You should rent a car as long as you can deal with some different styles of driving. You need to drive offensively and defensively. Since your staying at Palma Real (25 minutes outside La Ceiba) it will be easier to get around. 2 of the drivers I know are out of the country for a few more months. That would have been a great option.
Villas Pico Bonito is a great place for lunch ip on the Cangrajal river. Very tropical and good food too. There's hot springs, waterfalls, market and lots of things to do.
Cheers Chris Barrett