Aerial view of the CA-4 Highway in Honduras, a modern concrete road surrounded by lush green forest and hills

CA-4 Highway in Honduras: Connecting the West with Progress

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The CA-4 highway is one of the most strategic roadways in Honduras, serving as a vital connection between the western regions of the country and neighboring borders with El Salvador and Guatemala. It’s more than just a transportation route — it’s a developing lifeline that impacts tourism, commerce, and local mobility.

Modern section of the CA-4 Highway curving through a mountainous area with light traffic and lush greenery in western Honduras.

Table of Contents

Why the CA-4 Highway Matters

Stretching across western Honduras, the CA-4 connects key departments like Cortés, Copán, Lempira, and Ocotepeque. It is essential for:

  • Tourism, with access to destinations such as La Entrada de Copán, Santa Rosa de Copán, and the famed Copán Ruins (via CA-11).
  • Cross-border trade, acting as a corridor toward El Salvador and Guatemala.
  • Local commerce, enabling the movement of goods and people between urban and rural zones.

Current State of the CA-4 Highway

The CA-4 is undergoing a massive infrastructure transformation. For years, travelers endured long journeys on a mix of paved and dirt roads riddled with potholes. Now, extensive pavement projects have significantly improved conditions, particularly in the segment between San Pedro Sula and La Entrada de Copán.

San Pedro Sula to La Entrada de Copán

  • Status: Almost fully paved.
  • Condition: Very good road surface, though still only two lanes (one in each direction).
  • Challenges: Limited lane space causes delays during accidents or breakdowns. Heavy traffic during peak hours.
  • Advisory: Avoid traveling between 6–9 AM and 5–8 PM to escape congestion caused by factory transport and container trucks.
  • Scenery: Urban landscapes with commercial zones. Less visually scenic than other national highways.
  • Fuel & Services: Frequent gas stations and convenience stores.

La Entrada de Copán to Santa Rosa de Copán

  • Status: Fully paved and well-maintained.
  • Scenery: Green hills and higher altitudes. Beautiful transitions from city to nature.
  • Urban Development: Increasing as you approach Santa Rosa de Copán — a hub of commerce and tourism.
Paved highway winding through green mountains on the way to Santa Rosa de Copán

Santa Rosa de Copán to Ocotepeque

  • Status: Under construction. Several stretches are still in poor condition.
  • Challenges: Potholes, sharp curves, elevation changes, and occasional fog.
  • Construction delays: Expect work zones that slow down travel.
  • Traffic: Lighter, but still subject to full stops during incidents due to the narrow two-lane structure.
  • Scenery: Among the most beautiful in the country, with panoramic views of Honduras’ mountainous west.
Early morning fog along a curvy mountain road near Ocotepeque

First-Hand Travel Experience on the CA-4 Highway

Having personally driven from San Pedro Sula to Ocotepeque, I can tell you this road is more than a line on a map — it’s a journey through evolving infrastructure, changing landscapes, and diverse communities.

Leaving San Pedro Sula, you’ll enjoy a newly paved road up to La Entrada de Copán. But keep in mind it’s a two-lane highway, which means that any broken-down truck or accident can cause massive delays — especially during peak hours. For smoother travel, hit the road by 4:00 AM or no later than 5:30 AM.

The section leading to Santa Rosa de Copán is a relief — well-paved and scenic. You’ll notice the landscape shift to green hills and more organized urban development.

The final stretch to Ocotepeque becomes more challenging. Here, the road weaves through higher elevations, bringing colder temperatures and occasional fog. Though the traffic is lighter, you’ll still need caution, especially on curves and during ongoing roadwork.

Prepare to stop at gas stations with cafeterias along the way. And although the scenery isn’t breathtaking at the start, it improves greatly past La Entrada. Don’t let the first impressions fool you.

Travel Tips for Driving the CA-4

  • Avoid rush hour (6–9 AM / 5–8 PM).
  • Use a vehicle with strong headlights — fog and weak street lighting are common.
  • Prefer SUVs or pickup trucks for comfort and reliability.
  • Carry cash in Lempiras — especially for small repairs or rural stops.
  • Keep windows closed and doors locked in urban areas.
  • Bring your documents — occasional police checkpoints may request your license and vehicle papers.

Safety and Services Along the Route

  • No toll booths on this road (unlike the CA-5).
  • Public lighting is minimal — avoid night driving if possible.
  • Fuel stations available frequently before Santa Rosa; fewer afterward.
  • Rest stops include mini-markets and diners.

Nearby Tourist Towns Along the CA-4

While the CA-4 itself passes through strategic cities, many beautiful and culturally rich towns lie just off the main route. These towns are worth a visit, whether for a short stop or an overnight stay:

Gracias, Lempira

  • The historic Fortaleza San Cristóbal
  • Natural hot springs
  • Access to Celaque National Park, home to the highest peak in Honduras

Copán Ruinas

Although not directly on the CA-4, Copán Ruinas is a short drive via the CA-11, branching from La Entrada de Copán. Famous for its UNESCO-listed Maya archaeological site, it also offers museums, charming cobblestone streets, and eco-tourism lodges.

Corquín and Cucuyagua

Located near Santa Rosa de Copán, these small towns are known for their coffee plantations. They’re part of the Honduran Coffee Route and offer immersive tours of fincas (farms), tastings, and opportunities to purchase high-quality beans.

Belén Gualcho

This remote town in Ocotepeque is accessible via detour and offers rich Lenca indigenous traditions, traditional markets, and breathtaking views of the western highlands.

Connecting Roads and Highway Access from the CA-4

The CA-4 interconnects with several key roads, making it a strategic highway for travelers and logistics:

CA-11

Branches from La Entrada de Copán, leading directly to Copán Ruinas and the Guatemala border. It’s a must-take detour for archaeological tourism.

Secondary Route to Gracias

From Santa Rosa de Copán, travelers can head south to Gracias via a paved secondary highway. This road is scenic but curvy and narrow in parts.

Road to Lempira and Intibucá

Another connection near Santa Rosa leads southeast toward Erandique, La Campa, and other highland towns that preserve Lenca culture and crafts.

CA-5 (Access via San Pedro Sula)

The CA-4 begins near San Pedro Sula, which also connects to the CA-5, the country’s most modern highway, leading to Tegucigalpa and Comayagua. Travelers coming from central Honduras usually take the CA-5 and then switch to the CA-4 in San Pedro Sula.

A Brief History of the CA-4 Highway

Originally developed as a national route to connect the western departments of Honduras, the CA-4 has been a key commercial corridor for decades. For many years, however, it was infamous for its deteriorated conditions — large stretches were unpaved, with poor signage and dangerous curves.

  • In the 1990s and early 2000s, road improvements were slow and focused mostly on connecting departmental capitals.
  • It wasn’t until the 2010s that the Honduran government and international development agencies prioritized full pavement and safety upgrades.
  • As of 2025, the CA-4 is still a work in progress, but the transformation is visible. The segment from San Pedro Sula to Santa Rosa has seen the most progress, while the Santa Rosa–Ocotepeque stretch remains under active construction.

The highway now plays a key role in facilitating cross-border commerce, boosting tourism, and connecting rural communities to national development efforts.

  • La Entrada de Copán – Ideal break spot with shops and restaurants.
  • Santa Rosa de Copán – Colonial charm, commerce, and tourist-friendly hotels.

Cultural Stops and Local Cuisine Along the CA-4

As you explore the CA-4, you’ll find that western Honduras isn’t just about scenery and roads — it’s rich in culture and flavors.

Must-Try Local Foods

  • Montucas: Traditional corn tamales often found in roadside stands between Copán and Lempira.
  • Chanchita horneada: A slow-roasted pork dish commonly served in Santa Rosa’s weekend food fairs.
  • Café de altura: Specialty high-altitude coffee served in Corquín, Cucuyagua, and other small towns.
Two traditional Honduran montucas drizzled with cream, served on corn husks on a wooden board.

Notable Local Restaurants

  • Restaurante El Patio (Santa Rosa) – Authentic Honduran cuisine with a colonial ambiance.
  • La Fonda de Copán (La Entrada) – Known for traditional breakfasts and artisan tortillas.
  • Café Welchez (Copán Ruinas via CA-11) – Great coffee and pastries in a plantation-style setting.

Fun Facts and Local Legends

  • The CA-4 passes near Celaque National Park, where locals say spirits protect the forest — it’s a story often told in Lenca communities.
  • Many towns along the CA-4 celebrate colorful festivals, such as the Fiesta de San Marcos in Ocotepeque and Feria Patronal in Santa Rosa.
  • Santa Rosa de Copán is nicknamed “The Cigarette Capital of Honduras” due to its historic tobacco production.

The CA-4’s Role in National Development

This road is not only vital for local connectivity — it’s a gateway to economic growth, facilitating exports, tourism, and interdepartmental travel. As construction wraps up, the CA-4 is poised to become one of the top national corridors for travelers and trade.

Conclusion: More Than a Road — A Route to Rediscovery

The CA-4 Highway is more than just a connection between destinations — it’s a journey through the heart of Honduras. From the bustling exit of San Pedro Sula to the misty highlands of Ocotepeque, this evolving road reflects the spirit of a country in motion: resilient, scenic, and rich in culture.

Whether you’re heading to ancient Maya ruins, peaceful mountain towns, or planning a cross-border road trip, the CA-4 offers a raw yet rewarding experience. Despite ongoing construction and narrow lanes, the improvements are undeniable — and the adventure is real.

Traveling this route is not only about reaching the next stop. It’s about rediscovering Honduras from a unique perspective, one curve and community at a time.

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Start Your CA-4 Adventure Today

Planning a road trip through Honduras? Start your adventure on the CA-4 Highway and witness the transformation of western Honduras.