Mayan civilisation reached the region that is now western Honduras around the fifth century AD. The Mayas remained in control for the next 300 years, after which several different ethnic groups moved into the area from Mexico and Colombia.
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 island 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. Everywhere lurks touristic potential but Honduras must help its own people before it becomes a playground for holidaymakers.
