ryspahr

My girlfriend and I are planning a trip through Belize and Honduras and could use some help on the Honduras end. We'd like to stay off the beaten path, amongst the jungle/wildlife if at all possible in some part of Honduras... any recommendations? I've heard of Pico Bonito and it seems nice, just looking for other choices to make sure we find what we are looking for.

Also at the end of the trip we'd like to spend 4-7 days on one of the bay islands. I know there is Roatan and have had friends stay there, but do any of you have any experience with Utila or Guanage (I think I spelled that wrong, sorry).

Thanks in advance,
Ryan

hopefulist

Just remember that places are on the beaten path not simply because they're easy to get to but because they're worth the effort. I've spent more than a month total in and around Copán Ruinas and am sure to head back. Although Copán is on the beaten path I've been to many areas near there that aren't. If you don't have a lot of time, that's a good way to discover rarely visited gems.

There's a poster named rultikart on the Thorntree Forum who might be able to help you more (search first, then ask):
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...spa?forumID=12

I've been to all 3 of those Bay Islands at least once and love them all for different reasons. Utila has a backpacker feel and is generally cheaper than the other islands, good diving, some good shore snorkeling that is a bit hard to find, limited access to good beaches, and not much in the way of hiking or other villages to explore.

Roatán has some gorgeous beaches, easy access to shore snorkeling, a few interesting towns, some great hiking (it's mountainous), and good diving and the boat trips to good sites tend to be shorter; I find myself recommending it the most. You can ferry (from La Ceiba) or fly to both but the flights are more frequent to Roatán.

Guanaja is more difficult to get to as there are no regular boats and much less frequent flights. Most of the population lives in a very rough-around-the-edges town called Bonacca Town on it's own tiny separate island; there may be a hotel or 2 there but I wouldn't recommend it. There are a few fishing villages where you might find a room in someone's house if you ask around and a sprinkling of resorts that offer diving and/or flyfishing, either on the mainland or on small cayes off shore. There are no roads so you get around by boat and some decent hiking. I found the diving and snorkeling there to be spectacular but don't recommend Guanaja for a brief visit or for someone on a strict budget.

We enjoyed rafting, kayaking, horse back riding, and hiking in Pico Bonito and surrounds. You can read about that in the travelogues linked with the photos below, 2006 collection. Happy trails!

2005: Copán
2006: Utila, La Ceiba/Pico Bonito, Roatán
2008: Copán, Guanaja, Utila
This summer: Roatán (after 2 weeks in Guatemala, my favorite)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

ryspahr

Wow, thanks for the indepth look at a few spots in Honduras.

A quick question about Pico Bonito... is there anywhere besides the Villas at Pico Bonito or The Lodge to stay? We stayed in Costa Rica at Bosque del Cabo and it was great, looking for something along those lines as far as wildlife is concerned.

Thanks,
Ryan

hopefulist

I'm not familiar with B del C besides constant references here; I haven't read those posts because I'm not really interested in CR. I suspect Honduras won't match up in terms of wildlife except for underwater. The places you name are the spendy options which may be what you're looking for. The place we stayed - and loved - was Omega Lodge.
www.omegatours.info

Sorry I can't help more. Happy trails!

ryspahr

Quite the contrary, it doesn't have to be spendy at all I just fell in love with Bosque del Cabo. The rest of our trip through Costa Rica was spent in budget lodging.

Omega Lodge does look nice!

hopefulist

I'm thinking your idea of budget and mine might be different but there's lots to enjoy at Omega. Their tours are great and the jungle suites are very artistic and funky. Basic lodging is provided free with a tour. We stayed in the Creek Cabin, a large, rustic cabin with handmade furniture built over a creek for an extra $15/night double; not sure what the jungle suites cost. We liked the setting, the jungle shower, all the guides and activities, and thought the food provided by the restaurant was very good. We stayed there nearly 5 years ago but Omega continues to receive good reviews. Happy trails!