Parque Nacional Pico Bonito

Introducing Parque Nacional Pico Bonito

One of Honduras’ best-known national parks, Pico Bonito national park has the country’s third-highest peak (Pico Bonito; 2436m) and an unexplored core area of 500 sq km. It was already the largest national park in Honduras when additional forest territory was included in July 1992. Its magnificent and varied terrain includes thick forests, rivers, waterfalls and abundant wildlife, including jaguars, armadillos, wild pigs, tepezcuintles (pacas), monkeys, doves, toucans and more.

Now for the bad news: the vast majority of the park is off-limits to intrusion of any kind, including hiking. Fortunately, trails to two waterfalls on the park’s perimeter make for great day hikes, and still offer a glimpse into this rugged and pristine area.

There are two entrances to the park, at El Pino and at Río Cangrejal. Almost every tour agency in La Ceiba offers Pico Bonito tours, mostly to the El Pino side, though others can be arranged. Entrance to Pico Bonito National Park is US$6 – be sure to ask if admission is included or separate from the tour price.

For additional information about the park, contact the Fundación Parque National Pico Bonito (Funapib; 442 0618; www.picobonito.org; Av 14 de Julio at 15a Calle, La Ceiba; 7:30am-5pm Mon-Fri, 8-11am Sat). And in case you’re wondering, climbing Pico Bonito itself requires technical climbing experience and takes several days and special permissions. Few groups have attempted it, even fewer have made it.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009