Parque Nacional Cusuco

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  • Transport
    bus: to Cofradía; then pick-up to village of Buenos Aires; finally, 1hr walk or 20min drive to visitors center

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Lonely Planet review

Parque Nacional Cusuco is a cloud forest nestled in the impressive Merendón mountain range. The park has abundant wildlife, including parrots, toucans and a large population of quetzals, best spotted from April to June. Its highest peak is Cerro Jilinco (2242m). The park's visitors center is the starting point for five different hiking trails. Two trails - Quetzal and Las Minas - pass waterfalls and swimming holes. Guides can be hired at the visitors center.

Access to the park is very difficult. From San Pedro Sula, take an early bus west to Cofradía (45 minutes, every 10 minutes) in time to catch a pickup at the Parque Central for the rough ride to the village of Buenos Aires (1½ hours, morning only). From there you'll have to hire a car, hitch a ride or walk to the visitors center - it's 20 minutes by car, an hour on foot.

You can camp at the visitors center, though there are no services there. Otherwise, Fundación Ecologista HR Pastor manages a very simple cabaña in Buenos Aires. The cabin has two private rooms with cold-water bathrooms, and a small common kitchen. There's no electricity so bring candles. You may reserve by phone but must pay in person at the Fundación office in San Pedro Sula.

Cusuco is beautiful, but the cost is somewhat over-the-top. Combine that with the difficulty in getting here and it's no wonder that few foreigners visit.

Merendón Adventures offers one- and two-day guided excursions in Parque Nacional Cusuco.