The Bay Islands
Most visitors come for the reef. Roatán is the largest island, with the powder sand of West Bay, the village life of West End and direct flights from North America. Utila is smaller, cheaper and famous for dive courses and whale sharks. Both sit on the Mesoamerican Reef and are reached by ferry from La Ceiba or by short flights.
The north coast
La Ceiba is the ferry port and the base for the country's best adventure: rafting the Cangrejal River, hiking in Pico Bonito National Park, boat trips into the Cuero y Salado mangroves and snorkelling at Cayos Cochinos. Garifuna villages along the shore add music, coconut bread and seafood.
The Maya west
Copán Ruinas is a cobbled town beside the Maya city of Copán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its carved stelae and Hieroglyphic Stairway. It is about three hours from San Pedro Sula and close to the Guatemalan border, so it pairs easily with a wider regional trip. On the way, Lake Yojoa and the Pulhapanzak waterfall make a fine stop.
The capital and highlands
Tegucigalpa sits in the cool central highlands, with a historic centre, national museums, the Basílica de Suyapa and easy trips to La Tigra cloud forest and the colonial hill town of Valle de Ángeles. It is the base for many families visiting home.
How to put it together
A first trip of ten to fourteen days often runs from San Pedro Sula to Copán Ruinas, then east to La Ceiba and across to Roatán or Utila. Travel by day, allow for ferry times and use the free trip planner to shape a route that fits your time. For restaurants, sights and stays in each place, see places to visit.