Is Honduras Safe for Travelers? First-Hand Insights from Copán to Caribbean Coasts
Update April 2021: In addition to this personal account of traveling Honduras as a female traveler, review these resources for the latest safety info:
- Honduras is poor, violent and unstable. – Washington Post, September 2019
- Crime in Honduras – Wikipedia
- The current travel advisory for Honduras by the U.S. State Department
Update August 2015: For a recent perspective, read this Medium.com article by recent visitors: ‘The Murder Capital Of The World That Isn’t’. Now, our experiences from early 2011:
During our eight-month Central America journey, we rarely heard about Honduras from fellow travelers heading north. Skipped by most itineraries, its highlights—the Bay Islands for diving and Copán Ruinas for Maya ruins—draw dedicated enthusiasts.
Beyond these, Honduras offers Lake Yojoa (rivaling Lake Atitlán), Caribbean fishing villages, colonial towns, and the indigenous Ruta Lenca—all overlooked gems.
While Guatemala and Nicaragua face occasional safety concerns, their cultural and natural attractions draw millions. Honduras' hesitation stems partly from a 2009 political crisis: President Manuel Zelaya's arrest and exile sparked a constitutional standoff and embassy warnings.
At visit time (late 2010–early 2011), Guatemala saw nearly 1 million visitors yearly; Honduras, just 370,000.
Visible machine guns unnerved us everywhere, even touristy Copán's main square, packed with armed police and guards. Why such presence in 'safe' areas?
A Copán forest hike with a local guide revealed more about narco-trafficking than ruins: from 'mules' to mid-level operators. A suspicious truck stopped briefly—no threat, but eye-opening proximity.
The Caribbean coast felt secure. Daytime San Pedro Sula, despite crime reports, resembled other cities; its bus terminal was a modern mall.
Tegucigalpa felt dicey. Unplanned overnight there (no direct buses New Year's Day), a local warned against lingering with packs. We taxied to a secure hotel (locked doors standard).
A daytime historic center stroll eased nerves amid heavy policing. We stayed in before dark; gunshots and sirens echoed nightly. Morning brought bustling parks, vendors, cathedral masses—festive yet tense with armed forces.
Is Travel in Honduras Safe? Our Recommendation
No incidents befell us, but pervasive policing bred unease. Days after leaving, a minibus massacre mirrored our rides—chilling.
Honduras excels off-the-beaten-path: solo tourists in Santa Rosa, Gracias, Lake Yojoa.
Risks match neighbors' (similar Guatemala attack). Yet gun culture amplifies perception. Worth it? Yes—stay vigilant, skip San Pedro Sula/Tegucigalpa nights. Bay Islands (Utila, Roatán) shine safest for tourists.
Compare with our Mexico safety analysis here.
Visited Honduras? Share your safety experiences below—safe or skipped?
