While El Progreso is mainly a commercial city, the central plazas, main cathedral and downtown area provide tourists with a window into the soul of Honduran life. Local produce, hand made goods and everyday essentials can be purchased from the dozens of small stands and shops in the center of town.
Historically, the town was a key logistical center for the United Fruit Company's Honduran banana trade. In the 1920's the are was a booming rail center, and the legacy of this time period can still be seen today. The train cars can be found at the train station now the site of Sunday markets, just off of the boulevard towards Tegucigalpa.
To the west of the city lies the scenic drive to Tela and La Ceiba. Along the way travelers can see the protected mountain range called Pico Quemado
