airport, and crime at the airport. Thank you, Laurie
November 21, 2018 @ 4:27 pm
Hi Laurie! Thank you for reaching out to us! I drive back and forth between La Ceiba and San Pedro Sula on a regular basis. Sometimes I take the Hedman Alas Bus. I have never had any problems. Stick to the high end bus companies who do not stop on the road to pick up or drop off anybody. I would not expect anything to happen to you. Honduras is not half as bad as the media and the travel warnings make it sound. Make use of common sense, stick together and check with the front desk of your hotel to see if it is safe to go out. I just stayed in the downtown area in San Pedro Sula and walked around town without any problems at all. I haven’t heard of anyone getting stopped on the road towards the San Pedro Sula airport. Relax and enjoy your trip to Roatan and the La Ceiba area.
March 1, 2019 @ 2:07 am
Hi John – thanks for all the information. I’ll be visiting Honduras for 3-4 weeks this summer. I’ll fly into San Pedro Sula around June 12, so your spot (La Ceiba) looks like a good one to start with.
I’ve traveled extensively in Latin America, so my Spanish is conversational, but I’d like to really improve on this trip. I don’t get much out of classes, so I’d prefer to do 4-5 hours of one on one tutoring every day for a week, and then move to a new town and do the same.
I know that planning things ahead of time in that part of the world often means higher prices, so I’m fine with figuring it out when I get there, but if you can recommend someone, I’d like to explore that possibility as well. I just need someone who can correct me and give lessons as they come up.
I would consider staying at your place, but I’ll be traveling solo, so if you can recommend a good cheap room for around $20 a night, I’d follow that lead as well. Thanks!
March 1, 2019 @ 2:54 pm
Good morning Michael!
There are a few Spanish Schools in Honduras that cater to tourists. In Copan Ruinas you will find Xbalanque, that has been around for many years. They are reputedly quite good at what they do. In La Ceiba there are also a couple of Spanish Schools that offer one on one classes to non Spanish speakers. You could check out the Central America Spanish School, which I believe is your best option. There was also another alternative in Tela, the Mango Spanish School. This was owned by the same people that own Garifuna tours in that city. You might reach out to them also to find out if they are still in business. As for a $20 dollar room in La Ceiba, I recommend you check out the new Vibras Hostel, where you could get a private room with two beds for around $24 US. Another nice alternative could be the Hotel Casa de España. The Hotel Carnaval is a bit more expensive, but also a good option. There are some budget options along the Cangrejal River Valley, but if you are to be taking Spanish classes daily, coming and going will become a hassle, you are better off in the city. Enjoy your trip!
May 27, 2019 @ 5:01 am
Hello, in particular to John. I am the mother of an American Christopher Heye who is married to a Honduran Kellyn Osorio. They reside in Catacamas. My son is a gold miner who left to go to the Sicco (?) River near Nicaraugua Honduras.(?) He is I believe missing. He is a week late returning to his wife and children. I am frightened and don’t know who to contact at this time. Is there any advice you could give me? We are very frightened.
May 27, 2019 @ 12:39 pm
Good morning Julie! Thank you for reaching out to us. I work hard on giving tips for travelers, and your son, technically was not traveling in Honduras, but living here and participating in gold mining in a remote area of Honduras were travelers would not venture. Many years ago I paddled down a part of the Sico River with a professional Tour Operator from the region. One of the things that called my attention was the number of locals who were gold panning along the river banks. I imagine that this is the area where your son went. It is not that close to Nicaragua. This river flows down from Olancho through Colon and into the department of Gracias a Dios. This latter, also known as “La Moskitia” or Miskito Coast is specifically the area where the USA State Department warns US Citizens to stay away from. The area is remote and has very poor communication, and thus it can be difficult to make a phone call. It is possible that your son is having a lucky streak with the gold and decided to stay longer. It is also possible that he may have run into problems and cannot call home.
I would recommend that first of all you contact the USA Embassy in Tegucigalpa. You can look up their phone in their web page. I imagine that even if today is an official US Holiday, they will have someone answering the phones. They have a close relationship with the Honduran police and army. However, I don’t think they will offer much assistance if your son in actually in Gracias a Dios department. That area is the one department that they stay away from. Before you call them, any specific information about when your son left, who he had as company and what his planned route was would be of much importance.
If this route of action does not work, perhaps you could arrange a scouting mission to the area, to try to find out about him. I would recommend you contact La Moskitia Ecoaventuras. They are a tour operator who are from the area and could raft down the river and ask the different gold miners there if they know anything about Christopher. You would of course have to pay them to do such a trip. their web page is lamoskitia.hn and the owners name is Jorge Salaverri. He his fluent in English and knows the area. Again, this is just an idea and you would have to contact him to see if he is willing to go out and try to find out. He is not an investigator nor is he an authority, but he knows how to mingle and establish a communication with the locals.
If there is anything else I can help you with, please feel free to contact me directly by email at john.dupuis@hondurastravel.com. I hope Christopher shows up on his own soon!
September 11, 2019 @ 9:48 pm
Hola . . . Planeo viajar a Ocotepeque Honduras pero me han informado que en ese municipio No cuentan aun con un sistema de agua potable, que la poblacion actualmente se abastacen del agua de un rio llamado Lempa y esta algo contaminado y el agua les llega por medio de entubado es decir no hay saneamiento y ademas tiene un precario abastecimiento. . .Por favor podrias decirme si sabe algo al respecto? De ante mano gracias
September 12, 2019 @ 3:17 pm
Buenos dias Lorena! No tengo idea de cual es la fuente de abastecimiento de agua para Nueva Ocotepeque. Ocotepeque es uno de los 18 departamentos de Honduras y su cabecera departamental, o capital es Nueva Ocotepeque. Me imagino que te refieres a esta ciudad en particular. Le Rio Lempa si pasa por el departamento, pero no no te puedo decir si su fuente de agua es de este rio. A un lado de la ciudad esta la Reserva de Vida Silvestre El Huisayote, que es un area proteguida y si no me equivoco, la fuente de agua de la ciudad probablemente proviene de esta reserva. De cualquier modo, en general es mas seguro comprar agua embotellada para el consumo humano. Existen varias embotelladoras de agua, incluyendo algunas con estandares internacionales que son absolutamente seguras para el consumo humano, entre las cuales esta Dasani. yo consumo agua Arroyo, pero ademas hay muchas mas. Te recomiendo que tomes agua embotellada. Yo no me preocuparia mucho, soy extranjero viviendo en Honduras hace 26 años y no he tenido problema con el agua de Honduras.