Honduras is a country of lowlands and fertile valleys and, indeed, La Ceiba (a major banana port) even looks to tourism as a future major industry. There are good hotels and beaches, and an international airport to boot. Trujillo itself was once a thriving port, with a fascinating pirate history and superb tropical beaches.

Hurricane Mitch devastated much of the country in 1998 but an international effort quickly rebuilt much of the country's infrastructure. However, the economy is still very weak. Many people live in poverty and crime levels and drug trafficking have soared.