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| Day 1: |
The guide will meet and pick you up at your Hotel in Tegucigalpa at10:00 am. After a short program introduction we drive from Tegucigalpa to Olancho, Honduran's interior where cowboys still roam. In Catacamas we prepare our equipment for our expedition. Overnight in Catacamas. |
| Day 2: |
Leaving the vehicles at the end of the jeep trail we continue on foot 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 on the river bank. Bird watchers should be alert to see the endangered scarlet, great green macaws, toucans and parrots. A two hours' journey brings us downstream to our next camp; Matamoros, located atop a river bluff, its location gives a commanding view of the river and its valley. From here onward to the Miskito coast, our diet consists of local balanced food with some international additions. Overnight in Matamoros. |
| Day 3: |
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 will 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. We also have time to rest at our camp, enjoying its outstanding location. Overnight in camp in Matamoros.
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| Day 4: |
Breaking camp in the early morning, 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. Bird watchers may be able to see the endangered King Vulture or the Bare-Throated Tiger Heron. The Patuca is also 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. Our dinner - traditional Tawahka food, prepared by an inhabitant of the village - fortifies us as night falls on the majestic Patuca.
Remark: The tour to the Patuca River has the character of an expedition. Good physical condition is recommended. Mesoamerica Travel provides all equipment. In case of an emergency there is a helicopter on order by radio. The places we visit are very basic, one shares the lifestyle of the local people and experiences daily life in the rainforest |
| Day 5: |
A relaxing day, devoted to soaking up the environment of a traditional Tawahka village and its social structure. Later we enter 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 6: |
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 will arrive in Wampusirpi where we spend the night in a simple guest house. |
| Day 7: |
From Wampusirpi we depart by bush plane for an unforgettable aerial view of the endless palette of blues and greens of the Miskito coast and its many lagoons before arriving in the traditional Caribbean town of La Ceiba. End of program or extension of your stay with another of our itineraries.
Remarks: The Matamoros campsite is run by the Patuca oundation in collaboration with the Grupo Ecologico Olancho, GEO, a local non-governmental organization. In 1996 the Patuca Foundation received authorization from the Honduran government to manage 105 hectares of deforested rain forest in Matamoros within the Patuca National Park. |
