Caribbean Coast Attractions
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Honduras's long Caribbean coast has an atmosphere unique from the rest of the country where English or Creole is more common than Spanish. Beaches, wildlife reserves and forts are interspersed with towns ranging from the urban center of La Ceiba to the tiny Garifúna fishing villages. There's the hiker's favorite, Tela; the cruise port of Puerto Cortés and Trujillo, the gateway to the Mosquito Coast.
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Trujillo, Honduras
Nestled between tropical peaks and the Bahía de Trujillo, the small town of Trujillo is one of the more inviting towns on the Honduran coast and is one of the Caribbean's best beach towns. Although not usually full of tourists it is a port-of-call for cruise ships. It was near Trujillo on August 14, 1502, that Columbus first set foot on the American mainland.
William Walker's Tomb
The grave of the ambitious North American William Walker, who took it upon himself to conquer Central America for the USA and tried to impose plantation slavery on the area.After becoming the head of government of Nicaragua, and leading troops into Costa Rica and Honduras, he was captured and executed by firing squad in Trujillo in 1860.
Capiro and Calentura Park
An excellent example of tropical rain forest is protected in this important refuge for wildlife. Among its most important features are the abundance of macaws and howling monkeys known locally as micos. There are some very pleasant falls within the park, following the Rio Negro up into the mountain.
Trujillo Museum
This unique and rustic museum known only as el Museo, is an eclectic private collection containing gadgets, antique household appliances; undetonated bombs; farm machinery and a kitchen sink. In the grounds are four natural pools and a rope-bridge set in a forest where butterflies, monkeys and birds can be seen.
Fort Santa Barbara
Built in the early 17th C this fort was built to repel pirate attacks but failed on numerous occasions when the city was sacked.
Omoa, Honduras
Situated on the tranquil Bahia de Omoa and cradled in the Merendon mountains, the fishing village of Omoa population 2,500 is one of the oldest towns in Honduras. A great beach and waterfalls appeal to travelers.
Fortress of San Fernando de Omoa
Originally built to protect the coast and shipments of silver bound for Spain from the continuous attacks of pirates the fortress was taken over by the local government after independence in 1821, used as a jail and then abandoned. Today, the fortress is considered a National Monument and run by The Honduran Institute of Archaeology and History. It and its green gardens are open to the public.
Puerto Cortes, Honduras
Honduras's largest port is situated on a deep, natural harbor and known for travelers on their way through to boat trips to Belize or the Garífuna communities. The new waterfront park is a good place to watch the busy harbor.
