Cerro Azul Meámbar National Park Voyage Tips and guide

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Cerro Azul Meámbar National Park is a protected natural area in the Central Highlands of Honduras. The park protects an area of cloud forest and a small mountain range known as the Sierra Pijol. It is a large park with well-developed tourist infrastructure that includes a paved park road, many kilometers of marked hiking trails, a visitor center, a lodge with comfortable guest accomodations, and an on-site restaurant.

The park is frequently known by its abbreviated name, PANACAM (for PArque NAcional Cerro Azul Meambar).

The park was created as part of the Honduras national parks system in 1987.

The park covers an area of 494,200 hectares of mountainous rainforest. Six named mountains are within the park's boundaries with the highest mountain, Pico del Cerro at a height of 2047 meters.

The park is home to several hundred bird species including keel-bill toucans and resplendent quetzals. Reptiles include both venomous and non-venomous snakes as well as countless green iguanas. More than 50 kinds of mammals inhabit the park including several species of monkey (like the white-faced monkey), peccaries, tapirs, armadillos, many kinds of bats, and a few pumas and jaguars to hunt all the other animals.

It's a tropical rainforest, so expect hot and humid conditions all year round. Except at night when its dark, hot and humid.

The nearest large airport with scheduled commercial flights is either San Pedro Sula (SAP ^IATA) or possibly Toncotin International Airport in Tegucigalpa (TGU ^IATA).

From San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa you can take a car or bus to La Guama, a town on the eastern shore of Lake Yojoa, or Santa Elena.

From Tegucigalpa, drive north on highway CA-5 for about 170 km. The trip will take about 2½ hours. From San Pedro Sula, drive south on highway CA-5 for 85 km (about 1½ hours).

The trip on chicken buses will take about 4½ hours and require two bus changes. First, start out from Teguicigalpa on a Transportes Carolina (Esmerelda) to Siguatepeque, where you will change buses to one operated by Transportes San Gaspar y San Ramon with a destination of Taulabe. There, you will need to transfer to a taxi for the last 25 km to La Gauma.

Park entry costs L 180.

Hike if you're in the park, use one of the moto-taxis if you're in nearby towns like La Guama or Santa Elena. The moto-taxis charge about L 100 to take you from town to the park visitor center (about 20 minutes).

• Hiking - the park has several cleared, well-marked trails, some short and easy, some longer through more challenging terrain. Some of the trails go to waterfalls and swimming holes, so pack swimsuits and towels.
  • Sinai Trail - long, challenging trail that ascends 1600 meters with steep grades and rocky terrain with a lot of exposed roots crossing the trail. Allow 4-6 hours and bring plenty of water because you'll go through it quickly in the hot, humid conditions.
  • Miradores - scenic overlooks are a short walk from the Panacam Lodge along well-marked trails that are as short as 300 m. Views of the jungles and the lake in the distance.

• Birdwatching - the park counts more than 700 bird species among its known inhabitants and there are two birdwatching towers that can get you above the forest canopy for a real "birds eye" view. The best time for watching is early morning. After all, the "early bird gets the worm".

A restaurant is at the Panacam Lodge.

• D&D Brewery is an artesanal small brewery that will serve you a delicious beer, and they also run a guesthouse where you can spend the night.

• 14.873219-87.905271 Panacam Lodge, Parque Nacional Cerro Azul Meambar, ☏ +504 8881 2553. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Mountain lodge with about 20 rooms for overnight guests. Rustic furnishings but with bathrooms and ceiling fans. A large group dorm is available for groups. (updated Apr 2025)

The camping area provides cleared tent sites with picnic tables and access to washrooms and showers with flush toilets. Inquire about camping sites at the Panacam Lodge.

Be aware that mosquitos in the tropics often carry malaria, dengue, or other tropical diseases. Use mosquito repellants containing DEET and wear appropriate long-sleeve shirts and long pants to protect you from bites. Also be aware that the park is home to other insects, snakes, and various Dangerous animals. It is safest to hike the backcountry in groups and a local guide may be advisable.

• Lake Yojoa
• Pico Pijol National Park
• Copán Ruinas