HONDURAS
GEOGRAPHY
Honduras a naturally endowed beautiful country has unfortunately become synonymous with political upheaval. This has not impacted its tourism and life moves on smoothly with all communication networks intact.
Not many are familiar with the name Honduras; Honduras is positioned on the globe in the north-central portion of Central America on the Caribbean coast; towards the north its contour touch Guatemala, and El Salvador whereas Nicaragua and Belize towards the south. The Caribbean Sea is also north in direction; towards the north-west is situated the Gulg of Honduras. The southern periphery has the North Pacific Ocean along with the Gulf of Fonseca, San Lorenzo and Port Henecan. The two islands the north-south Caribbean Bay and the Swan islands are also the region of Honduras.
The central and western parts of this second biggest nation within Central America are mountainous, while the north and north-east are low-lying with many swamps and coastal lagoons. There are long stretch of fertile land, rivers valleys and shrunken coastal areas.
Chief rivers Aguan, Patuca Coco. Valley and marshland exist on coast and along the river belts. The Twin River System the Patuca as well as the Ulua is main source of water for the northern part of the island.
The danger of earthquakes, hurricanes and floods cannot be ruled out close to Caribbean shores. Hurricane Mitch caused large scale destruction of life and property in the 1990’s.
HISTORY
Republica de Honduras or Republic of Honduras as it is known today was inhabited by Mayan people a little more than 1000 years ago around 4th century. The nomenclature actually means ‘depths’. The credit of name identity dates back to 1502 when Christopher Columbus on his fourth journey reached the entrance of Tinto O Negro River and then to Trujillo on Honduras. Seeing the depth of water on the shore he named it Honduras. At that time the land was populated by many Indian tribes. A war resulted in the annexation of the land by Spain for the next 300 years. Comayagua as well as Tegucigalpa were the hub of mining in those days.
It was in the year 1821 the Honduras were free from Spanish rule and it relinquished Mexico power in 1822; then along with a few other countries in the region of Central America promulgated they constituted the federation of Central American states; it lasted till 1838-39. Since then Honduras is a free country. Freedom unfortunately brought with itself domestic conflict, rising, and autocratic rule. An amazing number of 67 leaders reigned power between 1855-32. In this time there was war fought with Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador. Civilian rule came to this nation only in 1980.
POPULATION
National population is a blend of 91% Mestizos and remaining Amerindians a small percentage of the inhabitants are black Africans, Caucasian, Arab, European and Asians. Legally sanctioned language for the nation is Spanish however a few Amerindia dialects and English is also in common day to day use, more so in Bay Islands. Religion followed is either Roman Catholics or Protestants. Almost ¾ of the population resides in urban areas. The island is under developed and thus has meager resources of its own. Rio Ulua Valley is thickly populated.
A large percentage of the Hondurans are enthusiastic about game of soccer and political happenings. Joint families and family bonds are strong. The community lives collectively as a unit. The locals are hospitable towards guest and tourist; they find them very approachable.
Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba are some of the major towns.
CLIMATE
Climate tropical in the lowlands, moderate and warm in the highland; It varies close to the sea shores. Between November and May it is a dry season. The monsoons begin in May and last till October. However the Caribbean coast witness monsoon throughout the year; that is why the tourist visits this side of the land in from February till April. The land on the whole experiences two seasons namely rainy and dry one for almost six months.
AIRPORT
Tourist land at the international airport located at Tegucigulpa and San Pedro Sula. Take preventive immunization before entering the country.
TOURISM
The country is pulsating for those full of life; it is naturally kaleidoscopic for those who love nature; the inviting blue greenish water, the unsullied beaches specially in Tela as well as at Trujillo, the profusely green and delightful forest, enticing mountains, unconquered rivers, and the historical but notable sites. The eye meets with nature at every corner. Special guided tours are available for pleasure trips, ramble, and trek for day’s outing at water sources, beaches, into the forest or choice of a combo of these. Scuba and snorkeling swimming and diving is the main attraction at Bay and Hog islands; river rafting fascinates many a soul; the crystal clear waters are very tempting. The majority of the island has varying height from 300-2850m origination east to west.
The reestablished architecture in Copan Ruinas adjoining Guatemalan border is a representation of what life was in the times of Mayan civilization.
Utila is a puny island of the dimension of a little over 10 miles length and 2 miles width, 18 miles further from the north shore of Honduras. Tourists enjoy scuba diving and the coral reef here. It is a budget tourist delight.
Another island renowned for its natural beauty is Roatan in the north 30 miles from Honduras in the middle of Utila and Guanaja. Tourist most of them scuba divers head for this place. Its reef is a collection of fishes of all shades and shapes. Sea reptiles and mammals are a common sight here. A round of the island which is just 33miles x 4 miles is possible on a road transport to enjoy its natural beauty. Sandy Bay is towards the north-west direction and is surrounded by many islets. Added attraction is the dolphin display exciting windsurfing and relaxing spa.
Parque Nacional Pico Bonito or the Pico Bontito National park is a multifaceted rainforest mountainous park full of biodiversity mostly in the north direction. The trails lead to different areas of the park but at no time cautions have to thrown to the wind; the appearance of an unexpected wild animal cannot be ruled out. Waterfalls ten rivers and aviaries add beauty to the surrounding greenery. The zenithal peak is here which attract many climbers.
The capital city, Tegucigalpa, is in the central vicinity of the island. It is inhabited in the restricted, deep valley of the Choluteca River, in the central highlands.
Tegucigalpa a southern area of the island at 3000 feet is dotted with antiquity remains. It has churches, park and museums.
The northeast is named Mosquitia; it is famous for long stretched out luminous sand beaches interspersed with freshwater lagoons. It is richly vegetated with towering pines and pastures of grassland. Cutting of trees at rapid speed has adversely affected land quality in the country but Mosquitia area is still unscathed.
ECONOMY
The economy is impoverished and is based on agriculture and minerals. The chief crops are bananas, coconuts, coffee, sugar cane, maize and cotton. Cattle, poultry, pigs, and horses are raised. Bananas and coffee contribute substantially to the economy through exports. Tela is famous for bananas.
The mineral resources include silver, gold, lead, iron copper, and zinc, oil and copper, uranium, and manganese, ores. Apart from mining there are sugar mills, breweries, and soft drink plants.
Other chief export items are sea-foods, palm oil, beef, wood, gold and few other minerals.
FOOD
Food style bears a strong American influence. Well known food chain joints have outlets in the bigger cities. Many local specialties use sea food as its basic ingredient; namely Burritas, Tamales, Ceyiche, and Pastelitos. Tostones and Anafres are vegetarian dishes. Those with a sweet tooth can relish Tres Leches cake, Arroz and drink Salva Vida, Port Royal, Guam or even Giffity. The best part is that the food is economical tasty and filly.
The talented locals excel in the mastery of wood-craving, needle-craft, basket making, leather work, textile production, and designing of ceramics.
For temporary dwelling the place offers multitude options in the form of budget accommodation, bed & breakfast, hostels, remote and beach resorts, one to five star hotels in even far flung areas. Do business with ease in high tech modern amenities basic facilities residential place or explore the land.
Plan a visit to the island not just for adventure beauty and food but also for its intoxicating local folk music based on Spanish style; the guitars and the marimbas blend very well.
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