Best of Honduras

While we were in Honduras, we learned many things about this nation that captivated our minds and souls in many ways. Honduras is the country with more forest and mountains in Central America, having even much more trees than the world famous Costa Rica. But despite the promising future that the preservation of Honduras’ natural resources represents, many of their internationally recognized environmentalist have been assassinated. The recent murder of Bertha Cazares, a well-known environmental leader and advocate, was all over news and in the hearts of many citizens while we were in the country. We were very surprised to discover that the famous Spanish song, “Sopa de Caracol,” is originally from Honduras and a tribute to one of their most delicious national dishes. Honduras’ Caribbean coast is gorgeous and culturally rich by its diverse population. Honduras was also homeland to the Mayan Civilization, Copan ruins are a speaking legacy of this precious heritage. Honduras was also the first “banana country,” where U.S. companies were established and the U.S. government’s presence and influence has been a constant. In recent years, Honduras has also been the country from which more illegal immigrants leave towards the U.S. in hopes of the so called “American Dream.” In contrast with its neighboring countries, Honduras never had a civil war of organized guerrilla leftist movement, but instead suffered of gun violence in other ways, such as land disputes and in more recent decades due to the gang groups deported from the U.S. In 2015, Honduras had the second highest incident of violent deaths in the world, caused mostly by gangs and drug trafficking activity. Civilians and businesses suffered from extortions and right before we entered the country there have been recurrent gang attacks on intercity bus companies for refusing to pay them. Regardless of the depressing statistics and the fear we sensed in most locals, we did not face any danger. We did our best to follow people’s advice to diminish any risk and enjoy our stay to the fullest.