At 2,435 meters (7,989 ft), Pico Bonito is the mountain that dominates the La Ceiba skyline. Its national park protects tropical rainforest and cloud forest, waterfalls and a huge variety of birds, making it the best place to hike in real jungle without going far from town.

What to expect

Guided hikes follow trails in the lower part of the park and the Cangrejal valley, with stops at pools and waterfalls where you can swim. Guides help you spot toucans, motmots, hummingbirds and howler monkeys. Climbing to the summit is a different trip altogether: a multi-day expedition for very experienced hikers only.

Good to know

  • Length: half a day to a full day, depending on the trail.
  • Difficulty: moderate. Expect steep climbs, mud and humid heat; you need to be reasonably fit.
  • Best time: early morning, when it is cooler and the birds are most active.
  • What to bring: closed shoes with good grip, insect repellent, a light rain jacket, water and a swimsuit for the pools.

How to book

Book the hike online with Rafting La Ceiba.

Keep exploring

After the hike, cool off with a day of rafting the Cangrejal River. You can also see all the things to do in La Ceiba or find hotels and restaurants in the business directory.

Photo: Denis Fournier, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.