Alongside TNC’s local conservation partner, MOPAWI, we discuss the primary impacts occurring in the area as well as a range of possible solutions. Finish the trip off in the luxurious Lodge of Pico Bonito which borders Pico Bonito National Park, famous for its towering peaks and plant communities from cloud forests to lowland tropical forests. This itinerary is designed for individuals who crave new and wild places with a wide variety of activities. From Maya history and exploration to canoeing in the remote rainforests of Rio Platano, you will be amazed at the variety of landscapes and cultures so close to the U.S. This trip is so amazing that it was recognized by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of the World’s 25 Greatest Adventures.
Join us for a unique, remote journey to some of the most incredible tropical rainforests in the neotropics.
Itinerary
Day 1: (Friday) Arrival in Copan
Your Emerald Planet (MEA member) trip leader meets you at the San Pedro Sula Airport and we then depart for the highlands of Copan. We will meet at the airport between the scheduled arrival times. Everyone should arrive in San Pedro Sula by 2:30pm so that we can leave as soon as possible for the 4-hour bus trip to the Copan valley. Our Bed & Breakfast is right in the heart of the charming colonial community of Copan Ruinas. Our trip orientation takes place in the open courtyard of our B&B prior to dinner. Dinner will be a short stroll around the block from our hotel.
Overnight: Don Udo's, Copan Ruinas
Day 2: (Saturday) Copan Archaeological Site and Butterfly Farm
An early morning comprehensive visit of the Copan archeological site (also a World Heritage site) starts off the day. Copan is spectacular and one of the most impressive and stylistic sites of the Ancient Maya. The detailed stonework, carved stelae and monumental structures tell the history of this ancient kingdom. This site has gained international attention recently with discoveries of hidden tombs and buildings buried by the Mayas themselves. Throughout our visit we uncover many mysteries related to the Maya civilization and the way it may have looked during its heyday. Copan is also great for birding in the early morning. Birds found on site include the Green Parakeet, Orange-fronted Parakeet, White-fronted Parrot, Cinnamon Hummingbird, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Barred Antshrike, N. Bentbill, Rose-throated Becard, Plain Wren, Rufous-naped Wren, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Chestnut-capped Warbler, Scrub Euphonia, Grayish Saltator, Streak-backed Oriole. After a late lunch in town we will visit a local Butterfly and Orchid garden run by Robert Gallardo and his wife. Robert, an ex-Peace Corps volunteer, is an excellent birder and one of the most knowledgeable naturalists in Honduras. Robert is our naturalist guide for the duration of the trip.
Overnight: Don Udo's, Copan Ruinas
Day 3: (Sunday) Pico Bonito Lodge
After breakfast we return to San Pedro Sula for our flight along the north coast of Honduras to La Ceiba. In the early afternoon we will arrive at the Lodge at Pico Bonito. A member of the "Small Luxury Hotels of the World", the lodge is a luxury resort nestled in the lush rain forest foothills of Pico Bonito National Park. There are nature observation towers, extensive footpaths, hiking trails, a butterfly farm, swimming pool, dining room and a comfortable lounge area. Those interested in birding can join an early evening bird walk where we will keep a sharp look-out for colorful tropical birds such as lovely cotinga, keel-billed toucan, and numerous parrot and hummingbird species. This area is also home to the more elusive fauna such as jaguar, puma, margay, agouti, tree frogs, and countless other tropical species. Pico Bonito Lodge is surrounded by cacao trees, a favorite food of the agouti, which is a frequent visitor to the grounds. The flora of the area is truly spectacular with many species of orchids and heliconias.
Overnight: Pico Bonito Lodge
Day 4: (Monday) Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve
In the morning we fly from La Ceiba to Brus, the gateway town to La Moskitia or the Mosquito Coast. The region was named, not for the little insects we know so well (although they are without a doubt present), but for the predominant indigenous group found there, Los Miskitos. Spend the day with MOPAWI, a local conservation organization, in the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve as we set the stage for our exploration of the reserve's remote waterways. Jorge Salaverri, our guide for the La Moskitia region, meets us at the airport in La Ceiba. After landing in Brus, we transfer by motorized dugout canoe to Raista, a Miskito indigenous community. We will continue to Belen to learn about the activities and different projects The Nature Conservancy and its partner MOPAWI are carrying out in this region. We will be joined by Osvaldo Mungia, executive director of MOPAWI during our visit to the Mosquito Coast. We spend the night in Belen at the MOPAWI office bunkhouse. Accommodations are very rustic, (bunk bed style with an outhouse, individual rooms are not available) however the atmosphere in and around Belen is an enriching experience that will provide us with a glimpse of daily life in the region. Birds often seen in the boat ride from Palacios to Raista include White Ibis, Northern Jacana, Yellow-napped Parrot, Tricolored Heron, three species of Kingfishers, Mangrove Swallow and Motezuma Oropendula.
Overnight: MOPAWI bunkhouse
Day 5: - (Tuesday) Las Marias
After breakfast, we board our dugout canoes to head upstream (6 hours) towards Las Marias, located in the heart of the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve. The Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve covers over 2 million acres. The reserve protects terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including coastal wetlands, pine savannas, and tropical lowland and upland forests. There are several stops in route for birding (and to stretch our legs) at indigenous farms as we get into the thick of the Rio Plátano Biosphere Reserve. Four hundred thirty bird species have been registered in the region. We stop along the riverbank for lunch and later arrive at our rustic accommodations in the early evening. Thatched roof cabins with bucket bath (or river bathing, so bring your biodegradable soap) is the only form of accommodation available in this region of La Moskitia. The cabins are raised and have dormitory style beds each with mosquito netting. These cabins were constructed by local indigenous groups in the local style. They are very basic but offer an incredible opportunity to directly support sustainable development in one of the most remote areas of Central America. The dinner cabin is located just above the river and we always have great candlelit discussions into the evening. There is no electricity in Las Marias, an indigenous Pech community, and the guesthouse we will be staying in has the only contact with the outside world in the region via a solar panel run radio.
Overnight: Las Marias guesthouse
Day 6: (Wednesday) Rainforest Hike and Petroglyphs
Today we travel up river from our base camp in Las Marias to visit a portion of intact primary forest. Come prepared for a memorable experience as the pipanteros (local indigenous guides) pole our pipantes (wooden dugout canoes) up river against the current. There is option to do some early morning birding, and we visit a site where we'll see the Walpaulbansirpi petroglyphs. Lunch is at a local Pech farm, where we will learn more about the cultural history of the region. From the quiet canoes, propelled by our Pech or Miskito guides, we get an opportunity to view the wildlife of this primeval forest. Birds seen in the area include Plumbeous Kite, Black Hawk-Eagle, Mealy Parrot, Scarlet Macaw, Band-tailed Barbthroat, Black-headed Trogon, Blue-crowned Motmot, and Passerini's Tanager. If people prefer to discover the local community an optional walking tour can be arranged instead of going on the pipante trip upstream from Las Marias.
Overnight: Las Marias guesthouse
Day 7: Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve
This morning we have some free time in the village of Las Marias. We will take time to learn more about daily life in this indigenous community. Learn about how the pipantes are carved out of mature trees and buy some locally made chocolate extracted from the Cacao tree. In the late morning we will depart downstream where we will stay the night in the gateway town of Brus Laguna. Named after the original pirate inhabitants, this town is a place that would easily fit into an Indiana Jones movie (bring your earplugs).
Overnight: Village of Brus Laguna
Day 8: (Friday) Pico Bonito National Park
We depart early morning for our return trip to La Ceiba. We will return to Brus Laguna to catch our return flight to La Ceiba. From the La Ceiba airport we are about 20 minutes from our return to the inviting Pico Bonito Lodge. After our romp in the Mosquito Coast, we will enjoy a little pampering. In the afternoon we can wander the trail network or just relax beside the pool with views of the tropical forest covered ridges as our backdrop. Birds found on the lodge grounds include White Hawk, White-crowned Parrot, Purple-crowned Fairy, Keel-billed Motmot, Collared Aracari, White-collared Manakin, Red-legged Honeycreeper, and Black-throated Shrike-Tanager.
Overnight: Pico Bonito Lodge
Day 9: (Saturday) Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge
Today we depart our lodge for a full day trip to
Cuero y Salado refuge. Named for two rivers that
feed this estuarine forest ecosystem, the refuge is
famous for its abundant wildlife and birding
opportunities. The trip into the refuge starts on a
narrow gauge rail car that takes you to the river's
edge. From here motorized skiffs and canoes are
available for guided tours through the complex of estuaries and mangrove forests where one can expect to see howler & white-faced monkeys, iguanas, alligators, dozens of species of birds, and with a bit of luck- manatees. Return in the late afternoon to the hotel. Farewell dinner.
Overnight: Pico Bonito Lodge
Day 10: (Sunday) Departure
Fly back to San Pedro Sula from the La Ceiba airport for connecting U. S. flights. (Note: both American and Continental offer daily service to San Pedro Sula).
Logistical Details
Exploring the north coast of Honduras
March 23 - April 1, 2007
Trip Details:
This trip covers a wide variety of activities. We will be both on foot and in boats, and the possibility of rain always exists. We are, however, visiting during the dry season, and we hope for good weather throughout the trip. The accommodation will have showers and ceiling fans in Pico Bonito and Copan. In La Moskita the accommodations will be very rustic. Las Marias does not have electricity and we will have to share bunkhouse type accommodations for the 4 nights associated with this portion of the trip. Although rustic, participants really enjoy the opportunity to visit such a remote and diverse area. For many this will be the highlight of the trip, and quite possible the only experience you will ever have like this in your life. In addition, the days of roughing it will be offset by the luxurious accommodations at the Pico Bonito Lodge.
Financial Arrangements:
The fee for the tour is $3250 per person based on double occupancy. Single rates are an additional $750 (singles are only available at Copan and the Pico Bonito Lodge). This price includes: a detailed pre-trip packet including a reading list, country bird list, packing suggestions, and some background reading and conservation project information; all food, three meals per day, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 10; all lodging for 9 nights during the tour; ground transportation; in country airfares, and guide services provided by the tour leader and local expert guides. The tour fee does not include international airfare, alcoholic beverage, special gratuities, phone calls, passport fees, airport departure taxes 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. Flight arrangements (not included) for this tour can be made through your local travel agent.
Tour Size:
This tour will be strictly limited to a maximum of 14 participants and a minimum of 10 participants. Sign up early in order to secure your space.
Tour Registration:
To register for the tour, complete the enclosed registration form and return it with a deposit of $500 per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due ninety days prior to the tour departure (December 23, 2006). If you have any questions please contact Katherine King of Emerald Planet (970-231-4890 or toll-free, 888-883-0736).
Travel Documents:
A US passport valid beyond your anticipated date of return to the US and tourist card (available on flight) is required. Currently no visas or immunization certificates are required. Those with foreign passports should contact the Embassy of Honduras for details.
Cancellation Policy:
Refunds are made according to the following schedule: If cancellation is made ninety days or more before departure date, the deposit less $150 is refundable. If cancellation is made between eighty-nine and seventy 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 sixty-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 to protect yourself. Trip cancellation insurance can be arranged through Travel Insured International by calling 1-800-243-3174 or by visiting www.travelinsured.com. Insurance can also be arranged through CSA Vacation Guarantee by calling 1-800-645-5926 or by visiting www.csatravelprotections.com.
Responsibility:
Emerald Planet, The Nature Conservancy, 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. The right is reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. 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.
Health Precautions:
For comprehensive health information, please contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-877-394-8747 (traveler's health hotline). 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; however, you may need to discuss with your physician what is best for you individually. If you have any questions please consult your physician. For general information about Honduras please refer to the Consular Information sheet: http://travel.state.gov/honduras.html . Please check with your medical insurance provided to make sure that your insurance covers you while you are abroad. Several companies can provide additional international insurance as well as emergency evacuation insurance. See MEDEX for an example of one such provider: http://www.medexassist.com/ or 1-410-453-6300.
For more information about this trip contact:
Katherine King
Emerald Planet Tours
1706 Constitution Court
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Phone: 970-231-4890
Toll-free: 888-883-0736
E-mail: katking@emeraldplanet.com
Website: www.emeraldplanet.com
To sign up for an experience of a lifetime, please fill out and return the registration form.
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