Sambo Creek Hot Springs and Canopy Tour: Glenda’s Paradise Near La Ceiba

Just east of La Ceiba, past the Garifuna village of Sambo Creek, a small unmarked turnoff leads up into the mountains of Nombre de Dios National Park. Follow it far enough and the jungle opens up into natural thermal pools, waterfalls, and one of the longest zip-line canopy tours on the north coast. It is one of those spots that does not show up in most guidebooks, but locals and long-time visitors to La Ceiba consider it a must.

Glenda’s Paradise Hot Springs

Glenda’s Paradise is the best-known hot springs in the La Ceiba area, and for good reason. Natural thermal water flows down the mountainside at around 105°F (40°C), collecting in stone-lined pools shaded by moss-covered boulders and a small champa roof. There is also a cooler pool nearby if you want to alternate between hot and cold, plus a picnic area with hammocks and a small stand selling food and drinks.

The setting is simple and unpolished, which is part of the appeal — you are soaking in genuinely natural pools in the middle of the rainforest, not a resort spa. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, and some cash for the entrance fee and snacks.

Sambo Creek Canopy Tour

A short distance past the hot springs, a separate entrance leads to the Sambo Creek canopy tour — a zip-line course strung across multiple cables through the treetops, with the longest run stretching roughly half a mile. It is a genuine adrenaline rush with real jungle views, and most visitors pair it with the hot springs to make a full day of it: zip-line first, then soak your legs afterward.

Sambo Creek Itself

Do not rush straight back to La Ceiba once you are done. Sambo Creek is a Garifuna fishing village right on the Caribbean, and it is worth stopping for lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants — fresh seafood, coconut bread, and if you are lucky, live Punta music drifting from somewhere nearby.

How to Get There

Sambo Creek is about 15–20 minutes east of La Ceiba along the highway toward Trujillo, and can be reached by rental car, taxi, or any bus heading toward Trujillo, Jutiapa, or Olanchito. If you would rather not navigate the unmarked turnoffs yourself, our sister company, Guacamayos Tours, arranges day trips out to Sambo Creek covering both the hot springs and the canopy tour, with transportation included.

You can also ask about arranging this trip directly at our front desk when you check in — we regularly help guests put together a Sambo Creek day trip alongside the rest of their La Ceiba itinerary.

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Ready to Plan Your Sambo Creek Day Trip?

Book your room at Hotel Guacamayos La Ceiba, then let us or our sister company, Guacamayos Tours, help arrange your trip to the hot springs and canopy tour.