Book signing with Steve Elkins, explorer who discovered the City of the Monkey God in Honduras

I had the chance to attend a lecture and book signing at the Kimpton at Grand Roatan Resort with Steve Elkins, the explorer who discovered the legendary Ciudad Blanca, also known as the Lost City of the Monkey God. This incredible story was documented by renowned author Douglas Preston, who was invited by Elkins to join the expedition and later wrote the bestselling book based on their real-life adventure.

What was discovered in that remote part of the Honduran Mosquitia jungle is truly extraordinary. For years, it was believed that the Pech people might have been the ones who inhabited Ciudad Blanca, but new evidence now suggests it may have been the Olmecs. Giant ceremonial vases were found, etched with what appears to be an ancient written language, along with a complex network of structures that point to a highly organized ceremonial and social life.

And that’s not all. Every member of the expedition was infected with leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies. Despite the risks and long-term health issues, even this led to something positive: their case contributed to further medical research on this tropical disease in the U.S.

The entire story is a wild mix of science, history, danger, and real adventure. Hearing it directly from Steve Elkins was a real privilege, and the fact that he chose to present his book here in Roatan was a gift to all of us who attended. Opportunities like this are rare in Honduras, and it’s important to appreciate, support, and share them.