Honduras: Caribbean Shores and Maya Ruins

Honduras, in Central America, features Caribbean beaches, Bay Islands diving, and Copán Maya ruins. Despite natural beauty, Honduras struggles with poverty, gang violence, and political instability.

Copán, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains remarkable Maya stelae and hieroglyphic stairway. The Bay Islands (Roatán, Utila) offer world-class diving and snorkeling on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Tegucigalpa is the capital. Coffee and bananas (Honduras was the original "Banana Republic") are major exports.

Honduras has faced political coups, corruption, and gang violence, driving emigration. The country suffers from high crime rates and poverty. Despite challenges, Hondurans maintain warm hospitality and cultural traditions including diverse music and cuisine. Hurricane damage periodically sets back development. The country works to improve security and attract tourism to beautiful natural areas.