The most significant attraction in Honduras is the Mayan Ruins at Copan. The ruins were lost for nearly 8 centuries which is no surprise since it is isolated from any population center. Overland, the site is about an 8 hour ride form Tegucigalpa. A smaller and closer town is San Pedro Sula which is only a 2 hour drive away. Once on the site you will be greeted by over 12 square miles of ruins and pyramids and a bevy of guides willing to show you around. Air charters are available from the capital.

The Bay Islands offer a considerable contrast to the Mayan ruins in the country's interior. The area is well known for its excellent swimming and snorkeling. The island group lies about 30 miles off the north coast of Honduras. Formerly under British control, English is more widely spoken here than Spanish and local identify more closely with England than with Central America.

Comayagua - This 16th century town was once the capital of the country. The architecture retains much of its original Spanish influence. The Cathedral and all of its churches have altars of pure gold!

Puerto Cortes - Near here are very nice beaches and fishing as well as good boating on nearby Lake Yojoa. The old Spanish Fortress of Omoa is worth a visit.

Tela - The area is known for its excellent beaches as well as the magnificent Lancetilla Botanical Gardens. At the gardens you can observe more than 3,000 species of flowers, plants and trees brought from all parts of the world. The garden is also home to the largest orchid collection in Honduras.

Capital: Tegucigalpa

Population: 6, 180,000

Area: 80,262 square miles

Language: Spanish

Time: hours from New York

Electricity: 110 and also 120 ( mostly 110 volts)

Geography: Honduras is bordered on the east by the caribbean, in the north by Guatemala, in the west by El Salvador and a little bit of the Pacific and to the south by Nicaragua. The country is very mountainous with the high land taking up as much as 80% of the entire country. The lowlands (below 1200 feet) are along the coasts and river valleys. Off the Caribbean coast are the Bay Islands and also the Swan Islands.

Tegucigalpa - Tonontin International Airport (TGU) There is both bus and taxi service.

Tipping: Not really expected but loose change is appreciated.

Shopping: Monday through Friday 9 am until noon and 2 pm until 5 pm. Wood carving and wooden musical instruments are popular as well as embroidery and baskets. Leather goods, brightly colored ceramics and textiles are also good to consider. If you are into cigars, Honduras has many of its own brands.

Food and Drink: The name of the favorite tourist meal is "Plato Tipico." It does vary in content but usually includes rice, beans, fried bananas, potatoes, yucca, cheese, tomato, cabbage and some category of meat which often may be chicken. The coastal areas have lots of fish which are quite good although you may not recognize their names. Normally fish is fried, but try to get it cooked in coconut sauce - it is wonderful! Be wary of food in areas away from cities, hotels and resorts as care to cleanliness is not assured. As always, soft drinks are everywhere, but ask not to have ice included as the water which made it may not have been pure. Fruit drinks may also have been mixed with water so ask how it was prepared. The country has several brands of beer and well as wines.

Social: Honduras is fast emerging as a modern society with little connection to its native or Spanish past. Today even the indians, in contrast to the surrounding countries, have blended well into society. You will never see natives in colorful costumes selling wares or walking the streets. Crime is present here and one should ask the locals about where to go and what not to do. Avoid going out alone after 9 pm and appearing in public with ostentatious apparel.

Business: Suits are expected. Appointments are advised and business cards are essential. Try to get appointments in before noon.

Banking: Banks are open Monday through Friday 9 am until 3 pm. A few have Saturday morning hours.

Currency: The Lempira

Money Exchange: The best place to exchange currency is at banks, however not all banks will do it. It can be very difficult to cash travelers checks and then only at banks and hotels.

Credit cards: Visa and Master Card

Climate

Due to its mountains, Honduras is somewhat cooler as a whole than its neighbors. The lowlands are tropical with high humidity and temperatures. On the Pacific side, the rainy season is from May to October while on the Caribbean side its rains year round. The most rain falls here in September into February.