Montaña de Comayagua National Park

Montaña de Comayagua Overview

Montaña de Comayagua National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Montaña de Comayagua, is located in central Honduras, covering approximately 118 square miles (305 square kilometers).

This protected area encompasses the mountainous terrain of the Comayagua Mountain Range, with its highest peak reaching around 7,300 feet (2,225 meters). The park is characterized by lush cloud forests, dense pine-oak woodlands, and a variety of cascading waterfalls, including the well-known Chorros de la Calera.

The vegetation is rich and diverse, featuring towering mahogany, ceiba, and liquidambar trees, alongside vibrant orchids and bromeliads that thrive in the humid environment. Rivers and streams crisscross the landscape, feeding into major watersheds that supply fresh water to the region.

Wildlife in the park is abundant, making it an essential refuge for many species. Among the mammals found here are jaguars, ocelots, white-tailed deer, and howler monkeys, while smaller creatures like armadillos and agoutis roam the undergrowth. The bird population is especially notable, with species such as the resplendent quetzal, keel-billed toucan, and emerald toucanet attracting birdwatchers from around the world.

Hummingbirds dart among the flowers, and raptors like hawks and eagles soar over the forested peaks. Reptiles, including iguanas and a variety of snakes, also inhabit the park, alongside amphibians like colorful poison dart frogs that thrive in the moist, shaded areas.

Visitors to Montaña de Comayagua National Park are drawn to its natural beauty and numerous recreational opportunities. Hiking trails lead through misty cloud forests to breathtaking viewpoints, with one of the most popular routes taking visitors to the summit of El Portillo, the park’s highest peak.

Waterfalls such as Chorros de la Calera offer picturesque spots for swimming and photography, while river tubing and canyoning provide thrilling experiences for adventure seekers. The park is also known for its hidden caves, some of which hold ancient petroglyphs left by indigenous peoples. Birdwatching is a major activity, with the park’s varied elevations supporting an impressive diversity of avian life.

Conservation efforts have played a critical role in preserving Montaña de Comayagua National Park. Reforestation projects and anti-deforestation measures have been implemented to counter illegal logging, which has historically threatened the park’s ecosystems.

Community engagement programs encourage sustainable tourism, ensuring that locals benefit from the park’s protection while promoting conservation awareness. The park’s water sources are vital to nearby communities, adding to the importance of maintaining its ecological health. Challenges such as poaching and land encroachment remain, but ongoing conservation initiatives continue to strengthen protection efforts.

Montaña de Comayagua National Park is a haven of biodiversity, offering visitors a chance to explore cloud forests, waterfalls, and rich wildlife. With hiking, birdwatching, and adventure sports, it provides an immersive experience in Honduras’ natural beauty while conservation efforts help protect its vital ecosystems.

Park Map

Montaña de Comayagua National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Montaña de Comayagua National Park, located in central Honduras, is a stunning highland reserve known for its cloud forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. As one of the country’s most important conservation areas, it provides a crucial refuge for many rare and endangered species, including large mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Jaguar
The jaguar is the apex predator of Montaña de Comayagua’s dense forests. With its powerful build and striking rosette-patterned coat, this elusive cat is an expert hunter, preying on deer, peccaries, and other mammals.

Baird’s Tapir
This large, herbivorous mammal plays a key role in the park’s ecosystem by dispersing seeds as it forages. Baird’s tapirs are mostly nocturnal and use their prehensile snouts to feed on leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants.

Ocelot
This solitary and nocturnal wild cat is slightly smaller than the jaguar but just as elusive. It hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles under the cover of darkness, using its sharp senses and stealth to ambush prey.

Margay
An exceptional climber, the margay is a small wild cat that can rotate its ankles to descend trees headfirst. This nocturnal hunter preys on birds, small mammals, and reptiles, spending much of its time in the canopy.

Nine-banded Armadillo
Recognized by its tough, segmented shell, the nine-banded armadillo is a nocturnal forager that digs for insects and other invertebrates. Its burrowing activities also help aerate the soil, benefiting the forest ecosystem.

Central American Spider Monkey
One of the most acrobatic primates in the region, the spider monkey uses its long limbs and prehensile tail to move effortlessly through the treetops. It primarily feeds on fruit, helping to disperse seeds throughout the forest.

White-faced Capuchin Monkey
Highly intelligent and social, the white-faced capuchin monkey is known for its problem-solving skills and tool use. These monkeys have a varied diet that includes fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

Fer-de-lance
One of Central America’s most venomous snakes, the fer-de-lance is a highly effective ambush predator. It relies on its camouflage to blend into the forest floor, where it preys on rodents, birds, and amphibians.

Glass Frog
A fascinating amphibian with translucent skin, the glass frog’s internal organs are visible through its belly. These nocturnal frogs inhabit vegetation near streams, where they lay their eggs on leaves above the water.

Northern Tamandua
This medium-sized anteater is a skilled climber that uses its strong claws to tear open ant and termite nests. It has a long, sticky tongue that allows it to consume thousands of insects in a single day.

Birds

Montaña de Comayagua National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, offering a rich variety of species that thrive in its cloud forests, rivers, and high-altitude landscapes. Many of these birds are brightly colored and have distinctive calls.

Resplendent Quetzal
One of the most stunning birds in the park, the resplendent quetzal is famous for its iridescent green and red plumage and long tail feathers. It primarily feeds on fruits such as wild avocados.

Keel-billed Toucan
With its large, colorful bill, the keel-billed toucan is one of the most recognizable birds in the park. It feeds mainly on fruits but will also eat insects and small vertebrates.

Emerald Toucanet
This smaller relative of the keel-billed toucan is a vibrant green bird with a curved beak. It is often seen in pairs or small groups, foraging for fruit and insects in the canopy.

Three-wattled Bellbird
Known for its loud, metallic call, this fascinating bird has three distinctive wattles hanging from its beak. Males use their unique calls to attract mates from great distances.

Slate-colored Solitaire
A small, unassuming bird, the slate-colored solitaire is famous for its haunting, flute-like song, which echoes through the park’s misty forests.

Highland Guan
This large, turkey-like bird is often seen foraging in the understory. It feeds on fruits, leaves, and seeds and plays an important role in seed dispersal.

White-collared Manakin
This small bird is known for its elaborate courtship display, where males make snapping sounds with their wings while performing quick movements to attract females.

Golden-hooded Tanager
A beautifully colored bird with blue, black, and golden-yellow feathers, the golden-hooded tanager is often seen in mixed-species flocks, foraging for fruit and insects.

Black-and-white Owl
A nocturnal hunter, the black-and-white owl preys on insects, rodents, and small birds. Its striking plumage and piercing orange eyes make it an exciting find for birdwatchers.

Violet Sabrewing
One of the largest hummingbirds in the region, the violet sabrewing is an iridescent purple bird that hovers around flowers, using its long, curved bill to extract nectar.

Montaña de Comayagua National Park’s incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers, conservationists, and birdwatchers alike. Its mix of highland forests and tropical wildlife provides a unique and breathtaking experience for visitors.