“Hiking is a bit like life: The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other… again and again and again. And if you allow yourself the opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit” -Unknown
I am absolutely fascinated and in love with hiking. The struggle and the joy of the journey is a fascinating trek with oneself and nature. Each time, you truly go searching4adventure. Living in Honduras has allowed me amble opportunities to put one foot in front of the other and enjoy the beauty along the way.
Honduras offers hiking terrains of many different kinds and varying difficulties. You can take a jungle hike through the rainforest, hike a mountain and swim under a spectacular waterfall, or take a more leisurely hike touring the simplicity of the culture. In my opinion, Here are the five best places to hike in Honduras coming from personal experience, word of mouth, and research (So I haven’t been to all of them, YET).
1.) Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve
The Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve is located in western Honduras and covers a large portion of the country. It is an extremely isolated area, and home to many endangered species. It is so isolated that it is extremely hard to get to. Most people in Honduras, have never been to the Reserve and few tourist if any frequent the area. Its remoteness truly makes it a world of its own, giving it the illusion that it is a place untouched by the outside world. This illusion really makes you feel like a true explorer and is why it is my number 1 place to hike in Honduras. Due to its isolation and vastness, it will take you at least between two to four days to do any hiking (no day hikes). The terrain and environment is tropical rain forests, so be prepared for it to rain on you. Rafting is also another activity offered in the region.
2.) Lago de Yojoa
If you like the great outdoors, the gorgeous region around Lago de Yojoa will keep you busy for days. Here the rolling, verdant landscape conceals rushing rivers, extraordinary waterfalls, spectacular caves, important archaeological sites and extremely rich vegetation, allows a perfect environment for hiking with differing difficulties. The area also contains Parque Nacional Montaña de Santa Bárbara, which contains the second highest peak in Honduras. This area has become an increasing tourist attraction, and now offers very delightful places to stay and guided adventures to go on. It is my favorite place I have been to in Honduras and its diversity is why it is my number 2 spot to hike in Honduras. Read more about my time here and the area at (Link).
3.) Montaña de Celaque National Park
This is where you will find Honduras’ highest peak (Cerro Las Minas). It is located in western Honduras and contains a beautiful cloud forest. The park is also home to many wildlife, and if you are lucky you will see a jaguar or a puma as they are known to live in the region. Its height and wildlife brings in this area as number 3 on my list. The park offers hikes of varying difficulties and lengths.
4.) Pico La Picucha in Olancho
I will admit, I am a little biased with this one as I’ve been living in the department of Olancho since I’ve been in Honduras but this area still has a lot to offer. Here you will find the second tallest peak in Honduras. It is not a very popular destination, so the area is relatively untouched and you can hike in the solitude of nature. The terrain is relatively difficult as paths are unmarked and some of the terrain is through a cloud forest. Through your hike, you will see tons of small and beautiful rivers with crystalline waters. Due to its difficulty, view at the top, and solitude it is my number 4 place to hike in Honduras.
5.) Cusuco National Park
Located in the northwest of Honduras, the area offers wonderful hiking opportunities with beautiful scenery. It is known to be a place of abundant wildlife, vegetation, waterfalls, and even some caves. Due to its diversity, it is my number 5 place to hike in Honduras. It is also located near the Copan Ruins(Link), which is a must see.
Honorable Mentions
A few other honorable mentions and great places to hike include Parque Nacional La Tigra, Parque Nacional Pico Bonito, Montaña de Celaque National Park, and Picacho. Picacho offers easy strolls with great views of Tegucigalpa and additional attractions (great for all ages).
Remarks
The best thing about hiking in Honduras is you don’t have to go to any of these places above to go on a great hike, there is hiking opportunities everywhere. With its terrain, you can almost hike anywhere in Honduras and have a great view. I love hiking around the surrounding countryside of my town (Juticalpa). When creating your own hike one thing you have to be careful of is whose property you are on. When trekking my own path, I have frequently gone under and over barbed wire fences and been on other people’s property. This probably isn’t the safest or smartest thing to do, but I have never had an issue.
When hiking in Honduras, be prepared for it to be hot and humid. Also always be ready just in case in rains, as it frequently does at a moment’s notice.
It is extremely easy to find a hill or a mountain with a great view to hike. Being from Texas where it is predominantly flat, finding these viewpoints and outlooks are priceless. These priceless experiences is why I love hiking in Honduras and I think you will too.
Like and Comment if you agree or think I missed something
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