All year round, temperatures hover in the 80s—with cooler, forested areas inland. Jaguars, armadillos, toucans, and herons complete this scene of a wild, untamed paradise. The Bay Islands—and the coral reef surrounding them, which is second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef—have been a well-kept secret of divers.

Not only is Honduras a place of great natural beauty, but property prices are reasonable, the cost of living is low, crime is almost non-existent, and health care is top-notch and inexpensive. In addition, it’s home to some of the best-preserved Mayan ruins in the world, and, with the second-largest barrier reef on the planet just off its coast, offers some of the best scuba diving in the world.

Large cattle ranches occupy much of the flatlands. Along the Mosquito Coast, a waterlogged terrain produces fields of mangroves. Mahogany and other hardwood trees flourish farther inland. 

Just as the landscape is varied, so too are the populated communities; some spots in the country will certainly interest you more than others. Some regions are almost inaccessible, while others are overcrowded. In several communities, the best property buys are long gone, but in others you can still find great bargain deals.

Tax incentives make residency and investment very attractive
If you choose to retire in Honduras, you’ll find that the Honduran government won’t tax your U.S. Social Security and pension payments.

Though its history is riddled with stories of colonial domination, war, and conspiracy, in recent years Honduras has shown remarkable, sustained peace. The last two democratic elections have proven to be models for the peaceful transfer of power—no mean feat for a young democracy struggling to gain a foothold in an enormous world economy. Tremendous natural resources and a willing work force have also come together to put Honduras on a path toward prosperity.

Health care
Health care in Honduras is of a high standard. Many physicians were trained in the U.S. A visit to the doctor costs between $5 and $15, while a private hospital room costs $30 to $40 a day. Complex surgery can be performed for as little as $1,000 and minor surgeries for much less.

Pharmaceutical drugs cost about half what they would in the U.S. The best hospital along the north coast is in La Ceiba: Hospital Vicente d’Antoni, Apartado Postal #33, La Ceiba, Atlantida; tel. (504)43-2264. It has modern facilities, and many of the doctors and staff members speak English.

In San Pedro Sula, CEMESA Medical Clinic and Hospital is an excellent facility and the choice of most Bay Island ex-pats. Here, most of the doctors speak English and many are U.S.-educated at facilities such as Yale and Harvard, among others.

Arguably the finest hospital and medical facility in Central America is the new Honduras Medical Center in Tegucigalpa. A full hospital, including emergency services and outpatient services are offered in this new facility. Every specialty imaginable is covered here.

You can get health insurance if you are under 61 and a resident of Honduras when you apply. The plan covers up to $2 million in costs and is valid until you turn 70. A local health maintenance organization (HMO) can also provide medical insurance.

Contact SANITAS, Mr. Dario Stevez, General Manager, P.O. Box 1801, Tegucigalpa; tel. (504)32-9567, for complete details on HMO services.

Attention thrill-seekers -You will not have to look far to find adventure in Honduras. Its reef, the second largest in the world, offers top-notch snorkeling and scuba diving. Gigantic brain corals and schools of neon-bright fish permeate the waters. 

Getting there is half the fun—you have to drive part of the way on a bumpy, dirt road through the jungle. The owners advise bringing a six-pack and a roll of film for the ride; they will arrange for you to be picked up at the airport. For more information, contact Paya Bay, tel./fax (504)45-2139.

The Mayan culture flourished in Mesoamerica, an area now occupied by the countries of Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Mexico, as long as 3,000 years ago. An almost infinite number of archeological sites attest to the rich history of the Mayas. 

The culture of the Mayas is, however, more than just a historical relic. Many of the customs and traditions of the ancient Maya are still practiced among the inhabitants of this region.

This home to a civilization older than that of Europe has retained its ecological integrity as well. It is still a tropical paradise filled with exuberant jungles rich in flora and fauna, pristine beaches, mountains, volcanoes, rivers, waterfalls, and coral reefs. 

La Ceiba
La Ceiba, in mainland Honduras, is the third-largest city in Honduras. A coastal town, it sits on the north coast, and looks out toward the Caribbean Sea. Here you’re near world-class scuba diving, have cloud forest mountains in the background, and enjoy river rafting, canopy rides, horse riding, and hot springs practically on your doorstep.

Most days, you can see some of the Bay Islands—it’s a 15-minute flight to the island of Roatan, where you can dive off the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Utila, where you can swim with a whale shark—the largest and gentlest sea creature you’ll ever see—is a 10-minute flight. On Guanaja, a 20-minute flight, dolphins play in the crystal clear waters around the cays.

Roatan
To date, foreign buyers have focused their attention on Roatan, one of the Bay Islands which is now the most developed area in the country for expatriate retirement living. This mountainous, coral-reef-fringed paradise is almost 40-miles-long, and home to several hundred expatriates and retirees. At least nine substantial subdivisions are under development on the island, most designed to attract a retired expatriate crowd. These developers have positioned themselves smartly to make good profits once their projects realize their full potential.

Infrastructure improvements are keeping pace. The main road on Roatan is about 70% paved—the finished route begins in West Bay and runs most of the way to the East. The local international airport accommodates 727s, 737s, and one 757 every weekend. These features and others—the stunning beauty not least among them—make Roatan an obvious place to retire permanently or live part of the year. But the land rush has already been on for some time. Indeed, we think it’s too late for individuals to find good values in the west end of Roatan. Today, a 3/4-acre lot with 100 feet of white-sand beach goes for as much as $750,000.

Even on the less developed east end, prices are rising. Still, here it is possible to find oceanfront properties for from $25,000 an acre. Some of these properties are accessible only by boat. There are virgin beaches completely untouched by development. High above the water, in the hills of First Bight, you can see both sides of the island. Areas on sale here join the main road, and water and electricity are nearby; the price is from $15,000 to $27,000 per acre. Another 29-acre hillside property is for sale for $9,000 an acre. All lots have beautiful views.

To get a real feel for the terrain on the east end and for the limited development that’s already underway, drive down one of the few dirt roads that gives access to select spots along that part of the island. You’ll begin to imagine what you might build...and be pleasantly surprised when you find places like Paya Bay, with its secluded coves where you can relax and bathe in total privacy.

Trujillo
With miles of white-sand beaches on a protected bay right off Puerto Castillo, the deepest port in all of Central America, Trujillo has historical charm as well as low prices for beachfront property.

Columbus landed in Trujillo in 1502. Ancient structures show the influence of colonial Spain, France, and England. Cobblestone streets and Spanish-style buildings, including a 400-year-old fortress, recall the glory days of the Spanish empire.

A major influence in Trujillo is the presence of the “Garifuna” communities. These Black Caribs live in villages on the beach and have influenced the character of the population and of the cuisine of this area.

Trujillo is pretty remote, so we recommend that you spend several months there visiting before you decide to buy.

Honduras is a great place in which to invest. But realize that you should buy strategically, in up-and-coming communities. That’s where you’ll find the best deals and where, if you ever want to sell your property, you’re likely to make the most profit.

Look around to get a feel for the towns where you’d be most comfortable, and then make the most of your situation—build your dream house, open your business...or just relax in the land of dreamers.