La Ceiba History:
IManuel Hernandez built a house under the enormous La Ceiba tree in 1872. Soon, other people joined in attracted by the boom of the banana plantations. Other soon joined in seduced by the boom of the banana plantations. In 1877 La Ceiba was declared a town and lived as a banana town until 1960s. In 1998 hurricane Mitch devastated the entire north coast of Honduras, and La Ceiba recovered with energy and vision of becoming the eco-tourism capital of Honduras. Today much of the economy is dependant on the nearby Bay Islands and a growing tourism trade. Pineapple is the city's major export and Standard Fruit Company, subsidiary of the Dole is based in La Ceiba. La Ceiba has kept its distinctive Caribbean flavor and has became the third most important city in the republic.

Rio Cangrejal:
This exciting steep and winding river has been attracting a growing number of white water river operators, exclusive resorts and adventure sports like canopy rides and caving.

La Ceiba Tree:
A cousin of the African baobab, this giant 60 meter tall umbrella shaped tree are a host to aerial plants, insects birds and mammals. It is a focus of a complex ecological community, its trunk was used by indigenous peoples used it to build dugout canoes. When Garifuna first saw the giant trees doting Honduras' coast they described it as "a ladder God used when he came down from Heaven to visit earth."

Butterfly Museum:
This marvelous private museum and education center was founded by an ex-peace core volunteer Robert Lehman. His 11,000 insect collection boasts 2,400 Honduran moths and butterflies, not to mention hundreds of spiders, beetles, grasshoppers from all over the world. A must see (Lps. 30)

Spanish Language Courses:
There are three Spanish language schools offering courses and family stays in La Ceiba. Also, Alliance Française offers English, French and Italian language courses.

Favorite Sons:
La Ceiba has produced some powerful politicians and personalities: José Simón Azcona Hoyo - former Honduras President (1981-1990), Dunia Elvir - journalist for Telemundo.

Shopping:
Most Ceibeños love the 'El Mall' to hang our, go to movies, or pick up something to wear to a disco. The 50 plus stores attract people from Bay Islands escaping the 'island fever.'

La Ceiba Carnival:
Parades block parties and dances turn La Ceiba into Central America's party capital for one week in end of May of 'Feria Isidra.' On the Saturday carnival 'Gran Carnaval de la Amistad' takes over the First Avenue.

Golf:
A nine hole golf course built for the enjoyment of the Standard Fruit employees offers. There is another golf club in Tela and outside San Pedro Sula.

Lancetilla Botanical Garden:
Second largest botanical gardens in the world. This vast and diverse botanical space was founded in 1926 by Tela Railroad Company. The abundant fruit trees and bamboo forests attract hundreds of birds. The entrance fee includes a guide who will take you on a hike and to a Lancetilla river boasting a refreshing swimming hole.

Finca El Cisne:
Experience how life on a Honduran country hacienda used to be by visiting a plantation of cardamom and coffee. The 1,000 hectare rancho, is located 20 km north of town amid fruit trees, fish lakes and cattle pastures.

Punta Sal National Park:
Once the small, isolated from the mainland bays served as havens to pirates. Today PROLANSATE, a non profit, is responsible for the management of the park. Dolphins can be seen on a boat tour that takes you to sandy beaches and jungle trails.

Horseback riding:
Riding thru fields, hills and even archeological sites can be an unforgettable experience.

Off-road Motorcycle Tours:
Ride an off road motorcycle to the most remote places around the valley (Mo-Su/ mornings)

Bird Watching Tours:
Depart on a half-day trip to the forest foothills to observe one of the regions 350 bird species, amongst them the elusive Motmot.

Tubing:
A three hour trip takes you past the ruins, thru tobacco and corn plantations.

White Water Rafting:
The river offers class II thru-IV rapids and changes greatly, sometime unpredictably depending on the rainfall. At least six La Ceiba based outfits offer white water kayaking and rafting that are a great way to experience this jungle, luscious environment.

Zip Line:
Hook-up to a metal cable and fly thru a jungle rainforest and above the Rio Cangrejal.

River Waterholes:
Even thou Rio Cangrejal offers plenty of places to swim just minutes south of La Ceiba, you can find more privacy in a series of jungle-set, cooling and refreshing fresh water spots east of the city, just off the highway to Trujillo: Rio Maria (7km), Los Chorros (10km), Villa Rhina (14km).