Without a doubt, the beaches of Tela are its main attractions with their pristine beaches, clear waters and green palms. However, that is not all there is to Tela for indeed there are other places of interest worthy of more than a visit. To adventure seekers and nature lovers, check out these places in Tela today!
Jeanette Kawas National Park
Formerly named Punta Sal National Park, the Jeanette Kawas National Park is one of the most important natural parks in Honduras based on size and biodiversity. In olden times, its numerous bays served as sanctuaries for the buccaneers and pirates who frequented these parts. Today, these same bays are sanctuaries for tourists looking for unique flora and fauna in Honduras.
There are two distinct areas of the Punta Sal – the lagoon and the peninsula. The lagoon, which is popularly called
Micos, hosts the highest bird population in the park with up to 350 species living in it during the peak season of December through May. Visitors also have the opportunity to interact with the Garifuna village of Miami located on the lagoon’s beach.
The peninsula can only be accessed through the sea, of which day tours are the best and safest way to do so. Pristine sand beaches, vibrant jungle life with many species of tropical birds, and magnificent coral reefs await visitors. More exciting, however, are sightings of marine animals like dolphins! You have to pay a minimum entrance fee for the park’s upkeep and it can take up to an hour of travel by sea from Tela before the national park can be reached.
Lancetilla Botanical Gardens
As the world’s second largest tropical botanical garden with an area of almost 5,000 hectares, the Lancetilla Botanical Gardens boasts of a wide variety of tropical plants and animals from Honduras and from around the world. It is truly a tropical paradise that man can enjoy to the fullest!
There are many hiking trails within the park, which allows for various activities like bird-watching although hiking through a tropical forest is a very fulfilling experience in itself. If you walk a little farther into a bamboo forest, you will come across a swimming hole in the river that provides a refreshing dip after a hard day’s hike. Visitors have to pay an entrance fee for the park’s maintenance. However, getting to the Lancetilla Botanical Gardens is easier since it is accessible by both bicycles and cars.
Punta Izopo & Triunfo de la Cruz
Punta Izopo is a national park 12 kilometers east of Tela, which takes its name from the Izopo Mountain dominating the area. Basically, this is a wildlife refuge park and, hence, hosts a wide variety of animal life within its lush vegetation. Visitors have the opportunity to see many species of tropical birds like toucans and parrots as well as animals like alligators, turtles and monkeys. There are also mangrove canals to be explored and enjoyed via sea kayaks. You can also interact with the Garifuna town of Triunfo dela Cruz where dance and music are closely intertwined with local life. Or you can have a local lunch for a very cheap price.
Indeed, with these interesting places to visit, your Tela vacation will never be boring! After all, many adventures can happen in both beaches and forests, not to mention on the town of Tela itself.
