Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Tela
You will be greeted at the San Pedro Sula airport and transferred to Tela Bay (1.5 hours) which has strong Garifuna (coastal indigenous culture) flavor to the beautiful beach of TelaMar. The beach stretches for almost 50 km in both directions. Beach time in afternoon and then we have dinner in a local restaurant famous for its afro-caribbean seafood dishes.

Overnight: TelaMar, Tela

Day 2: Jeanette Kawas National Park and Punta Sal
This is a fantastic day trip which begins with a 45 minute boart ride across Tela Bay. We then take a short interpretive hike and then re-board the boats for a ride through coastal areas and then around the tip of Punta Sal. Great views off the rugged coast and mountains in the backdrop. There is a great snorkeling spot which is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second longest barrier reef in the world. We then have lunch at the Garifuna village of El Cocolito which has 5 families and excellent traditional seafood meals. After lunch we can either hike up the ridge for more amazing views, relax on the beautiful beach or go swimming or more snorkeling. We return to TelaMar late afternoon and dinner on the grounds.

Overnight: TelaMar, Tela

Day 3: Punta Isopo & Triunfo de la Cruz
We depart for the quick drive (15 minutes) to the Garifuna town of Triunfo de la Cruz where we board our boat for a visit to the spectacular Punta Isopo protected area. We have a short hike with views of the entire Tela Bay through lush tropical forests. Depending on if the "boca" is open, we may have the opportunity to explore the mangrove canals of the inland area. We return to the culturally rich community of Triunfo de la Cruz for lunch, visit to the cultural center, and some afternoon drumming. One of the many fascinating cultural aspects of the Garifuna is the fussion of African and indigenous Caribe traditions which is promently displayed in the drumming and dancing. We will also sample some of the local spirits of gafete, a herbal infused rum concoction that facilitates innovative gringo dancing. We may also have the opportunity to watch some local activities like preparation of cassava (manioc) bread with the womens cooperative. We return to Tela for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: TelaMar, Tela

Day 4: Lancetilla Botanical Gardens and transfers
We begin the day with a visit to the nearby Lancetilla gardens. Established at the beginning of the last century, it is an impressive collection of native species as well as samples from around the world. It's nearly 5,000 acres and full of hiking trails and a beautiful rainforest stream with swimming hole. If you enjoy plants, you will love this place. It's great for birding too! We have lunch at the gardens and then transfer to San Pedro Sula airport.