American citizens should defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until 
further notice, the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa recommended today in a public announcement.
The notice was issued in response to the events surrounding the coup of Honduras President Manuel Zelaya.
The government of Honduras has imposed a curfew from 9 pm June 29th to 6 am June 30th, the notice states. “The Embassy strongly recommends American citizens abide by this curfew.”
But two Latin America experts said on NPR today that the crisis shouldn’t deter tourists from visiting the country as early as this weekend.
Radio Show. On the Kojo Nnamdi Show Dan Erikson, Senior Associate for U.S. Policy & Director of The Caribbean Program, Inter-American Dialogue and Heather Berkman, Latin America Associate with The Eurasia Group, discussed the coup in Honduras and the events that precipitated it.
Someone called into the show asking if she should cancel a July 4th vacation to Honduras.
“So far we haven’t seen any spikes in violence” that’s related to the coup, Berkman said. “We know there’s been some limited protests in the street such as burning tires in front of the presidential palace but we haven’t seen any clashes between Zelaya supporters and those in the government at this point.”
Avoid Hot Spots. She said she would advise tourists to avoid some of the hot spots where protests might be held, but added that she believes that it’s generally safe for tourists to travel in the country.
Erikson agreed. “Don’t cancel your trip. I would, however, watch the news closely,” he said. He advised the caller to look out for any advisories put out by the State Department or other organizations. “Always with traveling in a strange country, you need to have situational awareness,” he added.
For a U.S. expat’s commentary on what’s going on in La Ceiba, Honduras, check out the blog La Gringa’s Blogicito.
on Jul 27th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
I was in Nicaragua during a peasant protest in 1997. Although I was pretty much stuck in-country until I could sneak my way out (I was on a motorcycle), it was a great experience.
I bonded with other travelers and got to see how protests can really promote change. We are so status-quo here in the US and when we do something as minor as block a sidewalk we are arrested. I loved seeing the country unite.
If you have plans to go to Honduras – don’t change them. It’s sure to be exciting!
on Jul 27th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
@Wanderluster That is really cool. The fact that you were there and that you were on a motorcycle. I read your interview in the New York Times a few weeks ago. I admire your courage when it comes to traveling.
on Jul 28th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
First and foremost, theres no reason to call people peasants, morality needs to be applied. Second, im glad to see Nicaragua and Honduras doing good in the toursist ind.
Keep up the good work.