Experience the splendor of tropical rainforests, colorful birds, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Copán Ruins. Honduras is a hidden gem in Central America full of off-the-beaten-path adventures. If you love natural beauty, birding, and Spanish culture, then this tour is perfect for you.

 

DAY 1

Our mid-morning flight departs Albuquerque and arrives in the evening. Dinner on our own before checking into our hotel.

 

DAY 2           B,D

After breakfast, we explore the fortress of San Fernando de Omoa and the El Real Fortified Enclosure compound. We continue to Hotel Marina Copan for two nights. Welcome Dinner tonight.

 

DAY 3            B

As scarlet macaws fly over us, we experience one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization: the Copán Ruins. In the afternoon, we take a tour at Macaw Mountain Bird Sanctuary, a bird refuge that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases birds back into the wild.

 

DAY 4              B

We depart Copán and drive to the largest volcanic lake in Honduras: Lake Yojoa. We stay lakeside for three nights at Honduyate, a central spot for birding.

 

DAY 5              B,L

We meet our English-speaking, professional birding guide early and begin to enjoy the many birds of Honduras. After our birding session, we depart for El Cajón. At lunch we watch for the rare Emerald Hummingbird, a threatened species. This afternoon we tour the El Cajón Dam, the fifth highest in the Americas.

 

DAY 6              B

We venture out to beautiful Los Naranjos Eco-Archaeological Park this morning with our birding guide to explore the flora and fauna of this site that is full of Mayan history and precedes the Copán Ruins by almost 1000 years. Along this boardwalk, nature trail, river, and marshlands, there are more than 800 species of plants, 407 species of birds, 54 species of mammals, 31 species of amphibians, 72 species of reptiles and 29 species of freshwater fish. The park’s museum provides information about the area’s significance and displays some of the only complete, unearthed pieces of Lencan pottery in Honduras. Our next stop is the place that inspired Walt Disney’s drawing for the waterfall on the cover of “The Jungle Book”: Pulhapanzak Waterfalls. After an independent lunch, we enjoy the nature and beauty of this iconic waterfall that drops 43 meters. Only 26 feet shorter than the drop of Niagara Falls, the series of waterfalls is sure to cool you off and let you take in the lush, green tropical rainforest sights. You have independent time for optional excursions, or just to swim in the river. Our short trip back to the hotel is just in time for an independent dinner. 

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DAY 7               B,L

This morning we continue guided birding around the lake and take a boat ride to see waterfowl and shoreline birds. We explore Cerro Azul Meambar National Park, then arrive at Panacam Lodge, our home for the next three nights.

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DAY 8               B

At breakfast, we watch dozens of hummingbirds buzz and feed. Then we join our guide at the best locations for the widest variety of birds. We enjoy a guided hike in the cloud forest.

 

DAY 9               B,D

Our last day of guided birding includes a short hike to a lookout tower, to see different birds at different levels. We have free time this afternoon to maximize our tropical exploration. Tonight, we celebrate at our Farewell Dinner.

 

DAY 10              B

Today we fly home to Albuquerque with wonderful memories of these beautiful birds and remarkable places.

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