thit cho, atravelynn - you there? Anyone else gone to Honduras
Aug 23rd, 2006, 05:39 PM
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thit cho, atravelynn - you there? Anyone else gone to Honduras
Hi,
Sorry this isn't an African related question but I spotted your names on the Latin forum and as I truly respect your traveling perspectives. I'm wondering if you can help me with some possible Honduras planning. I'd like to go to Copan and then to the Bay Islands this Feb./March to dive, laze, kayak, deep sea fish and see ruins. Do you advise over Costa Rica - particularly the Osa penninsula? It seems like it would be costly just to get around in CR (Osa) - no? I've gone thru a couple books and a zillion sites but need some hands on data.
I'm looking for somewhat natural surrounds without too many people. My main objective is to not be in a resorty setting and to not spend too much for digs and food. Gotta save up for my Botswana trip.
Any help is appreciated.
Sherry
Sorry this isn't an African related question but I spotted your names on the Latin forum and as I truly respect your traveling perspectives. I'm wondering if you can help me with some possible Honduras planning. I'd like to go to Copan and then to the Bay Islands this Feb./March to dive, laze, kayak, deep sea fish and see ruins. Do you advise over Costa Rica - particularly the Osa penninsula? It seems like it would be costly just to get around in CR (Osa) - no? I've gone thru a couple books and a zillion sites but need some hands on data.
I'm looking for somewhat natural surrounds without too many people. My main objective is to not be in a resorty setting and to not spend too much for digs and food. Gotta save up for my Botswana trip.
Any help is appreciated.
Sherry
Aug 24th, 2006, 04:55 AM
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I've been to all these locations and they are definitely two different places.
The Bay Islands are pretty much only for diving, which is wonderful. There's a little bit of nightlife and a fair number of resorts and generally more Americanized than the rest of the country. Copan is excellent for the ruins and, of course, you get good nature on the way to and from.
Costa Rica is low on the diving and ruins scale with little, if any, on Osa (although there is a bit of both on offshore Canos). CR is a nature destination, completely different from Honduras. Not expensive to get around CR except on Osa, where you basically go in to one end or the other and not try to see the whole thing as north/south transport is all but nonexistent.
So base your decision on diving vs. natural beauty.....
The Bay Islands are pretty much only for diving, which is wonderful. There's a little bit of nightlife and a fair number of resorts and generally more Americanized than the rest of the country. Copan is excellent for the ruins and, of course, you get good nature on the way to and from.
Costa Rica is low on the diving and ruins scale with little, if any, on Osa (although there is a bit of both on offshore Canos). CR is a nature destination, completely different from Honduras. Not expensive to get around CR except on Osa, where you basically go in to one end or the other and not try to see the whole thing as north/south transport is all but nonexistent.
So base your decision on diving vs. natural beauty.....
Aug 24th, 2006, 05:14 AM
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As NoFlyZone points out, Costa Rica and Honduras are very different, and while I have visited both, the purposes of my trips were very different.
I visited Costa Rica principally to visit the cloud forests and to attempt to see the resplendant quetzal (which I saw at Monteverde). Costa Rica is not known for its ruins.
I visited Copan, Honduras last February over a long weekend, and I didn't see any other parts of the country. I flew from Neward to San Pedro Sula, and after landing, went to the bus station and took a bus to Copan (there is a luxury bus operator that covers most of the country). Copan is a very comfortable town, and the ruins are interesting (not as grand as Tikal in Guatemala or Chitzen Itza or Coba in Mexico), but well worth visiting. I also did a day trip into Guatemala to visit Quirigua, another set of ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Guatemala -- its difficult to get to, especially by public transport, which is how I traveled.
I have heard mixed things about the Bay Islands, and I likely will visit only if I can dive with the whale sharks (I think I'd prefer to visit Bocas del Toro in Panama if I wanted to visit Central American islands).
Also, one other thing -- Honduras, at least Copan, is very inexpensive (I think my hotel was US$20 per night, or something like that), and buses were less than US$10 from San Pedro Sula to Copan.
Michael
I visited Costa Rica principally to visit the cloud forests and to attempt to see the resplendant quetzal (which I saw at Monteverde). Costa Rica is not known for its ruins.
I visited Copan, Honduras last February over a long weekend, and I didn't see any other parts of the country. I flew from Neward to San Pedro Sula, and after landing, went to the bus station and took a bus to Copan (there is a luxury bus operator that covers most of the country). Copan is a very comfortable town, and the ruins are interesting (not as grand as Tikal in Guatemala or Chitzen Itza or Coba in Mexico), but well worth visiting. I also did a day trip into Guatemala to visit Quirigua, another set of ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Guatemala -- its difficult to get to, especially by public transport, which is how I traveled.
I have heard mixed things about the Bay Islands, and I likely will visit only if I can dive with the whale sharks (I think I'd prefer to visit Bocas del Toro in Panama if I wanted to visit Central American islands).
Also, one other thing -- Honduras, at least Copan, is very inexpensive (I think my hotel was US$20 per night, or something like that), and buses were less than US$10 from San Pedro Sula to Copan.
Michael
Aug 24th, 2006, 05:20 AM
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I only snorkel so cannot advise on diving. Copan and the Bay Islands would make a fantastic trip at a reasonable price. I have looked at this combination myself and would like to do it someday.
As NoFlyZone states Costa Rica is not noted for its diving, nor for its ruins.
A variety of habitats for wildlife and nature are its attributes instead.
If you make this trip, please tell me all about it.
As NoFlyZone states Costa Rica is not noted for its diving, nor for its ruins.
A variety of habitats for wildlife and nature are its attributes instead.
If you make this trip, please tell me all about it.
Aug 25th, 2006, 04:50 AM
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Thank you so much for your quick and honest replies. I will check out Panama, Michael, and then decide. I basically just want to chill without hordes of tourists and get away from the cold NE winter - preferably that is, as a bum without spending $$$. If I only see one interesting site I'll be happy. I feel that one must really tour around to do Costa Rica any proper justice - no? I'd love to do some serious CR hiking with jungle overnights - much more planning and $$$.
Question:
Is one night enough in Copan to check out the ruins - I can do 2 if nec. or rec.? Where did you stay in Copan, Michael? I plan also to take the bus from San Pedro Sula to the hotel and the ruins. I can't seem to find distance (time) charts for these destinations.
NoFly, Have you stayed on the Bay islands? If so, where?
Lynn, Yes, I will definitely post my trip for you. Which Central American areas and activities interest you for future trips?
Gracias!
Sherry
Question:
Is one night enough in Copan to check out the ruins - I can do 2 if nec. or rec.? Where did you stay in Copan, Michael? I plan also to take the bus from San Pedro Sula to the hotel and the ruins. I can't seem to find distance (time) charts for these destinations.
NoFly, Have you stayed on the Bay islands? If so, where?
Lynn, Yes, I will definitely post my trip for you. Which Central American areas and activities interest you for future trips?
Gracias!
Sherry
Aug 25th, 2006, 05:13 AM
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Sherry,
Central America interests are your upcoming trip, and a return to Belize and Costa Rica. The South America Fodors forum has loads of info on Costa Rica. Those destinations are in the someday category.
Central America interests are your upcoming trip, and a return to Belize and Costa Rica. The South America Fodors forum has loads of info on Costa Rica. Those destinations are in the someday category.
Aug 25th, 2006, 09:20 AM
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I don't recall where I stayed in Copan -- I didn't have reservations, but showed up in Copan and walked around until I found a hotel that looked nice (mine was in the Lonely Planet Guatemala, which has a chapter on Copan, Honduras). If I recall correctly, the bus from San Pedro Sula to Copan was less than three hours.
This is my last post before departing for the Western Balkans (Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia). I'm heading out the door to Newark Airport, to fly on Czech Airlines via Prague to Sarajevo.
This is my last post before departing for the Western Balkans (Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia). I'm heading out the door to Newark Airport, to fly on Czech Airlines via Prague to Sarajevo.
Aug 25th, 2006, 07:16 PM
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i've been to Roatan twice, both times on a boat and about 20 years apart, so i can't help with accomadations. i did lots of snorkeling both times and the water is really beautiful, lots of fish and some pretty corals. so i am sure the diving would be even better. The island had not changed much in between visits. There is also a dolphin encounter but we did not take part in that activity.
Altough some cruise ships make it a port of call now and they have spruced up the main "street".
Can't help you on the mainland have not been there.
joyce
Altough some cruise ships make it a port of call now and they have spruced up the main "street".
Can't help you on the mainland have not been there.
joyce
Aug 26th, 2006, 04:16 AM
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Thanks Joyce,
It's good to hear from someone in the know that much hasn't changed in Roaton over the years. Unfortunetly, it sounds like they're selling land and trying to put up condos as fast as they can. Hope to get there before that happens - not so good for the environment or locals.
Did you see any whale sharks? How were the currents?
Sherry
It's good to hear from someone in the know that much hasn't changed in Roaton over the years. Unfortunetly, it sounds like they're selling land and trying to put up condos as fast as they can. Hope to get there before that happens - not so good for the environment or locals.
Did you see any whale sharks? How were the currents?
Sherry
Aug 26th, 2006, 05:18 AM
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that's too bad that they're buidling condos on the island. i just looked through my pictures and it was 2004 the last time i was there, i was on a cruise (the first time was on a small boat on our way from Miami to San Diego) with my aunt and cousins. we did what the cruise lines tell you Not to do and it was one of the best ports of call ever. we hired a driver who took us to the other side of the island and found a small boat for us to hire and they took us out for the day snorkeling and touring. the guys were wonderful and showed us some really beautiful spots that i don't think you would see if you were on ship sponsored tour. we probably got lucky.
Didn't see any whale sharks but i was just snorkeling. one of the spots we went to had a lot of current so we moved to another place and it was much better. there was this huge wall and i remember thinking that if i was a diver this would be an incredible wall to dive down. a side note, since snorkeling here, my cousin who lives in FL went home took dive lessons and has become an avid diver.
People always write about coffee on this forum and i remember buying some really good strong coffee for very inexpensive.
both times i was there in spring, early and late and weather great both times.
i read this board more than i post so i will try to attach my pictures. if it doesn't work i'll be out most of the day but will check back later and figure out what i did wrong.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePh...&ownerid=0
Didn't see any whale sharks but i was just snorkeling. one of the spots we went to had a lot of current so we moved to another place and it was much better. there was this huge wall and i remember thinking that if i was a diver this would be an incredible wall to dive down. a side note, since snorkeling here, my cousin who lives in FL went home took dive lessons and has become an avid diver.
People always write about coffee on this forum and i remember buying some really good strong coffee for very inexpensive.
both times i was there in spring, early and late and weather great both times.
i read this board more than i post so i will try to attach my pictures. if it doesn't work i'll be out most of the day but will check back later and figure out what i did wrong.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePh...&ownerid=0
Aug 26th, 2006, 11:01 AM
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thanks for telling me how to link the photos, hope i have it right this time
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareCon...d=805604620405
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareCon...d=805604620405
Aug 26th, 2006, 03:07 PM
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Aug 26th, 2006, 03:24 PM
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That one works Joyce. I felt kind of sad looking at that dolphin enclosure - or am I misinterpreting, and in fact it's to assist distressed dolphins?
Sherry:
I've been eavesdropping on this thread as DH and I are trying to figure out our Feb/Mar trip next year, and Costa Rica is in the running for us (as well as Peru, Thailand and Namibia). Costa Rica appeals because of the wildlife, but we're thinking of going for 6 weeks, and fear we may get bored there.
<font color="green">Cyn</font>
Sherry:
I've been eavesdropping on this thread as DH and I are trying to figure out our Feb/Mar trip next year, and Costa Rica is in the running for us (as well as Peru, Thailand and Namibia). Costa Rica appeals because of the wildlife, but we're thinking of going for 6 weeks, and fear we may get bored there.
<font color="green">Cyn</font>
Aug 26th, 2006, 03:51 PM
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cyn,
the dolphin enclosure was much bigger than it looks in the picture, but it is for tourist to encounter with dolphins. here's a link for the place:
http://www.anthonyskey.com/english/dolphins/index.cfm
i work on a boat in San Diego and saw so many dolphins in the wild this summer that i feel bad for any enclosed dolphins. Especially the ones at Sea World
the dolphin enclosure was much bigger than it looks in the picture, but it is for tourist to encounter with dolphins. here's a link for the place:
http://www.anthonyskey.com/english/dolphins/index.cfm
i work on a boat in San Diego and saw so many dolphins in the wild this summer that i feel bad for any enclosed dolphins. Especially the ones at Sea World
Aug 27th, 2006, 08:57 AM
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Joyce,
Thank you so much for posting your wonderful pictures. You really seemed to captured the beauty of the island and peeked my interest even more than before. I'm pretty much set on going and trying to stay in the west bay area on Roaton and making a side trip to Copan to see the ruins.
Can you tell me where your ship docked - was it the west end and close to the west bay area?
Cyn,
We will most definitely go to Costa Rica but probably not in 07 due to finances and prep. for Botswana next summer. It does sound like you could remain quite busy in Costa Rica if you check out all the various regions and participate in all the amazing array of outdoor activities. I also think Panama would combine nicely with CR.
Please keep me posted on what you end up doing as I do have much interest in those areas as I haven't been for years and would like to return.
Sherry
Thank you so much for posting your wonderful pictures. You really seemed to captured the beauty of the island and peeked my interest even more than before. I'm pretty much set on going and trying to stay in the west bay area on Roaton and making a side trip to Copan to see the ruins.
Can you tell me where your ship docked - was it the west end and close to the west bay area?
Cyn,
We will most definitely go to Costa Rica but probably not in 07 due to finances and prep. for Botswana next summer. It does sound like you could remain quite busy in Costa Rica if you check out all the various regions and participate in all the amazing array of outdoor activities. I also think Panama would combine nicely with CR.
Please keep me posted on what you end up doing as I do have much interest in those areas as I haven't been for years and would like to return.
Sherry
Aug 27th, 2006, 12:46 PM
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the cruise ship came into Coxen's Hole, i found this map if you haven't already:
http://www.roatanonline.com/maps.htm
i am pretty sure it was the West End that our driver took us to and found us the little boat to go out on. Don't worry about your Spanish, everyone seemed to speak English. i think the cruise ships and possibly the condo developing has helped the economy. that beautiful white sanding beach was east of there past Anthony's Key and through the mangroves.
if you do happen to go and are there when a ship comes in, they set up the shopping stalls in Coxen's hole and i just remembered that my cousin and i went back into town before we departed and got some wonderful bargins. better than any of the other ports. someone even brought in the beautiful woven fabrics from Guatamela.
i haven't been to Africa yet, our frist trip will be to Kenya in Nov/Dec of this year and this finding this board was a big help in planning our trip. Glad i was finally able to give back some pictures even though it wasn't Africa.
http://www.roatanonline.com/maps.htm
i am pretty sure it was the West End that our driver took us to and found us the little boat to go out on. Don't worry about your Spanish, everyone seemed to speak English. i think the cruise ships and possibly the condo developing has helped the economy. that beautiful white sanding beach was east of there past Anthony's Key and through the mangroves.
if you do happen to go and are there when a ship comes in, they set up the shopping stalls in Coxen's hole and i just remembered that my cousin and i went back into town before we departed and got some wonderful bargins. better than any of the other ports. someone even brought in the beautiful woven fabrics from Guatamela.
i haven't been to Africa yet, our frist trip will be to Kenya in Nov/Dec of this year and this finding this board was a big help in planning our trip. Glad i was finally able to give back some pictures even though it wasn't Africa.
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