Honduras
The Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve is one of the best nature areas in Central America outside of Costa Rica, and unfortunately one of the most endangered. Loaded with both natural and historic sites, it suffers from the onslaught of minimal restrictures to either tourism or human habitation. That said, the region’s lush rainforest houses a rich ecosystem and one of the highest concentrations of popular wildlife between the United States and Brazil.
Human habitation of Honduras began long before the Europeans showed up. In fact, when Columbus finally made it to the mainland, his first steps were within what is now Rio Platano. The area has been heavily explored and exploited ever since. It has become a destination for archaeologists investigating ancient ruins, refugees from wars and natural disasters, loggers and cattle ranchers. Its establishment as a biosphere reserve in 1982 has done little to solve these problems. That said, the wildlife of the region is holding on, thanks in part to a growing ecotourism industry.
Rio Platano has a wealth of some of the best wildlife in Central America. Huge numbers of birds and reptiles make the area their home, and it is famous for the species of Macaw here. Monkey, Tapir, Sloth and Giant Anteater are common here. Among the most popular albeit rarely seen inhabitants are its big cats: the Jaguar and the Puma.
The Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve covers over 5,000 square km. This is about four percent of the total land area of Honduras, which may be a world record for a single park. It cuts a swath across the eastern end of the country from the sea southward, approximately 200 miles east of San Pedro Sula. It is open year round, and unfortunately subject to few restrictions. No other visitor information was available for this site. Web: N/A.
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