San Pedro Sula is better as a base than a destination. Copan, the great Mayan archaeological site, is about three hours west by bus -- doable as a long day trip but better with an overnight stay. Lake Yojoa, an hour south, is Honduras's largest lake and excellent for birdwatching, with the Pulhapanzak waterfalls nearby. Cusuco National Park, a cloud forest in the Merendon mountains about 40 km west, has hiking trails, waterfalls, and exceptional biodiversity. The north coast beaches at Puerto Cortes and Omoa are roughly an hour away and make for an easy beach day.
