Parque Nacional La Tigra

La Tigra National Park, just a short drive from Tegucigalpa, is a paradise for those who love nature and adventure. This cloud forest park covers a vast area and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.

History

La Tigra holds the distinction of being Honduras’ first protected area, officially designated in 1980. Before that, it was a nature reserve for nearly three decades. The park faced significant deforestation in the early 1900s due to the demand for construction materials and firewood. However, since gaining protected status, the park has seen a remarkable recovery. The oak forests have regrown, and with them, the wildlife has returned, including rare birds like the resplendent quetzal and the wine-throated hummingbird.

Getting There

Reaching the park from Tegucigalpa is straightforward via V-660 toward El Hatillo. There are four entrances, but the main one for visitors from Tegucigalpa is on V-660. This entrance has a visitor center with camping facilities and an eco-lodge for those who want to stay overnight. Other entrances can be accessed via highway RN25 through Valle de Angeles, but these roads can be tricky, so a 4WD vehicle or motorcycle is recommended.

Things to See

– Hiking Trails: La Tigra boasts seven well-marked trails, ranging from a simple 1 km walk to a challenging 6.3 km trek. The main trail, Sendero Principal, stretches 6 km across the park. Other trails include Sendero Granadillas (1 km), Sendero Juquara (1.5 km), Sendero Bosque Nublado (3 km), Sendero La Esperanza (4 km), Sendero La Cascada (7 km), and Sendero La Mina (5 km).
– Wildlife: Birdwatchers will be thrilled with over 350 bird species, including the resplendent quetzal and the wine-throated hummingbird. You might also spot mammals like pumas, agoutis, and armadillos.
– Flora: The park’s plant life is diverse, featuring pine forests, bromeliads, orchids, ferns, lichens, and mushrooms.

Entrance Fees

Foreign visitors pay an entrance fee of 240 lempira (around US$10), while Honduran citizens pay 60 lempira. You can pay these fees at either the El Rosario or Jitiapa visitor centers.

Visiting Tips

1. Bring Water: It’s a good idea to carry at least 1 liter of water in a reusable bottle.
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The trails can be tough, so make sure to wear shoes that are good for hiking.
3. Respect the Environment: Stick to the marked paths to help protect the park’s ecosystem.
4. Accommodation: There are eco-lodges at both visitor centers with comfortable rooms. You can also rent cabins near the Jutiapa entrance.
5. Camping: If you prefer camping, there are spots near the Jutiapa visitor center, though amenities are basic.
6. Guided Tours: While you can explore many trails on your own, a guided tour can enhance your experience, especially for spotting rare wildlife.

La Tigra National Park is a fantastic destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. With its rich biodiversity, well-maintained trails, and convenient location, it’s a place you won’t want to miss when visiting Honduras.