Honduras

Type of tourism: sunning on the beaches of Roatan, climbing an ancient pyramid, taking photos, sailing or diving in the sparkling Caribbean Sea.

The second-largest country in Central America after Nicaragua, Honduras sprawls from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast, from Caribbean flatlands through the cooler mountainous interior, and south to the sun-baked shores of the Fonseca Golf. West to east, the forested highlands on the border with Guatemala give way to the vast, undeveloped savannas and wetlands of the Mosquitia. As every Central American country, Spanish is spoken.

Ecotourism is a relatively new concept here, but more and more Hondurans are becoming aware of the role the country's extensive network of national parks and its largest natural preserve plays in protecting irreplaceable natural resources. Generally mountainous, the country is marked by fertile plateaus, river valleys, and narrow coastal plains.

Honduras is not just world famous for its diving, it also offers a wealth of other natural attractions, wildlife and culture treasures that draw tourists from all over the world. The country hosts 15 national parks, 2 biosphere reserves, and 10 biological reserves.

Copan Ruins

This magnificent park, located in the Copan Valley, has been a major source of information regarding the ancient Maya civilization. Copan has always been referred to as the most artistically advanced and elaborate of all the Maya cities. Copan was declared a heritage of humanity site in 1980 by UNESCO, and continuous study of the city by archaeologists for over a century make it the most studied city of the Maya.

The principal attractions are the main park, "Las Sepulturas", "Los Sapos”, the stelae surrounding the valley and the two museums: the Museum or Archaeology, located in the town and the Museum of Maya Sculpture, located within the Visitors Center area of the Park.

Tela

Tela remains unspoilt despite becoming known as an attractive beach destination where eco-tourists can enjoy the wonderful natural surroundings and national parks. Located less than 90 km east of San Pedro Sula's International airport.

Owners and producers of the famed Chiquita bananas are settled here. Tela offers the natural beauty of its beaches, its exuberant tropical vegetation and the opportunity to experience the Garifuna Culture. Tela is well worth your time on your vacation in Honduras.

The beautiful Caribbean island of Roatan in the Bay Islands of Honduras offers some of the world's best SCUBA diving. The island is surrounded by the world's second largest coral reef, hugging most of the shore. This provides calm, clear beaches for swimming and snorkeling, and many varieties of sea life. Almost every hotel, vacation rental, resorts, and other lodging is close enough to walk to beaches, and Roatan's many excellent dive operators assure convenient access.

Utila

This beautiful tropical island, nestling in the Caribbean Sea and located approximately 18 miles (29 km) from the Honduras mainland port of La Ceiba. This island is surrounded by vast coral reefs with prolific undersea life. The smallest of the major islands in The Bay Islands group, we are renowned as being one of the least expensive and most beautiful places in the world for a scuba diving vacation.