Activities at and around The Lodge at Pico Bonito:

The Tropical Butterfly Farm and Gardens
A fabulous working butterfly farm is located on the grounds of The Lodge at Pico Bonito. This farm consists of plant nurseries, a larva house, and a butterfly house and produces live and dried specimens for export to butterfly houses and collectors around the world. All guests of The Lodge at Pico Bonito receive a guided tour and learn about the natural history of these beautiful and delicate creatures. A special live butterfly house has been built specifically for our guests' enjoyment. A path exists along this enclosed area where you can walk amidst hundreds of adult butterflies and their host plants; or simply relax on a bench and enjoy the rainbow of winged colors that flutters around you. (Admission is free for the guests of The Lodge at Pico Bonito.)

Bird Watching and Star Gazing
Nestled within the rainforest on our property are special locations chosen for the pleasures of the serious bird watcher. A list of sited birds on our property has now exceeded 250 species. At night, some of these locations offer our guests opportunities for magnificent glimpses of the universe beyond. (Use is exclusive and free for the guests of The Lodge at Pico Bonito.)

Pico Bonito National Park - Hiking in the Rain Forest
Bordering The Lodge at Pico Bonito is the Pico Bonito National Park,Honduras' largest and most beautiful national park with over 100,000 hectares of virgin rainforest and cloudforest. Seven different ecosystems exist within its borders. The Park is home to over 275 species of birds as well as jaguars, tapirs, deer, puma, white-faced monkeys and spider monkeys. Hiking excursions into the forest with local naturalist guides are a must for the nature lover. Abundant mountain rivers and streams provide wonderful opportunities for a swim in deep crystal clear natural pools and under small waterfalls. Half-day hikes to multi-night treks can be arranged. The Lodge at Pico Bonito is actively involved in the protection of this natural wonder. Your
visit will support our conservation efforts. (Additional charges may apply.)

Amaras - Wild Bird and Animal Rehabilitation Center
Located only a couple kilometers from The Lodge at Pico Bonito is AMARAS, a center for the rehabilitation and release of wild birds and animals. AMARAS is located on a 150 acre private farm dedicated to for-profit environmental reforestation including plantations of tropical hardwoods such as mahogany, teak, rose wood and San Juan trees along with black pepper, passion fruit, citrus and palms to name a few. The network of roads bordered by African palm trees throughout the farm is ideal for
exploring on foot, horseback, or mountain bikes from The Lodge at Pico Bonito. A tour of AMARAS allows you to see scarlet macaws, native parrots,  toucans, and hawks up close while they are being rehabilitated for release. (Admission is free for the guests of The Lodge at Pico Bonito.)

The Cuero y Salado Wildlife and Manatee Refuge
Named for two rivers that feed this estuarine forest wildlife refuge, the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge is famous for its abundant wildlife and birding opportunities. Your trip into the refuge starts on a narrow gauge rail car that takes you to the river's edge. From here motorized skiffs and canoes are available for guided tours through the complex of estuaries and mangrove
forests where one can expect to see howler and white-faced monkeys, iguanas, alligators, dozens of species of birds, and -with a little luck- manatees. After the boat tour, wander down to the white sand beach where the rivers meet the sea for a swim and lunch washed down with fresh coconut milk. (Additional charges apply.)

Kayaking and Rafting the Cangrejal River
The Río Cangrejal is one of Central America's most accessible and beautiful rivers. Flowing from the depths of the cloudforests of the Pico Bonito National Park down to the Caribbean Ocean, the 20 mile river has become known as a world class whitewater destination in recent years. With rapids ranging in difficulty from class II to class V, the Cangrejal River offers something for everyone from the first time rafter to experienced kayak enthusiasts. Generally the river runs highest from September to February, but is runnable almost all year. Breaks in the white water action are taken for a brief excursion into the rainforest, lunch by the riverside, and the opportunity to swim and play on the large rocks by the river's edge. (Additional charges apply.)

Cayos Cochinos National Marine Park - Snorkeling and Swimming
The archipelago of the Cayos Cochinos is a small group of islands just nine miles from the Honduran mainland. Protected as a marine biological reserve since 1994 with the help of the Smithsonian Institute, the small sandy keys and beautiful coral reefs are a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, and sun bathing. (Additional charges apply.)

The Butterfly and Insect Museum
The Butterfly and Insect Museum located in the nearby city of La Ceiba has over 5,000 specimen of butterflies, moths, and other interesting tropical insects on display. Most of the insects were collected in Honduras, many within the Pico Bonito National Park, while exotic species from all over the world can also be seen here. The insects and other displays, with hands-on exhibits for children and adults, play an important educational role in the protection of Honduras' endangered wildlife and protected areas. (Admission is free for the guests of The Lodge at Pico Bonito.)

Jeanette Kawas National Park - Hiking among the Coastal Mangroves
This coastal mangrove national park is located just west of Tela and features a number of large lagoons and the prominent peninsula of Punta Sal. Long sandy beaches, the wildlife-rich Laguna de los Micos, over 270 species of birds, small coral reefs, and typical Garífuna villages make a visit to this natural treasure an unforgettable adventure. (Additional charges apply.)

Lancetilla Botanical Gardens and Biological Reserve
Just south of Tela this remarkable botanical collection was established in 1925 by the famous American explorer and tropical botanist, Wilson Popenoe. He was given the task of establishing an experimental garden where fruit trees and ornamentals from around the world could be cultivated and eventually brought to market by the United Fruit Company. Today Lancetilla boasts over 630 species of plants and has the world's largest collection of Asian fruits. With such diversity, there are always some forms of exotic tropical fruit ripe for tasting and you can always find orchids and flowers in bloom. Lancetilla is now part of Honduras' protected areas and has grown to include a forest preserve behind the gardens where trails lead to some of Honduras' best birding opportunities. (Additional charges apply.)