7 steps to Honduras Cultural Immersion

There are many ways to enjoy this wonderful diverse country in Central America. Honduras is bordered by Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua, with the Pacific Ocean to the south and a large inlet of the Caribbean sea by the Gulf of Honduras. There is much to explore in Honduras for visitors from the clear waters, its pristine beaches, lush jungles, breathtaking mountains, challenging rivers, to its fascinating ruins. A trip to immerse yourself in the culture of Honduras includes the experience of the traditional and the modern side by side, giving you a fully rounded picture of the country’s diversity.

1. To really immerse yourself into the Honduran culture you need to experience a little of its past. The best way to learn about Honduras’ past is to visit some of its historical locations that are available. A fantastic place to start is the Copan Ruins found in the west of the country, revealing the Mayan culture. You could also visit Comayagua, Honduras’ former capital city, to get a feel of the old culture. These places will give you a good starting point for your immersion into Honduran culture.
2. The next place to continue with your Honduran cultural immersion is to experience the natural preserves that are all around Honduras. Experience your natural surroundings and embrace the natural beauty of one of Honduras’ most impressive national parks, the Montana de Celaque, and an ecological preserve in the shape of a wildlife refuge like Refugio de Vida Silvestre Cuero Y Salado. Getting to know your environment better is essential to getting to know exactly how the Honduran people interact with different parts of their environment.

3. As you continue with your progress into the new found culture it must not be forgotten that history and nature are only the start. The next place on your list should be food as by now hunger may be evident, and to carry on with your cultural immersion some traditional authentic food from Honduras would be good. The best place to start is with some baleada as well as some carne asada, an excellent way to get to know their cuisine.

4. Travelling to Honduras it will depend on what you want to do while there as to when to go. Rainy season is between May and November while it is dry the rest of the year. However one time to avoid is October and November as this is hurricane season. There is one celebration to be recommended and this is la Feria Isidra, the friendship carnival where people come from all over the world for the week’s festivities. It would show you how the Hondurans celebrate their holidays while immersing you further into their culture.

5. As in the past communities still gather in the main squares of towns around Honduras, with cafes and shops nearby, street entertainment and vendors to be found. Here you can immerse yourself in the local culture with the traditional costumes, cigarettes, ceramics and food of Honduras. Walking through the markets you can take in the sights, smells and sounds of the people going about their everyday business. You can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and take in the smells, and taste what is on offer, of the local culture.

6. The next step is to meet new people, make friends and talk to them about their lives. The markets and cafes are great places to do this, and you can ask them what they do. You can also meet local artisans in their shops, learn about their family roots and their ancient traditions at first hand. This is a good way to relax and unwind, a good time to mingle in an unstressed atmosphere.

7. Another great way to immerse yourself into the culture is to volunteer through the many programs from around the world that take annual trips to Honduras. Honduras is known for being a country of contrasts, with its pockets of wealth but the majority of people struggling. There are charities that take annual trips to help those less fortunate, with education and conservation projects for starters. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to experience Honduras as tourists rarely can.

Any of these steps above is the perfect opportunity to truly immerse yourself in a foreign culture. To see the world through the eyes of the inhabitants of that country is often an eye opener, yet a great experience. However you choose to do it you will be forever changed by your experiences. So plan your trip carefully, making sure you make the most of the time there. Following these guidelines will help make your trip to Honduras unforgettable.

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