Founded as the Villa de Puerto Caballos in 1524, this port has become the most important port city in Central America. Through it, most of the goods that are imported or exported to the country are embarked. Located only 55 km from San Pedro Sula, it has become, together with this industrial city the most important economic growth area of the country. Today, Puerto Cortes is a bustling port, where you can see a lot of seafaring activity every day of the year. Puerto Cortes is connected to San Pedro Sula via a modern four lane highway that covers the entire route of 55 km between both cities. Travel time to Puerto Cortes is a short 45 minutes at the most if traveling by car and one hour if traveling by bus. There is regular railroad service Puerto Cortes and Tela. Puerto Cortes is however, a lot more than the leading port of Honduras. Following east along the shores of the Caribbean, you will arrive at the Garifuna communities of Travesia and Bajamar. These two are some of the most important Garifuna communities in the country, and reflect the interesting live culture of the these black people. Every year, a Garifuna dance festival is held in Bajamar. Heading west from Puerto Cortes, and following the coast towards the community of Cieneguita, you will pass the Coca Cola municipal beach. The name, which is obviously quite commercial, came to be as the local Coca Cola Depot is located very near to the beach. These are by far the most famous and popular beaches in the area, and are frequented by the locals as well as by people from afar during the weekends and holidays. During the week the beaches are quite quiet. You will find many different restaurants and bars along the beach where you can enjoy lunch or dinner. Just beyond the Coca Cola beach is Cieneguita.These are the best beaches in Puerto Cortes. There are now a variety of adventure mountain bicycle tours available in Puerto Cortes.