As a general rule, rivers in Atlantida are relatively short. This is because they flow down the steep slopes of the Nombre de Dios Mountains towards the Caribbean Sea. As a result of this, they are usually steep, fast and short rivers. This means that they do not have enough time to merge with other creeks to create a bigger river. Most of these rivers are coming off protected areas and National Parks. Here there is limited or no human intervention so the water is usually crystal clear. As a rule. rivers in Atlantida have high standards as far as water quality is concerned.
Although all of the rivers in Atlantida are truly unique and beautiful, there is one that stands out on its own: The Cangrejal River. This beautiful, scenic river is born within the Pico Bonito and Nombre de Dios National Parks, is one of the bigger rivers in Atlantida. Its easy access, via the old road that led from La Ceiba to Olanchito, makes it unique in the sense that it is easy to get to. In addition, its particular geographic conditions, with huge, building sized boulders, creates the perfect conditions for small falls. Below these there are inviting natural pools where you can just as well swim in the river or practice white water rafting or kayaking. There is no doubt that the Cangrejal River is one of the brightest stars in Atlantida!
In addition to the Cangrejal River, there are many other beautiful and unique rivers in Atlantida. In the nearby community of El Pino, you can find the Coloradito and Corinto Rivers, which pretty much surround the premises where the Lodge at Pico Bonito is located. Nearby, the Zacate River, located just a bit west of El Pino offers some beautiful waterfalls if you take the Zacate River Trail into Pico Bonito National Park.
On the lower part of the Zacate River, you will enjoy a quiet, slow river. It flows between wetlands and mangrove forests on its way to the Caribbean Sea. In this area you will find the El Cayo and Oasis eco farms, which you can tour if you are interested in local farms and communities. The Cuero y Salado Rivers also flow out of Pico Bonito National Park and create a beautiful marine estuary, which is home to the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, a unique coastal area that is perfect to the endangered Caribbean Manatee!
Closer to Tela, you can also find some nice rivers worth exploring. The Hicaque and Platano Rivers flow into the Punta Izopo National Park, forming a wetland and estuary that is ideal for bird watching as well as exploring the mangrove canals. The Lancetilla River, which flows through the Lancetilla Botanical Garden and onto the Bay of Tela also offers a pleasant area to hike it as well as a safe harbour for the boats that offer tours to Punta Sal National Park.
As you can see, there are many different rivers in Atlantida. The mountains are full with beautiful creeks, many of which do not have a name, but are pristine and absolutely beautiful!