Honduras' colonial history dates back to the year 1502 in the port of Trujillo. That's were Christopher Columbus became the first European to reach continental soil, on his last voyage to the New World.

The location marks the beginning of a trend that lasted more than 300 years and created a variety of cultural and architectural displays. Places like Comayagua and Tegucigalpa in the center of the country, Omoa and Trujillo in the Caribbean coast, Choluteca in the Pacific and Gracias in the eastern region are some of the best examples. Civil, military and ecclesiastical structures throughout the national territory still stand as silent witnesses of three centuries of Spanish domination.

Located in the western region, Gracias, the capital of the department of Lempira, is an important part of Honduras' cultural legacy. It's considered the best-kept colonial city in the country. Gracias is part of the Lenca Route, a tour that visits the Lenca indigenous towns that remain true to their traditions and also boast unique colonial architecture. The Lencas are actually the ancestors of the Mayas. They lived between the year 9,000 and 2,000 B.C, which leads some historians to believe that this culture cemented the true roots of Honduras' society.

Location: Honduras borders Guatemala to the west, El Salvador on the southwest and Nicaragua to the East. It also has access to the Pacific Ocean on the southwestern shore and to the Caribbean Ocean on the north.

Time zone: GMT -6:00 (same as U.S. Central Time but does not observe daylight savings).

Area: 43.000 square miles (112.500 square kilometers)

Capital city: Tegucigalpa

Administrative division: 18 departments: Atlántida, Choluteca, Colón, Comayagua, Copán, Cortés, El Paraíso, Francisco Morazán, Gracias a Dios, Intibuca, Islas de la Bahía, La Paz, Lempira, Ocotepeque, Olancho, Santa Bárbara, Valle and Yoró.

Population: 7 million.

Language: Spanish is the official language.

Currency: Lempira.

Holidays:

1. January 1: New Year's
2. February 1-3: Virgen of Suyapa days (Honduras' patron saint)
3. April 13: Holly Thrusday
4. April 14: Holly Friday
5. April 14: Celebration of America
6. May 1: Labor Day
7. September 15: Independence Day
8. October 3: Morazán Day
9. October 12: Christopher Columbus Day
10. October 21: Army Day
11. December 25: Christmas

Business Hours: The bank system - as well as most business offices - works 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays.

Telecommunications: Internet, international telephone services, fax and cable television are available throughout the country. International area code is 504.

Exit fees: Passengers of international flights must pay $31.4 US dollars. National flights pay 23.4 Lempiras (little more than one dollar).

Other taxes: A 12% added value tax is charged on goods and services acquired in Honduras.

When traveling to any tourism destination you should always take some precautions. Follow our advice for a safe and pleasant visit Honduras!

GENERAL

1. Keep an eye on your luggage and don't ask strangers to watch it for you.
2. Carry a copy of your passport with you. Make sure it has your picture and date of entry to Honduras.
3. Keep your passport, return ticket and money in a safe place.
4. If using traveler's checks, write down the numbers and keep them separate.
5. Carry only the amount of cash you need for the day.
6. Keep a low profile with your video and photo cameras.

TAXICABS

1. Remember that all taxies must be clearly identified.
2. Ask and negotiate the fare for your ride.

MONEY

1. Exchange money in a bank or your hotel, never on the street.
2. Keep your wallet on you, in a safe place.
3. Try not to carry cash (remember that businesses in Honduras accept credit cards).
4. Tipping is normal in tourism related activities and services.
5. If you buy souvenirs, remember that negotiating the price is common practice in the country's markets.

CAR RENTALS

1. If you rent a car, remember to carry your driver's license, copy of your passport and rental contract.
2. Obey by minimum and maximum speed laws.
3. Remember that using drugs or drinking and driving is strictly forbidden.
4. Wear your seatbelt at all times.
5. If a traffic officer (wearing a uniform and identification) requests it, stop the car.
6. Don't stop for strangers hitchhiking or waving on the street.
7. In case of an accident, wait for the traffic officer. Don't move the car from the exact spot of the accident.
8. Leave your car in a parking lot, never on the street.
9. Don't leave valuables in the car or in plain sight of passersby.
10. Be sure to lock all doors and close windows.

PARKS AND BEACHES

1. Follow only the clearly marked trails in parks.
2. If going on walks, form pairs or groups.
3. Don't touch or hurt plants and animals in the area.
4. In the beach, ask your hotel's front desk about dangerous areas, tides and undertow. Make sure there's a lifeguard on duty.