"Omoa - the fortress at the beach" Omoa by Bernd_L

Omoa Travel Guide: 21 reviews and 49 photos

The seaside resort Omoa at the Caribbean Coast is one of the oldest towns in Honduras. During the colonial area Omoa was an important port where the Spaniards shipped silver back to Spain.

As this was a constant target of pirates the port had to be protected. And therefore a massive fortress was built that is nowadays the main attraction of the small town.

View from the fortress to the Merendon Mountains

The surrounding area is of a stunning beauty. The slopes of the Merendon Mountains are covered with tropical rainforest. So be prepared that it is very humid and rain is always an option here.

On the other hand this is the guarantee for a lush tropical vegetation. In the vicinity of the town - only a 45 minutes hike away - there is the waterfall ‘El Chorro’. It is said to be very scenic and has some swimming holes. Unfortunately when we visited the town it has been raining for several days and the path to the fall was only mud. So we decided against it.

Omoa itself is becoming more and more an interesting destination for backpackers and travellers on a shoestring budget, because there are several cheap hotels and some nice restaurants available. They are located alongside a beach that faces a nice bay of the Caribbean Sea.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Small and relaxing destination for budget travellers
Cons:Rains often
In a nutshell:Well worth a detour if you visit Honduras

Last visit to Omoa: Jan 2005
Intro Updated Feb 10, 2005
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Reviews (7)

Colourful markets Shopping (2)

Markets are very colourful in Honduras. And this makes them a irresistible motive for a photographer. They offer all... more travel advice

Fishmarket on the road Shopping (2)

On our way back from Omoa to Puerto Cortez we passed this private fishmarket. There wasn't much of a choice. But as the... more travel advice

Cruise ship AIDAaura at Puerto Cortez - Omoa

Port of Puerto Cortez Transportation (3)

Next to Omoa is the city of Puerto Cortez, Honduras' most important port. It's where the cruise ships arrive if they... more travel advice

Taxis ? an adventure Transportation (3)

I'm not sure if this shouldn't be posted as a warning and danger tip. But taxis in Honduras are not always up to date.... more travel advice

Things to Do (2)
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Comments (9)

hunterV Nov 14, 2010 at 2:59 AM Report Abuse

So much history there....
calcaf38 Apr 25, 2009 at 6:54 PM Report Abuse

Thank you for sharing. Great page.
alza Apr 20, 2006 at 8:50 PM Report Abuse

Nice pics & tips of Omoa. I'd like to go back to Honduras one day. Your roadside fish photo is so cool! :)
Mailo Mar 8, 2006 at 6:36 PM Report Abuse

Bernd, nice page, congratulations, and sorry that you coudn't visit other places in Honduras, visit my homepage tosee a litlle more of Honduras.. and next time take a good taxi... hehehe.. the best to you.. Ismael
Nemorino Jul 12, 2005 at 12:15 AM Report Abuse

Those old American school buses really do look authentic. Nice tips on a place I had never even heard of up to now.
Trekki May 5, 2005 at 10:28 AM Report Abuse

Ahh, auf diesen Markt möchte ich auch mal - ellenlang einkaufen :-) Sieht prachtvoll aus :-) LG nach Leo-Egg an Euch und schönes WE
olja1234 May 3, 2005 at 5:42 AM Report Abuse

Likable page... like your writing and photos. Greets.
pepples46 Feb 18, 2005 at 10:18 AM Report Abuse

so then, ya love cruisin whot...hehehe thanx for the ride.
tini58de Feb 14, 2005 at 11:50 PM Report Abuse

beautiful page, Bernd - I especially liked the shopping tips! Wow, and finally I got to see your cruiseship! Impressive!