National parks and islands of Honduras mayan copán Spend a night close to the ruins at family-run hotel Marina Copán and you'll be able to walk to the treasure trove that is this remarkable 2,500 year-old site. Its Mayan inhabitants were advanced in the arts, and ball courts and towering columns are on display here alongside the renowned hieroglyphic stairway. The hillside village of Copán Ruinas, where the friendly, colonial-style hotel sits on the main square, is a delight in itself, promising a most rewarding couple of days close to the border with Guatemala.50 Panama, Nicaragua & HondurasHugging the coast of Honduras areseveral national parks, the cliffs andwoodland of which are bubbling with wildlife and birds, with easily accessible mangrove forests and coral reefs. The little necklet of Bay Islands have coral sand beaches framed by swaying palms and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The largest, Roatán, is a perfect base for diving and snorkelling on thereef a short distancefrom the shore.You don't have to be a diver to enjoy Roatán. The multi-activity, family-friendly resort Palmetto Bay Plantation has hardwood villas within exuberant tropical flower-filled gardens, criss-crossed with hiking trails, from which you can spot all manner of birds and animals which visit the citrus groves and banana plantations.From Tela, a pleasant former banana port, visit the Jeannette Kawas National Park, accessible only by water, consisting of a serene lagoon and a peninsula swathed in tropical PALMETTO BAYISTOCKPHOTO.COMMARIA URRUTIA

HONDURASGUATEMALA.....San Pedro SulaRoatán islandPico BonitoCopánLancetillaNational GardensHighlights of Honduras 12 days, 10 nightsSan Pedro Sula 1n, Copán 2n, Pico Bonito 3n, Roatán 3n San Pedro Sula 1n.Day 1 Fly from the UK to San Pedro Sula. Day 2 Drive to Copán Ruinas close to the ruins at Copán, one of the most impressive Mayan archaelogical sites. 2 nights at Hotel Marina Copán. Tour of the intricate temples and pyramids. Day 3 Horse-riding or trekking expedition and visit to bird sanctuary. Days 4-6 Drive through coffee and cacao plantations via Lancetilla National Gardens to Pico Bonito (below) a luxurious nature lodge between two rivers with its own butterfly farm and serpentarium. A series of secluded, beautifully furnished, polished hard-wood cabins are tucked within the dense foliage of coffee and cacao trees. Spend a day on the idyllic, uninhabited islands and protected reserve at Cayos Cochinos. Days 7-9 Fly to Roatán island. Relax in your accommodation at Palmetto Bay, beautifully set on a secluded white sand beach and a great family resort, cabins having their own hammocks, living room and kitchen, and there's a pleasant pool. Day 10 Fly to San Pedro Sula. Day 11 Fly to the UK, arriving day 12. Prices from £1,788pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Daily from the UK 020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 51how about?» A holiday featuring two, three or even four central American countries? Transport between them is easy and the contrasting highlights between the countries, each with its own geography and character, creates a varied programme of visits and experiences. See p173 for a sample multi-destination itinerary.rainforest inhabited by spider monkeys. A further full-day tour takes you to the Punta Izopo National Park, where you'll explore the canals within the mangrove forests by sea kayak, your silent progress allowing close-up observation of parrots, toucans and turtles. It is a short drive from La Ceiba to the Lodge at Pico Bonito, set within the dense rainforest of Pico Bonito National Park; inhabited by over 400 species of birds and mammals including the jaguar, tapir, deer, puma and white-faced monkey. This top-quality lodge is active in the protection of this environment. You will have the opportunity to glide by motorised skiff through estuaries and mangroves to spot monkeys, alligators, iguanas and birds, or go white-water rafting.HONDURAN TOURIST BOARDPICO BONITO