Soccer, a national passion
Soccer is the national sport in Honduras. The national team, nicknamed the "H", the Catrachos or the Bicolore, has qualified for the World Cup three times (1982, 2010 and 2014). In the national championship, the clásico pits Motagua and Olimpia, Tegucigalpa's most successful clubs, against each other.
A diving destination
A former land of conquest and a hotbed of piracy, Honduras has preserved a number of magnificent relics from its tumultuous past. However, its treasures are not limited to shipwrecks: its exceptional coral reef has been attracting enthusiasts for years. It's the perfect opportunity to introduce youngsters to diving. Honduras is also perfect for snorkeling. Situated between the two Americas and bordering the second largest barrier reef in the world, Honduran waters are among the richest in the Caribbean. The reef is composed mainly of hard and soft corals. Fauna is abundant, and pelagic fish are a regular sight. Most of the sites are located in the Northwest Marine Reserve.
Islas de la Bahia is a bit like the Thailand of Central America... You'll find the most economical diving on the subcontinent, and many travelers come here for their certification: from PADI Open-Water for beginners to PADI Dive Master for aspiring dive instructors. For a youthful, festive atmosphere, head for Utila; for a more zen-like experience, head for Roatan; and for the adventurous, you can give Guanaja a try. You don't usually dive directly from Cayos Cochinos, but rather on the "mountain of the sea", located halfway between the cayos and Roatan. In Roatan and Utila, many dive spots are easily and quickly accessible by boat. From West End, for example, more than 30 dive sites are less than 10 minutes by boat, which is quite exceptional. In Roatan, you're more likely to see green turtles, or eagle rays (especially from February to August), while in Utila you may cross paths with the famous whale shark, the world's largest fish!
Other popular activities
Hiking. Hiking enthusiasts will easily find what they're looking for in Honduras. Particularly in the Parque Nacional Celaque, home to the country's highest point (2,849 m) and a lush rainforest, beautiful waterfalls and a large population of quetzals, Guatemala's emblematic bird. Not far from Tegucigalpa, the Parque Nacional de La Tigra, with its cloud forest and flora, is also well worth a visit. Also worth a mention is Parque Nacional Pico Bonito, one of the most beautiful in the country, with exceptional flora and fauna, and one of the highest peaks in Honduras (2,480 m), which will delight mountaineers. Last but not least, Lake Yojoa and the Parque Nacional de Santa Barbara will also delight ornithologists and botanists. The best season for hiking is, of course, the dry season between November and April.
Rafting. For the ultimate thrill, head for the rio Cangrejal (near La Ceiba) for a trip down class III and IV rapids. This spot is internationally recognized as one of the best in Central America. The professionals in the sector are highly trained and the location is magnificent. The best season is from September to March. Don't hesitate!
Golf. There are several golf clubs and courses in Honduras: near Tegucigalpa, in Comayagua, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and Roatan.
