Los Naranjos
Brewery, trailsThe village on the north shore.
Lake guide
Things to do in Lago de Yojoa
Honduras's largest natural lake, between two cloud-forest national parks: the Pulhapanzak waterfall, hundreds of bird species, coffee farms, caves, and a lakeside craft brewery that has become a traveller institution.
43 m
Pulhapanzak waterfall
2–3
Days
The lake between the mountains
Lago de Yojoa is the largest natural lake in Honduras, in the central highlands about an hour and a half south of San Pedro Sula. It sits between two cloud-forest national parks, Cerro Azul Meámbar and Santa Bárbara, and the area is one of the richest in the country for birds, with hundreds of species recorded.
Most travellers stay near the village of Los Naranjos, on the north side, where the D&D Brewery, one of the first craft breweries in Central America, runs a lodge with cabins and dorms. From here, boat trips go out on the lake at dawn for birdwatching, and trails lead into the forest.
Nearby are the 43-metre Pulhapanzak waterfall, where you can walk behind the falling water, the Taulabé caves and the Los Naranjos archaeological park. Give it two or three days on the way between Copán and the coast.
Where to base yourself
Los Naranjos for the brewery and trails, or the lakeshore for views.
Lakeshore
ViewsThe western shore.
Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do at Lago de Yojoa
Take a dawn boat trip on the lake to see herons, kingfishers and, with luck, toucans in the trees along the shore. Hike in Cerro Azul Meámbar National Park, through cloud forest with waterfalls and views.
Visit the Pulhapanzak waterfall, swim in the river and take a guided walk behind the falls. Explore the Taulabé caves, and walk the trails of the Los Naranjos archaeological park, with ancient earthworks and forest walkways.
Tour a coffee farm in the hills, and try the beer and blueberry pancakes at the D&D Brewery.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Walking around the lake and village trails costs nothing, and birdwatching from the shore is free.
Sunsets over the lake cost nothing.
The waterfall, parks, caves and boat trips charge small fees.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Lakeside restaurants serve fried tilapia from the lake with plantain and salad for €5 to €9. Baleadas cost about a euro.
The D&D Brewery serves its own beers and simple meals.
A 10 per cent tip is customary in restaurants; check whether it has already been added.
Nightlife
Going out
Nightlife is a beer at the brewery with other travellers, and an early night.
The area is rural and quiet.
Craft beer costs €2 to €4.
Getting around
Getting around
Buses between San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa pass the lake; get off at La Guama or Peña Blanca and take a local bus or taxi to Los Naranjos. Shuttles run from Copán Ruinas.
Local buses and taxis link the villages, the waterfall and the parks.
Travel by day only.
Costs
What Lago de Yojoa costs
Dorm beds start at around €8 to €14 a night. Lakeside meals cost €5 to €9.
Pulhapanzak costs a few euros, guided walks behind the falls a little more, and boat trips on the lake about €10 to €20.
Bring cash; cash machines are in Peña Blanca.
Safety
Safety and scams
The lake area is quiet and generally safe for travellers. Hike with local guides in the national parks, and travel by day on the main highway.
At Pulhapanzak, only go behind the falls with a guide, as the rocks are slippery and the water powerful.
Do not drink the tap water; bottled and purified water is cheap everywhere. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Seasons and holidays.
October to April
Bird migration
Lago de Yojoa
Migratory species join residents.
March or April
Semana Santa
Lago de Yojoa
Busy with Honduran visitors.
When to go
February to April is the driest time, and the best for birdwatching. May to October brings rain and fuller waterfalls.
Jan
Drying
Feb
Dry
Mar
Dry, birds
Apr
Semana Santa
May
Rains begin
Jun
Rain
Jul
Short dry spell
Aug
Rain
Sep
Wettest
Oct
Wet
Nov
Drying
Dec
Holidays
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded. Mild at the lake.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Lago de Yojoa prices.
Treat these as a guide. Tours cost extra.
—
- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Lago de Yojoa questions
The ones we get asked most.
How do I get to Lago de Yojoa?
By bus between San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, then a local bus to Los Naranjos, or by shuttle from Copán.
Can I go behind the Pulhapanzak waterfall?
Yes, with a guide.
Is Lago de Yojoa good for birdwatching?
Yes, with hundreds of species recorded.
Where should I stay?
Near Los Naranjos, by the brewery and trails.
How many days do I need?
Two or three.
Is it safe?
It is quiet and generally safe. Travel by day.
When is the best time to visit?
February to April.
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