Parque Nacional Montaña de Celaque protects the highest mountain in Honduras — the main summit reaches 2,849 metres — and some of the most intact cloud forest in Central America. The trail from the park entrance south of Gracias gains over 2,000 metres in elevation and passes through tropical dry forest, cloud forest, and high-altitude elfin forest near the top.
The standard hike takes two days: a long ascent on day one with a night at the refuge shelter near the summit, then descent on day two. The forest is dense with orchids, ferns, and bromeliads, and wildlife includes resplendent quetzals, keel-billed toucans, and howler monkeys. The park office in Gracias can arrange guides — they are knowledgeable and recommended, as the upper trail can be confusing. Bring warm clothing even in dry season; summit nights are cold.