Capiro Calentura National Park

Capiro Calentura Overview

Capiro Calentura National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Capiro y Calentura, is a protected natural area in northern Honduras, located near the coastal city of Trujillo in the Colón Department.

Covering approximately 26 square miles (67 square kilometers), this park encompasses both the Capiro and Calentura mountains, which rise above the Caribbean coastline, offering dramatic views of the bay and surrounding lowlands.

The park’s landscape is characterized by lush tropical rainforest, rugged mountain terrain, and river systems that carve through the dense vegetation, creating a rich ecosystem. The elevation varies significantly, providing a diverse range of microclimates that support a wide variety of plant and animal species.

The dense forests of Capiro Calentura National Park are home to an array of tropical plant life, including towering ceiba trees, mahogany, and various species of palms and ferns. Orchids and bromeliads thrive in the humid environment, adding splashes of color to the green canopy.

Streams and waterfalls, such as the ones flowing down the slopes of the Calentura mountain, create a serene yet wild atmosphere. The higher elevations offer cooler temperatures, and the mist-covered peaks contribute to the park’s rich biodiversity.

The park’s diverse ecosystem supports an impressive variety of wildlife. Mammals such as jaguars, ocelots, and white-faced capuchin monkeys are among the more elusive inhabitants, while agoutis and armadillos are more commonly spotted.

The birdlife in Capiro Calentura is particularly remarkable, with species like keel-billed toucans, scarlet macaws, and various hummingbirds adding vibrant colors and sounds to the forest. Reptiles such as green iguanas and snakes, including the venomous fer-de-lance, also inhabit the park.

One of the key attractions of Capiro Calentura National Park is its extensive hiking network, which allows visitors to explore its diverse landscapes. Trails lead through dense jungle, across rivers, and up steep mountain paths, with rewarding panoramic views of Trujillo and the Caribbean Sea from higher elevations.

Birdwatching is a favorite activity for nature enthusiasts, as the park provides excellent opportunities to observe rare and endemic species in their natural habitat. Guided tours are available for those interested in learning about the park’s flora, fauna, and conservation efforts. The proximity to Trujillo also makes it an ideal destination for eco-tourists who want to experience both nature and the region’s cultural heritage.

Despite its ecological importance, Capiro Calentura National Park faces several conservation challenges, including deforestation due to illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and human encroachment. Efforts have been made to improve environmental awareness among local communities and promote sustainable tourism as a means of preserving the park.

Conservation initiatives, often led by government agencies and non-profit organizations, aim to protect critical habitats and ensure the survival of endangered species. The park’s protected status has contributed to maintaining its biodiversity, and ongoing efforts focus on reinforcing regulations and conservation strategies to mitigate threats.

Park Map

Capiro Calentura National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Capiro Calentura National Park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a wide variety of bird species inhabiting its lush landscapes. The diverse birdlife attracts ornithologists and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Crowned Woodnymph
A small, vibrantly colored hummingbird that flits through the forest, feeding on nectar from tropical flowers.

Snowcap
This tiny hummingbird, with its striking white cap and iridescent purple body, is a rare but beautiful sight in the park.

Stripe-tailed Hummingbird
Easily identified by its distinctive tail feathers, this species is commonly found in the park’s flowering areas.

Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
A medium-sized hummingbird with a unique scaly appearance on its breast, often spotted hovering near blossoms.

Great Potoo
A nocturnal bird with incredible camouflage, the Great Potoo perches motionless during the day, blending seamlessly with tree bark.

Green-breasted Mango
Another dazzling hummingbird species, this bird has an iridescent green throat and is frequently seen darting between flowers.

Turkey Vulture
A scavenger that soars gracefully above the park, playing an essential role in cleaning up carrion and maintaining ecological balance.

Slaty-tailed Trogon
This brightly colored bird is often found perched quietly in the forest canopy, feeding on fruits and insects.

Black-headed Trogon
Recognized by its striking black head and yellow belly, this species is one of the park’s many beautiful trogons.

Gartered Trogon
With its vibrant yellow and green plumage, this bird is often seen in forested areas, known for its distinctive call.

Capiro Calentura National Park’s unique biodiversity makes it a crucial conservation area and a haven for wildlife. From its rare and elusive mammals to its vibrant bird species, the park remains a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Capiro Calentura National Park, located near Trujillo, Honduras, is a rich and diverse natural area home to a variety of wildlife. The park’s tropical forests, rivers, and mountainous terrain provide a habitat for numerous species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Below are some of the most popular species found in the park.

Mantled Howler Monkey
Known for their deep, resonant calls that echo through the forest, these primates live in the park’s dense canopies. They primarily feed on leaves and play a crucial role in seed dispersal.

White-faced Capuchin Monkey
Highly intelligent and social, these monkeys are often seen in groups foraging for fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They are known for their problem-solving abilities and tool use.

Jaguar
As the largest cat in the Americas, the jaguar is an apex predator in the park, preying on deer, peccaries, and other mammals. It plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

Ocelot
A smaller, nocturnal wildcat, the ocelot is an elusive predator that hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles in the dense undergrowth of the forest.

Central American Agouti
These small, rabbit-like rodents are essential for seed dispersal, as they bury seeds that later sprout into new plants, aiding forest regeneration.

Raccoon
These adaptable mammals are often found near water sources, scavenging for food such as fruits, small animals, and human leftovers.

Green Iguana
This large, herbivorous reptile is commonly spotted basking in the sun on tree branches. It is an important part of the ecosystem, both as a seed disperser and prey for larger predators.

Fer-de-Lance
One of the most venomous snakes in Central America, this pit viper is highly feared but plays a key role in controlling small mammal populations.

Red-eyed Tree Frog
Famous for its striking red eyes and bright green body, this amphibian is often seen clinging to leaves at night during the rainy season.

Glass Frog
These fascinating frogs have translucent skin, making their internal organs visible. They live near streams in the park and are indicators of a healthy ecosystem.