At a Glance
Click each day for more details.
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Day 1: Copán - Arrival
When you land in San Pedro Sula, a driver will be waiting to whisk you off to the charming mountain village of Copán, located in the Honduran highlands. Not far from the Guatemalan border, the region of Copán boasts a rich colonial history, some of the country’s best coffee, and its most notable feature – the extensive ruins of a Maya city that was occupied for over two thousand years, from the fifth to ninth centuries AD.
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Day 2: Copán - Discover the ruins of an ancient empire at Copán
Today, you’ll explore the important archeological site of Copán, once the capital city reigning over a major Classic period kingdom in the extreme southeast of the Mesoamerican cultural region. Wander through the site, now declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, on foot as you learn about its special connection with the Guatemalan site of Quirigua and the dynasty that ruled the area between the fifth and ninth centuries.
Led by a local guide, climb magnificent stone pyramids, revel in stunning views of the surrounding forest, and marvel at the many glyphs and sculptures that the site is known for, while you learn how the Mayan culture flourished in the western part of Honduras, leaving many different costumes and traditions behind as evidence of its past. -
Day 3: Copán - Explore the colorful cobblestone streets of Copán on foot, then head into the foothills to follow the process of coffee from bean to brew
Today, explore the coffee growing region surrounding Copán, home to world-class coffee exports that are shipped all over the world. After breakfast, you’ll set out on a ride through verdant green foothills to Finca Santa Isabel, high in the mountains. Begin at a plant nursery where young coffee plants are nurtured until they are ready to be planted outside on the farm. From the nursery, wind down well-groomed trails through lush, green rainforest foliage filled with abundant bird and butterfly life; as you walk, your guide will explain the growing, harvesting and processing of coffee from bean to cup.
Next, stop in at the processing facility where modern equipment prepares the beans for sun drying. Once the drying process is complete, a special climate-controlled storage area allows coffee to mature before roasting. Your final destination is the roasting plant, where the aroma of roasting coffee will tease your senses to prepare you for a cupping and tasting session. -
Day 4: Copán to Pico Bonito - Venture into the heart of the rainforest
After your last breakfast in Copán, head southeast toward the verdant jungles of Pico Bonito National Park.
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Day 5: Pico Bonito - Spot exotic jungle wildlife on an early-morning hike through Pico Bonito National Park
Today is all about discovering the marvels of the rainforest, both by day and after nightfall. Begin your day bright and early, at a time that offers some of the best bird and wildlife sightings possible. Experience an unforgettable sunrise, see the dew on the trees, feel the fresh early morning air, and revel in a cacophony of sounds as the jungle begins to wake around you in over 270 000 acres of unexplored rainforest home to 420 species of birds, as well as jaguars, tapirs, deer, pumas, sloths, white-faced and spider monkeys.
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Day 6: Pico Bonito - Cruise the Cuero y Salado Reserve by boat, in search of the elusive manatee
Get an early start today, on an expedition to Cuero y Salado Refuge where the Cuero and Salado rivers meet the ocean. After a short drive from the lodge, you will travel in a small motorized train along a narrow-gauge railway that leads through pastures and coconut plantations to the mouth of the Salado River. Here, board a motorized skiff (or a canoe, if you prefer).
The refuge contains over 3 200 acres of tropical wet and mangrove forests, where monkeys, sloths, caimans, crocodiles, iguanas and turtles are all common sightings, along with over 350 species of birds.
The refuge’s most famous inhabitant is the elusive and endangered West Indian Manatee, with an estimated population of 50 individuals living in the reserve. -
Day 7: Pico Bonito to Roatán - Head east for the Bay Islands
Once you’ve satisfied your jungle craving, a flight east to Roatán will stun you with aerial views of azure and turquoise waters speckled with tiny islands before you touch down in perfect beachy paradise. Transfer to the stunning boutique Ibagari Resort, where your luxurious ocean-view suite awaits.
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Day 8: Roatán - Kayak the Caribbean Sea, and discover a wondrous world beneath the waves as you snorkel Roatán's famous reef
Kayak the calm, tranquil shores of Roatán today on a guided excursion through clear shallow waters, along pristine sandy beaches and into secluded coves and bights. You’ll depart from West End, paddling to Blue Channel. Here, jump into the warm waters of the Caribbean to take in some of the best snorkeling on the planet, exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with wildlife – rays, turtles, brightly colored tropical fish, lobsters, shrimp, and more. Once you’ve had your fill, climb into your kayak and coast back along the shoreline to West End for a tasty local lunch.
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Day 9: Roatán - Wander endless stretches of white sand, and settle into the relaxed pace of island life
The last days of your adventure-packed holiday will be spent taking things down a notch. Take advantage of Ibagari’s onsite yoga and painting classes, schedule a massage, or just kick back and catch some rays by the pool.
If you’re craving a little more excitement, make your way to West End Village, a mini-metropolis full of bars, restaurants, lounges, scuba operators and souvenir shops. The town also boasts Half Moon Bay, a perfectly crescent-shaped palm-studded beach well worth a visit. As night falls, the village becomes a flurry of activity, with many bars and eateries offering happy hours and live music. -
Day 10: Roatán - Set sail for the hidden beaches of Port Royal
Escape the ordinary today on a relaxing day sail to the East End’s best-kept secret – Port Royal! Once a hideaway for notorious Caribbean pirates, this secluded harbor is home to three exceptional snorkeling sites, each teeming with vibrant sea life, colorful tropical fish, and an array of beautiful corals. Help yourself to cold beverages, scrumptious snacks and tropical desserts throughout the day, and in between snorkels, lounge on board, basking in the warm Caribbean breezes while the catamaran crew whips up a grilled barbeque lunch spread made with tasty local ingredients and the day’s fresh catch!
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Day 11: Roatán - Departure
Transfer to Roatán’s international airport 3 hours prior to your international departure. Adiós!
