A Day in the Rainforest of Pico Bonito

We all dream of visiting a rainforest, yet few are willing to rough it out. There are many reasons for this. Some dislike the idea of getting soaking wet in the rain forest. After all, that is why they call it the rain forest, because it often rains! Others have a phobia of running into snakes. These slithering creatures give many of us the creeps. Of course, we also think of them as evil beings, thanks to our Jewish – Christian heritage that taught us that Satan became a snake to trick Eve into eating the prohibited apple. Yet others have a phobia of insects, and believe me, there are many in the rainforest of Pico Bonito.

Spend the Night in the Rainforest of Pico Bonito

rainforest of Pico Bonito
Where does indoors end and outdoors begin?

What if I tell you that there is a way to enjoy a day in the rainforest of Pico Bonito without having to deal with the rain, snakes and even bugs? You see there is a beautiful area within Pico Bonito National Park. Residents call it the Cangrejal River Valley. It is just south of the city of La Ceiba, in the department of Atlantida. Here you can find a series of lodges and inns that offer much comfort. My favorite is La Villa de Soledad Bed and Breakfast. It is a large, colonial style house where the indoors blends seamlessly with the outdoors. This area is the Adventure and Nature hotspot in Honduras! [themify_hr border_width=”1″ width=”1″ color=”light-gray”]

Without doubt, this is one of the best places in Central America to enjoy a day in the rainforest. And there are few easily accessible national parks that offer the comfort and convenience that you find in Pico Bonito. Of course, one of the things you must expect in the rainforest of Pico Bonito is rain. This is what the rainforest is all about! As my dad used to say, it is so nice and relaxing to watch the rain without getting wet! At La Villa de Soledad you will find extensive porches that are under cover and are ideal to watch the rain. Here and you can relax in a hammock and watch the rain, do some casual birdwatching or simply listen to the sounds of nature.

Ahh, the Sounds of Rainforest of Pico Bonito

The Cangrejal River Valley in La Ceiba
An Aerial View of the Cangrejal River Valley Valley. Photo by Luis Aguero

The most dominant sound at La Villa de Soledad is from the running water in the nearby Cangrejal River. This river offers magnificent natural pools to swim in as well as awesome rapids for white water rafting. While you raft, you will be impressed by the dense jungles that line the river banks on both sides. A network of trails into the rainforest of Pico Bonito is close by, allowing you a hike to the lovely El Bejuco Waterfall. Access to the trails is through a swing bridge that will evoke memories of Indiana Jones crossing a similar bridge across a deep canyon![themify_hr border_width=”1″ width=”1″ color=”light-gray”]

Best of all, are the cool nights in comfortable, orthopedic beds. Listen to the sounds of the jungle at night. Wake up to the sounds of tropical birds singing and chirping as dawn heralds the birth of a new day. To begin the day, a cup of some of Honduras`s best coffee! It will get you in the right attitude for a new day in the tropical rainforest of Pico Bonito.

best view in Utila
The Nombre de Dios mountains create the perfect skyline from Utila. Combine a visit to the Caribbean with the tropical rainforests of Pico Bonito!

When you visit the Bay Islands of Honduras, you are so close to Pico Bonito National Park. Missing out on the experience of spending a day in the rainforest of Pico Bonito is truly a mistake. I can think of fewer travel combinations that go together as well as Caribbean Islands and Tropical Rainforest in Central America. When you plan your trip to Roatan, Utila or Guanaja, make sure you leave a couple of days to visit the Honduras mainland. You will fall in love with the rainforest of Pico Bonito! You will be glad you heeded my advice! Enjoy the rainforest of Pico Bonito![themify_hr border_width=”1″ width=”1″ color=”light-gray”]