La Moskitia

Introducing La Moskitia

The Moskitia, which spans most of eastern Honduras and across into Nicaragua, is the largest rainforest in Central America, indeed, the largest north of the Amazon Basin. It is a vast area of tropical rainforest, tortuous rivers and huge saltwater lagoons. It abounds with wildlife – monkeys, crocodiles and tapirs – and is also abundant with bird life, from toucans and macaws to egrets and herons. Manatees and jaguars are present too, though are very difficult to spot.

Five different ethnic groups – three indigenous, two of more recent extraction – have homes and communities in the Moskitia. Most live alongside the lagoons and rivers and live by fishing and small-time agriculture.

Travelers have long been drawn to the Moskitia’s pristine natural beauty, cultural uniqueness and off-the-beaten-path quality. Fortunately, getting here is now easier, with regular flights and a more predictable overland route. Travel here hasn’t changed much though – there are few roads, so you’ll be getting around by boat, by foot, and by air, if you’ve got the nerve.

Visiting the Moskitia is not cheap, whether you come with a tour or on your own. Gas is almost twice as expensive here as in the rest of Honduras – over US$5 per gallon at last check – and NGOs have worked hard to insure guides and boatmen are paid competitive wages.

All told, this is a true highlight in Honduras and one of the last frontiers in Central America, a region whose ecological riches have been severely trampled. Environmentalists say that La Moskitia offers one last chance to get it right. And gliding down the river in a dugout canoe, past mud houses backed by vine-heavy trees, you can’t help but hope they – we – do.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009