Off the coast of northern Honduras, the Cochinos Cays are a protected marine sanctuary made up of two main islands, which are populated by the Indigenous Garífuna community, and 13 smaller sandbanks. Though governmentally part of the Bay Islands, the ecology is more representative of mainland flora and fauna.
Ceramics, stone fragments, and other artifacts from the Mayan Ruins of Copan are on display at this small museum. While outdated when compared with the newer—and very impressive— Sculpture Museum, it’s still worth a stop. Highlights include the complete burial of a female shaman, which offers a fascinating glimpse into Maya death rites.
Interactive exhibits invite kids into the world of the ancient Maya at this small, nonprofit museum in Copan Ruinas. Clothing and musical instruments are on display here, along with other objects that reveal the history of both daily life and elite rituals in Maya cities. Information in Spanish, English, and Mayan helps to tell the story and illustrate different aspects of the culture.
This warm and welcoming Garifuna community is perched on the edge of a gorgeous white-sand beach, where wooden fishing boats rest under woven palm-frond awnings. Listen for the sounds of the Afro-Indigenous Garifuna language on its mostly quiet streets, or sample local culinary specialties such as fish fresh from the sea, coconut bread, and machuca (savory green plantain soup).
Designed to resemble the mission revival architecture seen throughout Central America, St. Peter the Apostle Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana San Pedro Apóstol) appears as if it’s one of San Pedro Sula's original Spanish Catholic churches; however, it actually wasn’t built until 1949. The cathedral earned Metropolitan status in 2023 via Pope Francis and continues to hold weekly mass services.
Luna Jaguar Hot Springs is a Mayan-themed spa hidden away in the Honduran mountain countryside. Small falls and the enveloping jungle give the outdoor thermal baths a tranquil setting, perfect for relaxation. Hot and cold mineral springs are the star attraction here, while there’s a range of spa services on offer, too.
The Museo de Antropología e Historia de San Pedro Sula opened in 1994, providing a space to reflect on how the different peoples of the Sula Valley have developed Honduran culture over the centuries. Its 26 rooms hold exhibits charting the history from Pre-Columbian times through the modern day, including a unique exhibit on Palestinian immigrants.
The tropical rainforest of Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve (Reserva Biosfera Río Plátano) stretches from mountain summits to the edge of the Caribbean Sea—the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest protected region in Honduras. Within the forest are petroglyphs, pre-Columbian sites, trails to hike, rivers to raft, and remote campsites with sweeping views of a landscape few travelers will ever experience.
