Welcome to one of our most exciting adventures; following the route of the Rio Platano River through the Mosquito Coast, one of the least explored areas in the Americas. Join our team of tour guides with U.S-trained forester Jorge Salaveri, naturalist Robert Gallardo, and archaeologist Dr. Christopher Begley on a trip through the heart of this remote area. You will explore ancient archaeological sites, visit mysterious caves, float through the habitat of amazing fauna deep in the pristine rain forest, run safe (Class III) and exciting whitewater rapids, and make contact with the Pech, Miskito, and Garifuna cultures.

While remote, this is a safe and educational trip with catered camping with experienced professionals who have a collective experience in the region of more than 40 years.

On this trip we cross the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected wilderness in Honduras. Three species of monkey, river otters, blue morpho butterflies and a multitude of parrots and macaws will be our constant companions, and with luck, we may cross paths with a tapir, Harpy Eagle or jaguar.

About the archaeology: We will visit several archaeological sites dating between 500 and 1200 A.D. as well as an 18th century English fort and settlement. The pre-Columbian archaeological sites are from a group contemporary with the Classic Maya but with cultural connections to South America. These sites are known for their beautiful and elaborate stone work and include small villages, ceremonial centers, petroglyphs, and a natural cave that was used for rituals.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tegucigalpa
A MEA representative will meet you at the airport and check you into our hotel, the Plaza San Martin. We will have a brief orientation dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Tegucigalpa to Bonanza
Today we leave the urban center of Tegucigalpa behind and drive by 4X4 vehicle traveling in a northeasterly direction. Our destination will be the village of Bonanza located in the buffer zone at the edge of the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve. This drive takes us through the scenic countryside of the Department of Olancho. It is an all day drive and we will stop for breakfast, lunch and some stretchers. Later in the day we climb up into the mountains of northwest Olancho where there exist only frontier towns and villages. Toward the end of the day we reach the village of Bonanza-the end of the road. Here we pitch tents for the night and the journey begins.

Day 3: Bonanza to Warsaka
Our first day heading into the wilderness. Mules will carry our gear as we walk through frontier areas, over rugged terrain, and past the homesteads of recent Mestizo colonists. The landscape changes dramatically as farmland gives way to rainforest. After approximately 6 hours, we will arrive in Warsaka, in the headwaters of the Platano River. This area is dense rainforest, and we will see the last homesteads on our trip. Here we will visit the El Higerito archaeological site, an interesting ruin, about 1,000 years old, complete with a central plaza and ceremonial center consisting of several large temple mounds. We reach the top of the watershed at about 3,500 ft (high for this part of the country!) and begin to descend down into the Rio Platano headwaters. We camp along the river. As is true in many mid-elevation areas this area is very rich in flora and fauna, especially birds. Mixed species flocks usually turn up a wide array of species. We may hear migratroy Three-wattled Bellbirds clanging away in the distance, see macaws, hummingbirds, toucans, motmots, tanagers and many more. Colorful butterflies such as blue Morphos, swallowtails and yellow sulfurs will also accompany us. As this is an area rarely visited by naturalists we will most likely have the opportunity to add species of fauna to the areas' lists. The bird inventory already stands at over 450 species with close to another 100 suspected of being present.

Day 4: Warsaka to Put-In
After a hearty breakfast, we continue hiking to Lancetillal, an unusual archaeological site consisting of several conjoined plazas. This site is between 1,000 and 1,500 years old, and has multiple stone monuments, including large altars, circles of stones, and petroglyphs. Today we get deeper into the Biosphere until we reach the first river crossing. We find ourselves in a seemingly endless sea of evergreen foliage. Along this day's hike we may encounter more macaws, cotingas, antbirds, woodcreepers, trogons and more toucans. We will camp at the raft put-in for the night in one of the last clearings, where lime and banana trees grow.

Day 5: On the river to Cave Creek
This morning we say "goodbye" to the mule train and crew. After breakfast our guide, Jorge Salaverri, will give a safety presentation and then we are off on the river into one of the wildest and most remote areas in all of Central America! Here, the land and river meld together into one homogenous unit. Creeks with crystal clear waters trickle into the Rio Platano, creeping out of some of the deepest and most pristine jungles we will ever lay eyes on. Strange sounds of birds will come echoing out of the rainforest throughout the trip. We will paddle through class II and III rapids surrounded by virgin rain forest and we will "discover" the site of Rio Malo, a thousand year-old village, with many small house platforms complete with fragile cobble retaining walls and stone pavements still visible. Tonight we camp in primary rainforest at Cave Creek, along the beautiful Waraska River, a tributary of the Rio Platano.

Day 6: On the river to Los Metates
We work our way downriver taking short walks into the rainforest and enjoy the overwhelming beauty of our surroundings. Both the Scarlet and Great Green Macaws are seen almost daily. Today features a hike to a large and mysterious cave with a subterraneous creek and evidence of ancient ritual activity. The walk, through primary forest, leads up to the headwaters of a small creek and a massive rock outcrop which houses the cave. Jaguar, tapir, and deer are often sighted in this area. After lunch we continue by raft down river until we reach the Camalotal River and the most enigmatic site in the Mosquitia: the site of Los Metates, a small village with thousands of miniature grinding stones, over one thousand years old, which may represent a pilgrimage site. Archaeologists do not know what the huge numbers of grinding stones represent.

Day 7: On the river to El Subterraneo
Today, after paddling on smooth waters, we arrive at El Subterraneo, a spectacular narrow gorge of massive rocks which extends for nearly a mile down stream. It will require our group's resolute effort and strength in order to navigate the Class III rapids and traverse this rough area in one portage. The El Subterraneo area offers great possibilities for wildlife sightings, as this is one of the most pristine and remote sections of the river. Monkeys, macaws, toucans, and other wildlife are often observed in this area.

Day 8: On the river to Pomokir
We continue through rapids below the El Subterraneo gorge and make two gear portages of about 300 yards each. After a strenuous day we will continue on calm waters for about 3 hours until we reach Pomokir camp. This is deep in the jungle, and wildlife abounds.

Day 9: On the river to Cuyamel Creek
We are deep in the heart of the wilderness now. Today is a 5 hour paddle on gentle water and some currents through a very remote zone. In the core zone of the reserve we stand our best chance of seeing a number of mammals such as Tapir, White-lipped and Collared Peccary, Red Brocket-Deer, Otter and with any luck one of the wild cats as they come down to the river to drink. Large Green Iguanas often dive into the river from 30 ft. up as we approach. We camp in the rainforest at Cuyamel Creek along the Platano River.

Day 10: On the river to Island Camp
We continue downstream through a few rapids, passing the eerie petroglyphs of "Walpaulbantara," carved into the rocks by ancient artists. The date, meaning, and origin of these carvings are unknown. They are located on large boulders in the Platano River. Again, this deep in the wild there is a high possibility of seeing unusual wildlife, amazing butterflies, and spectacular birds. Camp at Island Camp.

Day 11: On the river to Las Marias
As we get closer to the Caribbean coast, the river transitions from white-water to a slower, wider river affording more views of the surrounding landscape. In the distance we will see the impressive Cuyamel Mountains and then the impressive Pico Dama which shoot out of the jungle floor rising some 3,000 ft. up into the sky. We will see more ancient art today as we paddle past the petroglyphs of "Walpulbansirpe." We are entering Miskito/Pech (indigenous communities) territory as we continue towards the village of Las Marias, and today you will have your first contact with Native Americans along the river. The dense jungle will be broken by the first clearings. After days of camping, tonight you will sleep in thatched roof houses in the community of Las Marias and enjoy food served by a local family. The village is very traditional, small, and right on the Platano River.

Day 12: On the River to Palacios
Today we continue down river in a motorized dug-out canoe through forest and agricultural lands until we reach the Caribbean coast and Raista, a Miskito village located in Ibans Lagoon. We will lunch at the lagoon and you can relax on the white sand beaches and swim in the Caribbean Sea. The jungle and mountains form a spectacular backdrop to the white sand beaches, and the expanse of the Caribbean is a sharp contrast to the towering trees along the Platano River. In the afternoon, we continue up the coast to the larger village of Palacios, an old English settlement with a rich colonial history. Historic earthworks, cannons, and a historic cemetery are still visible. This is our last day in the Biosphere and we will have recorded a total of some 230-270+ species of birds, a number of mammals and witnessed one of the most beautiful, navigable rivers in Central America.

Day 13: Palacios to the Lodge at Pico Bonito
We should arrive mid-day and relax in luxury beside the pool surrounded by beautiful rainforest. The Lodge at Pico Bonito is a member of the Small Luxury Lodges of the World and we will kick back and be pampered.

Day 14: Depart

Background Information on the Region

La Moskitia & Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras

This region is referred to as La Moskitia, and is a very sparsely populated area, inaccessible by road and home to the largest tract of virgin tropical rain forest in the North American hemisphere. A good part of this area is protected by law under one of three distinct zones: The Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, the Tawahka Anthropological Reserve and the Patuca National Park. The area is populated by several indigenous groups, of which the Pech, Tawahka, Garifuna and Miskitos are the most predominant. Its uninviting name comes from the Miskito natives and not from the abundance of mosquitoes, although these are unquestionably inhabitants of the area! The Moskitia actually is an international region, as part of it is Honduras and another part in Nicaragua.

The Honduran government in 1999 declared two new protected areas that link Río Plátano with the Bosawas Reserve in Nicaragua. The newly formed corridor covers 5 million acres and forms the largest area of protected land in Central America. In this region, we have the chance to encounter animals such as the white-faced and Howler monkeys, tapir, the giant anteater, Green Macaws, toucans and the magnificent Harpy Eagle to name a few.

Flora & Fauna

Honduras’ eastern rainforests are the most biologically diverse area in the region. La Moskitia and Rio Platano are located at what biologists call the boundaries of northern and southern ecotones. Here we can find the southern most limits of northern bird and mammal species as well as the northern most limit of Central and South American species. Some of the more notable bird species found here include the huge Harpy Eagle, Great Green and Scarlet Macaws, Jabiru Stork, Rufous Motmot, Chestnut-mandible Toucan, and the Green-and-rufous Kingfisher. Almost 500 species of birds have been identified and still counting!

Over thirty species of large mammals make their home in the area including two species of sloth, three species of monkeys, five species of big cats, tapir, and the West Indian Manatee.

In regards to the flora of the region, there are literally thousands of species including mahogany, cedar, laurel, oak and ceiba as the dominant overstory trees; with an incredible diversity of understory plants including orchids, bromeliads, and other epiphytes.

Practical Information

Our only contact with the outside world for most of the trip will be satellite phone (sorry, for emergencies only, you can’t pick up your voice mail). This is an extremely remote area. While this is not a particularly strenuous trip, it should be taken by person in good physical health and mentally prepared for the inconveniences of camping in remote areas. This trip is also one of the last remaining opportunities for many to visit a primal, pristine, and incredibly wild natural area of this size. Children 14 and older are welcome to join.

Weather: We can expect warm temperatures in the mid 80s to mid 90s with some rain. It will be the dry season so afternoon thunderstorms are not unusual, we should avoid long downpours.

Tour Size: This tour will have a minimum of 10 participants and a maximum of 18.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: A US passport valid beyond your anticipated date of return to the US is required. Currently no visas or immunization certificates are required. Those with foreign passports should contact the Embassy of Honduras for details.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: The fee for the tour is $2,995 per person based on double occupancy from Tegucigalpa. Single rates are an additional $250. This includes all food, three meals per day, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 14; all lodging for 13 nights during the tour; ground transportation; and guide services provided by the tour leaders and local conservation professionals. It does not include trip leader(s) tips, international airfare, departure tax, alcoholic beverages, special gratuities, phone calls, passport fees, or items of a personal nature. Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the group does not have sufficient registration a small party supplement may have to be charged. An additional pick-up/drop-off fee may be charged for arrivals and departures from regularly scheduled international flights.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS: For comprehensive information please contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention on the Internet at www.cdc.gov or by phone at 404-332-4559. The CDC information is a comprehensive listing of any disease reported in a particular region or state. Honduras is included with Central America. We have not had any problems with diseases. Please consult a health care professional with any questions.

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORIES: Currently there are no travel advisories for traveling in Honduras. You will be updated on any significant developments that pertain to our trip. http://travel.state.gov

TOUR REGISTRATION: To register for the tour, complete the registration form and return it with a deposit of $500 per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due ninety days before departure. Single supplements are an additional $250.

CANCELLATION POLICY : Refunds are made according to the following schedule: If cancellation is made eighty days or more before departure date, the deposit less $150 is refundable. If cancellation is made between seventy-nine and sixty days before departure date, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded. If cancellation is made fifty-nine days or less before departure date, no refund is available except for amounts recoverable through our agents. We recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance which you will receive upon registration.

If the Mesoamerican Ecotourism Alliance (MEA) cancels the tour or the tour must be postponed during a time period starting seven days before tour departure and /or through the duration of the tour, MEA will refund all money recoverable through our agents, not yet spent and/or all refundable deposits. MEA reserves the right to cancel, postpone or suspend any tour based on the judgment of MEA, its staff and representatives, in order to insure the safety of our guests.

RESPONSIBILITY: MEA, and/or their Agents act only as agents for the passenger in regard to travel, whether by railroad, motorcar, motorcoach, boat, or airplane and assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. They can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. The right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes in air schedules. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour. The right is reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of the tour. Baggage is at owner’s risk.

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