This coastal city on Honduras's Caribbean shore has wide beaches, a lively carnival in May, and serves as the main gateway to the Bay Islands.
La Ceiba, Honduras's third-largest city, stretches between the Caribbean Sea and the Nombre de Dios mountains. You can raft through Class V rapids on the Cangrejal River, watch manatees glide through mangrove-lined waterways at Cuero y Salado, or climb the 2,435-meter Pico Bonito mountain. In May, the city transforms during the Gran Carnaval Internacional, when 500,000 people fill the streets for parades and concerts. At night, music spills from bars and restaurants along Avenida San Isidro, explaining why locals call La Ceiba the "Entertainment Capital of Honduras."
Getting to La Ceiba
You can reach La Ceiba by bus from San Pedro Sula (4 hours) and Tegucigalpa (6 hours). The international airport connects to major Honduran cities and runs seasonal international flights. Ferries leave twice daily to Roatan and Utila islands from the eastern pier, with timing subject to weather conditions.
Weather and When to Visit
Rain falls throughout the year in La Ceiba, with an annual rainfall of 3,200mm. Plan outdoor activities between December and April when rain is less frequent. The Gran Carnaval Internacional in May brings street parades, music performances, and food vendors to the city center.
Exploring Pico Bonito National Park
Hiking trails wind through rainforest where jaguars, monkeys, and toucans live. The Cangrejal River runs along the park's eastern edge with Class V rapids for white-water rafting. Local guides lead trips ranging from two-hour walks to three-day treks into the mountains.
Cuero y Salado Nature Reserve
A narrow-gauge train travels through pineapple plantations to reach this coastal reserve. Morning boat tours navigate mangrove channels where you might spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, and manatees. Birdwatchers can find many of Honduras's 198 recorded species here.
Garifuna Culture and Communities
In Sambo Creek and Corozal villages, you can taste coconut-based soups and fresh seafood caught that morning. Local musicians perform traditional drum music, and community members share stories about their Afro-Caribbean history and customs.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Bars and clubs concentrate in the Zona Viva waterfront district. On weekends, locals and visitors fill Avenida San Isidro's restaurants and dance clubs. During the May carnival, temporary stages host live bands, and food vendors sell local specialties along the main streets.
Safety and Practical Information
Exercise caution in beach areas west of the old pier. Taxis within city limits use set rates, and drivers know main tourist spots. Find ATMs and banks in the central business district on Avenida San Isidro. For medical care, the city has several clinics, but serious conditions require treatment in San Pedro Sula.
