While facilities are not always maintained outside of top trails, Honduras has an excellent array of hiking routes. Most trails, especially the more remote sections, are very rarely visited, and therefore, your chances of seeing rare wildlife increase dramatically. Rarely will you encounter another hiker here. It's not because the trails are disappointing, it's simply because no one has discovered the country yet. Drop 10 of the top trails in Honduras in Costa Rica, and each would have an airstrip and a luxury tent camp before you could snap a photo.

Some of the best hikes in the country include the 2-day hike to Montaña de Celaque National Park near Gracias, the 2- to 4-day hikes at Pico La Picucha in Olancho, and a number of 2- to 4-day hikes around the town of Las Marías in the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve. Other good trails can be found in Olancho destinations like La Muralla National Park, in Pico Bonito National Park, La Tigra National Park, and several others in all parts of the country.

La Moskitia Ecoaventuras (tel. 504/2440-2124; www.lamoskitiaecoaventuras.com), run by naturalist Jorge Salaverri, one of the most respected promoters of ecotourism in the country, offers a wide variety of hikes in Pico Bonito National Park, all over Olancho, La Mosquitia, and beyond.

La Ruta Moskitia (tel. 504/2443-1276; www.larutamoskitia.com), the 100% community-owned and -operated programs, lead a range of day hikes and multiday hikes from La Mosquitia destinations, especially Las Marías.

Colosuca-Celaque (tel. 504/2656-0627), in Gracias, arranges treks to Montaña de Celaque National Park, and shorter and less intense day hikes along La Ruta Lenca.

Jungle Expedition (tel. 504/9762-6620; www.junglexpedition.org), based in San Pedro Sula, runs various hikes in nearby Parque Nacional Cusuco.

Base Camp Adventures (tel. 504/2651-4695; www.basecamphonduras.com), in Copan, offers 2-, 4-, and 6- to 8-hour hikes to isolated Chortí villages and to waterfalls.

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.