Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge
Refugio de Vida Silvestre Cuero y Salado
A mangrove wetland reserve west of town. Boats glide through its waterways, where you can see manatees, howler monkeys, crocodiles, white-faced capuchins and waterbirds.
The Cuero y Salado Reserve is about 30 km west of La Ceiba. It consists of an estuary, mangroves, lagoons and coastline, and it is one of the habitats of the West Indian manatee. Visitors usually take a local rail car (converted from an old banana railway) from the town of Rio Cuero into the reserve, then explore the waterways by canoe or small boat. Look for howler monkeys and capuchins in the treetops, and crocodiles and kingfishers along the banks. Entrance fees and boat fares are paid separately. Early-morning visits are recommended, and bring insect repellent. Transport is somewhat inconvenient, so most visitors book a day tour through a travel agency.
Opening hours
About 07:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Pico Bonito National Park
- Butterfly & Insect Museum
- Malecón Guillermo Anderson
- Cangrejal River
- Water Cay
- Corozal
- Sambo Creek
- Lancetilla Botanical Garden