Paradise in Honduras!
This week, three persons from different countries told me that I lived in Paradise. Yes you heard right: not one, not two but three different persons! That leads me to one conclusion: Paradise in Honduras does exist, and I happen to be fortunate enough to live in it!
The concept of paradise is usually quite elusive. We all have an idea in our head of what Paradise should be like. Yet, when we move to what we have determined is Paradise, we find it really is not Paradise at all! The old saying that “the grass is greener on the other side of the fence” is very true. It also applies to Paradise. Yet I must admit, that I believe I have found Paradise in Honduras! This is why it is always great to be back home when I travel!
The Cangrejal River Valley: Paradise in Honduras!
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to explore Honduras. I think that I know it better than most Hondurans! Throughout my travels in this lovely land, I discovered a unique area that fancied me. I am referring to the Cangrejal River Valley just outside of La Ceiba, Atlantida. For those of you who have never been to this part of Honduras, I will explain. La Ceiba is a coastal city on the Caribbean Coast of Honduras with a population of about 300,000 souls. It is the gateway to the Bay Islands of Honduras. This is the largest and most diverse archipelago in Central America. La Ceiba has a total of 4 national parks or protected areas within its realms.[themify_hr border_width=”1″ width=”1″ color=”light-gray”]
By far, the most famous of these is Pico Bonito National Park. It is here where I believe I have found Paradise in Honduras! The Cangrejal River is eastern limit of Pico Bonito National Park. This river separates two national Parks: Pico Bonito and Nombre de Dios. The river snakes between massive mountains that tower up to 8000 feet above sea level. Its crystal-clear waters tumble hurriedly towards the Caribbean Sea, towards the North. Huge house size boulders in the middle of the river create some of the best white water in Central America.[themify_hr border_width=”1″ width=”1″ color=”light-gray”]
The area feels remote and removed from civilization. Yet it is only 10 km from the City of La Ceiba. Access is via an all-weather dirt road that is kept in decent condition. Driving time between Paradise in Honduras and the city of La Ceiba is only 20 minutes. This means that despite the remote feeling, you can run into town and shop at the local Walmart. Many first time visitors go to the Bay Islands believing that they are home to Paradise in Honduras. If only they would have read this post, they may have considered checking the Cangrejal River Valley out!
Paradise in Honduras is Safe and Offers many Activities!
Many wonder if this area is safe. Paradise in Honduras without safety would not be Paradise! Indeed the area is very safe, to the point where after having lived here for 10 years, we have never been broken into! Our biggest issue is that the neighborhood dogs try to sneak in to steal our dogs food!
Paradise needs to me entertaining and provide a variety of activities. If you are in the Garden of Eden and there is nothing to do there, you will get bored and want to leave. The Cangrejal River Valley offers many different activities to entertain you. For one, the area is one of the most prolific hot spots for bird watching in Central America! Best of all, you do not even need to leave the comfort of an inviting hammock to spot many different species of birds! Toucans are so common, that some of us refer to the area as “Toucan Alley”![themify_hr border_width=”1″ width=”1″ color=”light-gray”]
Different trails lead you into the tropical rainforests of Pico Bonito National Park. Many provide access to magnificent waterfalls, such as El Bejuco Falls, where water plummets 200 feet down a cliff, towards the Cangrejal River. Local tour operators offer adventure activities, such as white-water rafting and rappelling. Perhaps one of the most entertaining is swimming in the river and hiking through the huge boulders.[themify_hr border_width=”1″ width=”1″ color=”light-gray”]
If you are in search of Paradise in Honduras, visit the Cangrejal River Valley. There are many different lodges and inns where you can stay. I call one of them home! I invite you to visit La Villa de Soledad and discover the stunning beauty of the area. You will not want to leave Paradise in Honduras once you find it!
