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Honduras and Belize are two neighboring countries in Central America that boast gorgeous beaches, Mayan ruins, and lush jungles with diverse flora and fauna.
Belize is a popular diving place and a budding destination for North American snowbirds and ex-pats, while Honduras is the least visited country in Central America with just under 2 million tourists in 2022.
✅ Check out the best places where to stay in Belize
While many visitors skip Honduras en route to Belize, Honduras is not the country you should eliminate from your list. One of the least discovered destinations in Central America, it boasts incredible flora and fauna, tons of natural wonders, and some of the most pristine beaches in the region that are free from mass tourism.
If you are debating whether to visit Honduras or Belize, keep on reading. I wrote the article to answer the most common questions about safety, transportation, and culture in these Central American countries.
Where is Belize?
Belize is the second smallest country in Central America by land, nestled along the Caribbean Coast. It’s bordered by Guatemala to the west and south and Mexico to the north. It also shares a maritime border with Honduras.
Where is Honduras?
Honduras is a Central American country bordered by Guatemala to the north, El Salvador to the west, and Nicaragua to the south. It also shares a maritime border with Belize.
Is Belize or Honduras better?
Honduras is a perfect budget destination and is one of the best Caribbean cruise ports, that’s relatively unknown to the majority of travelers. Belize is a more popular Central American country at the doorstep of the second-largest barrier reef in the world and is known as a melting pot of cultures.
➡️ Find out how to plan a perfect Belize itinerary
Safety in Honduras vs Belize
According to statistics, Belize is safer than Honduras, which has been plagued by gang crime, drug trafficking, and high levels of government corruption which put the small Central American nation on the list of some of the most violent countries in the world.
Safety in Belize
Despite being a paradisiacal destination with white sand beaches and lush jungles, Belize has a high homicide rate because parts of Belize City have been plagued by gang violence.
According to official statistics, the murder rate was 29 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021 – a high number for a nation of 400,000 people which puts Belize in a category of the countries with some of the highest rates of murders.
Is Belize safe for American tourists?
Tourists in Belize are usually not targets of violent crimes, but you should always keep an eye on your belongings, as petty theft is the most prevalent type of crime that affects tourists, particularly in popular areas like Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia.
Always pay attention to your surroundings. Whether you are traveling in Belize on your own or with someone else, don’t overshare your travel plans or personal information with strangers, and keep your documents, and credit cards in a safe place when you are out and about.
What areas of Belize to avoid?
Stay away from neighborhoods south of Belize City with a high crime rate and areas near the Guatemala-Belize border that have been an area of contention between the two countries and have been used by gangs that do drug smuggling and human trafficking.
Is Belize safe from cartels?
While Belize doesn’t have cartels, it has a problem with gangs, particularly Belize City, where some neighborhoods like those south of Haulover Creek Canal have been plagued by gang violence. As long as you stay away from these parts of town, you should be fine.
Is Honduras safe?
Honduras often ranks as one of the most violent countries in Latin America. As of 2022, the country’ had 36 murders per 100,000 people, which puts Honduras on the list of one of the most violent countries in the world. However, the small Latin American nation also has made some progress – the murder rate was down by 6 points in 2022 compared to 2021.
Honduras safety: 2023
In late 2022, the Honduran government declared a state of emergency as part of its crackdown on gangs. Hondurans have faced regular extortion from MS-13 and Barrio 18 gangs, also called the “war tax” which is levied on many residents of the country from taxi and bus drivers to business owners.
While statistics portray Honduras as a third-world country filled with gang crime and violence, it’s not always the case. Parts of Honduras like Roatan and the famous Copan Mayan ruins can be visited without worrying about your safety, but, as a tourist, you should always be cautious.
Consider a travel insurance for Honduras
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Is Honduras safe for American tourists?
Honduras is relatively safe for American tourists. Although the country’s infrastructure is still developing and you might not always find the right amenities, Honduras is a safe destination if you stick to popular areas and avoid troubled neighborhoods in major cities.
What parts fo Honduras to avoid?
Avoid the impoverished urban areas of San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, the country’s two largest cities, where a lot of violence occurs. If you want to explore major Honduran cities, hire a local guide who can help you navigate the unfamiliar environment and help to avoid dangerous areas.
Belize vs Honduras: cost
Belize is significantly more expensive than Honduras. Apart from Roatan, which attracts many American tourists and ex-pats, Honduras is a cheap country, where you can travel on a low budget. Prices on food, hotels, and tours in Belize are much higher than in most Central American countries, while a trip to Honduras can be done on a shoestring budget, particularly on the mainland.
➡️ Stay at Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge, one of the most beautiful hotels in Belize
Belize vs Honduras: transportation
Belize has a network of buses that serves major tourist destinations like San Ignacio, Placencia, and Orange Walk Town. Public transport in urban areas of Honduras is not always safe. Many Hondurans are at threat of theft and robbery on public transportation, and as a tourist, you might be affected too.
Belize is easier to get around for English speakers because its the official language in Belize is English, while Spanish is the official language of Honduras. If you want to get around Honduras, you will need at least the basic level of Spanish, as most locals don’t speak English, especially in rural areas.
Chicken buses in Belize vs Honduras
Chicken buses which look like old buses from American high schools painted in bright colors are a common type of transportation in Central America, including Belize and Honduras.
While chicken buses in Belize are relatively safe, it’s best to avoid them in major cities of Honduras. It’s not uncommon for bus drivers in Honduras to face extortion from gangs, and armed robberies have occurred in the past, especially in marginalized communities in bigger cities like Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.
Chicken buses in Honduras
If you decide to take a chicken bus in Honduras, dress in simple clothes that don’t attract attention and leave your valuables in your hotel. As a tourist, you aren’t likely to get in trouble on a chicken bus, unless you take a route through dangerous areas that are well-off tourist routes.
➡️ Belize or Costa Rica? Find out what country is better for your vacation!
Chicken buses in Belize
I’ve taken chicken buses in Belize to several destinations and never felt unsafe. One major drawback of chicken buses in Belize is that they have very little legroom and no amenities. Most of them have no air conditioning and you have very little space for your belongings, which might not be ideal if you are traveling with a big suitcase.
✅ How to get from Belize City to San Ignacio
Transportation in Belize
Belize is a small country and has several types of transportation available including chicken buses, water taxis, and private shuttles. In addition, the most popular destinations in Belize, like San Ignacio, San Pedro, and Placencia also have airports, and you can take a short flight there from Belize City, which will save you a couple of hours on the road.
✅ How to get from Belize City to Placencia
Water taxi in Belize
Water taxi in Belize is the main way to get around between the mainland and many islands (cayes). For example, you can take a water taxi from Belize City to Ambergris Caye or from Belize City to Caye Caulker.
Private shuttles in Belize
Many tourists in Belize choose private shuttles, which are expensive but faster than public transportation. You can take a shuttle bus from Belize City to Placencia or Belize City to San Ignacio which will get you straight to your hotel.
Many all-inclusive resorts in Belize also provide shuttle services to their guests.
Book a private shuttle in Belize
Car rentals in Belize
Renting a car in Belize is an option if you want to skip guided tours and have more freedom to travel the country on your own.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON CAR RENTALS IN BELIZE
Where to rent a car in Belize?
The best place to rent a car in Belize is Belize City International Airport. You can find several car rental companies here. You can look for available vehicles on DiscoverCars, one of the best online platforms for finding rental cars in Belize.
Transportation in Honduras
Honduras has a less developed transportation network in Belize and the country has some safety issues, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t visit the best parts of Honduras.
Private transportation in Honduras
Private transfer is an excellent way of getting around Honduras if you need fast and reliable transportation. You can book private transportation from San Pedro Sula Airport to your hotel or from San Pedro Sula to Ceiba.
While it will cost more money, it will provide the best experience with maximum comfort and minimum worries about safety and arriving on time.
Book your private transportation in Honduras
Public transportation in Honduras
Aside from chicken buses, Honduras also has a system of “rapiditos,” mini buses that are more expensive but quicker than chicken buses.
Buses in Honduras
If you are traveling between cities or towns in Honduras, you will have more choices when it comes to the types of buses available, some of which come with more amenities like legroom, luggage storage, and air conditioning, and usually cost more money.
✅ You can check available options at busbud.com, my favorite platform for booking tickets online.
Regular buses in Honduras are extremely cheap, and you can expect to pay around 1-2 USD for a ride. But if you want to travel faster and with more amenities, be ready to pay more, especially if you are traveling between major destinations like Tegucigalpa and La Ceiba.
PRO TIP: Plan your travel before late afternoon, because the availability of the buses can be limited in the evening, even to popular destinations in Honduras.
Flying in Honduras
Honduras has three major airports, San Pedro Sula (SAP) Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport, Tegucigalpa (TGU) Toncontin Airport, and Roatan (RTB) that offer flights within the country as well as to Central America, Mexico, and the United States.
Taking flights in Honduras is relatively cheap, and is a great option if you are short on time and want to get around the country fast. Domestic Airlines in Honduras are Sosa and CM Airlines, a domestic airline in Honduras.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK FLIGHTS IN HONDURAS
Renting a car in Honduras
If you have a bigger budget and are ready for an adventure, renting a car in Honduras will allow you to explore the country beyond the beaten tourist path.
While major roads between cities are well maintained, small secondary dirt roads can be impassable during the rainy season in Honduras. Also, keep in mind that Honduras has a high crime rate and robberies and attacks are not common.
Where to rent a car in Honduras?
Check available options for car rentals in Honduras through DiscoverCars.com, my favorite platform for finding car rentals in the country. I frequently use DiscoverCars for renting cars during my trips and have used it for renting a car in many places in Central America.
✅ CLICK HERE TO SAVE ON CAR RENTAL
Tips for driving in Honduras:
- Limit your driving to daytime
- Stay away from remote areas where help might not be readily available
- Follow posted speed limits
- Stay on main roads; some inner city roads are not safe after dark.
- Always check weather conditions
- Do your research and consult with locals before planning your itinerary in Honduras.
Traveling in Honduras by boat
Boats are the most popular option for reaching the Bay Islands in Honduras: You can get to Roatán and Utila by daily ferries from La Ceiba.
Best time to visit Honduras
The best time to visit Honduras is during the dry season from December through April. During this time, the country boasts perfect sunny weather with little chance of rain and perfect temperatures for spending time outside. This is the busiest time on Honduras beaches, as many visitors come to enjoy the gorgeous coastline and world-class diving in Roatan.
Still, Honduras is a tropical country, which means you can enjoy it even during the rainy season from May through November when the country has more frequent rain and high humidity which makes it feel much hotter than it is. Be aware that September and October have a higher chance of hurricanes.
Best time to visit Belize
Belize experiences the hurricane season from the end of May through October, and it’s not uncommon for the country to experience flash floods during this time, particularly during summer. The best time to visit Belize is April and May to avoid high prices and enjoy perfect sunny weather.
Cost of Travel: Honduras vs Belize
Being a less popular country and poorer than Belize, Honduras is much cheaper to visit. Except for Roatan, the most popular destination in Honduras, prices on food, hotels, and tours are lower in Honduras than in Belize.
Belize is one of the most expensive destinations in Central America. While you shouldn’t expect to find cheap prices in coastal areas of Belize as well as the islands, you can get a better bang for your buck in less-visited places like Orange Walk Town, Punta Gorda, or Corozal.
How much does it cost to travel in Belize
You will need an average of $100-150 USD per day in Belize for accommodations, food, and activities. If you are a budget traveler, you can save money by staying in hostels, cooking your meals, and using public transport. To save on your trip to Belize, visit the country during shoulder months to avoid the high season when prices are the highest.
The islands in Belize (also known as Cayes) are the most expensive. Ambergris Caye is one of the most expensive destinations in Belize where you will find many resorts, restaurants, and activities all catering to tourists.
How much does it cost to travel in Honduras?
On mainland Honduras, you can expect to spend anywhere between $30-50 USD on food, transportation, and hotels per day. Honduran Bay Islands, which are home to beautiful resorts and popular diving spots are more expensive, so be ready to pay extra if you want to include them in your Honduras itinerary.
✅ Check the best hotels in Honduras
Is Honduras cheaper than Belize?
Honduras is one of the best budget destinations in Central America and it’s much cheaper than Belize. Prices on transportation, food, and accommodations are lower in Honduras than in Belize.
Honduras vs Belize: beaches
Honduras and Belize have incredible beaches that attract travelers from all over the world. While Belize only has a Caribbean Coastline, Honduras has Caribbean and Pacific Coastlines.
Beaches in Honduras
Honduras boasts 470 miles of amazing beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean sides. Honduras has evaded big tourist crowds except for cruise ports on the Caribbean side. The rest of the country has plenty of pristine, untouched beaches, especially along the Pacific Coast.
The landscape in Honduras is more varied than in Belize, as the country has more mountains and volcanoes, so you can be sure that you will have a gorgeous backdrop for your photos.
Beaches in Belize
Belize boasts incredible beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear blue waters. The country is a tropical paradise that’s home to the Great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and it’s ranked as one of the best places for scuba diving in the world.
While the coastline of Belize is merely 185 miles long, it boasts more than 400 islands and islets in the Caribbean, some of which like Tobacco Caye or Silk Caye are the definition of paradise. What’s interesting is that these cases are not far from the maritime border between Honduras and Belize.
You can reach some of the cayes by a quick boat ride from places like Placencia which is near Laughing Bird Cayes.
Belize vs Honduras: culture
Honduras culture
Honduras is a culturally rich country that was influenced by its colonial past, just like most of its surrounding countries in Central America. Family plays a strong role in the Honruan culture and most people live off agriculture and have a relatively low income, while nearly half of the country’s population can’t read or write.
Ethically, the population of Honduras is mostly Mestizo (90 percent), which is mixed European and Indigenous, while 7 percent is Indigenous, 2 percent of the population is Black, and 1 percent is white.
Just like Belize, Honduras also has the Garifuna culture along the Caribbean Coast.
Belize culture
Several ethnic groups call Belize home.The western part of Belize is home to many Spanish speakers who migrated from Guatemala and the coastal towns of Placencia and Hopkins are home to the Garifuna people – one of the most interesting cultures of the Caribbean.
Belize also has a small Chinese community and a sizable Mayan population in places like Ambergris Caye and Corozal.
What country does Belize belong to?
Belize is an independent country that gained full autonomy from the United Kingdom in 1981. Still, the country retains strong ties to the UK as a member of the Commonwealth.
What was Belize formerly known as?
Before 1973, Belize was called British Honduras. The country has been a British colony from 1862 to 1981 when it became fully independent.
Language
Honduras Language
The official language of Honduras is Spanish. While people who work in tourism in Honduras speak English, not many locals, so you will need at least basic Spanish, if you want to travel around the country. Honduras also has several indigenous languages including Garifuna, Miskito, and Sumo.
Belize Language
Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language. This is great news for anybody who doesn’t speak Spanish and wants to travel around without having difficulties translating things.
Most people in Belize speak and understand English, although there are other languages spoken throughout the country including Spanish, Garifuna, and Creole.
Food
Honduras Food
Don’t miss trying traditional Honduran dishes like baleadas (tortillas filled with beans, cheese, and other toppings), pupusas, and platanos, a ubiquitous ingredient in Honduran cuisine. They can be fried, mashed (plátanos fritos and manguitos), or baked and are served as a side dish or snack.
Tajadas are thinly sliced and fried plantains, similar to potato chips. They make a crispy and flavorful snack or side dish.
Around coastal areas of Honduras, you will find plenty of seafood options, with popular staples like sopa de caracal and pescado Frito.
Other popular dishes in Honduras are enchiladas, which consist of small, fried tortillas topped with meat, cabbage, salsa, and cheese, and Tamales, which are typically made from masa (corn dough) and filled with various ingredients.
Belize food
The food in Belize is just as diverse as its culture. When traveling the country, you will often get served rice and beans, the traditional Belizean dish with fried bananas or chicken and some vegetables mixed in a salad.
Depending on where you are in Belize, you will also find different dishes that correspond with various cultures of Belize. Hopkins and Dangriga offer a taste Garifuna dishes with heavy Caribbean influences, and if you go to Western or Northern Belize, you can try tamales, salbutes, and cocchinita pibil from the Mayan cuisine.
What’s the most popular food in Belize?
One of the most popular snacks in Belize is fried jacks, deep-fried pieces of dough that come with beans, eggs, or meats.
And don’t forget to grab some panda, a popular street food in Belize that will have you licking your fingers! Panade is made with corn and comes with a variety of stuffing like beans, corn, or meat. Panades are often topped with salsa.
Currency
Honduras currency
The currency of Honduras is the Honduran Lempira, abbreviated as HNL. The symbol for the Honduran Lempira is “L.” It is named after the indigenous leader Lempira, who led resistance against Spanish colonization in the 16th century.
Below are my answers to some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to money in Honduras:
How much is $1 US in Honduras?
1 US dollar is worth about 24.8 HNL
Does Honduras use the US dollar?
Although Lempira is the official currency of Honduras, US dollars are widely accepted on popular Bay Islands like Roatan where many resorts and dive shops accept payments in cash.
Will my credit cards work in Honduras?
Credit cards are accepted in major tourist areas of Honduras. Keep in mind that small businesses like stores and restaurants, local markets, and taxis in Honduras run entirely on cash.
How do I pay for things in Honduras?
You can use cash and credit cards to pay for things in Honduras. Credit cards are usually accepted at resorts, popular restaurants, and stores, while cash is the primary method of payment at local markets, small restaurants, and street vendors.
Belize Currency
The currency of Belize is the Belizean dollar (BZD) which is pegged to US dollar at 2:1 This makes it very easy to calculate how much to pay for things. US dollars are accepted in most places in Belize, so you don’t need to exchange your money if you are traveling to Belize from the United States.
Roatan vs Belize Diving
Both Roatan and Belize are popular destinations for scuba diving along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, however, there are some key differences between the two. Bay Islands are the main diving destinations in Honduras including Roatan, Guanaja, and Utila, which are located along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Roatan is the most expensive of the three islands, while Utila is cheaper and has better diving.
Book Best Diving Tours in Roatan
Belize has more diving sites than Honduras, including San Pedro, Placencia, Glover Reef, Half Moon Caye, and Turneffe Atoll. It’s also home to the Great Blue Hole, a giant marine sinkhole near Lighthouse Reef that is considered one of the best diving spots in the world.
Book Best Diving Tours In Belize
While Roatan is one of the most popular places for diving in Central America, Belize offers more diversity when it comes to diving sites with different conditions and features of the country’s Caribbean coast.
✅ BOOK YOUR TOUR OF BELIZE BLUE HOLE HERE
Is snorkeling better in Belize than in Roatan?
While Roatan and Belize both offer snorkeling opportunities, snorkeling in Belize is more regulated, as the country has more rules, especially for barrier reef where snorkeling is allowed only with a guide. However, you can snorkel right off the coast both in Honduras and Belize, if you want to see the marine life without buying a guided tour.
✅ Book a snorkeling tour of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where you can see the colorful tropical fish and swim with whale sharks.
Best things to do in Honduras vs Belize
Belize offers diverse landscapes but its topography is mostly defined by jungles and the Mayan mountains, a range that runs from central Belize to the Guatemala border.
➡️ Check my guide to the best things to do in San Ignacio
From exploring the Mayan caves to diving in the second-largest barrier reef to exploring some of the most beautiful islands in Belize, this country is a true adventurers’ paradise!
If you love a combo of great beaches, water activities, and cool history, Belize is your place!
✅ Learn about the best things to do in Belize
- Island hopping
- Climbing Mayan ruins
- Diving and snorkeling
- Wildlife watching
- Cave tubing
Book one of the best Belize tours
Best things to do in Honduras
Although Honduras is the least visited country in Central America, it has seen a big jump in tourism since 2021, according to the Honduran Institute of Tourism (IHT), which said the country has experienced over 131 percent increase in visitations.
Although a large portion of these visitors are cruise passengers, with air and land arrivals lagging, Honduras is getting trendier every year, as more visitors express interest in visiting this hidden Central American gem.
Here are some of the top things to do in Honduras for your trip:
- Explore the Mayan Ruins: Visit the ancient Mayan city of Copán, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the intricately carved stelae, temples, and pyramids that provide insight into Mayan civilization.
- Go diving in Roatán: Roatán is one of Honduras’ Bay Islands and as of right now it’s the most popular destination in the country. It offers amazing opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving, with vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
- Check out Utila: Another Bay of Honduras island, Utila, is known for its affordable diving courses and the chance to swim with whale sharks.
- Visit the Pacific Coast of Honduras: In addition to the Bay Islands, Honduras has other beautiful beaches along its Caribbean and Pacific coasts, such as Tela, Punta Sal, and Omoa, where you can relax and enjoy the sun and sea.
- Hit trails in Pico Bonito National Park: Hike through this lush rainforest, home to diverse wildlife, waterfalls, and challenging trails. Birdwatching is also a popular activity here, and if you get lucky, you can even spot some gorgeous macaws.
- Relax on Lake Yojoa: The largest lake in Honduras, where you can go birdwatching, take boat tours, and explore the surrounding national parks.
- Gracias: This charming colonial town is known for its preserved architecture, hot springs, and proximity to Celaque National Park, home to Honduras’ highest peak, Cerro Las Minas.
- Tegucigalpa: Explore the capital city’s historic district, visit the National Museum, and take in the local culture and cuisine.
- Comayagua: Visit this colonial town to see its picturesque cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in Central America, and vibrant street markets. Comayagua is considered the prettiest city in Honduras that’s known for its colonial Spanish architecture.
- Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, which is one of the last remaining tropical rainforests in Central America. It’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
- Coffee Tours: Honduras is known for its coffee production. Take a tour of a coffee plantation to learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of the finest brews.
- Waterfalls: Honduras boasts numerous waterfalls, including Pulhapanzak Falls and El Bejuco Waterfall, which are worth visiting for their natural beauty.
Honduras vs Belize: FAQ’s
Which one is safer Belize or Honduras?
Overall, Belize is safer than Honduras, but that doesn’t mean that you should let your guard down regardless of what country you are visiting. Although tourists are usually not targets of serious crime, always be aware of your surroundings and watch your belongings.
How long can a US citizen stay in Honduras?
US citizens can stay in Honduras for up to 90 days without a visa.
Will my cell phone work in Honduras?
Your cell phone should work in Honduras, however, the quality of the service will depend on the specific provider you use. Depending on how long you plan to stay in the country, it’s also a good idea to get a local SIM card.
Is there a boat from Belize to Honduras?
You can take a water taxi from Placencia in Belize to Puerto Cortes in Honduras every Friday. Tickets can be purchased in Placencia at the Hokey Pokey, a local company that runs the boat service between two countries. The journey takes about 2 hours.
Is Belize close to Honduras?
Belize shares a maritime border with Honduras along the southeastern shore of the country. While Belize and Honduras don’t have a land border, you can get from several places in Belize to Puerto Cortes in Honduras by boat.
Belize or Honduras? Which country should you visit
Whether you want to visit Belize or Honduras depends on your personal preferences. Belize is a popular destination among visitors from North America that has a well-established tourist infrastructure, while Honduras is less visited and boasts many hidden gems including pristine beaches, lakes, and cascading waterfalls.