Hiking in Río Plátano

Rugged trailblazers and novice adventurers come seeking jungle hikes as far off the beaten path as they can possibly get. Tropical landscape engulfs trekkers as they search for exotic wildlife and climb up steep peaks to majestic panoramic views. Las Marías is the base for a selection of beginner to expert-level hikes.

Cerro de Zapote. Moderate, one day, one guide. This day hike also can be extended into a camping trip up to Pico Baltimore. From Las Marías, hike through flat terrain up to a steep hill and stop for a picnic lunch. An early start improves your chance for great bird-watching and wildlife spotting. After the break, head back to the village. Las Marías, Gracias a Dios.

Cerro Mico. Moderate, two days, three guides. Take the two-hour pipante ride to Walpaulbansirpe and overnight in tents or at a hospedaje. The next morning, hike along the mixed terrain of rolling trails and steep climbs to Cerro Mico, also called Monkey Hill for its abundance of, well, monkeys. Hike down a different path to a creek that bleeds into Río Plátano and return to Las Marías in the afternoon. Or, head back upriver to check out the second set of petroglyphs. Las Marías, Gracias a Dios.

Pico Baltimore. Moderate to difficult, two days, two guides. A slightly easier option than the Pico Dama hike, this trip starts in Las Marías with a five-to-seven-hour trek through primary and secondary forest, affording a long window of time to spot rare birds and endangered wildlife. Spend the night at a rustic cabin near the mountain's base, and rise early the second day to make the steep two-hour climb to the summit. Enjoy the stunning views of Laguna de Ibans and the Caribbean, then head back down to Las Marías. Las Marías, Gracias a Dios.

Pico Dama. Difficult, three days, three guides. Steep climbs and thick vegetation make this hike, in our opinion, the most challenging adventure out of Las Marías. The trip begins with a two-hour pipante ride upriver to Quebrada Sulawa. Disembark and trek for four hours through flat farmland and primary and secondary forest. The going is slippery; watch your step. Sleep in the simple cabin or pitch a tent at the campsite, then spend the second day on a steep four-hour hike to the mountain's peak, which offers a panoramic vista of the entire biosphere reserve. Hike back to the camp house, and return to Las Marías on the third day. Las Marías, Gracias a Dios.