Honduras is composed of 18 departments; La Ceiba is the capital of the department of Atlantida. La Ceiba is a relatively young city in Honduras, but it is the third largest city in the country, and is also considered the liveliest by many. La Ceiba has become a very important city for Honduras’s industry. It has been for a long time the operation hub of the Standard Fruit Company, producers of bananas, pineapples, grapefruits and many other agricultural products that Honduras exports. Although Honduras’ main port is “Puerto Castilla,” La Ceiba is considered to be the administrative hub.

La Ceiba life style is similar to most other cities in Honduras, characterized by the hospitality of its people. Many opportunities for entertainment are available at this city. Because its proximity to the Pico Bonito National Park, Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, and Cayos Cochinos Marine Reserve, it holds an advantage in natural attractions. Slowly but surely, the city’s infrastructure is increasing and improving making of it a popular destination for tourist. Just recently, The Palma Real Beach Resort opened with 160 rooms and suites at the village of Roma, located 20 km east of the City. This resort offers outstanding installations, spectacular views of Cayos Cochinos; this is the best beach hotel in the country so far, offering the first all inclusive program in Honduras.

Getting around

You can get around in la Ceiba by walking, and by taxi. There are many taxis available at low prices. Getting around La Ceiba is relatively easy. The two main avenues (The Avenida San Isidro and the 14 de Julio), run perpendicular to the coast line, and most streets are numbered. Traveling from La Ceiba is even easier than traveling form San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa (Hondura’s biggest cities). There is a central bus terminal where most of the bus services operate from. Furthermore, there is also a new dock, located a few miles out of town towards the east, from where regular ferry service between La Ceiba and the Bay Islands of Utila and Roatan operates daily. Three domestic air carriers, Aerolineas Sosa and Atlantic Airlines Isleña Airlines have their operations hub in La Ceiba, and from here you can fly to Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, Roatan, Utila, Guanaja,Trujillo, as well as the Miskito Coast.

La Ceiba Night Life

There is an area in La Ceiba reserved for night life: “The zona viva.” Most restaurants and night life is to be found is on this street. The central park is located only a few blocks form the 1aCalle, and offers a pleasant shaded area with many of the hotels and restaurants nearby. La Ceiba is famous for its Carnival week, which takes place during the Month of May to celebrate the patron saint, San Isidro. This Carnival is basically a large party, not as big as the one celebrated in New Orleans, but it is definitely the largest and most important celebration that takes place in Central America. During the week of Carnival, different parts of town organize night long parties with live bands, a variety of foods and drinks are available offering a very lively atmosphere.