2 Best Sights in La Mosquitia, Honduras

Sport fishing and bird watching draw a handful of travelers out to this isolated town on the northeast side of Laguna de Caratasca. Snapper, snook, and tarpon fish flood the lagoon surrounding this beachfront community. Colectivo boats leave for Kaukira from Puerto Lempira's main dock every day (except Sunday) around 10 "am." Boats charge L120 for the hour-long trip, and colectivo taxis in Kaukira should cost L20 a ride. Return trips, however, are less guaranteed. Before taking off, check at the docks if an afternoon service from Kaukira to Puerto Lempira is expected to run. If not, private expreso boats charge around L2,000 one way. Puerto Lempira native Ralston Haylock is a respected tour guide who can arrange trips to Kaukira and runs a basic lodge there for overnight visitors. His contact number 504/433-6081 is for a community telephone and is often hard to reach. Your best bet to find him is to ask around town.

This tiny village of 400 people makes for a tranquil day trip to the Laguna de Tansing, just 18 km (11 mi) south of Puerto Lempira. Shady beaches ring the lagoon, whose freshwater attracts lots of waterfowl; head here for great bird-watching. Taxis from the city charge around $40 round-trip, although the journey is also enjoyable on two wheels (weather permitting). Informal bike shops in Puerto Lempira should charge under $10 for daily rentals. If your afternoon escape turns into an overnight, a string of family-run bungalows in town ($) provide basic accommodations with private baths.