Lancetilla Botanical Garden

This Lancetilla Botanical Garden is a treasure trove for plant enthusiasts, but it’s also just a great place to spend time among lush greenery. With its towering bamboo stands and bird habitat, it’s among the top attractions on the Honduran coast and is included on some tours of the area. Most people spend at least an hour at the garden—true enthusiasts might be happy to spend an entire day wandering the grounds.

• The garden is great for families: There’s plenty of room to play on the spacious grounds, though dirt trails are not very stroller-friendly.

• Bring the mosquito repellent. The bugs can be fierce in this tropical sanctuary.

• English signage is limited in the garden, so visiting with an informed tour guide is a great option here.

• Bring small bills to cover entrance fees, as staff aren’t always able to provide change for bigger denominations.

The Lancetilla Botanical Garden is located off Carretera 13, on a smaller road marked RV-367. It’s a 4.5-mile (7.5-kilometer) drive from downtown Tela, where it’s easy to find taxis. If you’re coming by cab, consider arranging your return trip in advance, as they’re less plentiful in the area surrounding the botanical garden.

The gardens are open daily from morning until early evening. While there is shade in some parts of the garden, other areas are very sun exposed. If you’re concerned about the heat, consider coming early in the morning. Bring plenty of sun protection, including a brimmed hat, if you’re heading to the garden later in the day.

The former banana town is now a resort in its own right, brimming with seafood restaurants and offering great access to nearby national parks. A 30-minute boat ride away are the beautiful beaches of Jeannette Kawas National Park, or you can head to Punta Sal National Park for snorkeling, wildlife watching, and pristine jungle. Within the town is Tela Marine, a small aquarium that collaborates on research with international universities.