Top Ten Central America Classic Adventures

Pico Bonito translates to "beautiful peak", but the view of this highest mountain top in the rugged Nombre de Dios range is just one reason you can't miss this national park. Besides the great hiking you'd expect, you'll find exceptional birding, and the Rio Cangrejal makes for thrill-filled white-water rafting. Wildlife includes ubiquitous howler monkeys, not to mention jaguars, pumas, and almost 300 species of birds. Climbing that beautiful peak may be tempting, but it's also daunting: it'll take expedition-level energies and a number of days to complete the task. Less rambunctious travelers will find that half-day hikes are satisfying. To wind down, check out the Lodge at Pico Bonito, Honduras's most luxurious eco lodge, located in the buffer zone of the national park. And for some coastal relaxation, hit the oasis of La Ceiba, just 15 kilometers away.