Located in the north of Honduras on the edges of the fertile Sula Valley, San Pedro Sula is Honduras' second largest city with approximately 800,000 citizens. It is the business and commerce capital of the country and home to a modern airport, which is serviced by International Airlines. These include TACA, American Airlines, Continental, Iberia, Copa, Sol Air, Atlantic Airlines and others. The city is also situated close to the Merendon Mountain Range, which creates an impressive backdrop when you are downtown looking north or when you are flying into the city's airport.

ATTRACTIONS

The Museum of Anthropology and History is located a few blocks from Central Park on 3a Avenida between 3 and 4 Calles NO. The museum is a must see for anyone visiting San Pedro Sula. Its displays will take you through the Pre-Columbian to modern day history of the Sula Valley. The museum has a wide range of Mayan artifacts that have been found throughout the area and is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm, is closed all day Tuesday, and Sunday it opens from 9am to 3pm.

Guamilito Market is one the Honduras' best handicraft markets. The market is between 8 and 9 Avenida and 6 and 7 Calles NO. The market is open daily, usually until around 5pm. The market is a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts. Items of note are Honduran cigars, mahogany carvings, Mayan replica pottery, woven baskets, hammocks and a range of colored T-Shirts. Spend some time browsing and do not be afraid to bargain on the prices.

The Central Park of San Pedro Sula and the main Cathedral are definitely worth a look. The Cathedral, which was built in 1949, has just been remodeled and restored. The new Central Park (Parque Central) is open, fresh looking and at well lit at night. The park is always busy, with people coming and going and moneychangers and street vendors plying their trade. It's a great place to sit back and people watch or to strike up a conversation with some locals.

ACTIVITIES

San Pedro Sula is a good place to stay to enjoy the facilities of a large city and to see another side of the Honduran experience, big city life. The city has good banking, business, communication and hotel facilities. There is a wide range of restaurants and nightlife, places to shop. Sampedranos, what the San Pedro Sulans are called, are a friendly and helpful people. The city is home to a few football teams from the national league and a game is quite an experience to see, not just for the high quality of football but also for the atmosphere of the crowd and for the local passion that is a part of true Latin American Football. North Americans will know this brand of football as soccer.

TRAVEL TIPS - SAFETY

San Pedro Sula, like so many large and growing cities, does have its fair share of crime. Travel common sense should be used at all times, such as taking taxis at night or when you are not sure of where you are going. Fares should range between US$2 in the downtown area and should cost US$10 from the airport to the downtown area. Visiting poor areas (slumming, as some call it) is never a good idea. Also, do not wear fancy jewelry, watches or expensive sunglasses and don't carry large amounts of money or valuables with you. American Express Traveller's Checks should be carried instead of cash.

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Dean Milverton has spent many years living and working in Central America and is also the creator of http://www.travel-to-central-america.com a guide to travel in Central America.