Its not without good reason that La Ceiba is alternately known as the Darling of Honduras, the Friendliest City in Honduras, the City that Plays, the Fun Capital of Honduras and the Eco-tourism Capital of Honduras, and now its official!
At the inauguration of La Ceiba's newest event, the Carnival of Love and Friendship, the President of the Republic officially proclaimed La Ceiba the "Eco-tourism and Entertainment Capital" of Honduras.
In addition to its abundant and varied night life for which La Ceiba and its Zona Viva are famous throughout Honduras and Central America, and its world renowned Carnaval, you can choose a from a variety of activities to fill your days, if you can pull yourself away from your swaying hammock on the tropical Caribbean beach.
Enjoy the old Spanish charm and warmth of La Ceiba's city center. Relax on one of the benches in La Ceiba's Parque Central across from its picturesque cathedral and city hall backdropped by the towering Nombre de Dios mountain range and enjoy the sites and sounds of a bustling Central American city.
Souvenir shopping at any of the variety of shops located in and along the central market is only steps away, as is a step back into Honduran history at the old railroad exhibit at Swinford Park where you can see the vintage locomotives and cars which moved the goods that, in its golden years, fueled this former banana republic. A few blocks to the north along Avenida San Isidro and you're at the Caribbean strolling the bench lined promenade along the shore.
Getting around La Ceiba is easy. The downtown area is compact and well laid out. If you tire of walking, inexpensive taxis abound.
If your trip brings you to La Ceiba during the third week of May you can enjoy the famed Carnival with parties and live music rotating in each of the city districts every night of the week and topped off by the Grand Parade up Avenida San Isidro on the last day of Carnival. Several live bands play tropical tunes for your enjoyment all night long up and down the Avenida. La Ceiba's Gran Carnaval is billed as the biggest in the Americas (north of Brazil and south of New Orleans).
In addition to the week of Carnival, La Ceiba literally fills up with with beach goers from all over Honduras during Easter week (Semana Santa). You can reserve now to insure that you have accommodation available when you arrive.
La Ceiba's newest celebration, the Carnaval of Love and Friendship, held in mid-February to coincide with St. Valentine's Day, is destined to bring even more excitement and colour to our modest international tourism destination.
If you're looking for something more educational, more exciting or more physically challenging the possibilities abound.
Take a tour of La Ceiba's internationally famous Butterfly and Insect Museum with over 12,000 species of insects and follow-up with a guided tour of the Butterfly House at the Tropical Butterfly Farm and Gardens and see many of the native butterfly species on the wing.
Should you want to take in more and varied local culture you can visit the Garifuna community on the beach at Sambo Creek. Enjoy the beach and unique Garifuna culinary delicacies at the same time.
For the more physically adventurous, dash down the world class rapids of the Congrejal River or spend the day hiking in the Pico Bonito National Park enjoying a dip in refreshing waters of its pools and waterfalls. You may also arrange for a breathtaking zipline tour of the rain forest canopy while in Pico Bonito Park. The Cuero y Salado Wildlife Preserve and the Cacao Lagoon are also close by and are legion with various species of local flora and fauna.
With its central location along Honduras' extensive Caribbean coastline and its international airport and port facilities, La Ceiba is the major jumping off point if you want to visit any of the Bay Islands of Roatán, Guanaja or Utila for a few days of world class diving or sight seeing. Inexpensive flights and even more inexpensive ferries can take you to and from the Bay Islands daily. The Cayos Cochinos Marine Reserve is also only a short boat ride away.
Its not without good reason that La Ceiba is alternately known as the Darling of Honduras, the Friendliest City in Honduras, the City that Plays, the Fun Capital of Honduras and the Eco-tourism Capital of Honduras, and now its official!
Enjoy the old Spanish charm and warmth of La Ceiba's city center. Relax on one of the benches in La Ceiba's Parque Central across from its picturesque cathedral and city hall backdropped by the towering Nombre de Dios mountain range and enjoy the sites and sounds of a bustling Central American city.