1 Week in Honduras: Islands, Waterfalls & Caribbean Vibes You’ll Never Forget

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I spent one month exploring Honduras and absolutely fell in love with this underrated country. If you only have a week, you’re still able to see the absolute highlights even if you wont be able to see it all.

I’ve structured this itinerary prioritizing my favorite spots. I’ve given them enough time to actually enjoy without feeling too rushed. This means that it’s possible to do more if you really want to and I’ll give you some ideas for what you can add below as well.

So, no matter if you just want to see the highlight without rushing or if you want to see as much as possible of Honduras within a week, I’ve got you covered!

Where to start your 1 week itinerary in Honduras?

With just one week in Honduras I’ve tried to keep the domestic travel to a minimum making sure you get as much adventure as possible within the days you have. However of you’re traveling to Honduras as part of a longer Central America trip and you’re either coming from or going to Guatemala or Nicaragua I would advice you to add a stop in either Copán Ruinas close to the border of Guatemala or Lago de Yojoa close to the border of Nicaragua.

If you’re not traveling across Central America and just want to visit Honduras, I advise you to fly into Roatán or San Pedro Sula for this itinerary.

Day 1 - 2 Of your 1 week itinerary in Honduras: Roatán

Roatán surprised me in the best way. I almost skipped it because of the cruise ports, thinking it would be too packed with people. However, if you stay at the right places and plan your activities on days there are no cruises, I’m sure you will fall in love with this little island as well.

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Best places to stay in Roatán

I have a full guide with all my favorite places, but below is s short list for every budget. Roatán is not the cheapest place to travel to, but no matter your budget you will find something that suits you. My favorite area is West End, which has all the amenities you need and still feels less touristy than West Bay.

Hotel Chillies ($40 per night)

Sea Breeze In ($55 per night)

Lands End ($100 per night)

Cocolobo resort ($140 per night)

The Beach House Boutique Hotel ($290 per night)

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Day 1: Hit the beach!

Roatán really is all about the beaches, so today head to one of the beautiful beaches. If you’re staying in West End you can take a short boat ride to West Bay beach or just relax at Half Moon Bay. If you’re heading to West Bay make sure to check if there are cruises in port first and adjust your day accordingly. It’s much better to go here when there is no cruise boat.

Day 2: Snorkeling & Boat Adventures

Book a snorkeling tour either for half a day so you can see the starfish alley, or just an hour just outside the beach area. Then spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach or check out the chocolate factory.

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Day 3 - 5 of your ultimate 1 week itinerary for Honduras: Utila

Just one hour boat ride from Roatán you’ll find the smaller and more laid back island of Utila. Most people come to Utila to take their diving certificate, but you can easily fill an entire week here without doing so.

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Best places to stay in Utila

Utila is more directed to backpackers and divers than Roatán, so you won’t find luxurious hotels here. However, there are some cute boutique Hotels and Hostels to choose from. If you’re coming here to dive they usually offer free accommodation at the different places you can take your certification. If you’re not diving and getting free accommodation I do advice you to book ahead of time because there aren’t that many options to choose from. Below are my favorites.

Coral View Beach Resort ($100 per night)

MANURII Gardens ($110 per night)

Moon Apartments ($110 per night)

Mango In Resort ($120 per night)

Day 3 - Travel day and explore Utila

Take the earliest ferry from Roatán and explore Utila when you get there. You can head to one of the many beaches, book a dive or a snorkel trip or just wander through the cute streets.

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Day 4: Water Caye day trip

This was my favorite day on Utila. We took a boat to Water Caye, a tiny uninhabited island with white sand, palm trees, and crystal-clear water. We brought snacks and beers and had the beach mostly to ourselves. Just pend the day here and relax!

Day 5: Beach day on Neptune’s

Today you could head out to Neptune’s and spend the day there relaxing on the beach! You can choose between taking the boat to La Ceiba and travel onwards to Rio Cangrejal this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

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Day 6 - 7 of the one week itinerary in Honduras: Rio Cangrejal

This was the unexpected star of the trip. Whether you want to raft, hike, swim, or just read in a hammock, this place hits the spot. It’s located just outside the city of La Ceiba, making it surprisingly easy to reach from the Bay Islands. This was probably my favorite area in Honduras and I honestly think it’s so strange that it’s not packed with people.

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Best places to stay in Rio Cangrejal

There are many different lodges to choose from along the river, some pretty rustic and budget friendly and some very luxurious ones. We stayed at the Jungle River Lodge and had such an amazing time! Below are some other options I considered and think would be great places to stay.

Omega Tours Eco Jungle Lodge

They are known for having great food, charming rooms, rafting tours, and a social vibe. There’s a bar, a yoga deck, and an on-site restaurant with a daily-changing menu.

La Villa De Soledad

This is a peaceful B&B with lovely hosts, cozy rooms, and excellent birdwatching right from the garden.

The Lodge & Spa at Pico Bonito

A more luxurious option with charming cabins with a private porch and hammocks

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Day 6: Guided tour to Pico Bonito National Park

Today I advice you to book a guided hike to Pico Bonito national park and swim in the stunning waterfalls there. It will take about half a day so you can relax in the pools or visit the nearby chocolate factory later on. If you decide to travel to Rio Cangrejal today I would switch up the two days here since it’s advised to start the hike pretty early to avoid the worst heat.

Day 7: Rafting on Rio Cangrejal

Most people who come here come to raft, so do that today. We did the rafting tour, and even as a first-timer I loved it. After that you can either relax by the natural pools if you have the time or start heading back to the airport.

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How to end your week in Honduras?

It’s unfortunately time to end this trip in Honduras. You can either travel back to San Pedro Sula or Roatán for your flight back.

If you’re headed onwards to El Salvador, Guatemala or Nicaragua for more fun adventure, you can book a shuttle from La Ceiba that will take you across the border.

Final Thoughts: Is One Week in Honduras Worth It?

Absolutely! Even with just one week you’ll be able to see the highlights! Between the laid-back island life, the lush jungle adventures, and the incredibly kind locals, this country packs a serious punch in a short amount of time. So many travelers still overlook Honduras, and honestly, I can’t figure out why. If you’re craving something a little off the beaten path, this is your sign to go now — before people catch on.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Honduras. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out!
-Ingrid

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