…from the Mayans of Copan to the indigenous Lencas, the Mestizos; a mix of two civilizations, to the Caribbean coast where the Garifuna people reside, this tour will wind you through the hills and cultures of the land and its people

Day 1

Airport or Hotel Pick Up and Copan Ruins

Julio Tours Central America will pick you up at your hotel or airport and drive through the tropical country side until we end up near the Guatemalan border. Greeted by a family of macaws we begin our guided tour at Copan Ruins. This is a Mayan ruin dating back to the early classic period c.250 to 900 first discovered by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Originally home to 20,000 people with a land mass of 100 hectares, this dynasty was ruled by at least 16 Kings beginning with Yak Kuk Mo who originated from Tikal. In 1980 this site was added to the World Heritage list. This historical site is filled with temples, pyramids, stairways and plazas including a court for the game of pok a tok.

After you have learned all there is to know about the Copan Ruins we will head over to Hotel Marina Copan where we will have dinner and spend the night. You can spend the evening walking around town, swimming, or just relaxing by the pool.

Day 2

Nature Walks, Macaw Mountain and Copan City Tour

After breakfast we will take a quick drive to Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve. This grass roots organization began on Roatan Island by a woman named Mandy Wagner who made it her mission to house unwanted and abandoned tropical birds. Later Ms. Wagner handed it off to Lloyd Davidson and in 2001 Mr. Davidson moved all the birds to the mainland where he devoted his time and energy to building a reserve for the rehabilitation of these remarkable birds. Macaw Mountain allows us a hands-on experience with them. Get out your camera for lasting memories with these magnificent animals. Then wrap up your morning with a dip in the refreshing pool or sip some fresh coffee from local beans.

We will return to the colorful quaint community of Copan City for lunch. Enjoy a cold beer or fresh juice while unwinding from the mornings activities. After lunch there is lots of time for some shopping and a stroll down the streets where we can interact with the locals until we return for our last night in Hotel Marina Copan.

Day 3

Drive to Gracias and Thermos de Presidente Gracias Hot Springs

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and enjoy a 3 hour drive through some higher altitudes of Honduras. The many pine trees that grow in this area are a rich habitat for wildlife. We will arrive in Gracias, the original capital of Central America where we will check into Hotel Guancascos and go for lunch. We will spend the afternoon exploring this lovely colonial town while learning about the history and its indigenous Lencas people. You have your choice of local vendors or the hotel for dinner before soaking the evening away at the local hot springs.

Day 4

Hiking Celaque Park and La Campa Town

After breakfast we will do some hiking in the park. Celaque National Parque is considered the highest point in the country. This cloud forest was established in 1987 and is high in biodiversity. At noon we will take a short drive to La Campa where we will experience a typical lunch in this small ancestral town. The area is known for its pottery and we will spend the afternoon meeting the locals and visiting their workshops for a demonstration on pottery making.

Day 5

Drive to Panacam and Kayaking

After breakfast we will begin our drive to Central Honduras where we arrive in time for lunch at beautiful Yojoan Lake before checking into the Panacam Lodge located in Meambar Blue Mountain Park. This 79,000 acres of protected land is nature’s paradise and is diverse in species of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and trees.

Day 6

Panacam and Tela

We will work off those breakfast calories with a 4 hour hike to cloud forest. After lunch we travel north to a Caribbean seaside town. This area is inhabited by the people of the Garifuna culture. An interesting culture to say the least. The language is a mix of French, English and Spanish and in 2001 UNESCO proclaimed the language, dance, and music of the Garifuna as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. We will enjoy dinner in a typical Garifuna restaurant and check in for the night at Hotel Playa Bonita.

Day 7

Punta Sal Reserve and Micos Lagoon Boat Tour

This wetland project was created in 1994 and managed by the Prolansate Foundation, Punta Sal as it was once known is over 781 sq. kms of ecosystems comprising beaches, tropical forests, inundated forests, mangrove forests, lagoons and rivers. The first part of our journey by boat will take us to the shore of a jungle where we will disembark for a 45 minute hike across the peninsula where we will search for family of Howler monkeys that live in the area. A short swim through the rock face will take us to the ocean where the boat will be waiting to take us to Punta Sal Rock where we can take photos of pelicans in their natural environment.

Cocalito Beach is next and a perfect place for a swim or a little snorkeling. This remote area is inhabited by a few locals and provides an excellent opportunity to contribute. Please feel free to bring along some school supplies or a soccer ball for the community. We will end our boat tour at Micos Lagoon and likely see a few of the locals fishing as we quietly drift through the mangroves. Lunch on the beach is next and fresh fish is definitely on the menu. Don’t forget to ask about the current name of Punta Sal while you are enjoying the ocean view.

After lunch we venture further up the coast to the last leg of our tour where we will check in Hotel Lodge at Pico Bonito.

Day 8

Rio Cangrejal White Water Rafting and Zip Lining

If you like rafting, this day will delight you. Located in Pico Bonito National Park, with world class rapids and excellent guides, you will traverse the waters of class 3 and 4 rapids. The experience is like no other rafting adventure you have been on. Dry off during lunch before zip lining across the Rio Cangrejal. This truly is a day to remember!

Day 9

Return to Airport or Hotel

Your Tour Includes

all transportation including to and from your hotel, 8 nights hotel, all admission costs for excursions, 8 breakfasts

50 % deposit must be paid in advance in US dollars through Western Union and remaining will be collected during the tour.

If you are looking for more adventure please ask Julio Tours Central America about the Cayos Cochinos or Lagoon Cuero and Salado to extend your tour for an additional day at an additional cost.

Please Note – Although this tour has time limits and restrictions Julio Tours is committed to giving you an experience you will never forget. We are always open to your suggestions and will do our very best to accommodate any special requests you have. This is “your” tour and it is our honor to have you as our guests.