A Paradise for Birders
Honduras is home to some of the most extraordinary birding destinations in Central America, making it a must-visit country for birdwatching enthusiasts. With its diverse ecosystems ranging from lush rainforests to highland cloud forests, Honduras offers incredible opportunities to spot rare and exotic bird species.
Explore the Best Birding Sites in Honduras
Honduran Emerald Hummingbird Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife refuge protects the endangered Honduran Emerald Hummingbird, endemic to the country. Located in the arid regions of northeastern Honduras, it's the best place to spot this unique and rare bird, along with other desert-adapted species.
Pico Bonito Lodge
Located near La Ceiba, this eco-lodge is renowned for its proximity to the Pico Bonito National Park, offering access to over 400 species of birds, including the coveted Lovely Cotinga, Great Potoo and Keel-billed Motmot. The surrounding rainforest is rich in biodiversity and ideal for birders of all levels.
Los Naranjos Archaeological Park
Located at the edge of Lake Yojoa, this park blends birdwatching with the discovery of ancient Lenca archaeological ruins. It's a prime location for spotting waterfowl, wading birds, and forest species, including the Crimson-collared Tanager, White-winged Becard and Nothern-Barred Woodcreeper.
Lancetilla Botanical Garden
One of the largest botanical gardens in the world, Lancetilla, near Tela, is a birdwatcher’s dream. It hosts hundreds of bird species, including the Rufous-breasted Spinetail, White-collared Manakin and Rufous-tailed Jacamar, set amidst a lush backdrop of tropical flora.
La Tigra National Park
Just outside Tegucigalpa, La Tigra is one of the oldest national parks in Honduras, with cloud forests home to over 200 bird species. Here, birders can spot species such as the Resplendent Quetzal, Fulvous Owl, Crested Guan and Slate-colored Solitaire while enjoying stunning mountain views.
PANACAM Lodge
Situated near Lake Yojoa, PANACAM offers a unique combination of cloud forest and tropical rainforest, providing a habitat for species like the Keel-billed Motmot, Mayan Antthrush and White Hawk. The park’s trails and observation towers offer stunning views and excellent birding opportunities.
Celaque National Park
Known for hosting Honduras' highest peak, Celaque is a pristine cloud forest habitat for species like the Sparkling-tailed Hummingbird, Brown-backed Solitarie and Flame-colored Tanager. The park’s high elevation and dense canopy provide a serene environment for birdwatching.
Is situated in western Honduras near the town of Gracias. Also known for its biodiversity, particularly bird species, the park encompasses a unique cloud forest ecosystem and is home to the country's tallest mountain, Cerro Las Minas.
Opatoro - Guajiquiro, La Paz
Opatoro and Guajiquiro offer a pristine and less-touristed birdwatching experience, where visitors can enjoy the rich avian biodiversity of Honduras' cloud forests, making it an ideal destination for avid birders.
The high elevations in Opatoro and Guajiquiro (ranging from 1,800 to over 2,200 meters above sea level) make them ideal for observing highland species not commonly seen in lower areas of Honduras. These highland areas are part of the Montecillos Biological Reserve, which is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning cloud forests.