Lancetilla Botanical Garden
Lancetilla Botanical Garden is located a few kilometers from Tela. Founded in 1926 as an experimental station by the Tela Railroad Company (Chiquita Bananas). Nowadays, because of the size
and variety of its flora, is the second tropical botanical garden in the world, having both endemic species of Honduras and Central America, and throughout the tropical world.
A variety of birds have made this paradise home due to the abundance of fruit trees, so that you can watch many of them. There is a well a marked trail, which takes you through the garden. Also, if you follow the path that takes you through a beautiful and lush bamboo forest, you will reach a crystal ponds of the Lancetilla River, where you can take a refreshing dip after his walk in the garden.
If you do not have a car, the most suitable medium get there is a bicycle, which can be rented in downtown Tela.
Punta Izopo National Park
Located at the eastern end of Tela Bay, just 12 km from the city, this national park is named after the hill (Cerro Izopo) which is just over the sea.
The lush greenery of the hill, washed by the Banana and Hicaque Rivers, are home to many animals, among which tropical birds like parakeets, parrots and toucans and monkeys, lizards and turtles.
The channels formed in the mangroves are accessible by canoe paddles (sea kayaks), which allows to enter the refuge in stealthily to avoid disturbing the animals and also as close as possible to them. This trip also allowed to visit the Garifuna village of Triunfo de la Cruz, point where Cristobal de Olid landed, following the orders received from Hernán Cortés to begin the conquest of Honduras.
Garifuna Villages
Along Tela Bay are several Garifuna villages, and in fact many of the most interesting of Honduras are here. From west to east are the following villages: Rio Tinto, Miami, Tornabé, San Juan, La Ensenada and Triunfo de la Cruz. Between these. the most fascinating is undoubtedly Miami, which is the only one after all these years, continues to maintain its appearance and traditions.In every village you can eat typical food and meet some of the customs of the Garifuna.
Very interesting and fun are their dances, especially the “Punta” and “yancunu” that remember their African roots.
Except for Rio Tinto and Miami, all the above villages are easily accessible. From Tela there is a public bus service and taxis that allow you to reach them. Also, you can rent a bike and visit these villages, besides having the benefit of free time to explore and discover all aspects of these villages and their inhabitants.
Blanca Jeannette Kawas National Park (Punta SAL)
West end of Tela Bay is the Blanca Jeannette Kawas National Park. It takes its name from a great activist environmentalist who gave her life fighting for the preservation of this beautiful natural area. The park has two distinct different areas: the Punta Sal peninsula and the Los Micos lagoon.
The park is one of the largest in Honduras considering its size and biodiversity. The small bays that are part of this peninsula served as a 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 storms coming from the north.
The peninsula is only accessible by sea, and today a symbolic fee is charged to arrive at the park, same which is administered by PROLANSATE an ecologist foundation.
Visitors are presented with a charming landscape: Fine white sand beaches, exotic and lush jungle and an attractive coral reef inhabited by colorful tropical fish. In addition, during the tour, is very easy to have an exciting encounter with animals like dolphins, monkeys and many species of birds, making your ride an unforgettable eco-adventure.
