Cusuco National Park

Cusuco National Park is a protected area in the Merendón mountain range, spanning mountainous terrain with elevations between 600 and 2,242 meters. The park contains different zones ranging from agricultural land to dense mountain forests, connected by four marked hiking trails.

North American logging operations once worked in the lower zones until the area received protection status in 1959 as Forest Reserve Zone Number 2. This designation marked a turning point in how the land was managed and eventually led to the creation of the park.

The name comes from the Central American armadillo known locally as cusuco, which once roamed the region in large numbers. Visitors can still hear local stories about this animal and its former presence in the landscape.

The visitor center offers basic lodging options and four marked trails of varying lengths to suit different fitness levels. Visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions, as the mountain elevation brings both rain and cooler temperatures.

The area holds five distinct ecosystems, from agricultural land to evergreen mountain forests, where temperatures in core areas drop to around 14 degrees Celsius. This ecological diversity within a small space makes the park a place where visitors can experience nature in multiple forms.

Location: Cortés Department

Inception: 1959

GPS coordinates: 15.54190,-88.26360

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04