The Texiguat Wildlife Refuge is part of a chain of protected areas that provide a natural biological corridor along the Caribbean Coast of Honduras. It is also one of 8 national park areas in the department of Atlantida. The other areas are the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge and the Lancetilla Botanical Gardens. The following National Parks are also part of this corridor: Jeannette Kawas and Punta Izopo National Park in Tela. Pico Bonito and Nombre de Dios National Parks in La Ceiba. Finally the Cayos Cochinos Marine Monument is just off the coast of Sambo Creek in La Ceiba.
The Honduras Biological Corridor Includes Texiguat Wildlife Refuge!
The Honduran Biological Corridor extends beyond Atlantida. It includes the Cusuco National Park in Cortes. The Capiro and Calentura National Park and the Guaymoreto Wildlife Refuge in Colon are also part of the network. The Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve together with other protected areas in Gracias a Dios complete the corridor. This corridor connects with Guatemala to the West and with Nicaragua to the East. Together they form the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.
Texiguat is the least developed of all Protected Areas and National Parks in Atlantida. You will find it within the municipalities of Arizona and Esparta in central Atlantida. It is co managed by Prolansate, an environmental NGO that is in Tela. That also co-manage Jeannette Kawas (aka Punta Sal) and Punta Izopo National Parks.
The Best Spot to Enjoy Texiguat Wildlife Refuge is at Termas Jilamito
To my knowledge, the only “easy” access to this Wildlife Refuge is following the road that is parallel to the Lean River. About 18 after the turn off on CA13 highway, you will arrive at a small, but well put together facility. The name? Termas Jilamito, a nice tourism oriented complex. It includes natural hot springs, a few cabins to overnight a spacious restaurant and pool and finally, a zip line canopy tour.
There are some signs along the road that show the route you need to follow. From time to time, is might be a good idea to ask the locals if you are going in the right direction. It will take you a good 30 to 40 minutes to get to the location. If possible take a high vehicle, as a regular sedan might be a bit low for the dirt road. A four wheel drive vehicle is not necessary. Because of the remote location, it is a good idea to call ahead and let them know you are coming. This will allow them to be best prepared for you.
From Termas Jilamito you are only a couple of miles from Texiguat Wildlife Refuge. The local staff can help you arrange a visit to the refuge if you want to go there. Termas Jilamito is a great spot to relax in a pleasant natural setting. Birding is quite good, thanks to the proximity to Texiguat Wildlife Refuge. Visiting this site is an easy day trip from La Ceiba or Tela. If you are coming from elsewhere in Honduras, plan on spending the night in their facilities. Don’t forget that a soothing bath in natural hot springs relaxes your body and makes you sleepy. Not a good combination to travel anywhere far!
