HN
La Ceiba
A Caribbean port city between the sea and the rainforest of Pico Bonito, and gateway to the Bay Islands
A Caribbean port city between the sea and the rainforest of Pico Bonito, and gateway to the Bay Islands
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
The US asks travellers to reconsider travel to Honduras because of crime, and advises against travel to Gracias a Dios. Tourist areas such as the Bay Islands and Copan see many visitors; take usual precautions.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
This large park of rainforest and cloud forest rises steeply behind the city. Trails lead to waterfalls and swimming holes, and the forest is rich in birds.
Hire a local guide for longer trails.
Photo: Denis Fournier, CC BY 2.0
A short drive from town, this boulder-filled river is one of Central America’s best-known rafting spots. Lodges in the valley also offer kayaking, canyoning and ziplines.
Rafting levels depend on rainfall; ask operators.
Photo: JMigdonio, CC BY-SA 4.0
The week-long Carnaval in May for San Isidro ends with a big parade on the third Saturday and attracts large crowds.
Book accommodation early.
Photo: Ramon cerritos, CC BY-SA 4.0
The city has a seafront and an old pier. The beaches in town are not very clean; better beaches are a few kilometres east, near Garífuna villages such as Corozal and Sambo Creek.
Photo: Luis Alfredo Romero, CC BY-SA 4.0
These small, protected islands off the coast have reefs and white sand. Day trips leave from the coast east of La Ceiba.
Photo: Vaido Otsar, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try baleadas, fried fish with plantain, and Garífuna dishes such as tapado, a seafood soup with coconut milk.
The Zona Viva area has bars and restaurants.
Golosón International Airport (LCE) has domestic flights and connections to the Bay Islands. Buses run from San Pedro Sula, usually around 3 hours.
Ferries run from the port to Utila and Roatán. In town, use registered taxis.
Honduras uses the lempira (HNL).
Rainforest, river and coast.
Raft or swim on the Río Cangrejal and stay at a valley lodge.
Hike to waterfalls in Pico Bonito National Park.
Visit Sambo Creek or take a boat trip to Cayos Cochinos.
Use registered taxis, especially at night.
Keep valuables out of sight; crime is a concern in Honduras.
Use repellent near rivers and the coast.
October to January is the wettest period.
Quick answers for planning time in La Ceiba.
Its Carnaval, the Pico Bonito rainforest and ferries to the Bay Islands.
In May, ending with a parade on the third Saturday.
By ferry from the port, or by small plane.
Take normal precautions: use registered taxis and avoid walking at night.
March to August, outside the wettest months.
Planning a wider trip? Our Honduras travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.