Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from La Ceiba to Rio Coco
You will be greeted at La Ceiba and transferred to Rio Coco (1.5 hours), which is literally at the end of the road. This beautiful spot is well off the main tourism routes and offers some amazing natural areas with a real connection to the local community. Upon arrival we will take a short hike to a nearby waterfall and swimming in the crystal-clear rainforest river of Rio Coco. We then have a traditional "plato fuerte" lunch and free time in the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful beach that stretches for miles.

Overnight: Cabanas Rio Coco

Day 2: Hiking into the Rainforest of Cerro Viento
A moderate/strenuous hike up into the rainforests of Cerro Viento. We will climb along the Rio Coco until we reach the primary forest cover of the coastal hills (about 1,000 foot elevation climb). We usually see lots of monkeys, toucans, and other tropical wildlife and the views are fantastic with vistas of Cayos Cochinos and the Bay Islands. This is a full day hike and we will have lunch on the trail returning to our cabanas mid to late afternoon.

Overnight: Cabanas Rio Coco

Day 3: Manati Beach and snorkeling
The isolated community of Manati is just a 45 minute boat ride down the coast from Rio Coco. Just before the community is a beach paradise with patch reef accessible from the shore. We spend the day snorkeling, short hikes, hand-line fishing, and picnic on the beach, returning late afternoon.

Overnight: Cabanas Rio Coco

Day 4: Kayak, Rio Esteben transfer to Corozal
The largest Garifuna community is this area is Rio Esteben. The community has invested time and energy into developing attractive cultural opportunities for visitors. We will visit a nearby pre-Columbian archeology site, some women cooperative projects, visit some artist's workshops, and have a great lunch on the beach at Rosie's restaurant. We will then have a great field experience kayaking through the Lis Lis lagoon, home to the largest crocodiles in the region. We then transfer to our hotel in Corazal.

Overnight: Ocean View Hotel, Corazal

Day 5: Cayos Cochinos
We are well positioned for an early departure for the Cayos Cochinos and our day of exploring the spectacular Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This is the second longest barrier reef in the world and Cayos Cochinos are located about 11 miles off-shore. We will have two snorkeling stops in the morning (SCUBA option available); and then take a break on one of the smaller islands which has a local Garifuna fishing community - Chachajuate. After another great seafood lunch, we will have time for one more snorkeling stop and then head back to the mainland. A very impressive reef system with abundant marine life and we often get to swim along sea turtles amid the many schools of tropical fish. We finish our adventure in La Ceiba arriving late afternoon.