Honduras

Honduras!  We had very few people recommend this country and planned to skip it entirely.  Then there were some issues in El Salvador and so we altered our plans and drove through Honduras.  So, with minimal expectations, we headed to Copan.  This was the southernmost Mayan stronghold and is known for its intricate stelae carvings.  We were more impressed with these ruins than I anticipated.  Firstly, we had this serene park pretty much to ourselves and the Stelae were amazing.  Secondly, they have introduced several breeding pairs of Scarlet Macaws and provided them with all the comforts of home.  These raucous birds are gorgeous and quite happy to ham for the camera.  The little town of Copan takes its role of tourist destination quite seriously.  There is a myriad of restaurants, hotels, bars, tourist shops and festivities.  They were preparing for a mini festival while we were there, so we watched them set up, strolled around the kiosks and sat and listened to a marimba band and people-watched.  A very pleasant afternoon indeed.  As we left, we perused the craft tables.  These were primarily corn-husk dolls, bead necklaces and poor replicas of the deities found in the ruins.  But then, what did my wandering eyes happen to see but some lovely purple jade earrings!  Yes, the same exorbitantly-priced type of jade that we had found in Antigua.  The price was much better, and I went away very pleased that we had visited Copan.

We now headed south, enjoying the much cooler weather and marveling at the fact that vehicles involved in accidents take up permanent residence at their crash sites.  I suppose it does serve as a very graphic reminder to drivers who may get careless.   Soon we were inching along the entrance to the Parc National Celaque.  This narrow road winds around steep curves with overhanging trees, intrusive rocks and not an inch to spare.  We were so lucky that we did not encounter another vehicle enroute.  As per usual though, it was all worth it.  By 5:30 everyone went home, and we had the entire park to ourselves.  We stayed for two nights, after all who wanted to do that road on consecutive days.  We hiked for 4-5 hours through the cool, pine forest, it felt like home.

 While driving to Comayaqua, we met a local who wanted to take pictures of our camper.  He has always wanted to own one but can not afford to import one.  We suggested that he go to the U.S.A., buy one and drive it back to Honduras.  He was adamant that he could not do that, everyone knows how dangerous Mexico is, it is full of banditos!!!

Our Route