The islands and cays astride the world's second largest barrier reef attract vacationers - and especially divers - more than anywhere else in Honduras. The best known is Roatán, with beautiful beaches, charming towns and villages, Garífuna culture (these are Afro-Hundurans descended from Caribbean immigrants), and a variety of hotels and resorts as well as budget-friendly inns and guesthouses. Even more budget friendly, the smaller island of Utila is considered one of thee world's top dive destinations, both for the advanced and for newbies (dive courses and PADI certification are a fabulous deal here). Guanaja is even smaller, more laid back and bucolic, with just several dozen cars over the entire island. Similar castaway charm can be found on the Cayos Cochinos, two larger islands and a smattering of tiny cays.

Read more about this country's highlights in post Honduras' Most Marvelous Places.

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