As the last video of the series, we explore the hidden side of Honduras - beyond the popular tourist areas of Roatan, Copan Ruinas and La Ceiba. Honduras is home to many small towns, with a variety of beauty, cultural and activities to offer visitors. This video showcases just a few of these towns, including: Valle de Angeles, Comayagua, Lake Yojoa, Gracias and Omoa.

(This video was filmed in July and August 2009, in conjunction with the Honduras Institute of Tourism.)

Those seeking a cultural experience off the beaten track should consider The Lenca Trail, a 76-mile route spanning from Santa Rosa de Copán to La Esperanza in the Western Highlands. In a series of charming towns, visitors will encounter the Lenca people – one of the largest indigenous groups in Honduras. A great gateway to the route is the town of Gracias, home to colonial churches, a Lenca museum, historical fort, and a Farmer’s Market where the Lenca people sell their vegetables and pottery. Other offshoots of the route include San Manuel de Colohete and La Campa – where visitors can witness the Lenca people making their pottery using the same methods as their ancestors. colosuca.com

(This video was filmed in August 2009, in conjunction with the Honduras Institute of Tourism.)

From white water rafting and zip lining through the rainforest, to galloping through the countryside on horseback and diving deep into the underwater world – Honduras offers travelers many opportunities to find an adrenaline rush while on vacation.

(This video was filmed in July and August 2009, in conjunction with the Honduras Institute of Tourism. Underwater footage courtesy of Strange Media.)

Ancient wonders and rich culture await in the charming Honduran town of Copán Ruinas. Long known for its Maya ruins, Copán Ruinas offers scenic views and a quaint setting amid cobblestone streets, outdoor markets, boutique shops and authentic cuisine. Explore a variety of cultural sites and ecological excursions in the surrounding Copán Valley, including coffee plantation tours, horseback riding and bird sanctuary visits. Copán Ruinas also boasts natural hot springs, hilltop yoga, a Maya children’s museum, Spanish language schools and much more.

Copán Ruinas Chamber of Tourism: copanhonduras.org
Hacienda San Lucas: haciendasanlucas.com
Macaw Mountain Bird Park: macawmountain.com
Finca Santa Isabel: cafehonduras.com
Finca El Cisne: fincaelcisne.com

(This video was filmed in July and August 2009, in conjunction with the Honduras Institute of Tourism.)

Visitors to Honduras can slow things down with visits to two spectacular botanical gardens. One is the Lancetilla Botanical Garden in Tela – the second largest tropical botanical garden in the world. Lancetilla was established in 1926 as an experimental site by Tela Railroad Company, and boasts a large variety of plants from the Central American region as well as from other tropical areas throughout the world. The second is nestled on the island of Roatán – Carambola Botanical Gardens. Owned by a former Peace Corps volunteer, this garden provides an educational experience for its visitors among 40 acres of lush landscape.

Carambola Botanical Garden: carambolagardens.com

(This video was filmed in July and August 2009, in conjunction with the Honduras Institute of Tourism.)