Overnight at the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge Facilities

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Overnight at the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge
The president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernandez Alvarado

After a recent upgrade to the visitor center, you can now stay overnight at the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge! Travelers visiting the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge in Atlantida will find that facilities have been upgraded. President Juan Orlando Hernandez made a visit to the refuge yesterday to inaugurate the facilities. Perhaps the most outstanding upgrade is the town of Salado Barro is not part of the national electrical grid. This means that there is 24-hour power service. This service allows for improved service to visitors. For one, there is permanent Wi-Fi service at the visitor’s center![themify_hr border_width=”1″ width=”1″ color=”light-gray”]

The facility has a multi-function meeting room that is great for educational purposes. It also doubles up as a meeting room for community members. This meeting room now has air conditioning which will make meetings there much more productive.

overnight at the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge
A new observation deck provides a vantage point to observe birds.

The upgrade includes a small deck next to the Cuero River where you can take advantage to observe birds. The refuge offers the opportunity to sight over 300 species of birds. I believe that the most exciting upgrade for visitors is the hostel facility. The fact that it now has 24-hour power means that you can count on a ceiling fan to keep you cool throughout the night![themify_hr border_width=”1″ width=”1″ color=”light-gray”]

The Hostel at Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge

The hostel facility has a total of 7 rooms. Most of them have bunk beds and can accommodate from 2 to 6 persons in a room. The fact that electricity is now available, means that locals can provide better facilities, including food and drink to guests staying overnight in the refuge.

overnight at the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge
The renovated hostel facility at Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge

In my humble opinion, the best time to observe wildlife in Cuero y Salado is just after dawn and just before dusk. This is the prime time to observe the elusive manatee which feeds primarily at this time. Access to Cuero y Salado is only possible via the funky train from La Union. The first departure is at 7:00 am. This means that you will not be at the refuge before 7:30. This means that your chances of seeing wildlife are diminished. Staying at the hostel facility allows you to be on the creeks and rivers at dawn.[themify_hr border_width=”1″ width=”1″ color=”light-gray”]

How to Book your Overnight Stay at Cuero y Salado

 

overnight at the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge
Bunk beds at the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge Hostel

If you are interested in staying at the Cuero y Salado hostel, contact FUCSA the foundation that co manages the park. You can find them at 504 2440 0191. It is best if you speak Spanish, as there is not always who is English speaking at the office. The cost per person per night is $15 US or the equivalent in lempiras, the local currency. Please note that the FUCSA office is open only on weekdays between 8am and 4 pm. Another option is to contact David, who works for the Refuge and lives in Salado Barra. His phone is 504 9804 6465. Please note that phone reception at Salado Barra is not good. Your chances of finding him are best by using WhatsApp messenger, you can usually find his via Wi-Fi.[themify_hr border_width=”1″ width=”1″ color=”light-gray”]

David is also a great source of local info and can help you arrange for food within the Refuge during your stay there. Keep in mind that options at the village are not many, but you will have a chance to eat fresh fish! David lives in Salado Barra. This means that he is usually on premises. If you arrive un announced, look for him, he will go out of his way to help you out! I hope you enjoy your visit and stay at Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge!