There aren’t many top secrets left in terms of where to vacation. In an age of information doubled down with new AI tools, it seems we have an answer for everything.
But I’m here to tell you there’s at least one secret left in the Caribbean.
As someone who just tried to visit and failed – yes, even travel experts make mistakes – one thing I know for sure…
Locals rave about this place.
I just arrived back home from Honduras where I visited incredible Mayan ruins and timeless streets in Copan Ruinas.
The only notable missing gap on my itinerary was the secret Caribbean beach town of Tela, boasting vivid blue waters and affordable resorts.
Move Over Roatan! Discover Honduras’ Hidden Beach
If Honduras has a claim to fame, it’s undoubtedly Roatan, a gorgeous Caribbean island.
Popular on many cruise itineraries, this is typically the only way to entice travelers to come here since Honduras is often tossed to the side in favor of Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.
While, yes, I did see some unfortunate, unsightly things while exploring the country, a majority of Honduras is absolutely stunning despite being known as a poor country riddled with crime.
The people I encountered could not have been friendlier and more welcoming.
They genuinely asked questions without a sales pitch to buy a useless souvenir at the end.
I really enjoyed visiting and planned to cap my trip with a visit to Tela, just two hours from the bustling city of San Pedro Sula, my base for a couple of days.
Well, it depends who you ask. Regarding why I missed my ride, I was told that due to ongoing road projects, a bus ride could take 4 hours.
The following day, my driver-for-hire informed me that was ridiculous, and it was, in fact, much closer to just an hour and 45 minutes.
After further confirmation, it turned out he was right. Expect a ride of roughly two hours, a worthwhile trek to a lesser-known paradise.
Whenever I asked which beach I should go to, nobody answered Roatan. Every answer was “Tela”.
How Is Tela Not Booming Like Punta Cana?
What does Punta Cana have that Tela doesn’t?
Reputation. That’s it.
The Dominic Republic’s positive reputation was key to attracting investors, which is why the Caribbean’s popular vacation spot is now brimming with luxe resorts.
The same could be said for Tela, a small coastal town located in a country with a bad reputation.
But it’s nowhere near Haiti or Venezuela level, offering some truly incredible resorts without breaking the bank.
Although, selections at the moment are few compared to popular vacation hotspots.
Once upon a time, Punta Cana wasn’t touristy. It was a local’s favorite escape until the secret slipped out.
Time will tell if it’s the same for Tela, but the potential is undoubtedly there and already has a head start with affordable resorts, such as:
- Indura Beach & Golf Resort Curio Collection By Hilton
- La Ensenada Beach Resort & Convention Center
- Indura Beach & Golf Resort (only $145 for last-minute August vacations!)
- Playa Escondida Beach Club
- Telamar Resort
Vivid Blue Waters And Decadent Seafood
You can take a page out of Roatan’s book and pretend Honduras’ mainland doesn’t exist, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice.
Plus, the way some vacationers opt for Roatan can be quite a hassle, but Tela is just 2 hours from San Pedro Sula, a popular gateway into the country.
Whether by bus, Uber, or private driver, Tela is no harder to reach than wherever your favorite day trip or weekend getaway may be.
Just don’t make my same mistake of listening to competitive bus companies trying to dissuade me from their rival bus (time sheets are usually posted at the ticket counter).
Perusing the lively town center makes for a perfect access point to gain a sense of local culture, especially through food like the highly touted 7 Seas Beach Bar & Restaurant.
Ultimately, Tela is a glorious beach destination, as it’s far less touristy than Honduras’ islands.
Also, don’t sleep on the magic of Punta Sal National Park.
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