February 06, 2012

Holidays in Central America


Siguatepeque, Honduras

Hello Honduras.
It was quite the trek to get here... we woke up before the sun to catch the first bus out of Nicaragua so we could get an early start on our 8 hour journey.  The next bus we caught was more like a chicken bus than a people bus; I sat on a bag of rice with a child on my lap most of the way.  Just when we thought not one more soul could fit on this overcrowded bus, we picked up more, and more, and more passengers!  We thought the chicken bus was bad but the next was even worse- for hours we sat on buckets in between the last seat on the bus and the window-usually the storage area. We were car sick and squished. What a ride.

After our long, uncomfortable day of traveling we finally arrived at the Honduras border.  There, we met a family from Houston, Texas who were renewing their Visas since they are living in Honduras for business. They turned out to be the good Samaritans on our travels! They let us hop in their car and travel the 2 hour drive to Tegucigalpa.  It was the most comfortable drive and the most fun conversation we had all trip since I could finally speak English and not just listen as Ben speaks Spanish all day long.

Ben and Mauricio

Brit and Angelique
Their cute, little boy, Max, is zonked out in the car.



The drive was gorgeous and we stopped at this fruit stand along the way to grab some fresh and delicious snacks!




Our "good Samaritans" took us to the central bus station where we later headed to Siguatepeque.  They also called ahead to a family member who lives in Siguatepeque, telling them that we would be arriving later that evening and that we needed a place to eat and stay.  Suprisingly, their uncle owned an Italian restaurant in town and also had connections at a local hotel!
The food and lodging was the BEST we had all trip. Top Notch.  
We couldn't have ran into a better couple at a better time.




 Here we are at Pulhapanzak, the largest waterfall in Central America, dropping about 140 feet (only 30 feet less than Niagara Falls).  The waterfall is hidden away in the jungle; only a handful of tourists make the trek there, but once there it is a beautiful sight, and well worth it! Pictures just don't do justice. 

A tour guide took us to explore the falls and the caves behind them.  To reach the caves we walked along a trail that starts at a wooden platform, then jumped into some pools in the river under the falls and climbed over boulders while being pelted by the water from above.  It was quite intense! Once inside one of the caves I sat and literally shed a few tears (it was easy to hide, considering I was drenched with water). I was afraid to leave the cave and brave the falls again, pounding down on me, blinding my vision and altering my steps.  But the tears quickly went as I realized the amazing and surreal scene I was in.  The natural beauty and power of the waterfall was amazing to be surrounded by.  Ben was able to calm me down and help me to take it all in.  










At a certain point, about 30 feet high, we jumped into the waterfall. It was a thrill and adrenaline rush, scary but fun and I may have hesitated quite a bit but I'm glad I went through with it!  Too bad our pictures and video turned out so unclear-- we were so close to the waterfall and the mist was so thick. 

Pulhapanzak was the most exciting and adventurous stop along our travels through Central America and we look forward to coming back again one day.





3 comments:

Heather J said...

Ahh, Brit! I've loved reading and seeing pics from your trip. It sounds like you had an amazing time. It makes me want to travel like crazy!

Oh, and good job for being brave. Not sure I could jump from that high. Eek!

Unknown said...

hello Benny & Brit we feel so happy you guys stayed with us during your trip to Siguatepeque. Im the husband of the Park Place Hotel Manager and we have a huge smile over your review at our place... Please come back any time, we would be so glad to serve you or any of your friends.... And remember as our slogan dictates, for you we go above and beyond. PARK PLACE HOTEL (504)27739212

Unknown said...

Hi Benny & Brit, we are soon happy you decided to stay with us during your visit to Siguatepeque. Im the manager of the Park Place Hotel and you made our day at our hotel by publishing pictures of our room at your blog. It is amazing you guys have decided to go around our beautiful country... Next time you or any of your friends decide to come, please make your reservation ahead so we can give you a lil tour.. The Park Place Hotel number is (504)27739212

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