This itinerary will take you to the major attractions in the country, from the Mayan ruins of Copán to the mangroves and tropical forests of the North Coast. Alternatively, you may be content to spend your entire trip lying on the beach or diving in Roatán or Utila, rather than heading inland at all. (Though San Pedro Sula is the country's largest international airport, it's possible to take an international flight directly to Tegucigalpa, Roatán, or La Ceiba, too.)

Days 1 & 2: Arrive in San Pedro Sula and Head to Copán

Upon landing in San Pedro Sula, head directly to the town of Copán Ruínas and spend your first day exploring the town. The next morning, wake up early to tour the Maya ruins of Copán before the crowds arrive, along with visits to the Museum of Mayan Sculpture and Las Sepulturas. Have lunch at Hacienda San Lucas -- or save it for dinner -- and then take the afternoon and evening to explore the markets, Museo Regional de Arqueología Maya, or bars in town.

Days 3 & 4: Santa Rosa de Copán and Gracias to Tela

From Copán, travel away from the border and into the mountains to check out the Flor de Copán cigar factory in Santa Rosa de Copán, stopping at the Maya ruins of El Puente on the way. Then travel La Ruta Lenca, stopping in small villages and exploring colonial churches before settling into your hotel in Gracias, the capital of the department of Lempira.

Wake up early the next morning for your best chance at seeing the elusive resplendent quetzal and other wildlife during your hike through Montaña de Celaque National Park. Afterwards, head to Tela on the coast to check into the Hotel Telamar, once the home of United Fruit executives and now a four-star beach resort.

Days 5 & 6: Tela

Wake up early to check out Lancetilla, the world's second-largest botanical garden, or to take a boat tour in Laguna de los Micos in Parque Nacional Jeannette Kawas, or Punta Sal, where you can spot howler monkeys, jaguars, and hundreds of species of birds. On the following day, take some time to lie on the beach and enjoy Tela's warm Caribbean seas and swaying palms. Take a long seafood-heavy lunch on the boardwalk, maybe followed by a few stiff drinks and more chilling out.

Days 7 & 8: La Ceiba

On your last full day, head a few hours up the coast to La Ceiba, perhaps to check into a rainforest-surrounded eco-lodge in Pico Bonito National Park. You can easily spend 2 days here hiking, rafting, or on zip-line tours, so plan accordingly. Day-trip options abound, too, including snorkeling at Cayos Cochinos, one of the most unspoiled coral reefs in the country, or visiting the Garífuna village of Chachauate.

On Day 8, transfer to the San Pedro Sula airport to make your flight out of the country.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.