Cortés Department

Cortés Department occupies northwestern Honduras and contains varied terrain ranging from mountain ranges to tropical lowland plains. The region includes twelve municipalities spread across this diverse landscape, with San Pedro Sula functioning as the main urban and commercial center.

The department was created in 1893 when the government reorganized territorial boundaries and separated lands that previously belonged to other regions. This administrative change formed the basis for the current departmental structure.

San Pedro Sula has long been a destination for immigrants from the Middle East, whose families became influential in commerce and trade across the region. This multicultural mix shapes the business landscape and commercial character visible in the city today.

San Pedro Sula serves as the main transportation hub where most roads converge and connect to the other municipalities across the region. Visitors and residents rely on this central location for bus services and road connections to reach different parts of the department.

Lake Yojoa, Honduras's largest natural freshwater lake, sits within this department and remains a vital fishing ground for local communities. The lake's ecosystem supports numerous bird and fish species that draw nature enthusiasts and researchers to the region.

Location: Honduras

Inception: July 4, 1893

Capital city: San Pedro Sula

Shares border with: Izabal Department, Atlántida Department

GPS coordinates: 15.50619,-88.02490

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:48