Montaña Santa Bárbara National Park (also known as is Santa Bárbara National Park) is a protected natural area in the Honduran Highlands region of western Honduras. It is isolated in a remote mountainous area with few signs of "civilization" but vast areas of forested mountains with several adjacent parks and other protected areas. The lush cloud forest has a rich diversity of plant and animal life with several unique species of orchid bringing splashes of color to the verdant forests. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers looking for remote mountain trails.
Understand
[edit]The park is large, including the entire mountain and slopes surrounding it. It covers an area of 12,130 hectares.
History
[edit]The park was established in January 1987 as part of the Honduras national parks system.
Landscape
[edit]The park's landscape is dominated by the Santa Bárbara Mountain. It is the second highest peak in Honduras with an elevation of 2,774 meters.
The mountain is blanketed by forests which change character by elevation. The highest part of the mountain has a montane ecosystem with a forest dominated by pine and other conifers. It resembles the forests in more northern countries. The middle of the mountain is the area covered by the famous cloud forests. It is a moist area with exuberantly lush vegetation and is home to a colorful tropical birds and a rich biodiversity. The lowland forest is thinner in coverage with plants that better tolerate hotter and drier conditions. Throughout the park are geologic formations including cliffs, outcroppings, a large karst massif, and karst coves.
Flora and fauna
[edit]
More than 400 bird species are known to inhabit the park's forests. Birdwatchers will enjoy seeing colorful parrots as well as trogons, toucans, and the resplendant quetzal with its shimmering green plumage. Several endangered bird species are endemic to the highland region of Honduras including the scattered population of Honduran emerald, a type of hummingbird that is declining due to habitat loss as forests are cut to clear land for agricultural use.
About 50 mammal species inhabit the park including anteaters, several species of monkeys, and large colonies of bats in the park's caves. Apex carnivores include jungle cats such as the jaguar.
Climate
[edit]Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]Local Chicken buses depart from the town of Peña Blanca to towns along the edge of the park. Guides can be hired in El Playon, Los Andes, or San Luis Planes.
Fees and permits
[edit]Get around
[edit]See
[edit]Do
[edit]- Hike: There are no marked trails, but several unmarked trails go the peak. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended. Guides can be hired in nearby villages including El Playon, Los Andes, and San Luis Planes. Guides usually charge about L200 per day.
Buy, Eat, and Drink
[edit]There are no stores or other infrastructure in the park. Not even a restroom. Anything you will need during your visit will need to be packed in. Remember to practice "Leave No Trace" principles and pack out anything you pack in.