Location and surroundings
The mountain belongs to the Central American Cordillera range system, specifically within the Chortis Block, the Honduras Interior Highlands, the Central Range, and finally the Agalta Mountains. Administratively, it is located in the municipality of Gualaco within the Olancho region of Honduras. Among the 2,162 named peaks in Honduras, it ranks as the 8th highest. Furthermore, it is the highest of the 86 named peaks in the Agalta Mountains. The surrounding landscape features a rugged highland terrain typical of the interior highlands of the country.
Neighbouring peaks
2304 is surrounded by several nearby summits and elevations. The closest neighbouring peaks and passes include:
- Montana Las Delicias, a peak standing at 1,722 m, located 5.0 km S
- Cerro Los Volcanes, a peak standing at 1,904 m, located 6.6 km SW
- Monte Bellotas, a peak standing at 1,381 m, located 9.0 km W
- Cerro Triciyo, a peak standing at 707 m, located 9.8 km NW
- Monte Herreras, a peak standing at 1,209 m, located 10.8 km W
- Monte Pacayitas, a peak standing at 665 m, located 11.2 km NW
- Cerro Redondo, a peak standing at 1,240 m, located 11.7 km SW
- Cerro Cura, a peak standing at 614 m, located 12.2 km S
Standing at 2,304 metres, 2304 is significantly higher than all of these immediate neighbours, dominating the local topography.
The view from the summit
From the high point of 2304, several other notable elevations and giants within a 25-kilometre radius are visible under clear conditions. The highest peaks within this range include Monte Urracal (1,760 m, 13.2 km E), Montana de Jocomico (1,633 m, 14.0 km E), and Cerro de Quebrada Seca (1,564 m, 6.2 km SE). Observers can also spot Montana de Buena Vista (1,502 m, 12.2 km S), Cerro El Copete (1,380 m, 9.9 km S), and Monte Aguacate (1,341 m, 19.6 km W). These surrounding landforms shape expansive vistas across the regional highlands.
The range
The mountain range hierarchy places 2304 within the Central American Cordillera, passing through the Chortis Block and the Honduras Interior Highlands, down to the Central Range and the Agalta Mountains. The range contains 86 named peaks in total, with 2304 acting as the highest point of the Agalta Mountains range itself. Because it holds this status, no other summit in the same immediate range exceeds its elevation of 2,304 metres.
Climate and weather
Climate data for the summit and surrounding areas are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate records covering the years 2001 through 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. The mean temperature at the summit ranges from a warmest month in April at about 17 °C to a coldest month in January at about 12 °C. Mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit throughout all twelve months of the year. In the surrounding area, precipitation totals about 1,250 mm annually, with October being the wettest month at about 170 mm of precipitation, and April being the driest month with about 35 mm. Typical regional weather hazards include sudden tropical downpours during wetter months and reduced visibility in cloud forests.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit 2304 aligns with the periods of lower precipitation and stable conditions. Mean temperatures stay above freezing at the summit year-round, spanning January through December. However, visiting during the drier months, such as April which records only about 35 mm of precipitation, helps avoid the heaviest downpours seen in peak wet months like October, which experiences about 170 mm of rainfall. Planning ascents during drier windows ensures safer footing and better visibility on the slopes.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around 2304 features dense tropical highland vegetation, characterized by cloud forests and rugged terrain typical of the Olancho region. The rich humidity and varying elevations support a diverse array of flora and fauna adapted to tropical highland environments, including numerous bird species, dense understory plants, and specialized arboreal life. The mountain ecosystem remains largely wild, reflecting the natural character of the interior highlands without heavy urban encroachment.
Guides and organised ascents
When undertaking climbs in remote tropical terrain, employing a knowledgeable guide is advisable for safety and navigation through dense forest paths. Visitors should consult local tourism offices in the region or national resources for authorized assistance. Standard guided ascents typically cover logistics, safety equipment, and route planning, with prices varying based on group size, duration, and required gear. Climbers must also adhere to any applicable regional or national park regulations enforced across Honduras.
Safety and preparation
Climbing 2304 demands proper preparation for tropical highland hiking, including sturdy footwear, adequate water, rain gear, and navigation tools. Rapid weather shifts and muddy trails are common hazards in the region. In the event of an emergency, the general emergency number for mountain rescue and all urgent assistance in Honduras is 911.
Interesting facts
2304 stands out as the highest of the 86 named peaks located within the Agalta Mountains. It reaches an exact surveyed elevation of 2,304 metres and places as the 8th highest summit among all 2,162 named peaks throughout Honduras. Its prominent standing makes it a key geographical marker within the Olancho region.
FAQ
How high is 2304? 2304 reaches an elevation of 2,304 metres above sea level.
Where is 2304 located? It is located in Honduras, within the Olancho region and the municipality of Gualaco, forming part of the Agalta Mountains.
What mountain range does it belong to? It belongs to the Central American Cordillera, through the Chortis Block, Honduras Interior Highlands, and Central Range, terminating in the Agalta Mountains.
What are the nearest peaks to 2304? The closest peaks include Montana Las Delicias (1,722 m, 5.0 km S) and Cerro Los Volcanes (1,904 m, 6.6 km SW).
Is there water on the way to 2304? There are no specific huts or named springs listed on the route, so climbers should carry sufficient water—typically 1.5 to 3 litres depending on heat and exertion—and treat any natural water sources found along the path.
What is the mobile phone coverage like? Coverage in the remote interior highlands is generally patchy and depends heavily on your operator. Maps should be downloaded before setting out, and remember that 911 reaches emergency services over any available network.