One of the finest hotels in Honduras, Lodge at Pico Bonito (tel. 504/440-0388, U.S. tel. 888/428-0221, www.picobonito.com) provides a taste of what tourist development can look like if done really well. Nestled up against the emerald-green flanks of the Pico Bonito range are 22 wood and stone cabins, each with louvered wood windows and an overhead fan, some with air-conditioning. Six rooms are in individual cabins (“superior plus” cabins with a/c, US$319 s/d, US$377 high season), and the others are in eight two-room cabins (with fan US$276 s/d, US$278 high season, US$52 more with a/c).

The location is really superlative—hundreds of species of birds as well as occasional troops of monkeys and other animals frequently venture down from Parque Nacional Pico Bonito to sample the fruit trees around the lodge, making it a fine location for wildlife-watching. Nearby and reached by trail is the Río Coloradito, a steep, narrow river pouring down a narrow, jungle-clad gorge, with an excellent swimming hole. Just below the lodge is a butterfly farm and serpent vivarium.

Getting to the Lodge at Pico Bonito

The Lodge at Pico Bonito is reached from the Ceiba–Tela highway, turning off south at the village of El Pino, eight kilometers west of the airport. Rates include breakfast and transportation to and from the airport, and taxes, but do not include a 10 percent service charge that is tacked on. Meals are pricey, but excellent—reservations are required for day visitors.