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- Punta SAL N.P.
- Los Micos Lagoon
- Punta Izopo N.P.
- J. B. Lancetilla
- Garífunas Villages
Jeanette Kawas National Park (Punta Sal)
At the west end of the Bay of Tela is Jeannette Kawas National Park. Taking its name from a environmental activist who gave his life fighting for the conservation of this beautiful natural area. The park is one of the largest in Honduras considering its size and biodiversity. The small bays that form part of this peninsula served as refuge for some of the most famous pirates of the Caribbean. Likewise, the peninsula forms a natural barrier that protects the beautiful Bay of Tela from the storms that come from the north. The park has well-defined two distinct areas: the mainland and the lagoon.
The peninsula is only accessible by sea, and today charge a nominal fee of Lps. 30.00 to arrive at the park itself, which is managed by the Ecological Foundation PROLANSATE.
Visitors are presented with a charming landscape: Fine white sand beaches, lush exotic jungle and an attractive coral reef inhabited by multicolored tropical fish. Also during the trip, it is very easy to have a thrilling encounter with animals such as dolphins, monkeys and many species of birds, turning your ride into a memorable eco-adventure.
Los Micos Lagoon
The bird most populated part of the Jeanette Kawas National park; over 350 species of birds has being identified. It is also inhabited by monkeys, turtles, lizards and many other animals.
The lake is surrounded by extensive mangrove forest, forming canals and cays where they grow other species of trees and tropical plants. To the east, the lagoon is separated from the Caribbean Sea by a narrow bar of white sand, forming a large beach.
The Garifuna village of Miami is built precisely on this bar. This village is a true cultural heritage where you can see and live with the Garifuna people who build their houses, preserving ancient traditions.
Punta Izopo National Park
Located at the eastern end of the Tela Bay, just 12 km from the city, this national park is named by the hill (Cerro Izopo) which is just above the sea. The lush vegetation of the mountain, fed by the Platano r and Hicaque rivers, are home to large variety of animals, among which tropical birds like parakeets, parrots and toucans and monkeys, lizards and turtles. The channels that form in the mangroves are accessible via canoe paddles (sea kayaks), which allows to enter a shelter in stealth so as not to disturb the animals and yet as close as possible to them. This tour also allows visiting the Garifuna village of Triunfo de la Cruz, where Cristobal de Olid has landed following orders of Hernan Cortes to begin the conquest of Honduras.
Lancetilla Botanical Garden is located few kilometers from Tela. Wass founded in 1926 as an experimental garden for the Tela Railroad Company. Today, because of its size and variety of its flora, is the second tropical botanical garden in the world, with endemic species of both Honduras and Central America, as throughout the tropical world. A variety of birds have made this paradise their home because of the abundance of fruit trees, so you can see many of them. There is a well marked trail that takes you through the garden. Also, if you follow the path that takes you on a beautiful and lush bamboo forest you come to a crystalline water streams of Lancetilla River, where you can take a refreshing swim after your walk around the garden.. If you do not have a car, The most suitable way to get to Lancetilla is taking a taxi or a bicycle, which can be rented in downtown Tela.
Garifuna Villages
There are several Garifuna villages along the Bay of Tela, and in fact many of the most interesting of Honduras are located here. From west to east are the following villages: Rio Tinto, Miami, Tornabe, San Juan, La Ensenada, Triunfo de la Cruz.
In all the villages you can eat traditional food and meet some of the customs of the Garifuna. Very interesting and fun are their dances, especially the "Punta" and "yancunu", who remember their African roots. With the exception of Rio Tinto and Miami, all the villages mentioned above are easily accessible. Since there is a Web service public buses and taxis that connect you to them. Also, you can rent a bike and visit these villages, with the added benefit of free time to explore and discover all aspects of these villages and their inhabitants
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