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Though starfish are, well, the stars of a Starfish Bay excursion, the ride out is a treat unto itself, with wide-open views of the lush Honduran coast. On arrival at the floating platform that will serve as your base for the next hour, you’ll find sea-star-filled shallows that are perfect for snorkeling. And if you so choose, you can hold these beautiful, bright-red sea dwellers—very gently.

Built of mud and adobe, Chan Chan—the nine-square-mile former capital of the Chimú empire (850–1470)—was the most expansive city of its time. Wander along pathways with a guide to see wall reliefs that depict creatures from the nearby Pacific. You’ll learn where various community activities, including human sacrifices, took place.

In every sense, you can’t miss the Trujillo Cathedral: This massive, canary-yellow building accented in the architectural equivalent of white cake piping dominates one corner of the Plaza de Armas—and begs to be explored. (The current structure is actually the third one, built in the mid-17th century; the first two iterations were destroyed by earthquakes.) Inside, you’ll find a number of altarpieces that date back to the early 1700s, and a gorgeous main altarpiece that represents the height of Trujillo’s wood-engraving tradition.

A glimpse into the world of Trujillo’s upper crust, the 19th-century Palacio Iturregui—a bright yellow neoclassical beauty with a large central courtyard, elaborate window gratings, copious columns, gold ceiling moldings and marble statues—is the current home to the Club Central. Though this is a traditional, members-only social club, you can tour it as a guest. There’s unrestricted access to the courtyard, but visiting the lavish rooms is limited to particular hours.

Inspired by the local horse culture, you may well want to pick up a custom pair of boots—or a belt—at Trujillo’s Creaciones Cerna, where you’ll find a whole variety of skins to choose from.

Head to the Central Market in Trujillo not so much for the stuff as for the scene: an authentic, non-touristy sprawl of local vendors in the historic center of town. On the other hand, among the meats, fruits, veggies, clothes and sundries, you may well find a souvenir knickknack or two.

The Royal Houses were built in 1511 to serve as the administrative offices of the governors of the Indies, and they remained the seat of power through much of the 20th century. The dictator Rafael Trujillo had his office here, and his desk and antique weapons collection are among the items on display. Other exhibits range from colonial-era furniture and treasure found in sunken galleons to artifacts from the Taino people, all providing an introduction to the history of the country before independence.

Originally constructed in 1944 by Rafael Trujillo, aka El Jefe, who ruled the nation for 30 years, this imposing monument—set on a hill in downtown Santiago—was intended to honor the dictator himself. Following Trujillo’s assassination in 1961, it was renamed and rededicated, and now honors those who fought in the Dominican Restoration War from 1863 to 1865. Bronze statues of the generals that led the country in its struggle for independence from Spain stand on the steps of the eight-story monument. (The Dominican Republic first achieved independence from Spain in 1844; Spain then reannexed the country in 1861. Hence the 1863–1865 war was a “restoration” of its freedom. Inside the monument is a museum that will help you make sense of the complicated history of this place.)

Head to a place that succeeds in squeezing many centuries’ worth of artifacts from multiple civilizations into a manageable—and beautiful—17th-century mansion: the Museo de Arqueología UNT (National University of Trujillo Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History), housed in La Casa Risco. You’ll find remnants of the Chimu, Mochica and Incan empires in the form of jewelry, clothing and ceramics, as well as displays that explain the rise and fall of these civilizations.

Made in Honduras is artisan-owned and artisan-operated, and sells local sea-glass jewelry, calabash thumb drums, crocheted wire jewelry, coconut-shell crafts and tree-bark paintings.

Explore the wetlands and mangrove-flanked canals of the Guaimoreto Lagoon, home to innumerable creatures, including seabirds, crocodiles, caimans, iguanas, monkeys, turtles, manatees and sloths. Kayaking is likelier to get you up close and personal with the aforementioned (except for the sloths, who’ll survey you from on high) but you can also opt to kick back and do a guided tour by motorboat.

As you walk north along 5th Avenue, the crowds start thinning out and businesses become more locally owned, making for a quieter version of the eclectic downtown vibe. At Calle 38, take a right. You’re now in one of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods, where luxury shops and souvenir stores give way to charming eateries and small-scale beach hotels. Here, jungle trees cast shade on open-air bars and restaurants such as La Cueva del Chango, with its cave-like atmosphere and natural Mexican cuisine; Piola, serving pizzas and pastas; and Trujillos, where wood tables and strings of lights surround a seductive outdoor bar.