An often overlooked gem in Central America, Honduras is wild, beautiful, and accessible. The shimmering Caribbean waters surrounding the Bay Islands hold the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and offer marine explorations of all types including snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The lively Caribbean beat of the Garifuna’s drums offers an insight into the interesting cultural history to be found here. Examples of Mayan architecture and art found in Copan include pristine reliefs of the 16 kings of Copan, a hieroglyphic stairway, and exquisitely detailed stelae in the Great Plaza. Mysterious cloud forests protect a rich biodiversity of tropical life such as ocelots, monkeys, and quetzals while marine reserves harbor manatees, dolphins, and a colorful array of exotic fish.