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Shopping Tips for La Ceiba, Honduras
La Ceiba offers a variety of alternatives for those of you looking to take back with you souvenirs, as well as for anyone that finds that in the middle of his trip something needs to be replaced or purchased. Tiendas Carrion, the largest department store chain in Honduras was actually born in La Ceiba, and you will find that they carry the best international brand names within their store. Super Ceibeño offers the most complete supermarket selection in town, with the largest one being in the Mazapan district of town. The Supermercado Ceibeño #4 and Supermercado Mega are the two newer supermarkets and are very well stocked also. The first is located on the highway leading towards Trujillo, about half a mile before the Saopin Bridge over the Cangrejal River. The second is located at the trendy Megaplaza Mall. This new mall is a favorite spot for shopping and offers air conditioning, a variety of first class shops and a complete US style food court.
If you are looking for the world famous Honduran hand made cigars, the largest selection is without doubt at the Expatriates Restaurant and Bar. They not only have an ample selection of cigars, they actually have their own brand.
For souvenirs, the most complete and unique selection can be found at the Rain Forest Souvenir shop. They are fluent in English and can therefore offer you a lot of information about where and how each souvenir is made. Another good alternative is the Souvenir El Buen Amigo also has a large selection of handicrafts, some made specifically for them. They have three different shops, one located at Barrio El Iman, across the street from Expatriates Restaurant and Bar, the other two on the Avenida 14 de Julio, downtown La Ceiba. Last, but not least, Los Jarros, a nice and very complete shop is located at the Megaplaza mall on the second level, you can't miss it.
If you are interested in art, Virginia Castillo, probably one of the most successful local painters has a delightful selection of island style art. Virginia has opened a small kiosk at the Megaplaza Mall that offers a very refreshing variety of souvenirs with Caribbean art. Coffee mugs, artsy T-shirts and lovely post cards are all part of her repertoire. Unfortunately, she does not have her paintings on exhibit here; however you can contact her here and arrange to see her paintings.
Finally, the best source for overall Honduran art can be found at the Pic Art Gallery, located on the avenue that leads to the D'Antoni Hospital, one block before you get to the Hospital. The staff is fully trilingual, English, Spanish and French. A nice selection of fine Honduran Artists have their work available here for you to enjoy and purchase.
During Carnival week, that takes place the third week in May, many artisans meet in town and offer their wares for sale. During that time, you will enjoy the open air market where you will practice your ability to barter and get good deals. One good rule with bartering is that in the end, the vendor will not sell anything below whatever his cost plus minimal profit he needs to stay in business, so don't feel shy to barter and get a good deal.