Honduras Essay
Honduras’ Best Kept Secret
In 2011-2013 I had the chance to live in the Northern region of Honduras. Now, every opportunity that presents itself, I talk about the shimmering oceans, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes of Honduras that I saw firsthand. Upon hearing my testimony, many either ask where Honduras stands on a map or if it truly is as dangerous as they have heard. I strongly feel that the best way to discover the truth of this amazing land is visiting its stunning oceans and forests. One location that should be on every visitor’s list is the Pico Bonito Lodge, the only hotel tucked in the 219 square miles of national reserve. The lodge provides first hand experiences for visitors not only educate and enrich their lives, but also …show more content…
remove any negative conception visitors might have of the country.
The Lodge at Pico Bonito; doorway to adventure
Many content themselves by remaining in the jungle paradise that is the Lodge at Pico Bonito, but the real enjoyment comes from participating in the many hands-on activities offered through the resort. Whether diving with manatees on a nearby refuge, snorkeling among the fish and coral of the world’s second largest barrier reef at Cayos Cochinos (National Geographic, 2017), or whitewater rafting down Rio Cangrejal, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone.
Learn to love the treetop dwellers of Honduras
Of the many experiences offered, birding grows more and more popular due to the 800 or more different birds that populate Honduras. Visitors get the opportunity to venture through the jungle on walking tours. This way they encounter these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. In fact, many students and researchers flock to Pico Bonito, lured by the birds as well as the gracious discount the resort provides to those dedicated to studying the animals. The various other tours also educate and instruct tourists on the culture and biodiversity of Honduras.
Ecotourism at its finest
The Lodge aspires not simply to provide the tourists with the best experience, but also to benefit and never damage the surrounding communities and ecosystems.
For example, access to the manatee refuge only comes after a short drive from the resort, a track guided pushcart, and then a canoe tour through wildlife-filled water ways. The on-site butterfly farm as well as the nearby Lancetilla botanical gardens provide another chance to enjoy the wilderness of Honduras for one’s self. The gardens serve not only as a viewing pleasure but a reserve for endangered species such as the puma howling monkey, and jaguar (Dupuis, 2014). Yet another unique experience at the Pico Bonito Lodge takes you through local villages accompanied with members of the Adelante Foundation. They commit themselves to provide small loans to local businesses throughout rural Honduras. As you enjoy an authentic experience amongst the people of Honduras, you also contribute to their continued success (Rural Village Tour, n.d.).
Changing Honduras’ reputation
Now, those I have spoken with are not wrong, Honduras does not have the most positive reputation. The country remains infamous for having an unstable government and a prolific drug trade. Most notably, due to the drug trade, San Pedro Sula, Honduras’ second largest city, received the title of murder capital of the world in 2016. But, visiting Pico Bonito and the surrounding tourist locations, you avoid any danger. At the same time, you enable the country
to repair itself by empowering education and small businesses.
Come and see Honduras for yourself
Honduras may not come to mind as a great eco-tourism destination quite yet, but with virgin jungles, rivers and oceans, its reputation will surely improve. If you desire an excursion that proves unique, responsible as well as eco-friendly, take a chance on Honduras’ Pico Bonito Lodge within the Pico Bonito National Reserve. To learn more please visit the Pico Bonito Lodges link at http://www.picobonito.com.
In 2011-2013 I had the chance to live in the Northern region of Honduras. Now, every opportunity that presents itself, I talk about the shimmering oceans, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes of Honduras that I saw firsthand. Upon hearing my testimony, many either ask where Honduras stands on a map or if it truly is as dangerous as they have heard. I strongly feel that the best way to discover the truth of this amazing land is visiting its stunning oceans and forests. One location that should be on every visitor’s list is the Pico Bonito Lodge, the only hotel tucked in the 219 square miles of national reserve. The lodge provides first hand experiences for visitors not only educate and enrich their lives, but also …show more content…
remove any negative conception visitors might have of the country.
The Lodge at Pico Bonito; doorway to adventure
Many content themselves by remaining in the jungle paradise that is the Lodge at Pico Bonito, but the real enjoyment comes from participating in the many hands-on activities offered through the resort. Whether diving with manatees on a nearby refuge, snorkeling among the fish and coral of the world’s second largest barrier reef at Cayos Cochinos (National Geographic, 2017), or whitewater rafting down Rio Cangrejal, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone.
Learn to love the treetop dwellers of Honduras
Of the many experiences offered, birding grows more and more popular due to the 800 or more different birds that populate Honduras. Visitors get the opportunity to venture through the jungle on walking tours. This way they encounter these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. In fact, many students and researchers flock to Pico Bonito, lured by the birds as well as the gracious discount the resort provides to those dedicated to studying the animals. The various other tours also educate and instruct tourists on the culture and biodiversity of Honduras.
Ecotourism at its finest
The Lodge aspires not simply to provide the tourists with the best experience, but also to benefit and never damage the surrounding communities and ecosystems.
For example, access to the manatee refuge only comes after a short drive from the resort, a track guided pushcart, and then a canoe tour through wildlife-filled water ways. The on-site butterfly farm as well as the nearby Lancetilla botanical gardens provide another chance to enjoy the wilderness of Honduras for one’s self. The gardens serve not only as a viewing pleasure but a reserve for endangered species such as the puma howling monkey, and jaguar (Dupuis, 2014). Yet another unique experience at the Pico Bonito Lodge takes you through local villages accompanied with members of the Adelante Foundation. They commit themselves to provide small loans to local businesses throughout rural Honduras. As you enjoy an authentic experience amongst the people of Honduras, you also contribute to their continued success (Rural Village Tour, n.d.).
Changing Honduras’ reputation
Now, those I have spoken with are not wrong, Honduras does not have the most positive reputation. The country remains infamous for having an unstable government and a prolific drug trade. Most notably, due to the drug trade, San Pedro Sula, Honduras’ second largest city, received the title of murder capital of the world in 2016. But, visiting Pico Bonito and the surrounding tourist locations, you avoid any danger. At the same time, you enable the country
to repair itself by empowering education and small businesses.
Come and see Honduras for yourself
Honduras may not come to mind as a great eco-tourism destination quite yet, but with virgin jungles, rivers and oceans, its reputation will surely improve. If you desire an excursion that proves unique, responsible as well as eco-friendly, take a chance on Honduras’ Pico Bonito Lodge within the Pico Bonito National Reserve. To learn more please visit the Pico Bonito Lodges link at http://www.picobonito.com.