🌿 Wild Fun at Manawakie Eco Park — A Roatán Highlight!

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Our last stop on the island of Roatán was one we’ll never forget: Manawakie Eco Park. Nestled inland, surrounded by tropical flora and rustic scenery, this hidden gem gave us an unforgettable, up-close-and-personal experience with some of Honduras’ most beloved animal residents.

🐾 Where else can you say you held a sloth, had a monkey crawl on your shoulder, and let a macaw perch on your head — all in one day?


🚗 The Journey to Manawakie

As we made our way to the park, the skies began to clear—finally, some sunshine! The further inland we drove, the more of local Roatán life we got to witness. Fruit trees lined the roads, children played in front of homes, and we found ourselves bouncing along dirt roads that meandered through vibrant greenery. It was a peaceful contrast to the touristy cruise dock areas and gave us a real glimpse of how islanders live.

(Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.) 


🦥 What Is Manawakie Eco Park?

Located in the community of Man O War Harbor, Manawakie Eco Park is the first nature park in Roatán to blend cultural heritage with exotic animal encounters. It’s not just a zoo or a wildlife stop—it’s a place to learn about Garifuna history, island farming, and native wildlife in an ethical and educational setting.

Learn more about the park here: www.manawakieecopark.com

The name Manawakie comes from combining "Man O War" and "Guanakie," the original name of the local area. The park is proudly family-run, and it shows—from the enthusiastic guides to the well-maintained property.


🐒 Animal Encounters Galore!

From the moment we stepped in, we knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary stop. Our tour guide was hilarious, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the animals and the culture.

We:

  • Held a sloth (Yes, a real one! And yes, they’re as slow and cuddly as you'd imagine!)

  • Let macaws sit on our heads and eat straight from our hands 🦜

  • Played with monkeys that happily climbed all over us — curious, energetic, and totally entertaining

  • Saw other native animals like white-tailed deer, parrots, and even iguanas

Each encounter was safe, guided, and respectful to the animals’ needs.


 

💡 Trekking Tips

  • ✅ Book ahead on platforms like GetYourGuide to support local companies (that’s what we did!)

  • ✅ Or book at the dock once you get off the ship—there are lots of booths and you can even negotiate the price

  • 🛳️ Cruise excursions may be convenient, but you’ll usually pay more

  • 🧼 Clean facilities, guided tours, and plenty of photo ops





🌺 A Perfect Ending

Manawakie Eco Park was the perfect finale to our Roatán adventure. After a rainy start to the day and a few canceled activities, this stop reminded us why we travel: to try things we can’t do anywhere else.

We left the park laughing, smiling, and covered in a few bits of monkey fur. If you're headed to Roatán, don’t skip this eco park—it’s a wholesome, heartwarming highlight of any trip.







 

Location: Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras

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