Ecotourism in Honduras
Ecotourism in Honduras is currently experiencing a boom in popularity due to its beautiful landscapes, which is coupled with the affordable activities that the country has to offer. Visitors can enjoy everything from scuba diving to ecotours in this beautiful destination that boasts sparkling azure waters, lapping at soft, white sands and lush tropical rainforests.
Unexplored Wonders
Honduras has a rich and diverse history to explore as well as more than 100,000 hectares of rain and cloud forest at Pito Bonito National Park. Visitors can stay at a lodge situated in the park and enjoy a range of ecotourism activities, such as hiking and adventures.
A popular spot for lovers of ecotourism in Honduras is Lancetilla Botanical Gardens and Biological Reserve, a must for nature lovers whose ticket sales go directly into preserving the biosphere.
The reserve is 85% covered with unexplored forest and is divided into two zones, tropical humid and subtropical very humid forest. It is alive with wildlife, many of them endangered, such as puma, wild cats and howling monkey as well as a vast variety of birds, reptiles, fish and insects.
The gardens receive around 30,000 visitors per year and guided tours are provided which concentrate on ecological education. This represents an excellent example of ecotourism in Honduras.
Local Economy
Ecotourism in Honduras is vital to helping this poor country to build its economy. Unemployment is high and many citizens live below the poverty line, this is especially true in rural areas. The Adelante Foundation provide loans and education to poor women in these areas to help them to climb out of poverty, Ecotourists can help by joining one of the village tours that showcase the work done by Adelante.
Ecotourism in Honduras is necessary to help local communities and the rich and diverse landscapes and wildlife make this a wonderful destination for anyone. No trip would be complete without a visit to the Copan Ruins, named a UNESCO World Heritage Archaeological Site in 1980 and a legacy of archaeological importance left by the Mayan Indians.
Inexpensive Holiday with Green Ideals
Ecotourism in Honduras can be enjoyed by people who have a tight budget. The country receives around 1 million tourists per year and as yet is relatively undiscovered by money-hungry property developers. This means that you can find places to stay from as little as $10 per night, whilst remaining secure in the knowledge that your money is being put back into the community.
A lot of work needs to be done to help the poor people of Honduras, many residents are now beginning to leave rural areas in search of work but are faring no better in towns, which are experiencing more crime and begging because of this. Visiting the outlying areas rather than towns will help villagers to develop their area naturally and reduce the risk of property developers moving in.
Honduras still has a long way to come in terms of political and economical health, ecotourism in Honduras is just one way for the rest of the world to help. If you would like more information on the projects being carried out to address problems, see how technology is being used to combat poverty at Project Honduras.
Photo Credit: Ecomentum