Honduras, more than meets the eye (or ear)

Honduras is so much more than meets the eye.  Unfortunately, many times it has been portrayed in the media in an overly simplistic way, usually in a negative light. As is the case with every country on the planet, things have not always been easy or calm, but the Honduran people always seem to be able to bounce back, resilient, and optimistic. After being labeled the crime capital of the world in 2011, things are now taking a turn for the better.

For a bit of background: A small country of 112,490 square kilometers (43,433 square miles), it is approximately the size of the US State of Ohio; but in this small package lies a nation that is very diverse culturally and naturally. Located in Central America, it is sometimes referred to as the "belly button" of the American Continent. This location has played an important role in shaping the country's history, and its natural environment. 

Throughout history, Mayan kings and warriors, Garifunas in search for freedom, European explorers lost on their search for India, kings and pirates thirsty for gold, visionaries, mercenaries, adventurers, romantics, eccentrics, revolutionaries, American banana barons, drug runners, and many more have come to its shores. Now, birders, backpackers, eco-travelers, adventurers, expats, investors, retirees, and cruise passengers are discovering this relatively unexplored travel destination. With more than 700 kilometers of shoreline in the Caribbean Sea, and a small gulf in the Pacific Ocean, mountainous terrain and fertile valleys (with almost 30% of the territory declared a protected area), the diversity of flora and fauna will surely be a highlight of any trip.