Travel Guide Parque Nacional Cerro Azul Meámbar

Declared a national park since 1987, the rain rainforest and the cloud forest extend on a protected surface of 312 km ², between 415 m and 2 080 m high (superb vegetation on heights, accessible only after a long hike of several days). It rains extensively (don't forget the appropriate equipment, hot and alternative clothing, good shoes, waterproof…). More than 170 bird species have been identified, attracting many observers from all over the world. The nearby El Cajon dam provides nearly 80% of the electric energy in Honduras.The aim is to involve neighbouring communities in environmental defence and sustainable tourism, according to the same pattern as the Lenca lenca (Cosoluca). The staff were very friendly and helpful. The staff were friendly and helpful. There is also electricity and hot water! A pleasant luxury after a day of walking. Count 100 Lps per person. Camp opportunity (land is under development) for 50 Lps per person. A restaurant can be eaten only by reservation and by five people. Three main trails have been set up (easy to follow). The most important is named "El Sinai": 8 km walk, counting 4 hours according to the brochure, realistic if you stop to enjoy nature. The other two are "Los Vencejos": 0,5 km, barely half an hour of discovery, ideal for children; and El Venado: 1,2 km, about one hour in dense vegetation (formerly a coffee plantation). The entrance to the park is located 7 km from the main road and the road Crossing La Guama. The track is connected by ordinary car, cautiously, and in dry season. There are three more entrances to the south on the road to Tegucigalpa, but it leads nowhere or almost (no infrastructure at least) and is accessible only in the field of the road. To visit the Los Pinos visitor centre, four options: contact a travel agency in San Pedro Sula or some hotels around the lake; use the services of La Afinsa restaurant (in minibus for one to ten people); meet the Señor Molina at the Pulpería La Guama in La Guama (practice, road crossing), which has a vehicle and can make the journey for a price to be defined; or choose the most "adventure" option: Take public transport from La Guama to Santa Elena (2,5 km climb, 10 Lps) and thence walk the last 5 kilometers to the park (instead of climbing) or find a guide and horse (realistic option).