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The lack of travellers to Honduras is surprising given the warm welcome you get from the people and the dramatic natural scenery. Everyone else’s loss is your gain though, as you explore this gem unhampered by the hordes. The building projects in La Esperanza help people to literally make a better future for themselves and their families by building homes and schools in some of the country’s poorest communities. These are real hands-on projects where you help with everything from making sun dried bricks, to painting outside walls. You’ll know it’s worth it though, when you see a family move into the house you built and students attending their first day in their new school.
Project details:
On our building projects in Honduras you will work alongside the local families to provide more stable and comfortable living conditions.
Why volunteer at this project:
The native Lenca people of the Western Highlands often live in poverty stricken conditions, sometimes with three families under one roof. Volunteers are desperately needed to help provide better homes for people who really need them as well as helping the communities build homes of their own.
What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
You need beginner Spanish for this project, however, you should aim to learn as much as possible before you go. You should be in reasonable physical shape as you will be getting involved in building work. You will need to be willing to get involved in hard work and be very 'hands on' and willing to get involved in anything that is asked of you. You have a love of the outdoors and not mind working in any weather. You will need to be easy going and be able to work alongside the local community as much of your time will be spent with the families. Building experience is not necessary but if you have a specific skill it will be welcomed.
Your role as a volunteer:
You would be involved in fairly labour intensive work due to the nature of the project. There will be different activities you can get involved in such as renovation, labouring, painting, decorating, making bricks, building walls etc. During the dry season you will mainly be making bricks which involve taking straw and mud and getting into a big vat and mixing it altogether using your feet.
Where the project is based:
The project is based in the small town of La Esperanza (pop 13,000 ) which is in the Western Highlands of Honduras. It is about 3-4 hours by bus from the capital Tegucigalpa. La Esperanza is populated mainly by the indigenous Lenca people, and the town is best known for its traditional Sunday market. The local area is blessed with magnificent scenery and is fantastic for hiking/cycling. There are natural hot springs nearby where you can bath and will make a change from the cold showers you will have at the homestays. This is a great base to travel across to the Mayan Ruins at the weekend which is one of the major tourist attractions. Accommodation is in very basic homestays with a local family.
You will need to arrive into Tegucigalpa (TGU) on your specified arrival date.
Project Aims: Building Homes, La Esperanza
Project Achievements: Building Homes, La Esperanza
These are really fantastic achievements which make us proud to be working for a company which helps to provide a better life so many underprivileged families here in Honduras
Date: 2008-07-17
Hi This weekend was ACE!! Have a look at the pics. It really was cracking. We went on a bit of a whirlwind tour.... Comayagua (the old capital of Honduras before it was moved to Tegucigalpa- rubbish move in my opinion) where we went to the top of a church to see the bell tower and the whole city. We waited for it to ring half past the hour. shortly after, one of the lads in our group tripped over a wire connected to a bell and made it chime!! slightly embarasing but soo funny. Then Some caves, which were brill. Theres a pic of the group who we went with. We also visited Lake Yagoa, which was brill. We had tea there (fish caught from the lake) with fried bananas! They taste a bit like chips! We rented a cabin and all 13 of us and our driver stayed there. The best picture of us all is attached. It was mint! We went to the bar in the eve and we were the only ones there. They kept it open for us especially. I ended up DJing as soon as i walked in haha I assessed the sound system and got it working, changed the lights and got the volunteers all dancing. Salsa, infact! The next day we went to the beach at Puerto Cortes and then onto this massive waterfall (the third largest in the world, behind Niagra and Angel falls) It was quite wet! A few of us took the plunge haha and paid for a guide to take us THROUGH and behind the waterfall !!! Honestly one of the best things ive done it was amazing - at times we couldnt see!!! Too much spray back from the water fall, we just had to hold hands in a chain! Then home. We came back about midnight and were up at six for the build. Needless to day we were a bit rough. It was a good day on the build. We brought stones up from the valley that are used for the foundations. It was a really long walk with a very heavy weight. But it was really good once you'd got them back. Progress is being made with the build. The foundations are nearly finished and we are looking to lay the first set of main bricks tomorrow! Weather is getting better- its really sunny and hot. The locals say it is the start of a really dry spell. Overall enjoying it sofar. Will keep you posted with newsletter 3 soon. Matt
Date: 2008-04-01
In January I (Mathew W. Duff) had the privilege of working with a group of 20 students from the U.S at our building project in La Esperanza. During our time here we helped a local farming family of 9 siblings build a much needed bigger house, as things were getting way too cramped in their old home. The work of all the volunteers was clearly fully appreciated by the family as Clementino (the oldest son of the family) had mentioned to us that he and his father had been clearing the land for the new house since last July! The work that we gave a hand with entailed; clearing the land for the foundation of the house, making adobe bricks for the walls of the house and collecting boulders which were going to be used for the foundation of the house. To make the adobe bricks we first had to jump into a swamp and use our bare feet to mix the clay in to an even mixture. This was a messy process to say the least but extremely good fun and an experience the volunteers will remember for a long time to come. At the end of our time at the building project the group wanted to show their appreciation to the family who we were helping and for our last day we had lunch down at the lagoon with them which was followed by a presentation of the gifts we had bought them. For Clementino, we bought him a new bike which is essential for anyone to get out and about the countryside. For his parents, the group presented them with 9 new bed blanks for the family, and finally for the children we got them a pinata. Once our week placement at the building project was over we spent the last couple of days getting a tour underneath the waterfall Pulapanzak (where we all got completely soaked by the way) and relaxing in the Caribbean coastal town of Tela, where our time was spent soaking up the sun on the beach and cooling off in the clear blue sea. A perfect way to end a perfect trip. Since the group has left Honduras, work on the house in La Esperanza has continued with the help of more volunteers who arrived in February. It takes around 3 months to build a house from scratch although this depends on the amount of volunteers we have working at the building project. Cristobel and Clementino had been working on their house for 7 months, clearing the land away and making hundreds of adobe bricks. But, due to the help of the students from the U.S and the new volunteers, the house is more than half way to being completed. Look out for our next post for this placement to monitor the progress of Cristobel and Clementino.
It may seem like a strange concept to pay for your volunteer experience. You'd be right if you think you shouldn't and the truth is you actually don't! Your placement is free; it's the benefits around it that you pay for. It's important to note that i-to-i is a travel company and not a charity. We provide a professional travel service. We are responsible for finding and assessing worthwhile projects across the world, preparing you for the volunteering experience and supporting you whilst you're there.
Here’s some more information about what your placement fee covers….
We work with hundreds of locally run partner projects around the world and are constantly sourcing new opportunities. We visit all projects to check that they are worthwhile and legitimate and we also conduct a thorough safety assessment before we'll send volunteers there. More
Almost everyone who works for i-to-i has traveled extensively or worked overseas. This means we're a goldmine of information; we're always available to offer support and guidance before, during and after your trip.
Once you book on to a project you'll receive a Welcome Pack that contains loads of general information about volunteering, about your chosen country and project, and a DVD about how to have fun and stay safe. We'll also give you advice on visas and inoculations.
If you are volunteering on a Teaching or Community Development project then a 40-hour Online TEFL course is included in your placement fee. This is an internationally recognised and accredited certificate that will help you to make the most of your time overseas. More
It can be pretty daunting arriving in a different country for the first time… especially after a long flight! If you arrive on your project start date, there'll be a welcoming face at the airport to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.
Soon after you arrive you will attend a thorough orientation with our in-country team. This is to cover important safety and security information. You'll also get some tips about sight-seeing options for your time off and maybe even learn some of the local lingo!
Accommodation is included with all projects and meals are even included with some. We only use locally-owned and operated accommodation so that part of your placement fee is filtering back into the local economy. Most projects offer homestay, guesthouse or shared volunteer houses as standard accommodation, but some offer the chance to upgrade to a more comfortable living standard. More
Your in-country coordinator (ICC) will pick you up from the airport and conduct your orientation upon arrival. All ICC's are English speaking and are locals of your destination country. They won't be at your project every day, but will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need them. More
Aside from the local support from your in-country coordinators you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line manned by i-to-i staff in case any problem should arise while you're overseas. We also hire crisis management professionals Docleaf to be on hand in case of a situation that requires additional expert support. More
The safety and security of our volunteers is paramount. For this reason we provide ongoing crisis management and emergency response training to our local teams around the world. At the end of 2006 we flew all our in-country coordinators to the UK for thorough training to help them offer the best safety to the thousands of volunteers they support each year. More
We don't fund our projects directly, but once a year they are all invited to apply for funding for special projects or resources from our registered charity arm, the i-to-i Foundation. i-to-i funds the operation of the i-to-i Foundation and is the largest single donor. Along with the generous support of our volunteers, we have distributed over US$200,000 in funding in the last two years alone! More
We make no secrets of the fact that part of your placement fee is reinvested in to recruiting volunteers just like you! The volunteers recruited in one week will typically deliver over 2000 man-days of service. The difference this makes to projects overseas is immeasurable. Many of our overseas projects rely on assistance from international volunteers, so it's necessary for us to put together brochures and websites to find the people who can support them. This recruitment process is vital to ensure programs have a constant stream of reliable volunteers.
Volunteering through a company like i-to-i has a lot of intangible benefits to developing overseas communities and the individual projects that we work with. To find out more about our placements. click here
We aim to provide you with a safe and soft landing into your destination by picking you up from the airport, giving you an orientation that helps to settle you into the country as quickly as possible. It’s also the best time to ask any questions you have about your time in Honduras.
If you arrive on the arrival Date – Monday you will be met at the airport on that day (whether it is 12 in the morning or 11:59 at night. You will be taken to the Hotel Valle de Angeles where you will have the first day/night to recover from your flight. The hostel is within walking distance of local craft shops, bars and restaurants.
Note: If you’re arriving early we can arrange a meet and greet for you. If you require this please contact us to arrange this service. If you wish to make your own way please arrange to be at the address below on the arrival date between 7am and 5pm:
Hostel Valle de Angeles
Enfrente de Banco Occidente
50 metros detras de la iglesia
Valle de Angeles
Francisco Morazan.
Honduras
You should make your way to the hostel before 5pm.
Your orientation will take place the next morning and will introduce you to life in Honduras as well as important information about staying healthy and safe and information on getting to your project.
This is your chance to ask any questions of the team before starting work. After your orientation you will travel to your project, information on local transport and getting to your project.
From here on in you will spend your time with the project but the in-country team are there if you need them.
It's important that you get adequate travel insurance for your i-to-i experience and as many of you will be working this often means standard policies won’t work. The good news is that no matter where your coming from we have already found a policy to suit you.
The best time to get your insurance is when you book your project as this means you can get a fully tailored policy exclusive to i-to-i, just ask your consultant for further details at the time of booking.
If you have already booked but still need insurance then you may still be able to take our tailored policy. If, however it was more than a few days ago then try the links below:
Australian customers - find out more here >>
All other customers - find out more here >>
As with insurance we advise you get these booked as early as possible to avoid high prices and to make sure you arrive on the right day. The i-to-i team is right up to date with the best deals no matter where you’re flying from; their insider knowledge could save you some time and money.
If you are arriving before your designated arrival date, we can arrange for an extra meet and greet service for you. For an extra supplement we will be there to meet you at the airport and take you to your orientation accommodation. One additional night accommodation is included in this payment; if you require more than one night please inform the team.
The cost of this Early Pick-up service is US$ 65.00
Mayan Ruins of Copan
Lancetilla Botanical Gardens
Lago de Yajoa/ Pulhapanzak
The Bay Islands
La Tigra Cloud Forest
Pico Bonito
Isla del Tigre
Long before the Spanish Conquest of the Americas, the Mayan settled in Honduras in the fifth century AD and established the city of Copán. Due to the decline of the Mayan civilisation, it fell to ruin in the 9th century AD. A myriad of indigenous people followed before the colonists executed their dominance in the 16th century. The Spanish were met with stiff Indian resistance as they made their settlement in the highlands. The British, meanwhile, focused their attentions on the Bay Islands and the Caribbean coast which served as a base for British pirates from the 16th to the 18th centuries. At the end of the 19th century, the country’s banana industry boomed and opened up export links with the US and UK. The banana industry was monopolised by US companies and for a time the country’s economic and political interests were heavily shaped by these company interests.
The country endured an unstable political and economic climate for much of the 19th and 20th centuries, aided by liberals and conservatives competing for power, military coups and tensions with its neighbour El Salvador. As the second largest country in Central America, it remains one of the least developed but optimism is on the horizon. In the past decade its economy has diversified to include tourism. And although the effects of Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and its heavy foreign debt have hindered development, it remains a democracy with a government that is looking towards the future with reform and a sense of openness in mind.
Umbrella weather is from May to October but it can vary in different parts of the country. The Caribbean coast is wet year round with September and sometimes November to February seeing the heaviest rainfall. Inland it is typically dry from November to April. April and May can feel like an oven but the central highlands usually feel pleasant compared to the humidity of the lowland areas. The hurricane season, meanwhile, is from June to November. The busiest time to visit is around February to April.
The Mayan ruins at Copán are an archaeologist’s dream. But you don’t have to be a scholar to appreciate their stature and ability to keep you clicking away at your camera. It’s a vast site with over 4,000 structures including temples, intricate carvings, plazas and sculptures. In-between constructing advanced architecture and advancing its civilisation, the Maya also found time to have some fun and the site boasts the second largest ball court in Central America. The Hieroglyphic Stairway and Acropolis are other key structures that evoke what the Mayan world actually looked like way back when. The town of Copán Ruinas, around 1km from the ruins, has resisted being overshadowed by the mighty ruins and is itself a popular destination. Lined with cobblestone streets and white buildings with red-tiled roofs, it features shops, restaurants and a market; a good way to see the town is on horseback. For more Mayan wonders, the town’s Copán Museum boasts a comprehensive range of artefacts found at the site.
For a taste of colonial history, the nation’s capital Tegucigalpa, also known as Tegus (pronounced Tehgoos), has a good offering with its museums, churches and colonial architecture housed within its urban sprawl. Museo Nacional Villaroy is housed in an old presidential house and includes exhibits on past presidents, colonial and natural history, along with Pre-Columbian archaeological finds. Iglesia de San Francisco is the city’s first church and dates back to the late 1500s. The best views of the city can be seen from El Picachio, a national park that also includes a statue of Christ overlooking the city.
Honduras is also home to a diverse and abundant range of animal and plant species including over 700 bird species and 110 mammal species, from pumas to howler monkeys. Although not as developed as Costa Rica, Honduras’s ecotourism is of great interest for a country which boasts the largest area of virgin tropical rainforest in the North American Hemisphere in the region known as The Mosquito coast. La Moskitia, which also runs into Nicaraguan territory, is a unique area that’s largely uninhabited but teeming with wildlife. Within the region lies the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the largest park in the country with green iguana, sea turtles and deer among its eclectic residents. The town of Palacios is the best base from which to explore the reserve as it offers food, shelter and flight services. For those looking for nature closer to city civilisation, a hike through mountainous Le Tigre National Park should quench the thirst. Close to Tegucigalpa and a good day trip destination, its cloud forest is home to lush vegetation and the likes of quetzal, monkeys and pumas.
For relaxation, Caribbean beach town Tela is a nice remedy from other tourist populated beaches. Much of it remains unspoiled and it moves a long at a steady pace with locals opting for bicycles to get from A to B.
The third largest city in Honduras, La Ceiba, is by no means third rate and its main pull lies in its party reputation and proximity to some of the best nature hotspots in the country. It is the largest of the country’s Caribbean port towns and is a buzz of activity with bars, restaurants and shops to whet the consumer appetite. One of the highlights in its social calendar, is Carnaval, which celebrates the patron saint San Isidro. It’s held during the third week of May and lasts for 2 weeks, with the third Saturday in May the biggest celebration day. During this time, the city’s population swells to an additional 200,000 people from around the world. It’s a full-on party with live music, food, drink and frivolity.
But the city is much more than a guilty pleasure, it is also has an array of attractions for eco enthusiasts. On the city’s doorstep is Parque Nacional Pico Bonito, one of the country’s best known national parks, and features forests, rivers, waterfalls and a selection of wildlife including armadillos, wild pigs and doves. Its mountain peak is a lure for the super adventurous which, at over 2000m, is a challenging climb and takes several days to climb up and get down. Also within reach of the city is the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge whose mangrove forests and coastal lagoons are home to several species including monkeys and manatees.
La Ceiba is also the launch pad for speedy island getaways with its regular ferry and flight services to the Bay Islands. The Bay Islands (Roatán, Guanaja and Utila) are prime destinations for snorkelling and scuba diving. Their extensive coral reefs are a main attraction and Utila is thought to be one of the cheapest places in the world to go scuba diving. La Ceibe ‘s Golosón International Airport also serves Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, Choluteca, Trujillo, as well as La Moskitia.
Bus is the best mode of transport in Honduras to get to where you want to go on a tight budget. Services are plentiful and often run from very early in the morning to late in the afternoon. The cheapest fares are to be had on what is known as chicken buses, these are poorly maintained and crowded. For comfort over price, coach companies like Hedman Alas travel to major destinations in air conditioned style with mod cons like TVs.
Car rentals are available in cities but prices can be high, while taxis are good for short journeys in and around towns and cities. A flat rate is sometimes in operation but always agree on the fare before you set off as taxis aren’t metered.
Ferries depart from La Ceiba and Puerto Cortés to the Bay Islands several times a week. The Islands can also be reached by air with Isleña Airlines and Sosa Airlines running services to Utila, the cheapest Bay Island. While La Moskitia is serviced by Sosa Airlines, Isleña and Rollins Air, departing from La Ceiba.
www.lonelyplanet.com
Lonely Planet are leaders in the travel guide sector and their website is a great source of travel information.
www.fco.gov.uk
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website provides up-to-date political news, travel advice and information on visas.
www.flyislena.com
Domestic airline Isleña Airlines.
www.hedmanalas.com
Coach company Hedman Alas serves destinations in Honduras and Guatemala.
www.laceibaonline.net/aerososa/sosaingl.htm
Domestic airline Sosa Airlines.
www.ticabus.com
Tica Bus serves routes throughout Central America including Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
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We work in partnership with hundreds of established projects that are run by local communities. The information on our website comes directly from the projects and we work with them to ensure this information is as accurate as possible. However, due to the very nature of the projects themselves the exact details of what happens on a daily basis can change with little or no notice. If you have travelled with us and have any updates to this information, please let us know.
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