Impressive Maya ruins are enhanced by excellent local guides and dedicated management, which accounts for Copán's seven-point gain since 2006. Attractions include hot springs and coffee farms. Government offices have "failed to act" on "the need to expand the national monument and ensure protection."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Copán is a highlight of any visit to Honduras, and as one of the country's largest tourism poles and cultural attractions, it has received considerable support from the government and aid agencies. One of the most aesthetically pleasing Maya sites; the juxtaposition of an archaeological site in an agricultural valley is charming."
"Wonderful place. The town is low key, with many small local hotels and restaurants. Other forms of tourism are just starting in the countryside—coffee tours, bird park, hot springs."
"The broader valley has retained its magical character despite the expansion of the town of Copán Ruins. There is some urban sprawl from the town proper across the river and onto the opposite side, which may be unsightly and incoherent with the town. The municipality has had some success maintaining the charm of the town, and with new attractions now offered, the future outlook is very positive. But there are definite land-holding problems and squabbles among the locals."
"Copán Archaeological Site is an island of environmental protection surrounded by tobacco and tomato plantations and just a mile from Copán Ruins Town—a town that earns a higher income than the rest of the country of Honduras thanks to the tourism business that the Copán Archaeological Site brings."
Honduras: Northern Coast
Score: 52
An undiscovered destination now undergoing rapid "touristization," the North Coast offers rich indigenous culture and good ecotourism potential—along with environmental degradation, violent gangs, and political corruption.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"The western portion of the north coast—San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba—is largely altered. The eastern portion—Trujillo to Puerto Lempira—is still in okay condition but deforestation is advancing rapidly. Indigenous tribes (Miskito, Pech, Tawaka) and Garifuna still maintain language and culture in some areas in the eastern portion. Latino culture has dominated the rest and remains largely intact."
"The almost total lack of sewage treatment, combined with destructive land-use practices upstream, mean that huge amounts of silt and sewage pour into the sea from coastal rivers, further compromising coastal integrity. On top of these environmental problems, the growth of violent gangs (maras) along the coast almost threatens the integrity of this area."
"An area with promise—and possible peril. If done right, it could be a standout in the region. Now benefiting from relative obscurity. But cruise-based tourism threatens to overwhelm."
"The north coast needs a coast-management plan. Different degrees and scales of development are taking place without a holistic view. Several areas are under threat, especially the Bay Islands due to overdevelopment in Roatán. Local and Garifuna communities are not integrated into tourism development process. High incidence of poverty and HIV/AIDS along the coast. There are still pristine areas, especially toward the Mosquitia region, that have great appeal and character."
