Honduras has more than a dozen national parks, Mayan ruins and beautiful Caribbean Sea coastlines, plenty of reasons to visit this Central American spot. Come here to surf, dive in warm waters, explore history and appreciate diverse ecosystems.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, extending south from Belize to the Bay Islands of Honduras, is the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Swim over living coral surrounded by colorful fish, rays, sea turtles and even whale sharks near islands 15 to 30 miles (25 to 50 kilometers) off Honduras’ northeastern coast.

Select from three islands, Roatán, Utila and Guanaja, for exciting dive or snorkel vacations along this vast reef. Dive directly from island beaches or travel by boat to secluded spots, including Barbareta Marine National Park. The range of island accommodations extends from all-included luxury resorts to inexpensive backpacking hostels.

Explore diverse ecosystems of inland parks and reserves. Find multicolored resplendent quetzals in Cusuco National Park near the Guatemala border or La Muralla in the country’s center. Sightings are most likely when the birds are nesting in April and May. Celaque National Park has Honduras’ highest peak, great for a rugged multiday hike amid cloud forest and hot springs. See waterfalls, rainforest and an abandoned mining community in Parque Nacional La Tigra near the capital city of Tegucigalpa.

Outside the inland city of  Copán Ruinas are Mayan ruins, now a UNESCO world heritage site. Walk around the excavated remains of this ancient place, a prominent community from 400 to 900 A.D. but abandoned in the 900s. Notice the monumental stairway, roughly 300 feet (100 meters) wide with more than 1,800 carvings or glyphs of Mayan inscriptions.

Fly to Honduras for your vacation or look for a cruise that makes a stop in Honduras long enough for you to enjoy the beautiful shorelines and waters. Be aware that some cities and secluded areas in the countryside present dangers for tourists. Check the U.S. State Department travel pages for any specific concerns before your visit to Honduras.