Pulhapanzak Waterfalls in Honduras are one of the top things to see in this often-overlooked Central American country.
Not only are there epic waterfalls but also adrenaline-inducing zip lines and thrilling guided tours of the caves behind the waterfall. The site might be small but you’ll be sure to have fun there.
So, if you’re ready to plan your trip to Cataratas Pulhapanzak, then you’ll want to read this complete guide…
Where Are The Pulhapanzak Waterfalls?
Just a few hours from both San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, you’ll find Cataratas de Pulhapanzak – often shorted to just Pulha. The waterfalls are located just a few miles from the shores of Lake Yojoa in the town of San Buenaventura.
Lake Yojoa is one of Honduras’ most popular backpacker spots but that doesn’t make it busy. Many backpackers still opt to skip Honduras due to its reputation as dangerous with high murder rates.
And, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any international holidaymakers outside of the Caribbean Bay Islands of Utila and Roatan. But, if you make the journey through Honduras’ mainland, you’ll be rewarded with lush green mountains and hills, adventure activities, low prices and friendly people.
Entrance Fee for Pulhapanzak Waterfall
100 Lempira for adults and 80 Lempira for children.
The entrance price includes access to the site to see the waterfalls. But it doesn’t include any extra activities available – more on those below!
Pulhapanzak Opening Times
The waterfalls are open every day from 7 am to 6 pm.
Activities at Pulha
Welcome to the playground for adventurous souls… Details on the activities available are listed below.
And for kids and kids at heart, there’s also a small play area with a small ropes course.
There’s also picnic benches and palapas around the park. Perfect for snacks, picnics, all-day gatherings and more.
Plus, there’s also a small shop on-site selling souvenirs, light snacks and clothing as well as a restaurant.
Zip lines
7 zip lines run back and forth across the beautiful waterfalls and river. And it’s one of the activities that make Pulhapanzak Honduras unique versus other waterfalls in Central America.
Cost: 600 Lempira
Caves & Back of Waterfall Tour
Another adrenaline-inducing activity for those aged 14+ is a guided tour into the caves behind the waterfall. Expect to get very wet as you walk beneath the powerful falling water.
If you’re planning on adding this experience to your day, be sure to bring appropriate footwear, swimwear and a change of clothes.
Cost: 450 Lempira
Tubing
A relatively new activity on offer at Pulhapanzak Waterfalls, you can go tubing down the river. You’ll float along the surface of the river over some small rapids toward the waterfall.
Life jackets and rubber rings are provided.
Cost: 500 Lempira
Swimming
You can’t access the pool at the bottom of these Honduras waterfalls. But swimming is possible in the area above the waterfall.
Fear not, lifeguards are on duty and the area around the drop over the waterfall is clearly marked and cordoned off. So, if you’re looking to escape the blistering Honduran jungle heat, this is the way to do it.
Cost: Included in your entrance ticket
Cabañas de Pulhapanzak
While the site isn’t large and there aren’t too many activities, you can also stay at the on-site Cabañas de Pulhapanzak.
The prices aren’t cheap though. Both the 4-bed and 6-bed cabanas cost over 100 USD per night.
But, a cheaper alternative is available. It’s possible to camp at the Pulhapanzak Waterfalls site if you have your own equipment.
The cost of camping is 150 Lempira per adult or child, with no charge for children under 4.
All About Cataratas de Pulhapanzak Honduras
While many waterfalls in Central America are called Cascadas, Cataratas is an alternative translation for the word waterfalls (although it can also mean cataracts!).
At a height of almost 45 metres, Pulhapanzak Waterfall Honduras is certainly impressive. Though, unlike many waterfalls in Central America, you cannot view them from the very bottom.
Instead, you’ll have to follow the steps down to a viewing platform opposite the falls and overlooking the river. This pathway can be hard to find, so look out for the ‘Hacia el Mirador’ sign past the Pulha letters and past the benches.
Wear sturdy shoes as the spray makes the ground here very slippery and very muddy.
Rather, the best viewing areas of Pulhapanzak Honduras are from the walkway along the side. Here, there are two good areas without bushes and grass blocking your view of the waterfalls.
But, without a doubt, the best views of the waterfalls are from the zip lines above or the walkway behind…
How to Get To Pulhapanzak Honduras?
IN SUMMARY:
From Lake Yojoa, take a Chicken Bus to San Buenaventura. It’ll be a bus heading towards San Pedro Sula.
From San Pedro Sula, take a bus from the main terminal heading towards Lake Yojoa (Los Naranjos) and get off at San Buenaventura.
If you’re staying in Los Naranjos or Penas Blancas near Lake Yojoa, you need to take the chicken bus towards San Pedro Sula for the waterfalls. When you get on, simply ask for ‘Las Cascadas’ if – like me – pronouncing Pulhapanzak is too tricky for you.
The buses operate with a somewhat regular schedule of at least every half hour or so. But, since they’re chicken buses there isn’t really any way of knowing what this schedule is!
There isn’t a set fare for the bus.
But, given that the cost of going the whole way between San Pedro Sula and Lake Yojoa is just 50 Lempira. So you shouldn’t pay more than 25 Lempira.
You may need to haggle and definitely ask the price before handing over money – as your change may not come.
The bus will drop you off at the main junction of San Buenaventura town (by Pollo Rico’s). From here, follow signs for Pulha uphill slightly and out of town. The walk is around 1 km and takes about 15 minutes.
For your return journey, simply head back to the main road and wait on the opposite side to where you were dropped off. Unlike in Los Naranjos, more than one bus passes this way, so make sure it’s the one to Las Vegas.
Other Things to Do Near Lake Yojoa
- Stay at D&D Brewery on the edge of the jungle and try their many different beers brewed onsite.
- Go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Yojoa. However, the waves and current are stronger than you might expect!
- Follow hiking trails through the jungle at Bioparque Paradise.
If you have any questions or want any more information, drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you!
Information is correct as of February 2022 but is subject to change in future.
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PIN IT FOR LATER!
I was there Nov. 2021! It was awesome!
Me too! A fun day out among the many things to do at Lake Yojoa 🙂
thanks for the great article, keep up the good work