Lake Yojoa: Rowing in Honduras Beloved Lake

This article highlights Lake Yojoa, the largest natural lake in Honduras. This lake may not be well known outside the country but locals adore this oasis.

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 in 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.

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.

We walked to a canal located between the small town of Pena Blanca and the lake.  In there, we found small wooden boats.  The six of us divided in two boats.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We even had the opportunity to witness sunset close to the lake.  It is the first time I witnessed a pink sunset.

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 acquire kayaks when we visited.

Where to Find Birding Specialists

I saw signs advertising local experts at D&D Brewery.

You can also ask about 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:

Pulhapanzak Falls

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

Taulabe Caves

Birding Tours

Massages

For more options, ask 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.