La Ceiba

Travel Guide Central America Honduras La Ceiba

Introduction

Naitonal Park outside La Ceiba

Starting as hut under a Ceiba tree along the coast with a small dock in 1872, La Ceiba quickly grew into a major port. The city grew because of the fruit trade and commerce into a large economic center for the country. The early growth of La Ceiba was because of the Standard Fruit Company, which was part Dole Fruit. This is mainly because of the pineapple and banana trade.

The city has now grown to about 170,000 people divided into 170 barrios. One of the main parts of the economy now is tourism and is considered the capital of Honduras's emerging eco-tourism industry. The coastline is home to amazing beaches that are great for relaxing while enjoying some delicious fruit.

[edit]

Neighbourhoods

There are 170 Barrios in the city.

[edit]

Sights and Activities

Banco Atlantida is the oldest bank in Honduras and was built in 1913.
Beaches here are great place to relax and enjoy a good time.
Night Life is one of the main attractions and La Ceiba is home to one of the best drinking scenes in the whole country.
Pico Bonito National Park is home to an amazing 2,435-metre-high mountain and great for hiking.
White Water Rafting can be experienced on the Cangrejal River and is home to Class III to IV rapids. This river actually runs into some nice wildlife refuges.
Cuero and Salado Wildlife Refuge is located on the edge of the city and is great place to see wild animals.

[edit]

Events and Festivals

Carroza La Ceiba de Plata

Samana Santa (Holy Week) is when tourists from all over the country come to city to have fun on the beach and enjoy the nightlife.
Carnaval de la Amistad is the largest celebration in the city every year during the week leading up to the third Saturday in May. The city swells with over 200,000 people in order to experience the great parade on Saturday afternoon. Many of the barrios have smaller celebrations during the weak, which are worth a visit.

[edit]

Weather

La Ceiba has hot and humid weather yearround with temperatures around 30 °C during most days, dropping to a balmy 20 °C at night. Unlike many other areas in Honduras, or in fact Central America, La Ceiba receives more rain from October to February, instead of May to November which applies for many other places.

[edit]

Getting There

By Plane

Golosón International Airport (IATA: LCE, ICAO: MHLC) is also known as La Ceiba Airport and is located on the western side of the city. The airport has domestic flights to most major cities in Honduras and has international flights to Montreal and George Town (Cayman Islands).