Spain Travel Information -

Europe Travel - A European Vacation Travel Guide  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and the world, it has one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, and it was home to artist Peter Paul Rubens in the 17th century. What's not to like about this Belgian port city? See what it's all about in our latest photo Gallery: Antwerp Pictures . More Antwerp Travel: Antwerp Travel Directory | Antwerp Lodging | Antwerp Museums Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came recruiting at my college. Operatives really get to live it up when they travel, apparently. Imagine, the lucky seven of the "Surveillance Team" sent out to case the joint before kidnapping 39-year-old Muslim preacher Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, managed to spend "$39,995, not counting meals, parking and other services" for a week at Milan's Principe di Savoia ( check prices ), where a room goes for a mere $588 a night, according to Newsday . Once Abu Omar was behind bars in Cairo the CIA folks broke up and went their various ways, some to the renowned Grand Hotel Baglioni ( check prices ) in Florence , a few in cozy pairs to save the taxpayers money, no doubt. Travel Resources: Milan Profile | Florence Profile Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated tapas bars thinking, "wow, I'm gonna down me some fine, fresh seafood this evening--non of that canned stuff like we get at home..." Well, Quimet and Quimet is one of Barcelona's best tapas bars, recommended by just about anyone. Joaquim Perez, owner of Quimet and Quimet, has been called Barcelona's culinary king of canned food. That's right, a tapas king devoted to high-quality goods preserved in metal. I had heard about the increasing interest in vintage sardines , whose flavors are said to increase in intensity and complexity with aging. But Mr. Perez has extended this idea of unlikely gourmet tinkering; he buys "fresh" Galician navajas (clams) from the cannery and sets them to aging for a year or two before serving them (plain) to his customers. And they love 'em. Maybe you should go and see what this canned gourmet thing is all about. There are worse places to spend time on a research expedition. More: Gastronomic Route: Barcelona, a tapas town? Travel Resources: Barcelona Guide | Barcelona Pictures Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000 loan and turned his investment into a "faithful reconstruction of Noah's Ark in scaled down form on the basis of biblical texts," according to the Mail & Guardian . Spring is the expected launch date. No word on where the animals will come from. Travel Resources: North Holland Travel | Holland Map | Benelux Rail Passes Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink Appreciate Long John Shivers? Head for the Alps I know I frequently extol the virtues of off season travel, but there's a whole bunch of adventurers willing to go the extra mile in their long johns to enjoy icier surroundings than I'd care to experience. Those would be the Ice Hotel People. Word from Vagablond is that "a new ice hotel is being constructed 7,000 feet up into the German Alps." HotelChatter says this ice hotel might well be part of the Iglu-Dorf chain, who specialize in things like Inuit igloos in Switzerland. Like it cold? Get you thrills in the Alps this winter. I'll toast your bravado at the hearth with a steaming hot toddy. Travel Resources: Germany map and Travel Essentials | Switzerland Map and Travel Essentials . Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Europe Travel in the Off Season Why travel in the off season? Well, you know the reasons: fewer tourists, lower prices, and cooler temperatures, to name a few. But there's another reason for me, and that's the warm, slanting light that brings photos alive. See what I mean by taking a gander at: Liguria Pictures - Picture Gallery of Liguria in Autumn . And if you still want to see more pictures of Italy , try out Italy for Visitors Florence Pictures , taken in November. Travel Resources: Off Season Travel Tips | Italy Travel Map Sunday December 18, 2005 | permalink Travel Gifts Ok, you're thinkin' it's too late to post some ideas for gifts at this late date. Hey, you can chalk it up to sloth and indolence, but I don't start burdening my mind with thoughts about winter holidays in May like the rest of my family. The crunch starts now. So I've made up a list of recommended Travel Gifts . Of course, you could buy some of the stuff for yourself as well. Take a look. You've got language help, a deep, inside look at the Vatican, and more, not to mention that Tyrolean Boiled Wool Jacket like you've always wanted. More Stuff You Need: Top Travel Photography Gear Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink Joe Torre carries the Olympic Torch in Florence New York Yankee manager Joe Torre carried the Olympic torch 400 yards to the foot of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence yesterday as part of "American day" in the two-month Olympic torch relay. It was the first time he'd been to Italy in 20 years, despite the fact that his mother was born in the village of Patina near Naples. (Source: Indystar.com ) The torch Joe carried was designed by the folks at Pininfarina , who've banged out quite a few sexy Italian auto bodies in their time. The Olympic torch is designed to work in rain, snow and wind up to 74.56 miles per hour, not to mention temperatures from -4°F to +77°F. According to what I've heard, the torch suffered much less than Mr. Torre during the run. Travel Resources: Florence Travel Directory | Florence Pictures: Views from the Arno | Naples Travel Directory Photo above: Ponte Vecchio, Florence by Martha Bakerjian, Italy for Visitors ; click "read more" to see it larger. Read more... Thursday December 15, 2005 | permalink Sunny Valencia It's cold here in my corner of California, prime time to think of warmer climes. Valencia pops to mind. Host to the 2007 America's cup, the sunny Spanish port city has been spiffing itself up lately, and many travelers have remarked that Valencia seems to be passing Barcelona as Spain's city of tourist choice. What's not to like? The spring La Fallas festival is a not to be missed attraction (plan now if you're going), the City of Arts and Sciences holds 87 acres of fascinating art, science and architecture, and the Barrio del Carmen is chock full of music, restaurants and clubs. Find out more about Valence by taking a peek at our latest: Valencia Spain Travel Information - Valencia Profile , or peruse our Valencia Travel Directory . Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Hey Santa! Take That! Scroogy Musings: So a couple guys in Germany get asked what they want for Christmas by Santa, who happens to be waiting for a train home. They've been out shopping all day, unsuccessfully one assumes, because the next thing you know they've latched on to Santa's sack and "beat him over the head with it, breaking his fingers as he tried to protect himself." ( Santa - Germany's new stress buster ) Santa on a train? in Germany? A bit early, isn't it? Has the Christmas spirit been so commercialized that the little people like us suffer with the stress of plunking down good cash for stuff we think people might like but probably won't? Where is the joy of it all? Everyone remembers the magical experience of visiting Santa in the mall when they were kids and the smile it brought to your face. Unfortunately over the last few years it seems the spirit of Christmas is slowly being lost due to many different reasons including political correctness, busier lifestyles and many more issues. Hold on a sec. Now I'm angrier than a red-nosed reindeer. Everyone doesn't remember. Some of us are way too old to conjure the disgraceful vision of mall Santas in their mothball costumes and fake beards. The statement above comes from Live From Lapland (dot com). For a bit less than 15 dollars they'll make a custom video staring Santa, who'll be talking to your kids using the words you put in his mouth via the web site's control panel. Their Santa evidently lives in a paneled room and wears mall Santa clothes and beardage. It's in the sample flick. He could be in Kansas. Still, where else you gonna get a five minute flick to your specs for $14.95? Travel Resources: Lapland (the real one) | Chrismas in Europe Tuesday December 13, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

Travel Education Special Reports

CNN.com - Travel International Edition | Member Center: Sign In | Register Home Page World U.S. Weather Business Sports Politics Law Technology Science & Space Health Entertainment Travel Education Special Reports Video Autos CNN Pipeline E-mail Newsletters Your E-mail Alerts Podcasts RSS CNNtoGO Contact Us 2006 hot spots include Colorado, China, Croatia While travel to perennial favorites like Los Angeles, Orlando, New York and Las Vegas is always strong, some unexpected destinations -- from Colorado and Arizona to Croatia and China -- are showing up as hot spots for travel as the 2006 season begins. FULL STORY • 'Disaster tourism' edges into view TRAVEL CHALLENGE Europe for two, under $1,200 TRAVEL SNAPSHOTS Today: Nassau, Bahamas. Send us your snapshots MORE NEWS • TSA: Changes don't affect screening times • Top amusement parks up 4.2 percent • Time brings changes to Myrtle Beach • Watch: Tips for traveling on the cheap • Mushing in Minnesota's frozen wilderness WATCH FREE VIDEO Browse/Search Business News Update (1:33) Plea deal in Enron case (:27) Featured Video More Top Video • Gaza violence and politics • French hostage video (:40) • Hole forces plane to land (1:13) Featured Video More Top Video More Destinations Nicaragua: Peaceful times for tourists • Washington promoting American originals • Alaska: Venturing north of the Arctic Circle • Sparkle in a small Virginia town sponsored by: More Travel News Mexico resorts getting back in the swim • Air marshals to monitor transit systems • Top places to frolic in your birthday suit • New technology can prevent runway overruns More Travel Adviser News Gifts for globe-trotters • CNN/Money: Holiday escape savings • Delve deeper into your destination • Travel insurance helps cover all the bases More Business & Industry News Ski industry optimistic for good season • Delta pilots accept 15 percent pay cut • Airlines go flat out for comfort • Atlanta poised for major tourism push SPECIAL REPORT CNN/Money: Airline turbulence D.C. DINING ON A DIME Eat like a senator for intern prices LOVELYLOWCOUNTRY Backroads guide to picturesque South Carolina region DRIVING DIRECTIONS Create a personal itinerary with listings of nearby lodging, dining and more • Find a map RESOURCES • Find weather forecasts • CNNMoney.com currency converter • CNN Airport Network • CNN Partner Hotels • Airline toll free numbers • US Customs • Passports • Travel warnings and advisories Search for jobs @ Also see International Edition Languages --------- Arabic Japanese Korean Turkish CNN TV CNN International Headline News Transcripts Advertise with Us About Us © 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines . Contact us . External sites open in new window; not endorsed by CNN.com Pay service with live and archived video. Learn more Download audio news | Add RSS headlines

Austria Travel Maps Austria

Austria map, buy maps of Austria - Map Town Ltd. Home Maps Canadian Topo Etopo Digital Maps World Maps Wall Maps Maps of Canada Maps of USA Maps by Country Michelin Maps Freytag & Berndt Delorme Maps USA Topo Mexico Topo Aeronautical Maps World Aviation Nautical Charts Digital Maps GPS GPS Units GPS Accessories GPS Software Globes Floor Models Desktop Models Specialty Globes Inflatables Books Alberta and BC Lonely Planet Books by Country Aviation Books Nautical Books Accessories Map Accessories Services Laminating Scanning Reference World Facts Conversions Topofinder Site Map Special Order Feedback How to Search Web Cams Austria Maps and Travel Guides We suggest that everyone travelling to Europe take a map and a guidebook. Whether it is for an all-inclusive one-week holiday or a three-month on-a-shoestring adventure, your trip planning will be successful using these valuable tools. Map Town carries an excellent selection of maps for the whole region and each individual country. A travel guide will help you understand the cultures and take advantage of the advice and experience acquired from other travelers who have been there before you. Austria Maps Austria Travel Maps Austria Travel Guides Austria Travel Guides Information and Online map of Austria Information and On-Line Map for Austria Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. This central European nation draws visitors for skiing in winter, hiking and cycling in the summer, and sightseeing year-round. Vienna and Salzburg are both cities which you could spend weeks and months enjoying and exploring, each with impressive architecture and cultural events. Drive the Grossglockner Road (open to traffic between May and November) to follow an ancient trading route through imposing mountain scenery in Hohe Tauern National Park. Discover all that this intriguing country has to offer when you buy an Austria map and travel guide. | Africa | Asia | Atlantic Ocean | Australasia | Caribbean | | Central America | Europe | Indian Ocean | Middle East | | North America | Pacific Ocean | South America | Southeast Asia | Quick Search Search View Thumbnails Text List Products Per Page 10 20 50 100 100 - 400 5 Ave SW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0L6 Email: maps@maptown.com Ph. #: (403)266-2241 Fax #: (403)266-2356 Toll Free Ph #: (1-877-921-6277) Toll Free Fax #: (1-877-776-2356) Hours of Operation: 8:00am - 6:00pm MST Monday - Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm MST Saturdays

London Vacation

London Vacation Package, Travel to London, London Tours Book Online or call (800) 682-3333 Europe Asia Americas Caribbean Mediterranean Pacific Cruises Home Hotels Find a Vacation Specials Contact Us Italy & Sicily Spain & Portugal Britain & Ireland France Belgium & Holland Central Europe Scandinavia Greece River Cruises China & Japan Southeast Asia Thailand India South America Brazil Peru Costa Rica Bahamas Caribbean & Mexico Bahamas Cancun Riviera Maya Punta Cana Jamaica Greece & Turkey Israel Egypt Morocco Australia & New Zealand Tahiti China & Japan Southeast Asia Sea Cruises River Cruises 5 Day Weekend in London London -- from $ 479 Independent Package Includes: Round trip flights NYC-London Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices. Airline fuel surcharges 3 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels: Bayswater Inn Park Inn Hyde Park Central Park Thistle Kensington Gardens Holiday Inn Kings Cross/ Bloomsbury Thistle Kensington Park Swissotel the Howard Breakfast daily Not included: airport taxes, fees & September 11th Security Fee , & optional tours When flying with United Airlines, a $200 per person non-refundable deposit will be required at the time of booking. Additional nights , sightseeing , transfers Transportation Options to/ from Central London Changing of the Guard 5 Day Weekend in London - Bayswater Inn These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $549 $565.47 Dec 15 659 678.77 Dec 22 789 812.67 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 ; Feb 2 , 9 479 493.37 Feb 16 , 23 ; Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 549 565.47 5 Day Weekend in London - Central Park Hotel These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $569 $586.07 Dec 15 669 689.07 Dec 22 769 792.07 Dec 29 539 555.17 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 ; Feb 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 539 555.17 Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 569 586.07 5 Day Weekend in London - Park Inn Hyde Park These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $499 $513.97 Dec 15 599 616.97 Dec 22 749 771.47 Dec 29 499 513.97 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 ; Feb 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 499 513.97 Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 539 555.17 5 Day Weekend in London - Thistle Kensington Gardens These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $579 $596.37 Dec 15 649 668.47 Dec 22 779 802.37 Dec 29 539 555.17 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 ; Feb 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 ; Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 539 555.17 5 Day Weekend in London - Holiday Inn Kings Cross/ Bloomsbury These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $599 $616.97 Dec 15 659 678.77 Dec 22 789 812.67 Dec 29 549 565.47 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 549 565.47 Feb 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 569 586.07 Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 599 616.97 5 Day Weekend in London - Thistle Kensington Park These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $639 $658.17 Dec 15 689 709.67 Dec 22 829 853.87 Dec 29 579 596.37 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 ; Feb 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 ; Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 579 596.37 5 Day Weekend in London - Swisstel The Howard These prices include airline fuel surcharges. Click on date to book online. Cash Discount Price Regular Price Hotel Details 2005 Dec 1, 8 $739 $761.17 Dec 15 849 874.47 Dec 22 979 1008.37 Dec 29 739 761.17 2006 Jan 5 , 12 , 19 , 26 ; Feb 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 ; Mar 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 739 761.17 Day 1, Thurs Depart USA for England. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey Day 2, Fri Welcome to London. An arrival transfer from London's Heathrow Airport to your hotel is available for $33 (or from London Gatwick for $42). Enjoy the afternoon at leisure: LONDON Day 3, Sat This morning, we offer an optional morning tour of London including Parliament, Big Ben and a visit to Westminster Abbey. Continue to Buckingham Palace to witness the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard. Enjoy the color, movement, and music of Her Majesty's Royal Household Troops. When there is no Guard, the tour will visit Horseguards Parade ($52). Enjoy the afternoon at leisure (B): LONDON Day 4, Sun This afternoon, enjoy an optional cruise on the River Thames through the heart of London and enjoy superb views of majestic London buildings. Visit the Tower of London, an awesome Medieval fortress dating back over 900 years and view the breathtaking Crown Jewels and the traditional Beefeater ($72). This evening, enjoy our optional Jack the Ripper tour. Tread in the footsteps of the infamous Jack the Ripper down the gas-lit alleyways immortalized in books and films. Led by one of the renowned London Blue Badge Guides, you will visit four murder sights and learn about the suspects. The tour is followed by a traditional fish and chip supper in one of London's most historic pubs ($52) (B): LONDON Day 5, Mon Should you choose, we offer a transfer to London's Heathrow Airport for $33 (or to London Gatwick for $42). Return to USA (B). Email This Page to a Friend © 2005 Gate 1 Travel Home | About Us | Travel Agent | Free Brochure | Help | Site Map | (800) 682-3333 Read our privacy policy . Contact Us . This site can be best viewed using Internet Explorer 4.0, or higher. The browser software can be downloaded, free of charge, from the Microsoft website at http://www.microsoft.com . All external sites will open in a new browser. Gate1travel.com does not endorse external sites.

Central America Travel

Honduras Central America Travel Tourism  You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors Travel Go Mexico Essentials Packing List for Travelers to Mexico Health Information Mexico / C. America Safety Considerations Travel Books Mexico and Central America Tourism Offices Mexico/ Central America Articles & Resources Mexico Mexico City Acapulco, Mexico Cancun Yucatan Baja Los Cabos Puerto Vallarta Other Places Photos of Mexico Belize, Central America Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Mexico / Central America for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Mexico / Central America for Visitors Photo thanks to Clipart.com Stay up to date! Photo thanks to Clipart.com Email to a friend Print this page Elsewhere on the Web Map of Honduras Photos of Honduras Most Popular Mexican Music La Paz, Mexico Quinceanera Packing List Tijuana, Mexico What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico Related Topics California for Visitors South America for Visitors Caribbean for Visitors Mexican Cuisine Honduras, Central America From Apply Now , Your Guide to Mexico / Central America for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Honduras offers an array of different vacation experiences. Honduras is a small country in Central America bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Nicaragua, and bordering the Gulf of Fonseca (North Pacific Ocean), between El Salvador and Nicaragua. It has a population of approximately 7 million persons. Honduras was once part of the Mayan civilization that spread southwards from the Yucatán peninsula and throughout most of Central America. Christopher Columbus visited Honduras in 1502 on his third voyage to the new world, and the country was subsequently colonized by Spain for several centuries. On independence in 1821, Honduras joined the Central American Federation, but this union did not last long. Honduras severed ties several years later with the Federation and became fully independent. The Honduran people are mainly mestizo, an ethnic mix of native Indian, Spanish and other nationalities. Visitors can expect to be pleasantly surprised by the hospitality extended to them by most Hondurans. The official language is Spanish, although English is widely spoken in the major tourist areas. The climate of Honduras is mostly tropical. It is hot and humid on the Caribbean coast, hot and dry in the interior plains, with cooler temperatures in the central mountain regions. The rainy season extends from June to October.  Honduras offers a wide range of different vacation experiences. It offers some great venues for snorkeling and diving, many Mayan archaeological ruins and treasures, some beautiful National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries, pristine uncrowded beaches, and much more. Tegucigalpa Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, became the most important mining center in Central America during colonial times. It got its name from the ancient Nahuatl language which translated means "silver mountain". It is located in a large valley about 1000m (3280ft) above sea level and surrounded by a ring of mountains covered in pine trees. Because of the altitude of the city, the climate is very pleasant. Tegucigalpa has a population of about 800,000 people. The Boulevard Morazán, also known as "la zona viva", is the commercial heart of Tegucigalpa. It is a modern bustling district where you will find many of the very best restaurants, bars and shops in town. The Historical Center of the city is very interesting. Here you will find the domed 18th-century Central Park Cathedral, which features exquisite baroque architecture and fine art treasures. The legislative palace, built on stilts, is also located in this area, as well as the old Presidential Palace, which is now a museum. La Tigra National Park Located near Tegucigalpa is the magnificent La Tigra National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Honduras. Located at an altitude of 2260m, the park covers an area of 230 square kilometers of lush cloud forest that is home to monkeys, ocelots, pumas, and other wildlife. Orchids, arborescent ferns, and over 250 species of birds can also be found in the park. Bay Islands The Bay Islands of Roatan, Utila and Guanaja, located 50km (30mi) off the north coast of Honduras, offer great snorkeling and diving, and some of the most spectacular underwater vistas you will find anywhere in the world, with enormous stands of black coral, brilliantly colored sponges and delicate blue bell tunicates, colorful corals, sponges and tropical marine life. These lush islands are famous for their barrier reef, which is the second largest in the world. Mayan Archaeological Sites Numerous Mayan archaeological sites are scattered throughout Honduras. The most famous is the Copan Ruins, located in the western part of Honduras. Discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio, the Copan Ruins are one of the most important sites of the ancient Mayan civilization, and were not excavated until the 19th century. Visitors to the site can view the many Mayan monuments and buildings, and also get a glimpse of the living areas and life style of the ancient Mayas.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico