EL BOQUERON CANYON

A place not often visited by tourists, but well worth a stop. It's a 4,000-hectare natural "monument" comprising two canyons on the slopes of the Sierra de Agalta, some 30 kilometers from Juticalpa. According to tradition, this is where the village of San Jorge de Olancho once stood. Here you can admire relics of the cloud forest (30-metre-high trees, covered with bromeliads and other epiphytic plants) and a beautiful valley where you can swim and watch a host of birds among the begonias and bougainvilleas. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to take a day trip or more to visit the pre-Columbian ruins of Dos Quebradas.

Take a bus to Catacamas and get off at El Boquerón, before the bridge (30-minute journey). The path leads off to the north of the road, first to the left, then crossing to the right after 20 minutes; it takes another 50 minutes to cross the river again, and then a good hour to reach the bucolic village of La Avispa. In short, take your time on a 2 to 3-hour walk.

For a day trip , you'll have to retrace your steps, but don't forget to spend some time in the village chatting to the locals. If you wish to continue your journey, it is possible to camp in the hamlet, which will be gladly offered to you, although compensation is welcome. A bus leaves La Avispa for Juticalpa at 6 a.m., and it may be possible to find a car on the way.