Honduras is a bird-watcher's paradise, with hundreds of species to spot (approximately 800 have been recorded). In places such as Lancetilla and Lago de Yojoa, the number of different recorded species at either location is closing in on an astounding 400 species. The 30-plus tracts of cloud forests, including Montaña de Celaque National Park and La Tigra National Park, are rarely explored and are full of hummingbirds and the usually hard to spot resplendent quetzal.

Rare species found in the country include motmots, jacamars, woodpeckers, macaws, harpy eagles, kingfishers, trogons, herons, owls, and tanagers. I've been all over Latin America, and there is nowhere I have seen toucans on such a regular basis as I have here at maybe six relatively easy-to-reach spots. Birders will delight in much-sought-after species -- the great potoo, keel-billed motmot, and maroon-chested ground dove are all found here.

Malcolm Glasgow (tel. 504/2994-9719; www.dd-brewery.org), who knows bird life on and around Lago de Yojoa better than almost anyone, runs a range of extremely popular half-day and day tours on the lake for L250 per person, and two-day trips to Santa Bárbara National Park for L1,000 per person, including transport and rustic accommodation. Minimum two people; prices drop for larger groups. In Copán, owner of the Alas Encantadas butterfly farm and lodge Roberto Gallardo (tel. 504/2651-4133), who has written several books on Honduran birds and wildlife, runs specialty bird-watching trips, as well.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (tel. 800/328-8326; www.ventbird.com) leads bird-watching trips to Honduras with some of the foremost authorities in the field, while staying at top nature lodges.

Wings (tel. 888/293-6443; www.wingsbirds.com) is a well-respected birding operator that has been running tours for more than 3 decades.

In addition to these companies, many environmental organizations, including the National Audubon Society (tel. 800/967-7425 or 212/979-8947; www.audubon.org), periodically offer organized trips to Honduras.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.