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When my husband received orders for Soto Cano Air Force Base in Honduras, we were confused.
First of all, he’s in the Army, not the Air Force. Second, there’s an American Air Force Base in Honduras???
Orders to Soto Cano mean a hardship tour – families are not allowed to accompany their service member to this country. So, we were devastated that we were going to spend at least a year apart.
However, what we once thought was a misfortune turned out to be one of our greatest blessings. Thanks to those orders we went on some of our greatest and most memorable adventures!
If you ever get the chance to visit this beautiful country, you should take it, and here’s why…
Why Honduras?
It’s Beautiful
Honduras is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.
From the sugar white sand of Roatan to the lush jungle canopy covering Pico Bonito to the rugged mountains surrounding Comayagua, Honduras is nothing short of gorgeous.
Not only is the landscape captivating, it is almost supernaturally diverse.
In just one trip from Tegucigalpa (the capital) to La Ceiba, we passed through a mountain range, past a lake formed by volcanoes, through flat farmlands, and along the coast of the Caribbean Ocean to the edge of the rain forest.
There are not many places in the world that can boast such a diverse landscape.
It’s Safer Than You Think
Most of Central America has a bad reputation among tourists. Violent drug cartels and tales of disappearing visitors are all we see in the media about these countries.
However, the collective view of that region is starting to shift. Tourism is picking up across Central America, especially in Honduras and Belize.
I’ve been to Honduras twice – once to the mainland and once to the island of Roatan – and to my knowledge, I was never in any danger. We did take a few extra safety precautions while we were there. We didn’t stay out long after dark and limited alcohol, to make ourselves less of a target. Other than that, we acted as we would have at home in the States.
I’m sure there are bad areas and bad people in Honduras, just like are here in our own country. But in my admittedly limited experience, I feel that it’s as safe as some cities I’ve been to in the U.S.
It’s Affordable
One of the reasons the tourism industry is expanding across Honduras is because it’s insanely affordable.
According to Budget Your Trip, traveling through cities in Honduras costs less than $25 per day. Compare that to $236 per day to travel through France or $159 per day for Italy. It’s literally a fraction of the cost!
For a week on the island of Roatan, we spent less than $3,000 and that included airfare, lodging, food, souvenirs, a zip-line tour, a snorkel tour, a day at Little French Key, everything we needed and wanted for 2 people!
I didn’t keep track of our trip to the mainland, but I know that it was even cheaper!
It’s Full of Good & Kind People
We met some incredibly kind people in Honduras. People were more than happy to give us directions or show us around. Plus, there was excellent service at every restaurant and hotel.
For example, our rental car got a flat tire. Not only did 4 men stop to help us fix it, but they refused to take our money when we offered. We eventually convinced the “leader” (i.e. the one that spoke the best English) to take 500 Lempiras, which is roughly $20.
You should have seen his face! He grinned from ear to ear. His buddies were slapping him on the back and grinning just as big. Getting a flat tire fixed here in the States would have been such a hassle, cost an arm and a leg, and probably wouldn’t have ended with smiles all around.
It Has a Rich Culture & History
Honduras is a country filled with rich culture and history. The majority of the population is Mestizo, meaning a mixed race of white European and indigenous descent. Minorities in Honduras include people who descended from native tribes such as Lenca, Miskito, Tolupan, and Sumo.
Christianity is the predominant religion of Honduras, particularly Catholicism. One of the biggest celebrations of the year is during Holy Week when carpets of colorful sawdust fill the streets and lively parades commemorate the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
We can’t forget the Mayan influences on Honduras and the ruins of one of their most important sites. In fact, the Mayan City of Copan was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the main draws for tourism in the country.
Honduras truly is a dreamy vacation destination. I have been twice already and can’t wait to go back for more.
There are so many unique and interesting things to do and see in this beautiful country, one trip couldn’t possibly suffice!
