Pico Bonito National Park is located on the Caribbean Coast of Honduras. It is the second largest National Park in the country. It is also the most rugged national park in Central America. The Park offers a variety of habitats, ranging from tropical rain forest to tropical cloud forest to tropical very dry forest. The park is within the Nombre de Dios Mountain Range, which boasts a maximum altitude of almost 8000 feet above sea level.
There is no doubt that the most interesting part of Pico Bonito National Park faces north, to the Caribbean Sea. On a clear day, you can easily see the peak of Pico Bonito from the Bay Islands of Utila and Roatan. The steep, rugged slopes within Pico Bonito National Park offer a unique natural protection. There are few roads that lead up towards the mountains, and these are all dirt roads. Driving up these roads is challenging for the driver and a test to any vehicle. The lush vegetation in the mountains is green year round.
Here the tropical rain forest boasts many species of broad leaf trees, such as the famous Honduran Mahogany. The tropical jungle is home to many different species of wildlife. The two largest native species of mammals to Central America can be found here: The majestic Jaguar and the Tapir. Many smaller mammals also call Pico Bonito National Park their home. Reptiles are even more abundant, and without doubt, the king of reptiles in Pico Bonito is the dangerous Fer De Lance, an extremely poisonous snake.
This is a birders paradise. There are hundreds of different bird species that call Pico Bonito their home. From the colorful keel billed toucan in the lowlands, to the magnificent Quetzal in the highlands, birders will be amazed at the sightings they will make. Over 15 species of birds have been documented in one tree at the same time in the Cangrejal River Valley.
The backside of the Pico Bonito faces the Aguan River Valley. Here the forest is completely different. Pine forests take the place of the broad leaf forest on the Caribbean. Here you will find the only endemic bird of Central America: the Honduran Emerald Hummingbird.
Pico Bonito National Park is not a lonely island of well preserved tropical rainforests. It is part of a Biological Corridor that extends throughout the north coast of Honduras. To the North it connects with the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge. The Perla, San Juan and Cuero Rivers feed off the Nombre de Dios Mountains into Cuero y Salado. To the East, the Cangrejal River Valley is a natural boundary with the Nombre de Dios National Park.
Crystal clear creeks rush down the mountains, hurrying to the Caribbean Sea. On the way, they form beautiful waterfalls, many are hidden within the dense tropical jungles.
Pico Bonito National Park is close to the city of La Ceiba. This means that it is accessible from the Bay Islands of Honduras. There are two daily ferry departures between Roatan and Utila to La Ceiba. Honduras offers the possibility to enjoy the Caribbean reefs and marine wonder-world and the tropical rainforest at once.
Pico Bonito National Park is the best known national park in Honduras. It also offers great lodging facilities. La Villa de Soledad is one of the top Pico Bonito Hotels. Come and enjoy your visit to Pico Bonito National Park. Experience hospitality, charm and comfort at a truly affordable price!
