Celaque National ParkCelaque National Park at a Glance
About Celaque National Park
Celaque National Park is a protected area in western Honduras that conserves cloud forest, montane habitats, and highland watersheds. It includes the country’s highest mountain, widely known as Cerro Las Minas or Pico Celaque.
Hikers and naturalists visit for mountain trails, high-elevation cloud forest, endemic flora and fauna, and panoramic views from the park’s peaks. Trail conditions vary and visitors should be prepared for steep, rugged terrain and changing mountain weather.
The area was designated for protection to conserve its montane ecosystems and water sources; management efforts focus on biodiversity conservation and watershed protection. The mountain and surrounding forests have long been important to local communities for resources and cultural value.
The park is located in western Honduras in the highlands; it spans montane terrain and is accessed from nearby towns in the western interior of the country.
- Highest peak: Contains Honduras’s highest mountain, known as Cerro Las Minas or Pico Celaque, rising to about 2,870 metres above sea level.
Best Time to Visit Celaque National Park
The dry season offers the most reliable hiking conditions; spring and autumn are particularly pleasant.
Weather & Climate near Celaque National Park
Celaque National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1113 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 16° - 28° | 22° | 40 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 16° - 29° | 23° | 21 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 18° - 32° | 25° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 19° - 33° | 26° | 37 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 21° - 32° | 26° | 112 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 21° - 31° | 26° | 153 mm | - | - | 1.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 20° - 30° | 25° | 130 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 20° - 30° | 25° | 136 mm | - | - | 1.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 20° - 30° | 25° | 151 mm | - | - | 1.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 19° - 29° | 24° | 156 mm | - | - | 1.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 18° - 28° | 23° | 93 mm | - | - | 1.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 16° - 28° | 22° | 60 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Celaque National Park
The park’s main access points are reached from Gracias (Lempira Department) or from La Esperanza; local guides from these towns lead treks into the park. Roads are rural and sometimes rough; a 4x4 is useful for remote approaches.
Tips for Visiting Celaque National Park
- Organize a local guide from Gracias or La Esperanza for treks; trails can be minimally marked.
- Acclimatize before climbing Cerro Las Minas - the park's highest peak - as weather and altitude can affect routes.