We are going to be building a school with a Rotary Club in a village an hr from SAP for 5 daysin Feb and then want to travel a bit. We wanted to go to BA but time and cost deterred us. We are active 60yr olds but do not scuba. We like cultural and natural places, good food. The Mayan ruins and Panama canal intrigue me.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
thanks,
CCF

If you're not interested in snorkeling and diving (for which I'd recommend the Bay Islands), I'd head to Copan Ruinas for a few days - lovely town, beautiful ruins, interesting villages and fincas in the area. From there you could head into Guatemala which is probably the most culturally colorful place on the planet. Antigua, Lake Atitlan, the Chichicastenango market, and Tikal and highlights. My photos and travelogues are linked below if you're interested. Happy trails!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Thanks,hopefulist,
What are the best ways to get around? Some travelers seem to think the buses aren't very safe.
How would we get to Guatemala? back to SAP then fly?
Appreciate the input.
CCF

The Hedman Alas buses

http://hedmanalas.com/

have an excellent safety history: very comfortable newish buses with snacks, movies, bathrooms, and reclining seats. It's a 5 or 6 hour ride from Copán Ruinas to Antigua, Guatemala so that would seem a better (and much cheaper!) option than a 3 hour bus trip back to San Pedro Sula, shuttle to the airport, fly to Guatemala City, and shuttle to Antigua.

Please let me know if I can advise or answer questions - I have 5 days before I head back to work!

Thanks,hopefulist,
We've been talking over the holiday and think we will stay in Honduras for 8 days or so and go further next time. The trip from the village to Copan should round out the volunteer part nicely.
I appreciate the tips. We'll be seeking more info next year.
CCF

Sounds good - have a wonderful trip and be sure to tell us all about it. Happy trails!

hopefulist,thanks for the tips.
One more thing!
We have decided to visit the coast.We are from Maine and snorkling will be appealing in Feb!
What do you suggest is the best itinerary;
5 days in the village, 3 days Copan Ruinas, coastal town(which?) for 3 days. I guess using the bus.
Gracias,
CCF

IMO the place to go for snorkeling is Roatán. There aren't places to snorkel from the mainland unless you take a boat trip to one of the islands anyway. Flights between SAP and Roatán are spendy - more than $100 each one way - but the easiest way to get there. You could also compromise by flying to La Ceiba and taking a ferry from there. The La Ceiba area has some wonderful hiking, kayaking, and rafting opportunities. You could also use the Hedman Alas buses to get to La Ceiba.

For most folks 3 days in Copán would be enough, though it was easy for me to fill weeks and I'm heading back next summer.

There are sets of photos along with travelogues on my Flickr site:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections/

Happy trails!