La Ceiba

La Ceiba is the third largest city of Honduras, containing about 250,000 people. It is located on its northern Caribbean coast. It is the capital of the Atlántida department. It has a tropical climate. It is also known as the 'girlfriend' of Honduras. There is a saying that goes "Tegucigalpa studies, San Pedro Sula works, La Ceiba plays". It was named after a huge ceiba tree that used to be by the docks.

The city is famous for its yearly carnival held on the third Saturday of May. And its blend of Ladino, Caribbean, and Garifuna culture. It was also the home of the Standard Fruit Company (now the Dole Food Company) which started exporting bananas, pineapples, and grapefruit. Although disease devastated the plantations in the 1930s, the surrounding agricultural areas have since recovered. Fishing activities are also important, together with the Bay Islands fleet, comprise the most important fishing group in Caribbean Honduras.

The park and mountain of Pico Bonito lies behind, and provides a back drop to La Ceiba.