If you’re just like me who often look for a good way of getting off the beaten path in Central America, Honduras is probably a perfect destination for you. When I first arrived there, I realized that Honduras has become a hotspot for most backpackers who enjoy the vast national parks, Mayan Ruins and the country’s tremendous wildlife. Although often skipped by most travelers, the country has established a record on its own with its popular dive spots such as Roatan and Utila. The cost of traveling and living there is quite cheap and I believe it offers one of the best values in the region. Below are some of the reviews I made while traveling in Honduras.
Accommodation and Food
A night in a budget dorm usually stat at USD8 and a private room will cost you USD14-20. Yes, the accommodation is dirt-cheap in Honduras, although Utila and Roatan tend to have slightly expensive prices of accommodation. For a meal at a cheap local place, expect to be paying about USD3. Just like any other countries, dining out at a nice sit-down restaurant will cost slightly more at about USD5 per meal
Transportation and Activities
Taxis in Honduras do not use meters, therefore you need to ask the driver before you get in. In my experience, this is quite the same as in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where sometimes the driver charge the passenger selflessly. If you don’t agree with the fee, do not get in and find another taxi. A short ride usually will cost about USD2 and at USD3, you’ll get a cross-city trip. Still, quite cheap. If you don’t mind getting on national bus, you can expect to pay USD2 per hour of your journey. As for the activities, the biggest expense I had spend was in diving activity. Most operators I asked about would charge me between USD25-USD35 per dive. When I went to the national parks, I figured out that the entrance fees start low at USD3.
Money Saving Tips
Honduras is pretty much like another countries in Central America. Hitchhiking has become one of the most common ways to get around and it’s relatively safe. All you need is a perfect common sense. For your information, some rural areas do not have the service of public buses, therefore, backpackers and even the locals alike tend to hitchhike to get a ride. Another money saving tip would be to eat at lodgings, markets and cheap restaurants. When I was in the capital city of Tegucigalpa, most of the time I dined out at Comayaguela to save on my budget.
Overall, my trip to Honduras has taught me that a traveler can still do it on a very tight budget. And with the never-ending activities in Honduras, what else did I ever want more at that time? It’s a place full of exciting places and friendly people. Honduras will definitely be on my list of travel destinations, even for the next ten years to come.