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La CeibaTropical funBy Sandra Scott
Near Pico Bonito Lodge is a butterfly farm and in town a private museum offers an exhibit of over 5000 butterflies, most of them from Honduras. Some of the best white water rafting in Central America is found on the Cangrejal river, which offers Class II, III and IV rapids, all within a short 45-minute drive from downtown La Ceiba. No visit to the area would be complete with learning about the Garifuna, an Afro-Carib people. Their ancestry can be traced back to shipwrecked slaves who took refuge with the Carib Indians. The Garifuna have developed their own language and unique culture. The majority of them live along the beautiful beaches and are known for their excellent seafood dishes, coconut bread and punta dancing, an energetic dance that can go on for hours.
La Ceiba is a budget destination for those looking for a new place to explore. There is plenty to please everyone be it bird watching, river rafting, hiking, swimming, or hanging out at an all-inclusive resort. Personal FavoritesRestaurant picks: Dining on the patio at Ricardo’s and eating steaks at La Plancha. Hotels: La Quinta Hotel has garden rooms and a pool. plus it is conveniently located on the edge of town near the shopping mall and golf course. Villa Rhina, located a few miles east of the city, has hillside cabins and swimming in natural plunge pools. La Colonial, located in the city, has roof-top Jacuzzis. Resorts: Palma Real, http://www.barcelo.com, is an all-inclusive on a 1500-foot beach, two pools, daily entertainment. Pico Bonito Lodge, http://www.picobonito.com, has cabins nestled in among the coca trees and bird watching towers. For more information log on to www.globalnet.hn/hondtips/index.htm or call (800) 410 9608, or contact Tourist Options, www.geocities.com/touristoptions, touristoptions@caribe.hn. Images by Sandra Scott |
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La Ceiba is more than just a jumping-off point for the
nearby Bay Islands of Roatan, Utila and Guanaja. It is where Hondurans go to
relax and have fun. The vibrant city enjoys an enviable location, bounded as
it is by Caribbean beaches to the north and the
ridges of the beautiful Nombre de Dios mountains on the south. The city is a
contrast of old and new. Horse-drawn delivery wagons pass by Pizza Hut.
Street stalls vend a variety of goods not far from the new shopping mall.
But, the real attractions are provided by nature.
About 10 miles from La Ceiba is one Central America's
largest manatee reserves, Cuero y Salado. The reserve is home to 35 to 50 of
the elusive manatees, as well as a variety of beautiful birds and other
wildlife. The entrance to the reserve is about five miles from the main
road, and getting to the protected area is half the fun. Local inhabitants
transport goods and visitors to the reserve on railroad tracks built years
ago by the banana companies. Wooden flatbed cars on train wheels are poled
along the tracks past haciendas, through Jurassic
Park-style scenery, before arriving at the mouth of the Salado River. Once
in the park, the boat ride slowly winds its way through a primeval looking
mangrove swamp that plays an integral part in the ecosystem of the tropical
rain forest. With luck, it is possible to spot one of the shy manatees that
call the area home. Every view is one that glorifies the beauty of nature as
a flock of white birds race ahead of the boat, monkeys gambol among the tree
tops, and large purple flowers dot the water's edge.
Also near La Ceiba
is Pico Bonito National Park with an entirely different ecosystem. Lush
tropical vegetation of the cloud forest looms high above Pico Bonito
waterfalls. Water coursing down the mountainside pours between two towering
rocky cliffs forming a small Eden-like swimming area. Upriver from the
waterfalls there are other pools deep enough for swimming. Pico Bonito,
which rises to 8,464 feet, still has some primary growth at higher
elevations, but the climb is only for experienced trekkers. Pico Bonito
Lodge, a luxury eco-lodge, offers excellent bird watching opportunities.
La Ceiba’s growing
popularity is evidenced by the recent opening of Barcelo’s Palma Real, a
world-class all-inclusive resort and the very first on the Honduran
mainland. Palma Real, while still expanding, has several pools, restaurants,
daytime activities, a casino, and Vegas-style shows in the evening including
a folkloric show celebrating the dances of the different cultures of
Honduras. The disco is the place to learn the "hot" new dances that have
replaced the Macarena. And, next to the resort is Water Jungle, an aqua
park.