Three days is enough to see the best of La Ceiba: the city and its boardwalk, the jungle and the Cangrejal River, and the Caribbean Sea at Cayos Cochinos. This plan follows a practical order and leaves time to relax.

Day 1: the city

  1. 1
    MorningCentral Park and downtown

    Walk around downtown and Central Park. Have baleadas for breakfast at a local spot. See guide →

  2. 2
    AfternoonBoardwalk and beach

    Stroll the boardwalk and beach. Have fried fish by the sea for lunch.

  3. 3
    EveningZona Viva

    Dinner and drinks in Zona Viva, the restaurant and bar district.

Day 2: jungle and river

  1. 4
    MorningCangrejal River rafting

    Raft the Cangrejal River rapids with a certified guide. See guide →

  2. 5
    AfternoonPico Bonito trails (Cangrejal valley)

    Hike to waterfalls and swimming holes in Pico Bonito. You can stay at a lodge in the valley. See guide →

Day 3: the Caribbean

  1. 6
    All dayCayos Cochinos

    Boat tour to Cayos Cochinos: snorkeling, white beaches and a Garifuna lunch on Chachahuate. See guide →

  2. 7
    AlternativeSambo Creek

    Prefer to stay on land? Hot springs and zip-lining near Sambo Creek, then Garifuna food in Corozal. See guide →

Trip tips

  • Getting there: Golosón Airport (LCE) is about 15 minutes from downtown, and there are buses and shuttles from San Pedro Sula.
  • Best time: March to September is usually drier; October to January is the rainiest season.
  • Rafting and the cays: book a day ahead; both leave early in the morning.
  • Money: bring cash in lempiras for villages and boats. Check the exchange rate in the travel toolbox.
  • Where to stay: find hotels and lodges in the directory.

Only have two days? See the weekend in La Ceiba plan.