Honduras Eco Lodges | a hidden gem for nature lovers and eco-travelers
On this page about Honduras Eco Lodges you will find lots of valuable information you will need while preparing your eco holiday to Honduras. It is one of the most biodiverse countries in Central America and a paradise for nature lovers. From pristine, vast rainforests and misty peaks to colorful coral reefs and mangrove forests, the country offers a variety of sustainable travel experiences. Honduras offers a unique opportunity to see jaguars, tapirs and whale sharks in the wild. Enjoy Caribbean islands and tropical beaches without mass tourism. Are you ready to plan a sustainable trip to Honduras?
Flora and Fauna in Honduras
Flora – What Grows Here?
*Ceiba Tree – National tree of Honduras, sacred in Mayan culture.
*Orchids – Over 600 species, including the black orchid.
*Mangroves – Protect the coast and provide shelter for animals.
*Medicinal Plants – Native to the Miskito and Garífuna peoples.
Fauna – What Animals Will You Encounter?
*Mammals: More than 250 species of mammals Jaguars, pumas, tapirs, howler monkeys. *Birds: More than 700 species of birds Toucans, quetzals, macaws, eagles.
*Reptiles & Amphibians: Sea turtles, iguanas, coral snakes.
*Marine life: Whale sharks, rays, reef sharks, tropical fish.
Honduras is one of the few countries where you can still see jaguars and quetzals in the wild!
Best Eco-Tourism Destinations in Honduras
Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – “The Amazon of Central America”
This is the largest and most pristine rainforest in Central America and home to indigenous Miskito and Pech peoples.
Activities & Wildlife
*Perfect for wildlife spotting, canoeing, and jungle trekking.
*Go with local guides to explore the jungle.
*Respect indigenous cultures and their habitats.
*Guided eco-tours with indigenous Miskito and Pech communities.
*Home to jaguars, tapirs, macaws, and hundreds of bird species.
Honduras Eco lodges :
Pico Bonito National Park – Cloud Forest Adventure
Located near La Ceiba, this national park has the richest diversity in the whole country. It has rainforests, mountains, rivers, cloud forests and waterfalls.
Activities & Wildlife
*Trekking to the spectacular Zacate Waterfall.
*Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Cangrejal River. Rivers like the Cangrejal offer great rafting and kayaking opportunities. Book a night walk with a naturalist guide for a unique experience.
*Perfect for bird watching (such as toucans and quetzals), hiking and waterfall tours.
*Perfect for bird watching: toucans, quetzals and eagles.
Honduras Eco lodges : Pico Bonito
Bay Islands (Roatan, Utila, Guanaja) – Sustainable Diving and Snorkeling
The Bay Islands are located on the third largest coral reef in the world (Mesoamerican Reef). Enjoy pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, ideal for diving and snorkeling.
Activities & Wildlife
*Prime location for diving with whale sharks and sea turtles.
*Eco-friendly resorts and dive schools with a focus on sustainable tourism.
*Help with reef cleanup programs or sea turtle conservation projects.
*Dive with whale sharks at Utila.
*Eco-resorts and volunteer opportunities for reef conservation.
Honduras Eco lodges : Utila Lodge
La Tigra National Park – Honduras’ Oldest National Park
Beautiful misty cloud forests with hiking trails. Only 30 km from the capital Tegucigalpa. Protects an important water source for the city.
Activities & Wildlife
Ideal place to spot quetzals, toucans, and monkeys.
Visit the park with a local nature guide.
Honduras Eco lodges :
Lake Yojoa & Cerro Azul Meámbar National Park.
The largest lake in Honduras with spectacular birdlife.
Activities & Wildlife
Hiking through the cloud forest of Cerro Azul and exploring caves.
Coffee farm tours with sustainable agricultural practices.
Honduras Eco lodges :
Jeannette Kawas National Park (Punta Sal).
In this National Park you will find a mix of beaches, mangroves and rainforests.
Activities & Wildlife
Boat rides through mangroves and snorkeling on the Caribbean coast.
Spot howler monkeys, sloths, manatees and various bird species.
Honduras Eco lodges :
Cayos Cochinos – Pristine Tropical Islands
Small, remote archipelago with pristine beaches. A protected marine reserve with 13 small islands.
Activities & Wildlife
Chance to see the pink boa, a rare snake that only lives here.
Perfect for snorkeling, diving, kayaking and tranquility in nature.
Visit the Garífuna communities and learn about their sustainable way of life.
Honduras Eco lodges :
Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge – Spotting Mangroves and Manatees
Quiet, unspoiled nature near La Ceiba. This wildlife refuge is an important breeding ground for migratory birds.
Activities & Wildlife
Explore the mangroves by canoe or eco-boat tour.
Book a tour with the Cuero y Salado Foundation https://fundacioncueroysalado.org/, which protects manatees.
Choose electric boat tours to avoid disturbing nature.
Avoid buying souvenirs made of coral or shells.
Protected wetlands full of manatees, crocodiles, herons and monkeys.
Honduras Eco lodges :
Celaque National Park – The Roof of Honduras
This National Park is home to the highest mountain in Honduras, Cerro Las Minas (2,849m). Located in Lempira, a rich region with traditional villages.
Activities & Wildlife
Adventurous trekking routes through dense jungle. Follow official hiking trails to prevent erosion and damage to the local flora and fauna.
Cloud forests with jaguars, pumas and tapirs.
Honduras Eco lodges :
Suggested Eco-Travel Itinerary (2 Weeks in Honduras)
Here is a sustainable 2-week travel itinerary in Honduras focusing on ecotourism, nature and wildlife:
Day 1-2: Tegucigalpa
– Visit La Tigra National Park, a cloud forest with hiking trails and rich biodiversity.
– Explore the city and visit sustainable markets and local restaurants featuring organic produce.
Day 3-5: Lago de Yojoa
– Stay at a lakeside eco-lodge.
– Go bird watching (more than 400 species!).
– Visit the Pulhapanzak waterfall and take a sustainable coffee tour at a local farm.
– Explore the Parque Eco-Arqueológico Los Naranjos nature reserve.
Day 6-7: Pico Bonito National Park.
– Spend the night in an eco-lodge in the middle of the rainforest.
– Go hiking and spot wildlife such as jaguars, tapirs and toucans.
– Take a sustainable rafting trip on the Cangrejal River.
Day 8-9: Cayos Cochinos
– Take a boat to this protected archipelago.
– Snorkel or dive in a marine reserve with coral reefs.
– Visit a Garífuna community and learn about their sustainable lifestyle.
Day 10-11: Utila or Roatán (Bay Islands)
– Choose Utila if you are looking for a less commercial, sustainable diving experience.
– Choose Roatán if you’re looking for a mix of ecotourism and relaxation.
– Take an eco-friendly diving course or go swimming with whale sharks (in season). The season is March–April and October–December, and in small groups from June–September.
Day 12-13: Copán Ruins
– Explore the ancient Mayan city of Copán and learn about sustainable restoration projects.
– Visit Macaw Mountain Bird Park, a sanctuary for parrots and toucans.
– Take an eco-friendly coffee and cocoa tour in the hills surrounding Copán.
Day 14: Return to Tegucigalpa or San Pedro Sula
– Enjoy a relaxing last day in a sustainable lodge or on an organic farm.
– Visit a local artisan market for souvenirs.
Ecological Threats in Honduras
Deforestation and Illegal Farming
Honduras has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. Illegal logging and the expansion of palm oil plantations threaten rainforests. Cattle ranching and coffee plantations destroy natural habitats
Mining and Water Pollutio
Illegal gold and silver mines pollute rivers with mercury and cyanide. Mining projects threaten the Mosquitia region and Río Plátano.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
Hurricanes, droughts and rising sea levels are destroying fragile ecosystems. Coral reefs are bleaching due to warming waters and pollution.
Overfishing and Plastic Pollution.
Illegal fishing is threatening sharks, turtles and reef fish. Plastic pollution is harming sea turtles and marine biodiversity.
Illegal Hunting and Wildlife Trade.
Jaguars and toucans are being illegally caught or killed. Turtle eggs are being poached and sold.
Honduras government policy on ecotourism
Honduras is an emerging eco-tourism destination with a focus on conservation. The government of Honduras is committed to promoting eco-tourism. More than 40% of the country is covered by forests and they are planning to protect and make the largest National Park system in Central America.
In May 2024, the National Defense and Security Council declared an “environmental emergency” for Honduras’ forests, with the goal of stopping deforestation and defending protected areas. Measures include strengthening environmental protection units and dismantling illegal activities in protected areas.
Honduras has not yet signed the Escazú Accord, which is supposed to protect environmentalists, despite recommendations from international organizations.
Conservation projects in Honduras
Despite the challenges, there are several initiatives and projects aimed at nature conservation like reforestation and protection of coral reefs, turtle sanctuaries and wildlife reserves. Below projects and initiatives demonstrate the commitment of both the government and local and international organizations to protect Honduras’ natural resources and promote sustainable management.
*Modernization of the Forestry Sector (MOSEF): This six-year, EU-funded project supports the Honduran government in promoting good governance in the forestry sector and addressing socioeconomic problems stemming from years of mismanagement.
*Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA): A nonprofit organization founded in 1991, focused on protecting the fragile natural resources of the Bay Islands. Among other things, BICA manages the Sandy Bay-West End Marine Reserve and conducts environmental education and awareness projects.
*La Ruta Moskitia Ecotourism Alliance: A collaboration of six ecotourism companies managed by local indigenous communities in the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve. The goal is to channel the financial benefits of sustainable tourism directly to these communities, reducing overexploitation of natural resources.
*Pico Bonito National Park: Located in northern Honduras, this park covers an area of 217.87 miles and ranges in elevation from 60 to 2,480 meters. The park is managed by the Pico Bonito National Park Foundation (FUPNAPIB), which is dedicated to forest protection, sustainable resource management and environmental education.
As a tourist you can support local projects and travel sustainably!
How to Travel Sustainably in Honduras
* Visit with an official ecotourism organization.
*Choose eco-lodges and sustainable accommodations.
*Respect the Garífuna culture and their habitat.
*Do not leave any waste on the islands.
*Avoid plastic and bring a reusable water bottle.
*Respect nature: do not leave any waste, do not disturb animals.
*Book tours with local guides and conservation organizations.
*Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the reefs.