The top things to do in Lago de Yojoa, including the best hikes!

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If you’re backpacking through Central America, there’s a good chance you’ve already heard about either the D&D Brewery or Lago de Youjoa. It has become a popular stop for travelers on their way from Nicaragua to the Bay Islands or vice versa. However, despite the buzz, a lot of people still end up skipping it. Big mistake in my opinion. Sure, it’s not a beach town or a party spot, and it’s definitely a bit out of the way unless your traveling to the border. But that’s exactly why it’s worth a stop. Whether you’re here to kayak on the biggest lake in Honduras, hike to misty waterfalls, sample local coffee, or just enjoy a cold IPA with fellow backpackers, Lago de Yojoa is one of those rare spots that’s both laid-back and packed with adventure, minus the tourist crowds. We spent a week here and could definitely have spent more time and explored even more!

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Lago de Yojoa, from the top things to do, budget-friendly places to stay, and how to actually get there without a car or a headache.

What Is Lago de Yojoa and Where Is It?

Lago de Yojoa is the largest natural lake in Honduras, located right between San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. Surrounded by lush mountains, misty cloud forests, and two national parks, it’s a dreamy destination for nature lovers and slow travelers. You’ll find everything from kayaking and hiking, to coffee tours and brewery tastings, and all of it with way fewer tourists than you’d expect.

The lake itself is nearly 30 kilometers long, but most travelers base themselves on the northern edge near Peña Blanca, where you’ll find most of the eco-lodges, restaurants, and attractions. It’s an easy stop if you’re traveling between the Bay Islands and Nicaragua, and a must for anyone who wants to see a different side of Honduras. Along with Río Cangrejal, this feels like a spot way to many people overlook.

Top Things to Do in Lago de Yojoa

I’ll jump straight to the best things to do in the area, but if you also want more practical tips on how to get here and the best places to stay, just scroll further down and you’ll find everything you need.

Go Kayaking or Boating on the Lake

This was actually our first time kayaking, and even though we’re clearly no experts we had such a great day on the lake. You start by paddling through the canal leading to the lake, and the scenery is absolutely stunning! It was also really fun to see all the birds glide over the lake, and the locals fishing or swimming along the shore. You will easily find people renting out single or double kayaks in the city along the lake, or just book it through your accommodation.

Kayaking on Lago de Youjoa

Visit D&D Brewery

If you’ve heard of Lago de Yojoa, chances are you’ve heard of D&D Brewery. This is one of the places that helped put Lago de Yojoa on the map for backpackers. It’s a local brewery on the middle of the jungle which in itself is pretty cool. Even though I absolutely loved our time here, it’s not as social and backpacker-viby as I feel people make it out to be. It‘s pretty much like every where else. Nothing bad about that, but if youre coming here for the social vibe, you’ll probably be disappointed. We stayed here and the food and beer was really good. Even if you don’t stay here, its worth coming for the food and a beer by the fire place at night.

D&D Brewery

Birdwatching in the Cloud Forest

Lago de Yojoa is one of the best birdwatching spots in Central America, with over 400 species recorded in the area. You don’t need to be a hardcore birder to enjoy it, just go for an early morning walk or kayak around the lake or take a guided tour in one of the national parks. I’m not a big bird-watcher, but even I thought it was a great spot for birds! We even saw a toucan flying past us just by the road.

Lago de Yojoa, Honduras

Visit Pulhapanzak Waterfall

My biggest regret is that I didn’t make it here, simply because we were so tired from traveling non stop for so long and needed some time to relax. Pulhapanzak is one of Honduras’ most famous waterfalls and based on what I heard from people going there, it definitely lives up to the hype. You can admire the 43-meter cascade from the top or join a guided tour that takes you behind the falls.

You can book a tour from your accommodation or just take the local bus from the city.

Hike to Pozo Azul

It’s tucked away in the forest near the community of El Cacao. There are multiple trails to choose from in the park, but my favorite was the trail that leads you to a stunning turquoise pool that feels like your own private oasis. During our whole time in this park we only saw one other tourist, so it definitely felt like we had the jungle all to ourselves. The water was some of the bluest I’ve ever seen and even though you can’t swim in it, it was such a beautiful spot to just sit and relax.

The hike itself is not very challenging, it’s not too long, but with enough uphill and slippery sections to keep things interesting.

Pozo Azul in Honduras

Tour a Coffee Finca

If you’re visiting in the right season (November–March), consider taking a tour of a local coffee finca in the hills above the lake. You’ll learn how coffee is grown, processed, and roasted and taste some delicious Honduran coffee.

Hikes we didn’t do, but you might like:

As said above we were too tired from traveling for so along to hike as much as we wanted, but there are lots more hikes here than I actually did. I had already done the research and planned out everything I wanted to so even though we didn’t end up doing it, hopefully it can help you. Here are a couple you might like to do.

Cerro Las Nalgas

This is supposed to be a tough but rewarding climb. The hike is steep, muddy, and best done with a guide (you can organize one through D&D Brewery). Expect a few hours of sweating and scrambling, but at the top, you’ll be treated to the iconic panoramic view over Lago de Yojoa.

Duration: 4–6 hours roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Guide required: Recommended

Trails Inside PANACAM Lodge (Parque Nacional Azul Meámbar)

Just a short drive (or tuk-tuk) from the lake, PANACAM offers some of the best-maintained hiking trails in the region. I’ve heard that the trails are well-marked, ranging from short loops to longer treks with scenic lookouts and refreshing waterfalls.

You’ll need to check in at the visitor center and pay a small fee. Some trails are self-guided, while others, especially the longer routes and waterfall hikes require a guide.

Duration: 1–4 hours depending on the trail
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Guide required: For longer trails

El Cacao Waterfall Trail

This lesser-known trail starts in the village of El Cacao and leads through forest and farmland to a beautiful, hidden waterfall. It’s quieter than the PANACAM trails and perfect if you’re looking for a half-day adventure with a local feel. You might need a guide to find the start, but it’s a rewarding hike without the crowds.

Duration: 2–3 hours roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Guide required: Optional, but helpful

Lago de Yojoa, Honduras

Cerro Azul Meámbar Summit Hike

If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can summit Cerro Azul Meámbar, the cloud forest-covered mountain that gives the PANACAM park its name. This is a full-day trek with significant elevation gain, dense vegetation, and often misty conditions. It’s a true adventure and only recommended with a local guide.

Duration: 6–8 hours roundtrip
Difficulty: Challenging
Guide required: Yes

Los Naranjos Eco-Archaeological Park (Easy Trail Option)

If you’re after something light and peaceful, the Los Naranjos Eco-Archaeological Park has easy walking trails that loop around ancient ruins, wooden boardwalks through wetlands, and great birdwatching. It’s ideal for a relaxing morning or afternoon and is one of the few hikes you can do solo without much planning.

Duration: 1–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Guide required: No

How to Get to Lago de Yojoa

By bus or car

Lago de Yojoa is about halfway between San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, making it super easy to reach by bus or car. You’ll want to head toward the town of La Guama, and then take a short taxi or moto-taxi ride to your lodge.

From San Pedro Sula: 2.5–3 hours
From Tegucigalpa: 3–3.5 hours
From Copán Ruinas: About 5–6 hours by bus, usually with a stop in La Entrada
From La Ceiba or the Bay Islands: 5–7 hours, best with a private shuttle
From Nicaragua (Leon): The best and easiest option is to book a shuttle.

By shuttle

Many eco-lodges, especially D&D, can help arrange private transport from most major cities or the ferry terminal in La Ceiba. You can also use a company called Roneey Shuttle, that’s what we did. They stop in La Guam on the way to Nicaragua and from there we just took a tuk tuk to our Lodge. They stop along the way here because they know all the busses stop here, so even if there’s no tuk tuk there when you stop, one will come along within 10 minutes at the most.

Keep in mind that the shuttles don’t run every day and sometimes they only run if there are enough people going, so have some flexibility within your schedule for this stretch.

Where to Stay Around Lago de Yojoa

There’s a growing selection of accommodations around the lake, from budget-friendly hostels to romantic cabins. Most are nestled in the jungle or along the quieter northern shore. We stayed at the D&D Brewery & Lodge and can absolutely recommend it. The rooms are quite small, but you can spend a bit more than we did and get more space. Below are some other options I considered and come highly reviewed.

D&D Brewery and Lodge

Budget to mid-range rooms and dorms, great food, and all the tours can be arranged from here.

Panacam Lodge

Set inside the national park, with beautiful cabins and trails right out your door. More peaceful, perfect for nature lovers.

Honduyate Marina

A lakeside resort with a pool, boat access, and big views—ideal if you’re after a more resort-like experience.

What to Pack for Lago de Yojoa

Lightweight hiking shoes or trail sandals
Swimsuit and towel for waterfalls and lake dips
Binoculars or a camera for wildlife
Rain jacket or poncho (it’s lush for a reason!)
Flashlight or headlamp
Insect repellent

Final Travel Tips for Lago de Yojoa

Stay at least two - three nights to make the most of the lake and surrounding parks.
Bring cash, some smaller places don’t accept cards.
Expect patchy Wi-Fi and limited cell service, this place is perfect for a little detox.

Why Lago de Yojoa Should Be on Your Honduras Itinerary

Lago de Yojoa has that perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. You can start your day hiking through misty cloud forests, kayak at golden hour, sip local beer under the stars, and fall asleep in a cozy cabin in the trees. It’s easy to get to, full of hidden gems, and totally worth slowing down for. Even though I didn’t get to do everything I wanted to here, I had a really great and relaxing time. After traveling for a very long time it was nice to find a spot to just relax by the lake for a while.

If you have any questions about Lago de Yojoa or travel in Honduras in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I would love to connect and help out!
-Ingrid

Lago de Yojoa Ultimate Travel Guide - Jungle Hikes, Craft Beer and Stunning Waterfalls