Lago de Yojoa: A Lake of Wildlife and Wonder

The scenic Lago de Yojoa...

Lago de Yojoa is an awe-inspiring lake about 100 km away from Comayagua. One of the biggest attractions is the many seafood restaurants overlooking the natural beauty and biodiversity of the lake. Between the scenery of the water, the mountainous horizon and all of the hiking, swimming, boating, fishing and exploring that await you, Lago de Yojoa may just be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Lingering Along the Lake...

The lake is pretty large, measuring in at eight by sixteen kilometers, and is sought out by local guests and visitors from nearby cities like San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. Here you can fish, swim, boat, ski or participate in just about any water sport that you can imagine. In the not too distant past, over-fishing had unleashed havoc on the local fish population, and major concern arose regarding the long term negative impact of the local mining industry. However, regulations, conservation and education are all working overtime to keep the lake clean and safe for everyone, for years to come.

Unearth the Local Flora and Fauna...

At an elevation of about 700 meters, and with a wonderful climate and growing conditions, Lago de Yojoa offers a biodiversity that is hard to match. If you enjoy bird watching, be sure to bring your binoculars, there are over 400 different species of birds living in the region. You'll also find jaguars, northern Tamandua (an anteater), howler monkeys and spider monkeys. There are also lush plants, trees and flowers to be found. In fact, with the elevation, climate and growing conditions, Lago de Yojoa has a strong industry when it comes to coffee production, supplying rich, aromatic beans to the rest of the world at large.

Nearby National Parks...

If you're willing to explore some of the higher ground, there are many sights to be seen in the surrounding mountains, which reach heights over 8,000 feet (2,400 m). And within these mountains there are hidden two gems, national parks. One is the Santa Barbara National Park and the other is the Cerro Azul Meambar National Park. Both of them offer their own unique wonders, by way of lush forests, thriving wildlife and soothing serenity. Both should be included on the itinerary of just about any eco-tourist heading to Honduras.

Lago de Yojoa is bursting with beauty and wonder, and will surely delight travelers on any mission or budget. With plenty to keep both you and your children occupied, you'll be surprised at how quickly your visit will seem to end. But the memories, stories and mementos you'll find in Lago de Yojoa will last forever.