Honduras: 3 Ways to Stay, from Budget to Splurge

by  Karen Catchpole | Jan 19, 2016
Eric Mohl
Eric Mohl / Hacienda San Lucas

The seven countries that make up Central America -- Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Belize, and Guatemala -- offer something for every traveler. From beaches to volcanoes to cool cities to pristine rainforest to archaeological sites, there's tons to explore. And when it comes to accommodations, these countries are also offering a wider and wider range of hotels. To help you plan your trip, we’re presenting three smart stays in every country in Central America. Here's our Honduras guide.

Best Budget Option
If you want to see living indigenous culture in Honduras, head for the town of Gracias de Dios, in the heart of an area that’s still inhabited by the Lenca people. In Gracias, as everyone calls the town, you’ll find Hotel Guancascos to be the country’s best budget offering. The 19 rooms -- $10 per night for a dorm bed and from $26 for private rooms -- are spotless, and owner Fronicas “Frony” Miedema, a Dutch woman who’s lived in Honduras for more than 20 years, is a wealth of information about the area. Patios with hammocks and a focus on ecological practices are big plusses, too.

Best Mid-Range Option
The Mayan archaeological site in Copán is the most famous destination in Honduras, and you can keep the Mayan vibe going at Hacienda San Lucas (pictured above). Located about a mile and a half above the center of town, the property is the 100-year-old home of the Cueva family, whose patriarch was a passionate amateur archaeologist and instrumental in early protection and exploration of the remains of Copán. His daughter, Doña Flavia Cueva, did a lot of the renovation work herself in turning the home into a hotel (don’t miss the photos of the restoration in progress). The eight rooms have two double beds, private bathrooms with hot water, solar-powered lights, ceiling fans, and WiFi. The $150 rates are based on double occupancy and include full breakfast -- great news considering that the hotel kitchen, staffed by Mayan women, turns out some of the best food in the region.

Best Splurge
On the Caribbean coast of Honduras lies a private 400-acre rainforest preserve. The Lodge at Pico Bonito is located within that reserve, which explains why this luxurious retreat is a magnet for bird watchers and nature lovers. More than 400 species have been identified in the area, and the lodge employs world-class guides to help you spot them. Secluded wood cabins are spacious at 400 square feet and include air conditioning, indulgent bedding, and porches with hammocks (from $215, based on double occupancy and including breakfast). The onsite spa offers a full menu of services at economical prices -- think: facials from $45 and hour-long massages from $65.

Eric Mohl / The Lodge at Pico Bonito

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