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Aerial view of Cayo Chachahuate in Cayos Cochinos Possibly the most popular tour in La Ceiba! The tour departs from the Garífuna Village of Sambo Creek, about 18 kilometres (11 Miles) East of La Ceiba. Cayos Cochinos, known in English as the Hog Islands, is actually a small archipelago consisting of two small islands and 11 keys that surround the islands. This is a true, pristine Caribbean paradise, located just 45 minutes from the coast via a small boat. The area has been declared a National Marine Monument and is under protection of the state. A local NGO that has been commissioned by the state to manage it.
Here you will enjoy white sand beaches with turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling. Discover the marine wildlife that lives along the coral reefs of Cayos Cochinos, which is part of the Meso American Barrier Reef! You will hike into the bigger island in search for the endemic “pink boa” a snake that is endemic to the Islands. Finally, you will visit the the Garifuna Village at Cayo Chachahuate. This is without doubt the most picturesque and authentic Garifuna Village in the World!
Tours depart daily at 8:00 am from Sambo Creek and return around 2:00 p.m. Transfer time from La Villa de Soledad to Cayos Cochinos is about 40 minutes. Don’t forget to bring some sun block and a good hat for your tour!
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Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge. One of the most emblematic protected areas in Honduras is located very close to La Ceiba! The Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge is located about 25 kilometres outside of town, towards the West of the city. Travel time from La Villa de Soledad to La Union, where you board the small train into the refuge will take you about 50 minutes. From La Union the train ride will take you about 30 additional minutes to get to the seaside community of Salado Barro. This community is the heart of the Refuge. From there, you can see lagoon, the mangrove canals and beaches in this protected area.
Without doubt, the icon of the reserve are the manatees that inhabit the refuge. Other common animals in the area are two species of monkeys: Capuchin and Howlers . Both are usually seen during the tour of the mangroves! In addition, there are many different coastal birds, as well as reptiles such as alligators and crocodiles.
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Nombre de Dios National Park Located within the Nombre de Dios National Park. Just outside the Garífuna community of Sambo Creek. This canopy tour offers the unique combination of a 14 cable zip line experience with views of the Caribbean, including Cayos Cochinos.
Perhaps the biggest highlight are the hot springs of premises, These offer an unusual and lovely setting in the tropical jungle! The hot springs mix with a cold water mountain spring, resulting in small waterfalls and pools with perfect hot water to relax in. This is a perfect combination: action packed zip lining and then relaxing hot springs! You can do both the zip line and the hot springs or only one or the other! The transfer time from La Villa de Soledad to Sambo Creek is approximately 40 minutes.