Along the Caribbean coast of Honduras one can find everything necessary in order to enjoy a complete tourist experience. Aside from beautiful beaches, there are places that tell a large part of the country’s history.

The towns of Omoa and Trujillo are clear examples. In both of them visitors can admire fortresses built during the times in which the Spanish had to protect themselves from pirate attacks. Also, a short distance from Omoa lies Puerto Cortes, the most modern port in Central America.

History in Trujillo

Christopher Columbus came to Trujillo in 1502 and due to its geography and one of the largest and deepest bays in Central America, it was an important port during Colonial times. In an attempt to protect the city from pirate attacks, the Santa Barbara

Fortress was built. Despite the fact that as a result of these battles, the city was burned down and obliterated on several occasions, the fortress stands as a witness of the past.

A short 100 miles East of La Ceiba, the beaches in Trujillo are some of the most beautiful along the North coast. In the closeby Garifuna community of Santa Fe you’ll find wonderful beaches and a few restaurants. The Capiro Calentura Rain Forest Park is nearby, as are Guaimoreto Lagoon (perfect for birdwatching) and the Cuyamel Caves, dated back to pre-Columbian times.

Time to Party

Some 155 miles from Cortes is the third largest city in Honduras. In La Ceiba you will find the Standard Fruit Company’s administrative headquarters and it’s also a major pineapple production point.

An international airport, a strategical location and quality infrastructure have made the city an attractive tourist destination. It’s also the entryway to the Bay Islands and the Moskitia.

Several national parks and reserves are close to town; for example, the impressive Pico Bonito National Park, the rapids on the Cangrejal River, Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge and the Cayos Cochinos Marine Reserve (a spectacular group of small islands). La Ceiba is a joyful place filled with party energy. During the second half of May a traditional festival takes place, with colorful parades, music, dancing and delicious food.

Old Banana T own

For many years, Tela was dedicated to banana production. It was the home of “Tela Railroad Company”, owners of the well known Chiquita brand. Although banana production has stopped, there are still buildings from that time, such as the villas where the company’s American employees lived.

The city as well as nearby areas offer excellent hotels, restaurants and shops, and access to national parks and many glorious beaches. Punta Izopo National Park, in the Eastern part of Tela, has a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as the Garifuna community of Triunfo de la Cruz. Jeanette Kawas National Park or Punta Sal, is one of the country’s most important and is close to the Garifuna town of Miami.

Lancetilla Botanical Garden was designed in 1926 by the Tela Railroad Company. In a beautiful and quiet atmosphere, the garden displays a beautiful variety of plants and birds. It is visited through trails that reach an exotic bamboo forest and even a natural water pool to swim in.

Back to History and Progress Page