A travel blog about adventure and culture

Traveler´s Buddy

  • HOME
  • TRAVEL 101
  • TRAVEL JOURNAL
  • DESTINATIONS
    • Africa
    • America
    • Asia
    • Europe
  • TRAVELBUZZ
  • MORE
    • Write for Traveler’s Buddy
    • Work with me
      • Media content
      • Video Content
      • Photography and Video content
    • Contact me
    • About me
    • MediaKit
Danakil depression camel caravan
Avatar
Juan Martinez
Thursday, 18 March 2021 / Published in America, Destinations

Pulhapanzak – Honduras’ mighty waterfalls

Pulhapanzak Waterfalls Honduras

In the search for the most beautiful cascades in the world, the Pulhapanzak waterfalls in Honduras might come quite close to the top spot

With a water drop of 43 meters and surrounded by an outstanding natural scenery in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, the Pulhapanzak waterfalls in Honduras are considered one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Central America. I went to Honduras to explore this astonishing wonder of nature and ended up immersing in raw nature like anywhere else.

Aerial view of the Pulhapanzak Waterfalls in Honduras
Aerial view of the Pulhapanzak Waterfalls in Honduras

A waterfall’s unexplained beauty

There is something mesmerizing in seeing or exploring a waterfall anywhere around the globe. No matter if it’s the water tumbling down a mountain at full force in front of your eyes or the arhythmical pounding on the rocks, the fascination for these natural formations has no age or preferences. At the same time, each one of us have probably a favorite waterfall or a waterfall we would like to explore at least once.

Iguacu, Niagara and Victoria Falls are some of the most iconic in the world, while Iceland’s waterfall go sometimes beyond the imagination itself.  

Landscapes in Honduras are still untouched
Landscapes in Honduras are still untouched

A natural gem in plain sight

Visiting the Pulhapanzak waterfalls in Honduras is uncomplicated. There is no secret trek hidden somewhere in the jungle or a 5-hour expedition passing rivers and lakes. Located north of the Yojoa Lake and right next to the highway between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, the accessibility to Pulhapanzak is a good reason to imagine this place as one of the most visited places in Central America. However, Honduras has been considered in the past years a travel destination for only the most adventurous and there is still a taboo in the dangers of visiting this country.

I won’t say Honduras is the safest place to visit, but I would disagree to call Honduras unsafe. I traveled all around the country for 5 days and the only frightens I got were losing control of my kayak on a rapid or zip lining above the Pulhapanzak waterfalls for first time. Just like in any other volatile country around the world, there are always some dangers involved if you are independently exploring, but being properly informed is the best way to avoid an uncomfortable situation.

Trekking areas in the Honduran jungle
Trekking areas in the Honduran jungle

This means, Pulhapanzak has the easy access, outstanding beauty and adventure feeling travelers usually look for, but also the isolation and calm you would never expect from a place like this. Beside a couple of local tourists, I was basically the only person exploring the waterfalls (all of this during the pre-corona times).

The national government is also putting some effort in promoting Pulhapanzak on an international level. There is an eco-park protecting the natural beauty around the area, but there are also camping spots for those looking forward to spending more time in Pulhapanzak. Furthermore, the eco-park offers several outdoor activities like cave exploring, zip lining and tubing.

Read more: Swimming in the cenotes – Mexico’s mystical natural pools

Eco-Park next to Yojoa Lake
Eco-Park next to Yojoa Lake

Feeling the raw nature of Pulhapanzak

Standing in front of a 43 meter waterfall drop for the very first time is quite intimidating. The wind blows so strong that you can barely breath, water drops splash constantly in your face and the thundering sound of the water pounding the rock can’t let you hear what everyone around you is saying.

Pulhapanzak takes this whole experience to a new level. What it first starts as a 3 meter jump into a natural pool in front of the main drop is just the beginning of the rawest adventure I had in Central America: crossing the base of a 43 meter waterfall.

This was not a normal walk to the base of the waterfall and then wandering behind the sheets of water flowing from above. This adventure was feeling thousands of liters of water falling on your back, being barely able to open the eyes and only rely yourself on holding the hand of the person in front of you.

Read more: Yaxha and Tikal – Visiting the centers of Maya culture

Standing below the Pulhapanzak Waterfalls
Standing below the Pulhapanzak Waterfalls

Climbing boulders, traversing smaller water drops and jumping into deep natural pools was part of the experience. And while I was waiting for the moment I could just look up and try to see the sky from the base of this powerful fall, that moment never came up.

This is an adventure you can’t do by yourself, but hiring a local guide is not an issue. The eco-park has several trained official guides offering tours starting 15 EUR.

Read more: Exploring the volcano route of Nicaragua

Jumping in the water at Standing below the Pulhapanzak Waterfalls
Me jumping in the natural pools of the Jumping in the water at Standing below the Pulhapanzak Waterfalls in Honduras

Seeing one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world from below is quite a unique experience, but feeling the force and energy of the waterfall on the body is something that simply left me speechless. It is a sensation everyone should feel at least once in a lifetime.

  • Tweet
Tagged under: America, Central America, Honduras, nature, waterfalls

What you can read next

Moscow Red Square in Summer
Can you visit Moscow on a budget
Abuna Yemata Guh, Ethiopia’s church in the sky
Marveling Abuna Yemata Guh, Ethiopia’s church in the sky
Semuc Champey-most beautiful waterfall Guatemala-Central America
Which are the most beautiful waterfalls of Central America

See my work for Lonely Planet

Juan Martinez - Lonely Planet Berlin

See more of my work

Juan Martinez BBC Travel - Deutsche Welle

Follow me on Instagram

Instagram Juan Martinez Travelers Buddy

Follow me on facebook

facebook banner travelersbuddy

See my videos on YouTube

youtube channel Travelersbuddy

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

  • How to eat like a local in SpainHow to eat like a local in Spain
  • A Hiking Guide to Saxon Switzerland National ParkA Hiking Guide to Saxon Switzerland National Park
  • Colombia’s hippo dilemma – a global issue with no clear solutionColombia’s hippo dilemma – a global issue with no clear solution
  • What to bring and wear for gorilla trekkingWhat to bring and wear for gorilla trekking
  • How many blank passport pages do you need to travel to each countryHow many blank passport pages do you need to travel to each country
  • Road trip in Jamaica – Tropical forests and untouched beaches are callingRoad trip in Jamaica – Tropical forests and untouched beaches are calling
  • 19 simple tips for traveling Stockholm on a budget19 simple tips for traveling Stockholm on a budget
  • How to cross overland between Mozambique and EswatiniHow to cross overland between Mozambique and Eswatini
  • Best things to do in HargeisaBest things to do in Hargeisa
  • Exploring Spreewald – The Venice of GermanyExploring Spreewald – The Venice of Germany

RECENT POSTS

  • How to plan a trip in Akagera national Park

    How to plan a trip to Akagera National Park in Rwanda

    From itineraries, transportation, accommodation...
  • Crossing overland between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda: a complete guide

    Crossing overland between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda

    With security and tourism increasing yearly in ...
  • What to bring and wear for gorilla trekking

    What to bring and wear for gorilla trekking

    Rain jacket, double socks, boots, and lots of w...
  • Illegal trade of wildlife

    Turning animal poachers into wildlife conservationists

    I met with a former animal poacher in Uganda an...
  • Best things do in Hargeisa

    Best things to do in Hargeisa

    Overshadowed by the political conflicts around,...
  • The Batwa people of Uganda – a tribe on the edge of disappearing

    The Batwa people of Uganda – a tribe on the edge of disappearing

    Drastic changes in their lifestyle, constant di...
  • How to plan a gorilla trekking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

    How to plan a gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

    Going on a gorilla trekking in Uganda is an exp...
  • Castle in Germany

    What is the 9-Euro Ticket – A perfect pass for traveling across Germany this Summer

    One transport ticket that is valid for an entir...

WRITE YOUR STORY

We accept guest posts from bloggers, journalists or travel enthusiast about anything what motivated you to travel and experience new things

CONTACT ME HERE

WORK WITH ME

Last year we worked with over 10 different tourism boards from all over the globe. Learn more how we can work together and present how awesome your destination is

CONTACT ME HERE

COME AND SAY HI

Don't be shy and just drop us an email. It´s free

CONTACT ME HERE
Travelers Buddy Mountains Footer
  • Home
  • Travel journal
  • About me
  • Contact me
  • Write for Traveler’s Buddy
  • Imprint
  • More about Traveler´s Buddy
  • Travel journal
  • Home
  • About me
  • Work with me
  • Write for Traveler’s Buddy
  • Contact me
  • GET SOCIAL

www.thetravelersbuddy.com© 2021. All rights reserved

TOP