Mayan Eden

In the heart of the tropical greenery of Roatan island lies Mayan Eden — a unique eco-park that offers guests a rare opportunity to connect with the wildlife of Honduras. This is not just a zoo in the conventional sense, but a true sanctuary where the emphasis is on animal welfare and their free interaction with visitors.

The park is located in the picturesque Brass Hill area and is famous for its authentic atmosphere. There are no cramped cages or strict barriers here: many inhabitants live in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat. The core value of this place is its educational approach and the genuine care the staff provides for their charges, many of whom were rescued or brought in for rehabilitation.

In addition to getting up close with the fauna, visitors will find a magnificent butterfly house, where among hundreds of vibrant wings, you can see rare tiger butterflies and owlet moths. Mayan Eden is perfect for family vacations and those seeking quiet, eco-friendly tourism away from the busy cruise terminals.

To clarify visiting information or book tours, you can use the official communication channels. Please note that the park has its own website, where updates about new inhabitants are sometimes posted.

The main reason travelers head to Mayan Eden is the direct contact with animals. Here you can fulfill a dream of many tourists: hug a sloth, feel the paws of a curious monkey on your shoulder, or hold a bright toucan or a majestic macaw on your arm. The monkeys here are especially social — they might easily hop on your head, creating the perfect moment for a funny photo.

A walk through the park is usually accompanied by experienced guides like Vianney, Angel, or Omar. They conduct personalized tours, sharing fascinating stories about the habits of local inhabitants and allowing guests to spend as much time with the animals as they need. Be sure to stop by the butterfly house to see their entire transformation cycle — from pupa to beautiful winged creature.

For thrill-seekers, the park offers a dynamic addition to the peaceful walk — a zipline consisting of 7 sections. Soaring over the dense jungle will give you a bird's-eye view of the tropical forest. The park grounds are well-equipped with shelters and umbrellas in case of a sudden tropical rain, making your visit comfortable in any weather.

The journey to this natural corner from the island's main tourist areas and cruise ports takes approximately 20–30 minutes. The eco-park is located at coconut garden, 34101 Brass hill road, which is slightly off the main highways, giving the place a sense of seclusion.

The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or by renting a car. Many travelers also prefer booking organized tours (for example, through local operators like Omar Roatan Tours or 2K's Adventure Tours), which include transfers directly from the ports of Mahogany Bay or Coxen Hole. The route is about 15–20 km along the scenic but fairly narrow Brass Hill Road.

For those who prefer independent travel, keep in mind that public transport on the island is quite specific, so a private transfer or car is a more reliable option. Local guides recommend leaving early to enjoy the drive and arrive by opening time, avoiding the large excursion groups.

To take your time meeting all the inhabitants and enjoying the park's atmosphere, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This is plenty of time to walk through the main area with a guide, take memorable photos, and visit the butterfly house.

If you only plan for a brief interaction with the animals, you can manage in 1–1.5 hours. However, in practice, guests often stay longer as the friendly sloths and curious monkeys don't let anyone leave quickly. If you decide to add the zipline to your walk, allow extra time for the briefing and the adventure itself.

Mayan Eden is open to visitors daily, adjusting to travelers' arrival schedules. From Monday to Saturday, the park is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On Sundays, the doors open a bit later and close earlier: from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

The admission fee is approximately $15 USD. While the park accepts bank cards, experienced tourists recommend having cash on hand in case of connection issues or for paying for small extra services and tips for the guides.

Roatan Island offers many interesting locations to visit before or after meeting the animals. Exploring nearby bars and beach clubs will allow you to fully experience the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.

Below are some interesting places located relatively close by where you can relax and have a bite to eat: