Cerro Las Minas

Mountain Honduras' highest mountain with montane cloud forests

Cerro Las Minas (Pico Celaque) is Honduras’ highest peak in the Celaque highlands; hikers come for cloud‑forest trails, elevation gain and highland vistas inside the national park.

Main image

Cerro Las Minas, also known as Pico Celaque, is the highest peak in Honduras, rising to approximately 2,870 metres. The mountain forms the core of Celaque National Park and is the country’s principal highland summit.

Hikers come for the summit and the cloud forest environment, which offers montane trails, moss‑covered trees and opportunities for birdwatching. Trails lead through the park to viewpoints and to the summit ridge; the peak provides panoramic views on clear days. The mountain’s elevation and habitat make it a key destination for nature‑focused visits rather than casual seaside tourism.

The area containing Cerro Las Minas was designated for protection as part of national conservation efforts to preserve the distinct montane ecosystems of western Honduras. The mountain has long been recognized locally as the country’s highest point.

Located in Lempira Department in western Honduras, the peak lies within Celaque National Park near the town of Gracias and dominates the surrounding highland landscape.

  • Elevation: At 2,870 metres above sea level it is the highest point in Honduras and a focal point for hikers visiting the national park.
  • Environment: The area is dominated by cloud forest with a range of endemic plants and bird species, and weather can change quickly at altitude.

What to See #

  • Pico Celaque (Cerro Las Minas): The summit known as Pico Celaque sits at the highest point of the park and is the island of higher ridgelines culminating at the 2,870 metre summit.
Cerro Las Minas
14.5500, -88.6500

How to Get to Cerro Las Minas #

The usual gateway is the colonial town of Gracias (Lempira), about 3-4 hours by road from San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa (private shuttle or bus). From Gracias, local 4x4 taxis and colectivos run to trailheads within 20-60 minutes; most treks to the summit begin near the village of San Juan or other park access points. Expect unpaved mountain roads and allow extra time for slow sections.

Tips for Visiting Cerro Las Minas #

  • Base hikes usually start from the town of Gracias; arrange transport the evening before to reach trailheads early.
  • Acclimatize gradually - even though elevations are modest for experienced mountaineers, mornings are cold and afternoons can be sweaty in the cloud forest.
  • Hire a local guide from Gracias: they know the narrow footpaths, cattle tracks and which streams are safe to cross.
  • Bring insect repellent and a lightweight rain jacket; mist and showers are frequent even in the 'dry' season.

Best Time to Visit Cerro Las Minas #

Best visited in the dry season for trail conditions and visibility, but the mountain's cloud forest is atmospheric year-round.

Dry season
November-April · 8-22°C (46-72°F)
Clearer skies and firmer trails; best window for reaching the summit ridge and seeing distant peaks.
Wet season
May-October · 10-20°C (50-68°F)
Lush cloud-forest growth, frequent mist and afternoon downpours; slippery trails but intense jungle colors.

Weather & Climate near Cerro Las Minas #

Climate

Cerro Las Minas's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 9°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1550 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 18 mm.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 23°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 24°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°

Weather

190 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Heavy rain (263 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 22°

Weather

263 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Heavy rain (206 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°

Weather

206 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Heavy rain (236 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°

Weather

236 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (273 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°

Weather

273 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 20°

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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