This Honduras’ Birding Tour was elaborated for the more avid birders and wildlife enthusiasts . We will have time to learn about culture, history, and nature in general, but the focus is clearly on seeing a variety of great Honduran bird species. Also, though you don’t have to be an athlete, the trip does require a general level of fitness, as some of the walks can be a bit more strenuous, especially in El Cedral during our cloud forest day. The trails are not difficult and no special experience is necessary, but you should be able to walk while birding – of course at a slow pace and with many stops as we will be birding all along the way. 

Honduras is the heart of Central America. The country is sandwiched between Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. It has a long coastline in the north, on the Caribbean Sea, and a small piece on the Pacific coast in the south, the Gulf of Fonseca. The capital is Tegucigalpa, often abbreviated to Tegus. San Pedro Sula is the second largest city in the country and the economic center. Other towns of any size are La Ceiba on the north coast and the twin cities La Esperanza and Intibucá in the central highlands.

Honduras is a mountainous country (the highest point being Cerro de las Minas in Celaque NP, towering 2849m above sea level), with a whole range of vegetation and habitat types: rainforest, deciduous forest, pine forest, mangrove, sandy beaches (pearly white on the north coast, volcanic black in the south), cloud forests, and so on. That diversity in ecosystems also explains the huge variety of birds (776 species to date, and more are being discovered regularly), insects, plants, mammals... 

Since Honduras has not yet been discovered by the big crowds of tourists, there are still many unspoilt natural places. Here you can still spend hours or days wandering the mountains and forests without ever encountering even one other person. Honduras is therefore a paradise for any nature lover.

Copán Ruins is where our Honduras birding adventure is going to start. Copan is located in western Honduras, 14 kilometers from the El Florido border with Guatemala. For many years, Copán Ruins have been famous for its magnificent Mayan ruins, declared by UNESCO as Archaeological World Heritage Site in 1980. Today Copán Ruins is considered the Paris of the Mayan world in Central America. 

Copán. It is not the largest site, and doesn’t boast the highest pyramids, but it is culturally incredibly advanced. The sculptured stelae and hieroglyphic staircase are of unparalleled value to archaeologists. The world’s biggest archaeological cut allows you to see the different layers of Mayan architecture, and witness how colorful the acropolis once was. Birds such Red-throated Parakeets (green Parakeets) Turquoise-browed Motmot, Spot-breasted Oriole, Bushy-crested Jay and more wonderful birds can be found here.

Rising majestically above the beautiful Lake Yojoa in central Honduras are two of the country’s more impressive mountain ranges: Montaña Santa Barbara and Cerro Azul Meámbar. Here the combination of limestone and volcanic landscapes surrounding the lake supports a rich diversity of habitat types — including freshwater wetlands, pine-oak forest, lowland rainforest and cloud forest — and a corresponding diversity of plants and animals. Some species of interest we can find here are the Keel-billed Motmot, Prevost ground-Sparrow, Resplendent Quetzal, Emerald-chinned Hummingbird, Barred and Collared Forest-Falcons, Collared Araçari, Blue-crowned Motmot, Masked Tityra, Crimson-collared Tanager, Northern Barred Woodcreeper.

The north-facing coast is characterized by long beaches interspersed with rocky headlands, coastal wetlands and mangroves and the coastal mountain ranges of Nombre de Dios and Pico Bonito National Park. The extensive rainforest of these mountains harbors a wealth of top species including the Shining Honeycreeper, Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet, Long-billed Hermit, Crowned Woodnymph, Rufous Mourner, Black-and-White Owl, Purple-crowned Fairy or Tody Motmot, whereas the mangroves are home to specialties such as American Pygmy Kingfisher, White-necked Puffbird, or Agami Heron.

Cayos Cochinos (Hog Cays) a Natural Marine Monument and is located 20 km from the garifuna village of Sambo Creek and consists of 2 big cays and 13 smaller cays. Here you can go hiking in search of the endemic Pink Boa, or go snorkeling, birdwatching or just relax on the white sand beaches the cays offer to its visitors. The Honduras Coral Reef Fund jointly with the Forestry Institute comanage a fully equipped scientific station in Little Hog Cay. Some birds we will find here Smooth-billed Ani, White-crowned Pigeon, Yucatan Woodpecker, Mangrove Cuckoo, Caribbean Dove, Yellow-lored Parrot, Red-breasted Merganser, American Golden Plover, Short-tailed Nighthawk, Central American Pygmy-Owl, and many terns and boobies. 

Today we meet in the airport, I will take you too the hotel so you can rest and be prepare for the drive to Copan. We are going to have a welcome dinner this night. 

Photo: Keel-billed Toucan by Jenny Grewal

TERRA MAYA:

A glimpse of the terracota roof, whitewashed walls and wrought-iron balconies of Terramaya, and you know you've arrived ..... to the charming village of Copan, with it's hilly cobblestone streets and warm, hospitable people ..... to the heart of the Copan River Valley and its magical ruins ..... to our six comfortable rooms that offer guests an atmosphere of unmatched style and service.

Terramaya is located on the town´s most picturesque street, with spectacular views of the UNESCO World Heritage Ruins and the Copan Valley, and just two and a half blocks from the Central  Park, the heart and soul of village life.

 #1 & #2  On the first floor, each consists of one full bed, 22" flat panel TV, DVD, walk in shower and private garden with hammock.

Room #3 & #4 On the second floor, 21' Cathedral Celling, each room with one queen bed, walk in shower, 32" flat panel TV, DVD and private balcony with village view. Option to add one single bed.

Room #5 On the second floor, 21' Cathedral Celling, one queen bed, walk in shower, 32" flat panel TV, DVD, private spacious terrace with hammock overlooking our garden and a panoramic view of the archeological park and Copan River Valley. Option to add one single bed.

Room #6  Also on the second floor, 21' Cathedral Celling, one queen bed, single sofa bed, walk in shower & jetted tub, 32" flat panel TV, DVD, private spacious terrace with hammock and an impressive view of the archeological park, Copan River Valley and our garden

Photo: Scarlet Macaw by Jenny Grewal 

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Copán Ruínas offers a grand combination of Mayan history and a beautiful natural setting including easily viewed Scarlet Macaws. Although not the largest Mayan city, Copán was the principal Mayan cultural center during the 400 years when the city was at the peak of its development. It was far ahead of other larger Mayan cities in its development of sculpture, astronomy, and hieroglyphic writing.

The Mayan city of Copán as it exists today is composed of a main complex of ruins with several secondary complexes encircling it. The main complex consists of the Acropolis and five important plazas. From what is known today, the sculpture of Copán appears to have attained a high de-gree of perfection. The Acropolis, a magnifi-cent architectural complex, appears today as a large mass of rubble which came about through successive additions of pyramids, terraces and temples. The world’s largest ar-chaeological cut runs through the Acropolis. In the walls of the cut, it is possible to distin-guish floor levels of previous plazas and cov-ered water outlets. The construction of the Great Plaza and the Acropolis reflects a pro-digious amount of effort because of the size of its levelled and originally paved expanse of three hectares. We will have a guided tour through the ruins by a knowledgeable local specialist. After a full morning of archaeology, we will have some birdwatching opportunities around the grounds. The biological diversity found in the area surrounding Copan allows for excellent birding: White-throated Magpie-Jays, White-fronted Parrots, Elegant Trogon, Rufous-naped Wren etc. are some of the spe-cies of interest here.We’ll then enjoy a delicious dinner at Hacienda San Lucas.

Photo: Copan site by William Orellana

We are going to one of the most amazing areas for wildlife and birds in Honduras.

Luna del Puente Reserva Natural Privada, a beautiful private nature reserve and ecofinca nestled near Santa Cruz de Yojoa in Cortés Department. This 40-hectare sanctuary blends coffee and cacao cultivation with dedicated conservation, creating an idyllic destination for travelers seeking authentic encounters with wildlife, birds, and pristine nature. 

A Sanctuary for Birds and Biodiversity

Luna del Puente stands out with nearly 300 bird species recorded.

Early morning or late afternoon tours often yield 50–80 species in just a few hours, especially with expert guidance and good binoculars. The mix of humid forest, open areas, and cultivated zones supports both resident specialties and migratory visitors. 

Wildlife and Nature Exploration

Beyond birds, the reserve teems with other wildlife. Shaded trails wind through diverse habitats where you might glimpse mammals like howler or spider monkeys (with patience and luck), coatis, agoutis, or various bats. Reptiles and amphibians thrive in the damp undergrowth—look for colorful frogs and lizards. Butterflies flutter along sun-dappled paths, adding flashes of color to the green tapestry.

The landscape features a harmonious blend of primary and secondary forest, coffee plantations, and cacao groves. Towering trees draped in epiphytes create a cathedral-like canopy, while streams and natural features provide refreshing spots to pause and soak in the sounds of the wild—howler monkey calls, bird songs, and the rustle of leaves.

Accommodations range from charming cabins and rooms to camping options, allowing you to wake up to the dawn chorus right in the reserve. Solar power and eco-friendly practices enhance the low-impact feel. 

Whether you’re a serious birder chasing lifelists, a nature lover seeking tranquility, or a family wanting an educational adventure, Luna del Puente delivers an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience. The reserve’s commitment to conservation ensures that every tour supports habitat protection in one of Honduras’s biodiverse gems.

Here is going to be our base for the next four nights.

Photo: Lake Yojoa Basin by William Orellana

Today we explore some of the trails for wildlife and nature photography.

Photo: Keel-billed Motmot by William Orellana

Today we do a wonderful boat trip to the Lake, local fisherman take us in this great birding adventure searching for more great species such as the Masked Duck, Least Bittern, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Black-crowned Tityra, Green-backed Sparrow, Rufous-breasted Spinetail, Grey-breasted Crake and others. We will have breakfast at the D&D Brewery. After breakfast we will visit different locations and after lunch we will visit Los Naranjos.

Visiting Los Naranjos Archaeological Park will give you an insight in the Lenca culture, all the while chasing a host of specialities such as the beautiful Rufous-naped Wren, Rufous- and-white Wren, and Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture. As we walk along the trails, we will be surrounded by Montezuma and Chestnut-headed Oropendulas, we are going to have dinner at the Lodge.

Photo: Birding on the rowboat by William Orellana

El Cedral will be or next location, Leonel Chavez is protecting a big extension of cloud forest, next to Santa Barbara National Park. Several special hummingbirds such the Wine-throated Hummingbird, Rivoli's Hummingbird, Green-throated Mountain-gem and of course opportunities to see the Resplendent Quetzal and other cloud forest species.

We will wake up early and drive for about an hour, we will have breakfast at Leonel's place. 

After an excellent breakfast, we enjoy a traditional Honduran típico before going to El Cajon in the Quest of the Honduran Emerald endemic bird of Honduras and to see this different area.

We have a long drive today. After breakfast we will drive to Pico Bonito Lodge.

Will be a good chance to rest. We are going to stop in Tela for lunch in a beautiful Garifuna community on the beach. The food is going to be fresh and delicious, if you are a sea food lover, this place will be perfect.

Photo: Alvin is our waiter at Garifuna Place beach restaurant by William Orellana

The Lodge at Pico Bonito, a premier eco-lodge located at the base of the Nombre de Dios Mountains within Pico Bonito National Park. This luxurious sanctuary blends comfort with raw tropical wilderness, making it an ideal base for exploring one of Central America’s biodiversity hotspots. 

Trails & Wildlife

Your tour begins at first light with the symphony of the rainforest. Wake to the calls of Keel-billed Toucans, parrots, and a dazzling array of hummingbirds right outside your cabin. The lodge grounds themselves host over 400 bird species, including specialties like the radiant Lovely Cotinga.

Waterfalls, Rivers, and Hidden Wildlife Trails wind toward hidden waterfalls and the clear waters of the Cangrejal River. Hike through the misty forest, where the air hums with insects and the understory reveals smaller wonders: iridescent butterflies in the dedicated garden, colorful poison dart frogs, and perhaps a glimpse of a Baird’s tapir or white-faced capuchin monkey in the denser sections. Guided nature tours highlight the park’s incredible plant diversity, from towering ceiba trees to orchids and ferns carpeting the forest floor. Evening outings might reveal nocturnal creatures—tree frogs, owls, and the lodge’s serpentarium offers safe, educational views of local snakes for those intrigued by reptiles. 

A Birder’s Paradise

Pico Bonito stands out as a certified bird sanctuary. Whether you’re a dedicated birder chasing lifelists or a casual nature lover, the variety is staggering: kingfishers along the rivers, jacanas on wetlands, and forest interior species that reward patient observation. Nearby extensions to places like Cuero y Salado Wildlife Sanctuary add coastal and mangrove birds to the experience. 

Comfort in the Canopy

Between excursions, relax in elegant cabins with private verandas overlooking the jungle, enjoy gourmet meals with views of visiting wildlife, or unwind by the pool. The lodge’s design ensures you feel deeply connected to nature without sacrificing comfort—perfect for photographers, families, or solo adventurers seeking tranquility. 

A tour at Pico Bonito Lodge is more than a trip—it’s a profound reconnection with the wild. From the electric flash of a motmot’s wings to the thunderous roar of a waterfall, every moment pulses with the raw energy of one of Honduras’ most pristine ecosystems. Whether for a few days or a dedicated birding package, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the intricate beauty of the Neotropics.

This will be our base for the next nights.

On the schedule today is a visit to Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge. We board the only train that is still functioning in Honduras – it dates to the times of the ‘Banana republic’ and was indeed used to transport bananas. What remains now is are two rickety little wagons racing over crooked rails. Lots of fun. And excellent birding opportunities along the way: Glossy Ibis, Bat Falcon, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Black-cowled Oriole, Crested Caracara. At the visitors’ center, we board a motorboat that will take us onto the rivers and canals of the Cuero y Salado Mangroves. Top species that we will try to get good looks at here include Agami Heron, White-necked Puffbird, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Black-crowned Antshrike and more. Lunch will be prepared by a local family upon our return from the boat ride.

Photo: American Pygmy Kingfisher by William Orellana

Transfer to Wester Honduras

This is where you going to explore two great areas before your departure.

Photo: Inside of a flower by Jenny Grewal

Owner – General Manager – Tour Leader – Guide

William’s first career was with the government, he also worked as a math professor, and later helped community development through an NGO. He then decided on a complete change of career and started birding in 2005, rapidly becoming a key member of the Honduran Ornithology Association (ASHO). William is also one of the best bird photographers and is an expert at digiscoping some of the most amazing birds of the Americas. He got for example the first video footage of the rare Blue-bearded Helmetcrest in Santa Marta, Colombia. William has traveled extensively in search of birds, visiting countries in Asia, Europe, North, Central and South America. He also created the first youth birdwatching club in Honduras named Tanunas. William has ample experience in the field and will be happy to guide you in our various Latin-American destinations.