Honduras on a budget – how to see the beaches, reefs and ruins for less

27.12.2023 - 11:19 / lonelyplanet.com

Wonderfully intact Maya ruins and a remote biosphere reserve where you can still genuinely go off the grid are just two of many attractions in Honduras.

This under-the-radar country is a top pick for budget travelers, whether you're just passing through as part of an epic road trip, taking a week-long beach vacation or going around the world on a gap year.

Honduras is already one of the most wallet-friendly destinations in Central America, but there are plenty of ways to minimize costs so you can splurge on once-in-a-lifetime experiences like diving with whale sharks or white-water rafting on the Río Cangrejal.

With a surge of hostels in popular haunts such as Santa Rosa de Copán, Roatán and Utila, and private rooms in budget hotels elsewhere, there’s always somewhere inexpensive to lodge in Honduras.

And it’s often possible to negotiate a better rate for longer stays. Another option is staying with locals, combing cultural immersion with three home-cooked meals a day – find homestays advertised in tourist hangouts.

Several hostels on Roatán, Utila and in a few inland destinations offer hammocks strung across verandas – or have hooks for you to sling your own – for a low-cost stop for the night. A durable, comfy hammock will set you back around L370 at a local market.

Hammock space is around L125 per night – not only is this the most wallet friendly of accommodations, it’s incredibly eco-friendly as well. Who needs air-conditioning or a fan as you're lulled to sleep by the sea breezes and the sound of the waves or jungle noises? Bug repellent is a must, though, lest you become a mosquito buffet.  

Using cash is usually the best way to go, particularly if you're staying at low-cost places. Credit cards only tend to be used for high-end purchases such as booking a flight or a stay at an upscale hotel. ATMs are not always easy to find in smaller towns, and where they do exist, they occasionally don’t work.

US dollars are welcome in Honduras, but exchange rates can vary dramatically, so it’s best to withdraw a wad of lempiras (the local currency) from an ATM at the earliest opportunity and carry plenty of small bills for minor purchases and bus fares.

Honduras is a year-round destination thanks to its warm, subtropical climate, but the hot, dry season (December to May) is the most popular time to visit. Accommodation prices spike around New Year and Easter, so consider traveling during the rainy season (June to November) to avoid the crowds in popular spots.

You can also bag off-season bargains on accommodations, tours and scuba diving packages on the Bay Islands. So long as you avoid the rainiest months of September and October, you may only experience the tropical downpours as short afternoon bursts and you'll be