If you're in San Pedro Sula, the coast is only a couple of hours away. From east to west, the Caribbean coast begins on the border with Guatemala and Omoa Bay. Towns are strewn along the surf-pounded shore, one of the busiest is Puerto Cortés. It is the largest port in Honduras and is usually bustling with activity. Boatloads of bananas have left Honduras via this port, and now include shipments of grains, yellow-fin tuna, as well as tropical fruits and vegetables.

The town surrounding Puerto Cortés is sleepy and picturesque. The intense heat rises shimmering off the road while residents pull shades against the noonday sun. Most homes are raised on stilts and are built with spacious windows and doors designed to catch the slightest breeze. Once brightly colored, the tropical sun has done its work at bringing the shades down a few sun-kissed notches. This greatly enhances the area's charm and appeal.

The town of Omoa offers visitors the chance to walk inside the rooms and halls of a 16th century fort. Thick rock coral and mortar walls once gave shelter to defenders of Omoa from marauding pirates plaguing the region.

A few miles past the Ulua River's path into the ocean, you'll find Punta Sal National Park. Ready yourself for blazed trails through prime tropical forest. The ground is pockmarked with the burrows of land crabs that scurry jauntily away from you. Biting insects are quite abundant so pack the repellent. Oropendulas, orioles, are quite abundant. Look high up in the trees for their unique hanging nests. Looking a lot like gourds, the nests are woven masterpieces. If you're looking for a good photo, try to catch them as they enter their nests. When their tails are sticking out of the nest's hole, it's funny.