Sleeping in Rural Honduras

Camping

Campsites and RV hookups have not yet made it to Honduras [1], so come prepared for primitive camping. In most areas in rural Honduras, this is no problem. Generally speaking, the countryside is the safest part of the country, and the worst hassle you can expect is to get pestered repeatedly by local campesinos to come have a cup of coffee and a chat with them.

When looking for a spot to pitch a tent, it’s best to check around and see if you’re about to set up on someone’s farm. If so, ask permission: “¿Está bién acampar aquí?” Offering a few lempiras, or perhaps inviting the owner over to your camp for a bite to eat, is also polite.

The few campsites in the country can be found in some of the national parks, such as La Tigra [2], Cusuco [3], Celaque [4], Pico Bonito [5], La Muralla, and others. Camping is regulated in Cusuco and La Tigra but fairly laid-back in the other parks. If in doubt, stop in at the local COHDEFOR office and ask.

No special gear is needed for camping in Honduras [1]; just come prepared for the conditions. Tents are best to shelter yourself from the frequent rain and cold weather common in the mountains, though jungle hikers may prefer jungle hammocks.

“Dar Posada”

In many villages in the central and western mountains, a few Garífuna beach villages, and in some parts of the Mosquitia, no hotels are available for travelers. No worries: Just ask around to find a family willing to put you up for the night. The key phrase is “dar posada,” or “offer lodging.” Often one family is known to have an extra room and is in the habit of renting it out to travelers for a few lempiras (US$1–4).