Along the jungly northwestern shores of Lago de Yojoa, not far from the village of El Jaral, are the unexcavated ruins of Los Naranjos (tel. 504/9946-9482, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. daily, US$5), a pre-Hispanic settlement thought to be of Lenca origin, although much archaeology remains to be completed. The site began to be settled around 800 B.C. and was at its height in the couple of centuries on either side of the birth of Christ. Stylistic features of buildings and pottery suggest some Olmec influence in the early period and interaction with Mayan culture in later times.

The main entrance to Los Naranjos is at the end of a newly refurbished road that branches off the Peña Blanca–La Guama road, just past Peña Blanca (look for the large sign). After purchasing your US$5 entrance, stop to take a look at the small display of pottery and obsidian arrowheads in the museum, before heading down the pathways to the ruins themselves.

While the Los Naranjos ruins themselves are not visually spectacular, they are worth checking out for those with an interest in Mesoamerican culture. And even casual visitors will be enchanted strolling down the well-maintained pathways through the lovely jungle foliage, with a veritable symphony of birds on all sides.

Early morning is a particularly good time to watch for birds. A wooden walkway branches off to one side, making a loop through a wetland area at the edge of the lake, or visitors can head straight for the ruins themselves—basically just several large mounds, with some exposed rock.

Excavations and reconstruction will likely be underway for years as scientists learn more about this enigmatic site. Walking the four miles or so of raised pathways through the lush forest, one can easily understand why an indigenous group would want to settle here—it seems about as close to the Garden of Eden as you can imagine. The largest ruin, a 20-meter-high building, is actually outside of the park, on private property nearby that the government may purchase in the future. The park also features a cafeteria, bathrooms, and a souvenir shop.

Be forewarned that the paths can be closed at the height of the rainy season due to flooding, and if the main paths are closed, there can be absolute swarms of mosquitoes on the back paths. Don’t forget your binoculars and mosquito repellent or long-sleeved shirt and pants.