AboutJRA Expertise I can answer just about any question about Honduras. I have lived here for 23 years and am currently involved with the tourism industry.
I love to travel and therefore can provide many tips for travelers not only to Honduras but other countries as well.
Experience Resident of Honduras for 23 years. Extensive travel to many countries around the world.
Question I enjoyed reading through your answers about Honduras, very helpful. I am an American and have been living in Costa Rica for the past 20 years. I have spent a week in Honduras about 15 years ago and really had a good time. Although back then it was all backpacking and traveling with a low profile. I am planning on driving from Costa Rica with my wife, two young daughters and two good friends of ours in the middle of December. I am not going to be able to go low profile this time and will be arriving with a nice shiny SUV full of a bunch of Gringos, including myself. Our destination is Roatan Island. My questions are... Would you recomend traveling with the family in Honduras? What are the main things I need to look out for? Lastly, I read about the ferry from La Ceiba, is that a car ferry aswell and if so, do you know what they charge for an automobile? Basically, I am just a bit concerned for my family. One advantage is that we are all fluent in Spanish.
Thanks for your Time.
Joey
Answer Hi,
I honestly don't have an educated opinion on traveling by car through Central America; I wouldn't do it.
I have heard that the Guatemala border is dangerous but I haven't heard anything about the Nicaragua border.
From Nicaragua to Ceiba you have to cross the entire country, first North towards Tegucigalpa then North towards San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba. Tegucigalpa to San Pedro to Ceiba is a safe route. 3 1/2 hours from Tegus to San Pedro and then a little under two hours to La Ceiba.
Here are my tips for traveling by car in Central America:
1. Don't stop anywhere unless you have to. Try to fill up the gas tank at well lit and populated gas stations.
2. Be alert, check to see if you're not being followed.
3. Don't show that you carry too much cash, don't exchange currency at borders. Use credit cards.
4. Tinted windows for your SUV would be a plus
The ferry from Ceiba is for people only. I always leave my car at the dock's parking lot; it's safe and inexpensive.
There should be a service that takes your car to Roatan but I don't know how much they would charge.
Have a fun and safe trip and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.
