Sierra de Agalta National Park is Honduran national park in the Central Highalands of Honduras. The park is a remote, mountainous area that has other protected natural areas next to it. The park is popular with ecotourists due to its 400 km² of original old growth forest, including the largest cloud forest in Honduras.
Understand
[edit]History
[edit]The park was established in 1987, and was expanded in 2011 for a total area of 738 km².
Landscape
[edit]The park is forested mountain terrain with springs that give birth to small streams. There are 13 mountain peaks within the park boundaries. The park includes several waterfalls and caves.
Flora and fauna
[edit]In the cloud forest live anteater, Jaguar, puma, collared peccary, howler monkeys, coatimundi, and various other species. More than 200 bird species can be spotted in the park, including both full-time residents and migratory species.
Climate
[edit]Get in
[edit]The park is 180 km northeast of Tegucigalpa, the nearest international airport.
By car
[edit]From Tegucigalpa, drive northeast on RN-15 to the town of Gualaco. The trip will take about 4 hours.
By bus
[edit]You can take a Chicken bus from Tegucigalpa to the town of Juticalpa, and then take a taxi to Gualaco.
Fees and permits
[edit]Get around
[edit]See
[edit]Do
[edit]
- Caving - a large cave system known as Susmay Caves is reached by hiking a trail that passes through pastures and dense forest. The caves are undeveloped and unmarked, so hiring a local guide is necessary. Streams run through the maze of underground passages and there are areas with deep pools large enough for swimming or snorkling.
- Hiking - a good place for hiking is near the indigenous community of El Carbon, where you can hire a local guide to show you the trails through the eco preserves. There are pre-Hispanic ruins nearby as well as waterfalls not quite so nearby. A hike to the La Cascada waterfalls would be an overnight trip. The falls have a 35 meters drop into a crystal clear pool below that's perfect for swimming.
- Mountaineering - A hike to the top of La Picucha (2306 meters) will take 3 to 5 days and requires a local guide. The views from the peak are astounding and you can see Pico Bonito in the distance and jungle landscapes to the east.
Buy, eat and drink
[edit]There are no shops or restaurants in the park. Pack in anything that you will need for the duration of your visit and pack out any trash.
Sleep
[edit]Backcountry
[edit]Backcountry camping is allowed in the park. The nearest town with stores is Gualaco. It is recommended to hire a local guide to accompany you on longer treks.