Honduras is located in Central America and is surrounded by several nations (Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua) and the Gulf of Honduras, which is part of the larger Caribbean Sea. Honduras also has a border with the Pacific Ocean at the Gulf of Fonseca, making it one of the few Central American countries straddling both bodies of water. It is in the Northern Hemisphere, although is in the tropics. The weather and environs both show the country's proximity to the equator.
Honduras Environment
As a result, Honduras is known for areas for fishing, snorkeling along coral reefs and its beaches along the Gulf side. Inland are many mountainous terrains; most of the countryside is steep mountainsides, further carved by landslides, agricultural practices, and rivers. As one Honduran tourist site shows, these environments are some of the country's selling points to visitors from around the world for beachgoers, mountain hikers, and even, river rafters!
Honduras History and Archaeology
One thing Honduras offers as well is a rich archaeological record to share with its visitors. There is the famous Classic Maya site (Copan Ruinas) in Copan, Honduras. In close proximity, there is a second site called Las Sepulturas. Copan was likely a center of activity during its time of occupation, and many temples, stelas, pottery, and hieroglyphic texts were left at the site.
It is possible to tour large sections of Copan and get pictures from atop of some of the building structures, which offer panaromic views of the Honduran mountains and countryside. Instituto Hondureno de Turismo (Institute of Honduran Tourism) also provides more to do, including more archaeology sites in the area surrounding Copan Ruinas.
Additionally, in San Pedro Sula, which is one of the larger cities in northwestern Honduras (one of two cities in the country with an international airport, the other being the Honduran capital Tegulcigulpa), there is an archaeology museum (Museo de Antropologia e Historia) with material excavated at sites across the nation. Artifacts include obsidian (volcanic glass) blades and tools, potsherds, jade, and numerous other materials dating back to Mayan and Pre-Columbian times.
Therefore, there are many benefits to coming to Honduras for your next vacation. There is the great Caribbean climate, the fantastic food, the great people, and of course, the rich history. If one is interested in Mesoamerican archaeology, Copan is a top destination, and is also within a reasonable distance if one is going through some of the sites in Guatemala too. The archaeological history and museums in Honduras alone are more than can be done in one short visit though, so you will be assured plenty to do in this great country.
