The largest island in Honduras. FAQ Honduras: attractions, photos, visa, prices. central highlands

The small Latin American state of Honduras has a really sonorous name. Maybe that's why various catchphrases and expressions with his mention are found in Russian speech so often. The aphorisms popular in Russia “They called the wrong country Honduras”, “Only Guadeloupe knows how difficult it is to be Honduras”, “Honduras, Honduras in the heart of each of us” are excellent confirmation of this.

In our language, even a single-root verb appeared - "honduran", denoting "to work hard", "to coven", and the saying "it is better to kalym in Honduras than to Honduras in Kolyma" has steadily entered the speech circulation.

Surprisingly, for some reason, the name of this particular country of the Caribbean coast is often pronounced not only in communication between people, but also on TV screens. And, interestingly, - not from the news releases! Suffice it to recall the classics of Soviet cinema. The dialogue between our favorite heroes Yevgeny Leonov and Leonid Kuravlev in Georgy Daneliya's film "Afonya" makes more than one generation of viewers smile:

— Athanasius, do you know what the UN has decided about Honduras?
- Who is he?
- Yes, I live in a cave ....

Or here is a conversation between the main characters Liya Akhedzhakova and Juozas Budraitis in the film “Sinner”:
- Petya, what are you?
Honduras worries me.
- What???
— Honduras… Latin America…
— Where have you been?

At first glance, Honduras seems to be a particularly unremarkable state. Why is Honduras so "popular" with us? Is it really just because of its "biting" name?

Of course not. This country has its own zest, which distinguishes it from the general background not only in Central America, but throughout the world. It is located on ancient indian lands. Starting from the II century. AD For many centuries, Honduras was the center of the Mayan civilization - known today for its writing, art, architecture, science and technology.

It is not surprising that the Indian culture is still manifested in almost all spheres of life of the Hondurans, and the customs and traditions of the Indians are very common here. Even the state currency - the lempir - is named after the leader who fought against the Spanish colonizers. The inhabitants of the country still consider the red macaw parrot to be a sacred animal, believing that it is able to cause rain and maintain contact with the world of the dead.

These are the ruins of the largest Mayan settlement in the 7th-8th centuries AD. Here are the classic structures of the Indians: pyramids, steles, columns, statues, ceremonial temples - all over 100 buildings. Scientists have not yet come to the conclusion why in the IX century. AD the city was abandoned, and the tribes left these lands and moved to the Yucatan Peninsula.

There is only one place in all of Honduras where wealthy tourists can find a relaxing luxury beach holiday. This is the tropical island of Roatan in the Caribbean. There are crystal clear waters, through which coral reefs are visible.

Roatan Island, unlike others in the Caribbean, is not oversaturated with incoming tourists and five-star hotels - everything is much simpler here. It is this simplicity that has its charm.

There is an institute of marine sciences on Roatan, only students in it do not sit over notes, but train dolphins. Tourists for $100 here have the opportunity to swim with these mammals in the outdoor pool and take part in a mini-performance themselves.

There is another special place on the island - the private resort of Little French Key. Everything on it has been created for a comfortable stay for tourists: snow-white beaches, bars on the water, zoos with exotic animals.

Located in the heart of Tegucigalpa and combines all the best that is in the capital of Honduras. A visiting card is the Cathedral of San Miguel built in 1782. There is also a monument to the national hero Francisco Morazan.

A pedestrian lane similar to the Moscow Arbat adjoins the square. The locals are very proud of him. Above this street hangs a chic example of modern Honduran art - the installation "Bottles" - cut bottoms, into which colored water is poured, creates a mosaic graphic ornament.

The museum has many exhibits related to the culture and history of Honduras. Of particular interest to tourists is a virtual visit to the ruins of the old Mayan city - Copanu.

The largest waterfall in Honduras 43 meters is perhaps the most beautiful natural attraction in the country. The waterfall has one important feature - watching it, one gets the impression that it has no beginning, but flows out of the forest.

It was the capital of Honduras in the XVI - XIX AD. The architectural style of that time is clearly manifested in the sights of the city. The visiting card of Comayaqua is the cathedral of the same name with the oldest clock in the world, as well as the church of La Merced.

A small resort island in the Caribbean with an area of ​​​​only about 50 km2. Considered the most economical holiday destination in Honduras.

The second longest reef on the planet, 900 km. It has a rich world of underwater representatives of flora and fauna. The deepest depression is 300 meters above sea level. Most of the reef, like the entire ocean floor, has not been explored.

One of the main natural attractions of the country is a favorite place for rafters throughout Latin America - the conditions for extreme mountain rafting are simply ideal here. The length of the river is 25 kilometers.

Located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, the national park is the most beautiful place in Honduras. The park is home to over 200 species of birds, cougars, monkeys, and many other representatives of the animal world.

The only natural lake in Honduras, with an area of ​​280 km2. Located at the height 700 meters above sea level within two national parks of the country at once. Picturesque views are presented around the reservoir.

Located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea and covers an area of 750 km2. The fauna of the reserve is represented by many species of fish, birds, dolphins, crocodiles, iguanas, snakes and monkeys.

Discovered in 1502 by Christopher Columbus and named "island of pines". Many trees of the same name grow on Gaunach, including its rare species - the Caribbean pine.

Founded in 1987. It is located in the north of the country and has its own peculiarity - the height difference in the park exceeds two kilometers. Most of the territory of the reserve is occupied by tropical forests.

The islands are declared a nature reserve and are under the protection of environmentalists. The sea here is the cleanest and many call them a paradise for divers.

The second largest botanical garden in the world, in which over 300 species of different birds. Here is the largest orchard and bamboo forest.

The forests of the reserve are rich in expensive mahogany. In addition, over 2,000 natives of the endangered Mosquito people live on its territory. The park is under the protection of UNESCO and is included in the World Heritage List.

The park has a wide variety of tropical trees. Mountain oaks in the park reach a height 40 meters. Broadleaf tobacco and grapes grow here. Salamanders, monkeys, jaguars and many other animals live in the reserve.

The main type of walk in the garden is ecotourism. The jungle is filled with wild orchids and exotic trees. A rather rare chocolate tree grows here.

Located in the city of Camayagua. Tourists are allowed to go deep into the caves for 300 - 400 meters. The total investigated length is about 13 km.

In addition to picturesque cities, ancient ruins and colorful architectural monuments attractions in Honduras include unique objects and events of intangible value. So, the highlight of this amazing country is the Garifuna people, whose language, culture and dances are part of the World Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Every year for a century in the department of Yoro, an unusual natural phenomenon occurs - a rain of fish, leaving behind hundreds of live fish. Hondurans explain this phenomenon by the miracle of Saint Jose Subiran, the patron saint of the poor.

Colorful national holidays and carnivals are widely known even outside the state. In February, you can visit the brightest event in the spiritual life of the country - the colorful procession of La Virgen de Suyapa. Popular among tourists are yachting, rafting and other exciting activities. entertainment in Honduras.

centuries old history of Honduras left a whole galaxy of remarkable monuments of cultural significance. The picturesque towns of Comoyagua and Choluteca, the narrow cobbled streets of the town of Santa Rosa de Copan bear many testimonies of the colonial past. are widely represented in the pearl of the country - the capital of Tegucigalpa: the bizarre facades of the ancient churches of Iglesia de San Francisco, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores amaze with their monumental grandeur and unique interior decoration.

Tourist routes offer travelers fascinating excursions in Honduras in nearby and remote parts of the country. Under the guidance of experienced tour guides, vacationers can personally touch the wonders of the ancient Mayan city of Copan, visit the impenetrable tropical jungle of the Mosquito Coast, and take part in the traditional carnival procession of Utila Island.

No less interesting for excursions are natural monuments of Honduras- Picturesque and rich in natural diversity, the national parks of the country of La Tigre and Rio Platano.

Museums in Honduras

If you came to Honduras, be sure to visit the National Museum in the capital Tegucigalpa, famous for its rich collection of archaeological and ethnographic exhibits. Quite curious attractions Museum of La Ceiba - this most interesting museum has more than sixteen thousand different butterflies and insects from 139 countries of the world.

A diamond in a rough setting is about Honduras, the second largest country in Central America, which amazes tourists with its natural beauty and diversity of wildlife. Travelers can explore idyllic Caribbean beaches, bird-rich lakes and jungles, the virgin rainforest of La Mosquitia and the Mosquito Coast. But the gems of the country are its beautiful islands. Shrouded in beautiful coral reefs - part of the world's second largest barrier reef that stretches north to Mexico - these tropical islands are ideal for both beach and diving activities. Honduras is also home to the archaeological treasures of Copan, one of the best sites of Mayan history in the world.

Below is our overview: top attractions in Honduras

1. Roatan Island ( Roatan)

Roatan is the most popular place among tourists in Honduras, more than 300 thousand people visit it in a year alone, which is a very large figure for a poor Central American country and a huge help to a poor budget. Roatan is the largest and most developed island in the Islas de la Bahia group of islands.

Surprisingly beautiful coral reefs fringe its shores, offering excellent opportunities for diving and deep sea fishing, the marine life around the island is exceptionally diverse (coral reefs and grottoes, hundreds of species, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, moray eels, in the spring months - whale sharks). One of the most favorite places for tourists is West Bay Beach, where there are heavenly conditions for a beach holiday.

The attractions of this small Caribbean island are: Roatan Marine Science Institute, Roatan Museum, Marine Park and Tropical Arboretum.

Copan)

Copan is a Mayan archaeological site located in the department of Copan, in the western part of Honduras, near the border with Guatemala. Copan was once a major classical kingdom from the 5th to 9th century AD. The city was located in the extreme southeast of the Mesoamerican cultural region, on the border with the cultural region of Ishmo-Colombia. Copan in those centuries was a powerful city, ruling over a vast kingdom in the southern part of Maya. The city suffered a major political and military disaster in 738 AD when Vashaklahun-Ubah-K'aville, one of the greatest kings in Copan's dynastic history, was captured and executed by his former vassal, King Quirigua. This unexpected defeat led to the decline of the kingdom.

The archaeological site of Copan is the most studied Mayan city in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers will find many attractions here. Copan is famous for the stelae and altars that are scattered over the vast area, most of which were built during 711 and 736 AD. Other highlights include the ball court, a unique temple that has the longest known Mayan text, and the Acropolis with magnificent carvings of the 16 kings of Copan. A significant part of the eastern part of the acropolis was washed away by the Copan River, the river was diverted to protect the site from further damage.

3. Mayan Sculpture Museum ( Museum of Mayan Sculpture

The Copan Archaeological Site houses a magnificent Mayan Sculpture Museum, which displays a series of original sculptures, stelae and altars excavated during the archaeological excavations at Copan. Undoubtedly, the main attraction of the museum is the richly decorated temple of Rosalila, discovered intact during excavations. This beautiful museum is an important stop on your tour of Copan.

4. Utila

32 kilometers off the west coast of Roatan is the Caribbean paradise island of Utila, which is famous for its magnificent waters so ideal for diving. Tourists from all over the world flock to this 13-kilometer island to dive into the depths of the Caribbean Sea. In addition to the warm, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, Utila boasts two beaches that are perfect for a family holiday under the scorching sun of the tropics.

5. Little French Key

Little French Key is a private island resort located on the south windward side of the beautiful island of Roatan, in the chains of the Gulf of Honduras. Imagine hammocks slung between coconut palms, sparkling clear Caribbean waters with fantastic snorkeling opportunities, and white-sand beaches with kayaks and sun loungers. This cozy paradise houses a private zoo with exotic animals that have mostly been rescued.

Small French Key, located next to the second largest coral reef in the world and surrounded by crystal clear, warm and turquoise water, here the sound of the sea and the coolness of the Caribbean breeze are harmoniously combined, with an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

6. Institute of Marine Sciences Roatan ( Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences

The Institute of Marine Sciences on the Honduran island of Roatan is famous for its bottlenose dolphins - bottlenose dolphins. It is located on the northwest coast of the island, next to the Anthony Key Resort. The Institute of Marine Sciences of Roatan educates locals and tourists about communicating with the Caribbean's marine ecosystem and offers the chance to see dolphins in a natural lagoon. Lovers of their favorite animals can swim with dolphins, play simple games or enjoy the experience of diving with them.

7. La Tigra National Park (Parque Nacional La Tigra)

About 20 kilometers from Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, is the country's first national park - La Tigra (Parque Nacional La Tigra). La Tigra is one of the most beautiful places in Honduras. Perched at an altitude of 2270 meters, this pristine stretch of Central America's lush tropical jungle is home to ocelots, cougars and monkeys. The park is also home to many amazingly colorful and beautiful birds, with over 200 species living within its boundaries, including toucans and trogons. This is one of the most visited parks in Honduras and it is worth a separate excursion.

8. Lake Yojoa (Lago de Yojoa)

Along the main road between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, there is a natural landmark of Honduras - Lake Yojoa. Yohoa is the largest natural lake in the country and the main habitat for the birds of this Central American country. More than 480 species of birds have been found here, including whistling ducks, northern jackans and toucans. Two mountain national parks border the lake, Santa Barbara National Park on the north shore and Cerro Azul Meibar National Park on the south.

9. Jeanette Cavas National Park ( Parque National Jeanette Kawas)

Formerly known as Punta Sal National Park, this beautiful desert area is now named after environmental activist Jeanette Cavas, who passionately fought for the conservation of Honduras' nature. The park stretches along a peninsula in the western part of Tela Bay and is famous for its biodiversity, where you can see tropical jungles, wetland mangroves, sparkling beaches and coral reefs. Wildlife is abundant and includes many rare species of birds and mammals. Dolphins, howler monkeys and a large number of tropical birds, including toucans and quetzals, can be found in the park.

10. Museum of National Identity ( Museum of National Identity

The main museum of Honduras is the Museum of National Identity, which is housed in a historic colonial building from the 18th century. The museum has an impressive collection of Honduran and international art. The historical exhibits of the museum reveal the fascinating past of the country - from pre-Hispanic times to the present day. The highlight of the museum is the virtual tour of the Mayan Acropolis in Copan.