Untouristed Tourist Spot

Guatemala has Lake Atitlan. Costa Rica has Lake Arenal. Nicaragua has a couple lakes to choose from. But Honduras isn't a country known for it's lakes. Recently, the country has been trying to change all that. In the centre of the country (more of less) rests Honduras's largest natural lake, and potentially it's next tourist attraction.

Lago de Yojoa is a sizeable chunk of water. Following in the typical geography of the area, the surrounding shoreline abounds with heavily treed hills and cloud forests. With only a few small villages scattered about the circumference, Lake Yojoa is a peaceful and tranquil area. The added attraction is the slightly higher elevation (700m) allowing for cooler temperatures. A real retreat from the sometimes sweltering lowland heat. And if that wasn't enough, there is a small archeological zone (parque eco-arqueologico de los Naranjos), coffee plantations, hot springs and it's own mini version of Belize's Blue Hole.

But likely the biggest attraction in the area are the Pulhapanzak Falls (50 Lempira). Located about 10 km north of the lakeside town of Pena Blanca, the 43 m falls are one of the best in the country. The surrounding par is well maintained, although not easy to get to. There is no direct bus to the falls, the best you can do is hop on any bus heading to San Pedro Sula, and ask to be dropped off at the park turn-off. It's still a bit of a walk from there though. But once at the park there are a few things to occupy your time. For those wanting to get wet, a tour (100 Lempira) will take you pretty much right under the falls. Alternatively, a canopy/zip-line combo (250 Lempira) can give you a bird's eye view of the falls. Camping is possible and there is even a simple hostel for those wanting to spend the night. But remember it's as much of a pain getting out of the park as it was getting in.

There are a few hotels and hostels to choose from around the lake. However, as tourism here is in it's infancy, the quality to price ratio isn't up to snuff. You are likely to overpay to stay in a small moldy box, and lake views are rare. As a matter of fact, most of the land around the lake is quite marshy, making getting close to it quite difficult. It is best scene from a boat, which are available for hire. Any of the small towns in the area are basically equipped with... well... the basic. There is no fine dining and i didn't even see an ATM. But this is the price you pay to come to an area before it gets totally exploited by tourism.

The area is easily accessible with frequent buses to and from San Pedro Sula and even connection to the capital Tegucigalpa. Frankly, Lake Yojoa will never be a Lake Atitlan or Lake Arenal. And it isn't a "must-see". But in a country generally lacking in attraction compared to it's neighbours, the lake could make for an interesting diversion for those with time to kill in Honduras.