Lake Yojoa is home to an abundance of activities and is known as the hidden outdoor adventure capital of Honduras. There are plenty of coffee farms, mountains, waterfalls, and caverns in the villages that encircle the lake, all of which are just waiting to be discovered. And did I also mention that the forest is home to a microbrewery? Now is the perfect time to go to Lake Yojoa.

You should definitely visit Honduras if you're passing through Central America.

Most backpackers' itineraries include the renownedly gorgeous Bay Islands, Utila and Roatan, as well as the ruins of Copan; however, there is a hidden gem that outdoor enthusiasts should make time to visit.

Located 75 km south of San Pedro Sula in central Honduras, Lake Yojoa is an ideal (and extremely safe!) place to pause between diving in the Bay Islands and continuing on to Nicaragua.

It's more than just a spot to spend the night, though, because of the surrounding natural beauty, adventurous activities, and lack of crowds.

1. Stay At A Brewery In The Jungle

• Our favorite things are beer and the outdoors, so it should come as no surprise that we had a fantastic day at D&D Brewery, Lodge & Restaurant.

• We cherished the untamed environment, nestled within a verdant jungle. The main attraction of the lodge is not the fancy rooms, but rather the common area by the restaurant. Enjoy the local brews, play cards under the fairy lights, and socialize with newfound friends over a bonfire.

• Western favorites and hearty Honduran dishes are served in the on-site restaurant. For breakfast, we had eggs and hash as well as the nutritious chicken and vegetable soup.

• Additionally, D&D provides a variety of activities; there is something for everyone, including hikes, cave tours, and coffee tours.

2. Walk Behind Pulhapanzak Waterfall

• We struck up a conversation with a few other tourists who had visited the waterfall that day on our first night at D&D. They also informed us of two things: 1) You MUST go there. 2) The intensity is there.

• It didn't really matter what we made out of it, but we were persuaded (not too hard!). Though we traveled to many waterfalls in Central America, this was an experience that will never be forgotten, and the others were right when they said that it was intense.

• Families from Honduras frequent this waterfall for a day of swimming in the shallow waters above the falls, picnicking, and taking pictures.

• But you may stroll beneath the waterfall if you're up for an exhilarating journey. We had previously strolled behind falls, such as when visiting Iceland, but this is unique. Almost literally, you're walking INTO the waterfall, behind the thunderous cascades, discovering the secret caverns, and leaping over cliffs into pools below. As we previously mentioned, if you're looking for adventure, it's intense but oh so exciting!

• For a less strenuous adventure, consider zip-lining over the falls if you're not comfortable trekking behind the falls but still want a little burst of excitement.

3. Go on a Tour of Coffee

• We have an obsession with coffee and like finding out more about the origins of our beloved brew. Taking a coffee tour was a highlight of our visit to Lake Yojoa.

• While the coffee excursions we've taken across the world have all been interesting, none have been as in-depth or intimate as this one.

• We visited a coffee farm high in the mountains, learnt how to prepare the best cup of coffee at a small café, and visited a processing plant where we saw firsthand what happens to the beans before they are shipped all over the world on our all-day excursion.

4. Hike to Three Waterfalls

• During this full-day trip, you will travel via two tiny communities, coffee farms, and follow a guide as you explore the jungle's pathways. You may swim in the pools beneath all three of the waterfalls, which are located in a lovely valley.

• The cost of the tour per person decreases as the number of participants increases. The day prior, check with Walter to find out the attendance count.

5. Rent A Kayak On Lake Yojoa

• You may hire a kayak on Lake Yojoa and take in the tranquility and beauty for a just $10 USD.

• They can arrange for someone to drive you from D&D to the entrance where your kayak will be waiting for you. To get to the lake, you will first paddle down a lengthy canal.

• Once you're in open seas, our recommendation is to turn right and paddle along the shore. We stopped to hang out in the shade of an amazing old tree a short distance in (we called him Gandalf; you'll know it when you see it) before heading back.

• You most likely won't need to spend more than 1.5 to 2 hours on the water in total.

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6. Go Caving

• The magnificent Taulabé Caves include striking rock formations, and if you go far into the cave system, you'll feel like Indiana Jones' sidekick. There may be miles of cave beyond the 921 meters that have been documented. Keep an eye out because here is supposed to be where bank robbers hide their treasure.

• As you get deeper into the cave, you'll need a headlamp and a helment. In the first phase, you can explore on your own for 80 Lps. However, the extreme tour, which is essentially spelunking, requires a guide and costs 150 Lps per person.

7. Explore the Los Naranjos Eco Park

• Take a stroll along the park's kilometer-long boardwalk, which passes through Lake Yojoa's wetlands. Take in the fresh air and observe the wildlife. There are also a few minor ruins in the Los Naranjos Ecological and Archaeological Park, however they aren't very impressive.

• It costs 126 Lps ($6 USD) each person to enter the park, and you should allow one to three hours to spend there.

8. Climb A Mountain

• Not just any mountain, either. Viewed from Lake Yojoa, the second-highest peak in Honduras, Montaña de Santa Bárbara (2744m), is climbable with a local guide. The hike is really difficult and full of switchbacks. takes three and a half hours each trip, but you'll be rewarded with a visit to the primany cloud forest and a fantastic opportunity to observe quetzals.

• Make sure you bring plenty of water, a packed lunch, and bug repellent.