Lakes seem to add a layer of adventure to some Central American nations.
Guatemala has Lake Atitlan.
Nicaragua has Cocibolca (Lake Nicaragua).
Costa Rica has Lake Arenal.
Honduras has …
What notable lake is located Honduras?
The largest natural lake in Honduras is called Yojoa. This water mirror may not be well known outside the country but locals adore this oasis. The lake can be accessed by the highway that connects the two largest cities: San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. A lot of people (truck drivers included) stop by to appreciate the views and enjoy the fresh fried fish served in many establishments near the shore.
Lake Yojoa
The kidney shaped lake is located between two national parks (Santa Barbara National Park and Cerro Azul Meambar National Park). It lies in a depression formed by volcanoes. Therefore, you have the sensation of being in a cradle formed by mountains when boating or rowing around the lake.
My husband (who has lived in Honduras) told me wonders about the lake. My two day excursion with local company Jungle Xpedition included a morning of rowing in the lake. Ok, I admit I don’t have any rowing experience but I was excited about the opportunity.
Another View of Lake Yojoa
We walked to a canal located between the small town of Pena Blanca and the lake. In there, we found the small wooden boats. The six of us divided in two boats.
The canal
Three of us (including me) ended up being a rowing failure. Like one of the guys said “We were not even close to amateurs”. Even soldiers standing on a bridge over the canal started to shout instructions. That was a kind of embarrassing.
Our rowing boat
The other two girls in the group turned out as excellent rowers (they didn’t have experience). Plus, they had the guide, who is a pro-rower, in their boat. Because we were taking too long to get out of the canal, the guide jumped to our boat to help us to advance.
The other boat in our group
You may be asking why other boating methods are not used to tour the lake. First, locals do use rowing boats to fish and move around the lake. Second, it is the best way to preserve the country’s largest variety of bird species. Yes, the lake (and the areas surrounding it) is a birder’s paradise. Some count the number of species as more than 400 hundred. You don’t want to disturb this fragile ecosystem by introducing motorized vehicles.
Red flower
Carnivorous Plant
Finally, we made it out of the canal and were able to appreciate the grandeur of the lake. It is absolutely huge. Verdant mountains do not stop to appear in the distance.
Lake views
Mountains galore
We stopped in dry land to take a better look at the surroundings. We talked about the possibilities to develop the tourism in the lake.
Boats docked in dry land
Before returning to the canal, we stopped by one of the marshy areas. I spotted several birds. Too bad I didn’t have my long lens camera.
Birder’s Paradise
Peculiar flower
We even had the opportunity to witness sunset close to the lake. It is the first time I witnessed a pink sunset.
Boats in canal
Sunset near Yojoa Lake
Sunset at Yojoa Lake
We didn’t have time to eat fried fish. Bummer. That will have to wait till our next visit to Honduras.
Where to rent rowing boats
Turicentro Brisas del Lago
Hotel Agua Azul
Hotel Los Remos
Finca Las Glorias
Or look for signs on El Mochito Road
The D&D Brewery was about to get kayaks when we visited.
Where to find birding specialists
I saw signs advertising local experts at D&D Brewery.
You can also ask at the place where you are staying.
Other tours around the area
As I have mentioned, this is a wild part of the country. You can stay here for a week and not run out of activities. Here is an example of what you can do:
Los Naranjos Ecological and Arqueological Park
Finca El Paraiso (Coffee Tour)
Hike in Cerro Azul Meambar National Park
Santa Barbara Mountain Summit Hike
El Cacao Waterfall
Hot Springs Visit
Birding Tours
Massages
For more options, ask at the place where you are staying (or are planning to stay). Information on things to do in the area, are not that well covered in many guidebooks.
Have you visited Lake Yojoa? Let me know in the comments section below.
Great tips for lake Yojoa! And I love the sunset pictures. We went to Lake Yojoa two years ago and rented kayaks at El Cortijo del Lago, where we stayed. Such a beautiful place.
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I love how scenic and peaceful everything looks. What a wonderful way to see wildlife and enjoy the beauty of the lake. I love the sunset and all those exotic looking flowers you found.
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