Cayos Cochinos (Hog Islands) travel guide

The Hog Islands, 17 km northeast of La Ceiba, constitute two small islands and 13 palm-fringed cayes. Cochino Grande is the larger island, rising to an altitude of just 143 m, and Cochino Pequeño is the smaller. Both have lush tropical vegetation with primeval hardwood forests and there are fewer biting insects than in the Bay Islands. As part of a National Marine Reserve, Cayos Cochinos and the surrounding waters are protected. There is a fee to enter parts of the islands of US$10. There are Garífuna fishing villages of palm-thatched huts at Chachauate on Lower Monitor Cay, where you can organize basic accommodation, and East End Village on Cochino Grande. Transport to the Hog Islands can be sought on the supply cayuco from Nuevo Armenia , or by boat from La Ceiba, Sambo Creek or Roatán. There is a small dirt airstrip. Dug-out canoes are the local form of transport. The islands are privately owned and access to most of the cayes is limited, being occupied only by caretakers.