The port city of La Ceiba has a population around 150,000 and lies on the Northern Caribbean coast of Honduras.
La Ceiba has your typical Central American climate and terrain. Its economy is largely dependent on bananas and other fruits, as well as tourism. It is politically stable. The local currency is the Lempira,
easily exchanged for U.S. dollars at airports and major banks in the city.
La Ceiba is a lively, busy, small city served by several local airlines, with connections through San Pedro Sula to the USA and Mexico. For people visiting the city who are on business, there are several hotels that are cheap yet clean.
Throughout the city, one has spectacular views of the Pico Bonito mountains. Pico Bonito National Park behind La Ceiba, is not well known to birders, although there is a luxury lodge for eco-tourists in the Park, with a list of over 300 species of birds.
A winding, dirt road heading to "Yaruca" will provide more amazing views as it twists along the river itself. We suggest you stay at some cabins along the Cangrejal River, in the mountains of La Ceiba. Omega Tours, is one such location. It is run by Udo and Sylvia Witteman, and is very cheap and basic, but comfortable; with wonderful home-cooked German and Honduran food and a spectacular location. It is surrounded by rugged but tree-covered mountains. The grounds are full of orange and lime trees, as well as numerous flowering trees and shrubs. Take a guided hike along the river. You will travel up a steep trail to a spectacular waterfall, with a few birds, and a most interesting explanation of the local forest ecology.
