RoatanHotels DivingReal Estate Services Things to DoPictures Shopping Island LifeDiningShore ExcursionsHonduras Home

Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, Honduras, Central America

On the North Coast Between La Ceiba and Tela

Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge is located about 15 miles from La Ceiba on the Caribbean coast. The area forms a triangle encompassed by the Cuero and Salado rivers and the sea coast, comprises a little over 82 square miles, and was designated a protected area in 1986 because of its endangered manatee population, as well as the complex series of saltwater and freshwater wetlands it contains.

Honduras Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge

Fifteen river basins, originating in the Nombre de Dios mountain range directly influence the refuge. Presently the park is managed by a non governmental organization, Fundacion Cuero y Salado, or "FUCSA". Scientists and conscientious citizens of La Ceiba were instrumental in the formation of the park, in response to the critical environmental problem of loss of forest to agriculture and livestock. The park protects about 35 species of animals, including manatees, jaguar, jabirus, whiteface and other species of monkeys, as well as alligators and a great diversity of fish species.

The area is also rich in bird life, almost 200 different species (about 28% of the total bird species found in Honduras). There is also a rich variety of vegetation supporting the animal life, including primary forests, lush mangroves, and different types of palm.

Below are pictures of Cuero y Salado taken in July, 2005. Among the wildlife we saw, there were monkeys, turtles, and many exotic tropical birds. Unfortunately, our camera was not up to the task of getting good photos of them.

Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, Honduras Central America
Can you See the Turtle?

Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, Honduras Central America
View of One of the Lagoons

Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, Honduras Central America
Our Guide and Crew

Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, Honduras Central America
Had Lunch and an Ice Cold Beer

Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, Honduras Central America
This working train took us from the village to the
Wildlife Refuge.

Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, Honduras Central America
Looking up the Track on the way to the
Wildlife Refuge.

J. McMillin, July 2005
Sandy Bay, Roatan

Our tour of Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge was arranged by Jungle River Lodge & Tours in La Ceiba.

Honduras | National Parks | Cuero y Salado | Copan Ruins | Puerto Cortez | La Ceiba | Pico Bonito | San Juancito | Cigar Factory | Honduras Coffee

Visitors Guide to Roatan Honduras

Contact Us