Carnaval in La Ceiba
The most exciting time to be in La Ceiba (book well in advance) is during Carnaval, a week-long bash held every May to celebrate the city’s patron saint, San Isidro. Dances and street events in various barrios around town culminate in an afternoon parade on the third Saturday. The 200,000 or so partygoers who attend Carnaval every year flock between the street events and the clubs on Calle 1 in the Zona Viva, where the dancing continues until dawn.
La Ceiba tour operators
A couple of well-run companies offer tours to the surrounding area and further afield.
La Moskitia Ecoaventuras 2441 3279 or t 9929 7532, lamoskitia.hn. Jorge Salaverri is an expert on La Mosquitia and the Río Plátano, and his company also offers tours to Pico Bonito (from US$35), Cuero y Salado and Cayos Cochinos (both from US$53), plus rafting (from US$35) and sea-kayaking (from US$35). Its office is located in Colonia Toronjal 2 close to Megaplaza mall: turn right at Pollitos La Cumbre, continue for two blocks then turn right again.
Omega Tours Río Cangrejal valley, 19km from La Ceiba 2440 0334 or 9631 0295, omegatours.info. Extensive range of tours including rafting, kayaking, horseriding (from US$76) and trips to Cayos Cochinos and La Mosquitia. All start at their lodge, which borders both Pico Bonito and Nombre de Dios parks, and prices include a night’s stay.
Museum of Butterflies and Insects
About 1km south of the plaza is the private Museum of Butterflies and Insects, Etapa 2, Casa G-12, Colonia El Sauce, where more than 12,000 specimens from 68 countries are on view, though almost three-quarters are native species. Displays explain trapping techniques, and there are videos in English and Spanish.