Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge is located just 33 km from La Ceiba on the Caribbean coast. The area forms a triangle encompassed by the Cuero and Salado rivers, as well as the coast. It encompasses around 25,000 acres 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. There are fifteen river basins, originating in the Nombre de Dios mountain range that directly influence the refuge.

Transportation to the park from La Ceiba is by Taxi or by Bus and we will arrange that for you. When you arrive at La Union, a small “banana” train will take you to Campamento Salado, an outpost for the processing of coconuts that belongs to the Standard Fruit Co. This little train is an relic of the old days when the only transportation system within the north coast of Honduras was the railroad. Here you will find the brand new Cuero y Salado visitor’s center which offers light foods, information for the tourist, and general information regarding the refuge and its natural environment. Good clean bathroom facilities are also available here. This is where you will pay the entrance fee to the refuge and get your guide for your adventure. The beach is only 50 m from the visitors center, so don’t forget to bring your bathing suit to take a swim at the beach!

There are three distinct river trips and one land trail for your enjoyment. Taking the river trips your chances of seeing manatees are still slim, but many visitors do get a chance to see them, especially early in the morning or late in the evening in the Boca Cerrada area of the refuge, which is on the western end of the park. However you will see a lot of wildlife throughout your trip as the park refuge protects about 35 species of animals, including 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, with 198 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.

Please wear hats, long sleeved clothes and jeans, as well as water, insect repellent and sun cream.