Trekking and Patuca River Expeditions  

Trekking & Patuca River Expedition  -  14 Days

Hiking, Rafting in the Rainforest and a bit of Adventure

Day 1 Welcome in San Pedro Sula. Transfer to your hotel followed by a dinner in a typical restaurant. Overnight in San Pedro Sula.

Day 2 Transfer to Buenos Aires, a coffee-growing community in the damping zone of the Cusuco National Park. In Buenos Aires we take a brief stop to taste the locally grown coffee and take a walk in the village followed by a typical lunch. We then continue through magnificent landscapes until reaching our camp. On the way, the ecological transition from a mixture of tropical broadleaved and pine forests, to the tropical cloud forest, containing many epiphytes, such as bromeliads and orchids. We enjoy a typical dinner and overnight at rustic campsite.

Day 3  Early morning trek on cloud forest trails to appreciate biodiversity. With some luck we may spot a variety of wildlife such as toucans, monkeys, pumas, tapirs or the resplendent quetzal. After admiring the splendid flora and fauna, we return to camp for a typical lunch. In the afternoon we hike to a nice waterfall where we can enjoy a refreshing plunge in a forest pool. We enjoy a typical dinner and overnight at rustic campsite.

Day 4 Scenic drive transfer to the Lake Yojoa. After settling in, we will visit the Pulhapanzak waterfall a former ceremonial center of the ancient Mayas. Return to our camp located in the middle of the forest. Typical dinner and overnight at rustic campsite. 

Day 5 With the first sunrays we prepare us to explore the magnificent tropical forest types of the Azul Meambar National Park. Our walk will take us to the interchange zone between the tropical rainforest and the tropical mountain forest. This national park is one of the main protected areas around Lake Yojoa, which is  feeded by the small rivers of the surrounding mountains. Overnight at rustic campsite. 

Day 6 Transfer to Tegucigalpa. En route we will visit the city of Comayagua and its colonial Cathedral. Our Hotel in Tegucigalpa is a quite, peaceful mountain hotel which is situated out of town in the middle of a pine forest. Take a walk and breathe the fresh, pine scented air. Overnight in the mountain hotel.

Day 7 After breakfast transfer to the visitor's center of La Tigra National Park. Hike on park trails, over the mountain, through the cloud forest. During the hike, we have plenty of opportunity to enjoy and admire the beauty of the forest. In the afternoon we will drive to Valle de Angeles, where we will visit the famous National Handicraft Center. In the afternoon return to the hotel.

Day 8 Departure from Tegucigalpa - after a short program introduction - in four-wheel-drive vehicles to Olancho, Honduran's interior where cowboys still roam. In Catacamas we stop for lunch (last possibility to eat à la carte), we prepare our equipment for our expedition to the Patuca jungle. Overnight in a in a simple guesthouse in Catacamas.

Day 9 Leaving the vehicles at the end of the jeep trail we continue on foot and with pack mules into the forests of the Cuyamel River valley. At the river's first navigable point we transfer to our dugout canoe "pipante" for the journey to our first campsite at the river bank. Bird watchers should be alert to see the endangered scarlet, great green macaws, toucans and parrots. Our journey brings us downstream to our camp: Matamoros. Its location gives a commanding view of the river and its valley. From here onward to the Miskito coast, our diet consists of local food with some international additions. Overnight in Matamoros.

Day 10 We spend an entire day in and around Matamoros. Early rises may take advantage of our camp's location to spot wildlife along the river bank or in the trees. We explore the surrounding forest on a hike. In the company of our naturalist and a local guide, we learn about the existing flora and fauna. Enjoy the outstanding location of our camp. Overnight in camp in Matamoros.

Day 11 We continue downstream. The narrow, untouched valley of the Cuyamel reveals primary rain forest as we listen to the voices of the jungle. Suddenly, the Cayumel runs into the wide, gentle flowing Patuca River. The Patuca is home to a number of endangered large mammals, such as Jaguar and the Two Toed Anteater. We stop for lunch on a sand bank at the riverside. Traveling the Patuca to the indigenous village of Krausirpi. Here we will spend the next two nights, observing how the Tawahkas preserve their unique history and culture.

Day 12 A relaxing day, devoted to soaking up the environment of a traditional Tawahka village and its social structure. Later, entering the forest with a Tawahkas guide, we will discover the unique ecosystem of a tropical rain forest, along with its myriad of sights, sounds and smells. At nightfall we will enjoy a local dance. Overnight in Krausirpi.

Day 13 Leaving Krausirpi we continue on the Patuca River, traveling on the edge of the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve. During the day we pass various Tawahkas and Miskitos villages. At the day's end we arrive in Wampusirpi where we spend the night in a simple guest house.

Day 14 From Wampusirpi we depart by bush plane for an unforgettable aerial view of the endless palette of blues and greens of the Miskito coast before arriving in the Caribbean town of La Ceiba. End of program or extension of your stay with another of our itineraries.

Services included: 5 night lodging in double occupancy, 8 nights lodging in local camps, full board, transfers according to itinerary, entrance fees according to itinerary, bilingual guide, excursions, local guides, expedition gear, 12 % VAT and 4 % Tourism Tax.

Remarks: The tour to the Patuca River has the character of an expedition. Good physical condition is recommended. We provide all equipment. In case of an emergency there is a helicopter on order by radio. The places we visit are basic, one shares the lifestyle of the local people and experiences daily life in the rain forest.

Departure: Daily from San Pedro Sula

Rates Per Person in US Dollars: Using private coach and private guide $2275 in double occupancy.

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