Adventure - Nature - Culture – Wellness

Honduras has more accessible and beautiful reefs than Belize or the Yucatan, more extensive rain forests and cloud forests than Costa Rica, Mayan ruins comparable to those of Guatemala, better beaches than Nicaragua, a more peaceful political climate than El Salvador, safer cities than those of Panama, and the greatest undeveloped wilderness area in all of Central America. Written by James Gollin and Ron Mader.

 

  • (Free of Charge for Lodge Guests) The working butterfly farm located on the Lodge's property breeds numerous species of colorful tropical butterflies for export to collectors and butterfly houses around the world. Your tour will take you through the nurseries, larva house, and adult enclosure for a complete understanding of the ecology and breeding of these colorful creatures. You will surely want to spend extra time in the large enclosure, the "Butterfly House", where the adult butterflies will paint a virtual rainbow of colors around you as you take in their beauty. The Serpentarium, located a few minutes from the Butterfly Farm, is a great place to see and learn about Honduras' diverse snake fauna. Here you will be able to safely see some of Honduras' most beautiful and most dangerous snakes. The facility was opened with a focus on educating both locals and foreigners about the myths and truths of these feared and frequently misunderstood creatures.
  • (Use of Observation Towers is Free of Charge for Lodge Guests) Nestled within the rainforest on our property are observation towers and platforms specially located for the pleasures of the serious bird watcher. A list of sited birds on our property and our immediate surroundings has now exceeded 325 species. One of our most popular activities for the avid birdwatcher and first time birder alike is the "Early Bird Walk". On this trip the emphasis is on birding and not hiking. The early morning guided walk is a great opportunity to see and learn about the many colorful and interesting avian species of the area. At night, some of our observation towers offer our guests opportunities for magnificent glimpses of the universe beyond. (Additional charges apply for the guided Early Bird Walk.)
  • Bordering The Lodge at Pico Bonito is the Pico Bonito National Park, Honduras' largest and most beautiful national park with over 100,000 hectares of virgin rainforest and cloud forest. Seven different ecosystems exist within its borders. The Park is home to over 325 species of birds as well as jaguars, tapirs, deer, puma, white-faced and spider monkeys. Hiking excursions into the forest with local naturalist guides are a must for the nature lover. Abundant mountain rivers and streams provide wonderful opportunities for a swim in deep crystal clear natural pools and under small waterfalls. It is possible to visit virgin rainforest and crystal clear swimming holes with as little as 15 minutes of walking while the Lodge also offers several half-day hiking options deeper into the national park. The Lodge at Pico Bonito is actively involved in the protection of this natural wonder.(Additional charges apply for guided hikes.)
  • The La Ceiba-based Adelante Foundation is doing its part to eliminate poverty by providing "micro-credit" loans to extremely poor women in rural Honduras who never before had access to money. The women use the money to start their own businesses. Eventually as the women's businesses grow, their loans increase. Over time many can work they way out of poverty. The Lodge has developed a unique and educational excursion where you travel into the backcountry of Honduras, rarely seen by tourists, with an English speaking Adelante staff person. The women's courage and warmth are inspirational and you will come away optimistic that poverty can be overcome. (Advance reservations are required and additional charges apply. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Adelante Foundation which is a U.S. registered non-profit foundation.)
  • A short 20 minute drive takes you to the small seaside community of Bonitillo where you will meet "El Chino", the famous local "Horse Whisperer" and Sylvia, your guide for this adventure. El Chino is a well-known horse trainer, and the horses that are available here are a real pleasure to ride, for beginners and experts alike. After leaving the village and heading west for a couple of kilometers and crossing two small rivers, you will come to the coastal town of El Porvenir which provides an opportunity to stretch the legs and have a soda or beer at a local beach-front cantina. For those looking for more adventure, a longer ride can be arranged, taking you from the beach to the mountains and ending back at the Lodge. (Additional charges apply.)
  • Named for two rivers that feed this estuarine mongrove forest wildlife refuge, the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge is famous for its abundant wildlife and birding opportunities. Your trip into the refuge starts on a narrow gauge rail car that takes you to the river's edge. From here motorized skiffs and canoes are available for guided tours through the complex of estuaries and mangrove forests where one can expect to see howler and white-faced monkeys, iguanas, alligators, dozens of species of birds, and -with a little luck- manatees. After the boat tour, wander down to the white sand beach where the rivers meet the sea for a swim and a fresh fruit snack. (Additional charges apply.)
  • The Río Cangrejal is one of Central America's most accessible and beautiful rivers. Flowing from the depths of the cloudforests of the Pico Bonito National Park down to the Caribbean Ocean, the 20 mile river has become known as a world class whitewater destination in recent years. With rapids ranging in difficulty from class II to class V, the Cangrejal River offers something for everyone from the first time rafter to experienced kayak enthusiasts. Generally the river runs highest from September to February, but is runnable almost all year. Breaks in the white water action are taken for a brief excursion into the rainforest, lunch by the riverside, and the opportunity to swim and play on the large rocks by the river's edge. (Additional charges apply.)
  • The Butterfly and Insect Museum located in the nearby city of La Ceiba has over 5,000 specimen of butterflies, moths, and other interesting tropical insects on display. Most of the insects were collected in Honduras, many within the Pico Bonito National Park, while exotic species from all over the world can also be seen here. The insects and other displays, with hands-on exhibits for children and adults, play an important educational role in the protection of Honduras' endangered wildlife and protected areas. A trip to the museum is a great addition to an afternoon and/or evening in the city of La Ceiba to explore this old banana town and its restaurants and nightlife. The Lodge is happy to arrange for transfers to and from La Ceiba upon request. (Additional charges apply for transportation to and from La Ceiba and for museum admission.)
  • Just south of Tela this remarkable botanical collection was established in 1925 by the famous American explorer and tropical botanist, Wilson Popenoe. He was given the task of establishing an experimental garden where fruit trees and ornamentals from around the world could be cultivated and eventually brought to market by the United Fruit Company. Today Lancetilla boasts over 630 species of plants and has the world's largest collection of Asian fruits. With such diversity, there are always some forms of exotic tropical fruit ripe for tasting and you can always find orchids and flowers in bloom. Lancetilla is now part of Honduras' protected areas and has grown to include a forest preserve behind the gardens where trails lead to some of Honduras' best birding opportunities. The guided trip to the botanical gardens includes a stop in the small banana port town of Tela for a seafood lunch on the beach. The trip to Lancetilla and the Tela can also be complemented by a visit to the local Garifuna village in the area. (Additional charges apply.)
  • The extensive Mayan Ruins of Copán are stunningly beautiful and wonderfully preserved. These ruins have gained international attention recently with discoveries of hidden tombs and buildings buried by the Mayans themselves. Recently opened tunnels let you go under the impressive ruins to see new discoveries, uncovering many mysteries of these ancient people. Copán has always been known among Mayan archeologists as one of the most important ruins of the region due to the exquisite detail of its carved Stella and extremely well-preserved temples. Numerous smaller archeological sites provide further opportunities for exploration by foot or horseback. Nearby natural hot springs and the impressive new Copán Sculpture Museum, said to be the best of its kind in Central America, round out any visit to western Honduras. (Overnight stay in Copan required. Additional charges apply.)
  • Honduras' Bay Islands, long known as one of the premier snorkeling locations of the world, are just a 20 minute flight from the La Ceiba International Airport or a 90 minute ferry ride. The islands offer unparalleled coral reefs and white sand beaches and are the perfect complement to a stay in the rainforest. The Lodge offers three great options for day-trips snorkeling on the reefs of the Bay Islands. One trip flies you to West End, the primary tourism area of the island of Roatan, where you can explore the small beach side community of restaurants, hotels and dive shops before and after a boat trip to the reef for snorkeling. Another trip, also to Roatan, takes you to he secluded north shore, where you are likely to have the beach and reef all to yourself. The third trip takes you by boat from La Ceiba to the uncharted and pristine reefs of the Cayos Cachinos, a group of smaller islands that are part of the Bay Islands. (Additional charges apply.)