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A GLIMPSE ON
HONDURAS
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Honduras is a country
full of contrasts: it is the poorest in Central America and yet it is one of the largest
and richest in natural resources. Its history has been convoluted and intense, yet it is a
country full of friendly and hospitable people where travel is comfortable and easy.
Today, the beaches where pirates buried their treasures are peaceful, but in centuries
past buccaneers raided whole fleets across these bays while colonials fought each other to
gain control over its pristine jungles and great richess. |
Honduras was a Spanish Colony, that received its name from Christopher Columbus himself,
during the explorer’s fourth and final voyage to the Americas. After settling their
first mayor city on the coast the Spaniards became more interested in possessing the
riches that were inland and also to enjoy a fresher, cooler climate, thus abandoning the
coast. They concentrated so hard on taking the local’s lands and possessions,
fighting the Lenca Indian warriors and murdering and betraying their chief, Lempira, that
they did not take much notice of the Dutch and British pirates that were settling along
the shores... The famous pirate Henry Morgan made Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands,
his headquarters. From there he raided distant ports. Later, the English Crown took
control over the Coast and brought in slaves to extract the mahogany and other precious
hardwoods from the tropical forests. They extended their control of the coast as far South
as Nicaragua by establishing a British Protectorate over the Mosquitia region, upon the
Miskito Indian Chief’s personal request. |
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Although Honduras had gained its independence from Spain in 1821 and it had become a part
of the Central American Federation: law and order were not easily established. British
presence continued to be effective. As late as 1860 an American eccentric, named William
Walker, sought to revive the era of buccaneers that this country had lived for two hundred
years. His attempt to take over Central America by force ended in tragedy. At the turn of
the century a new American force took Honduras by storm: they built the railway and bought
the rich coastal plains with only one thing in mind: bananas. This force was known as the
United Fruit Company and it was led by free enterprise and capital, thus turning Honduras
into a Banana Republic.
Although most of
the country today are mestizos, of mixed Indian and Spanish descent, British influence is
still evident, particularly on the islands, where English is still the official language. |
Honduras is diverse. Inland is a large expanse of a cool and mountainous country, while
its coast is hot, humid and amazing... Honduras has some of the most impressive Caribbean
beaches in Central America. Offshore, the Bay Islands- which are a continuation of
Belize’s Barrier Reef- offer some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the
world and also best value for money. Honduras is also home to the spectacular Maya ruins
of Copan, near the Guatemalan border, known for its magnificent sculpted carvings. It is
also national park and protected area rich! One of the most impressive parks is the Rio
Platano Biosphere Reserve, where Pech, Tawaka Sumu and Miskito Indians guard their own
cultural and natural heritage. They offer real ecotourism adventures that include tropical
beaches, petroglyphs, wild life watch at its best and white-water-rafting all in one
unforgettable experience. Honduras is worth discovering on its own or combined with other
destination in neighboring Guatemala to the West. |
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