Boomers Abroad

Description

Looking for the perfect mix of spectacular scuba diving, whitewater adventure, friendly people and Latin American culture? On this popular expedition, travel through Honduras rolling countryside, tropical jungles and mountainous Bay Islands for the experience of a lifetime! Often compared to the unspoiled Costa Rica of 1520 years ago, the treasures of this amazing country are ours to discover.

Wake up to the rich smell of a coffee plantation and the exciting sounds of class IV river rapids. Soar through a lush rainforest canopy on a zip line. Explore the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins of Copan. Horseback ride through the stunning hills of Santa Isabel. Scuba dive on Utilas magnificent reefs, walls, wrecks and pinnacles where scientists come together to study whale sharks, dolphins, reef conservation and marine ecology. Throughout our adventures, experience the rich and diverse Honduran culture from the ancient Maya to coastal Garifuna people. From the beautiful Bay Islands and the mystical sea to ancient ruins and dense jungles, expert ecologists and guides open our eyes to the environmental and cultural wonders of Central Americas coolest country.

Itinerary

Day 1-2
We begin our adventure in hill country, dense with cloud forest, at the ancient ruins of Copán. Explore pyramids inscribed with hieroglyphics and temples built by the Mayan kings who reigned from 250-900 AD. The well-preserved artifacts and architecture of this former civilization capture your imagination. Stay in the charming town of Copan Ruinas and venture out on the cobblestone streets. Give your Spanish a try while you bargain for hammocks, jewelry and colorful Mayan artifacts. Don't speak Spanish? A smile will suffice as you quickly recognize the friendly disposition of the Honduran people.

Day 3-5
At a shade-grown coffee farm near the Guatemalan border we immerse ourselves in Honduras warm culture and spectacular countryside. The smells from this 12,000 acre ranch fill the air and hint at our adventures sulfur rising from hot springs, dusty saddlebags and the spicy twist of the cardamom blended coffee. Cowboys guide us through the hills on horseback, stopping to taste star fruit and fresh coconut milk. Learn about the economic and environmental issues facing tropical agriculture and the Honduran people. Seek shelter in the shade of teak trees and take a refreshing dip in cool springs. Local children lead us to their schoolhouse where we join together to replant gardens, play soccer and build classroom furniture. After a delicious home cooked meal, end a perfect day soaking in natural hot springs under a blanket of stars.

Day 6-12
Travel to the Caribbean coast to Punta Sal National Park where we snorkel in blue waters and hike through an exotic jungle surrounded by tropical birds and monkeys. Break for lunch in thatched huts on a perfect white sand beach where Garifuna villagers treat us to local cuisine and colorful dances. To the east, enter the Cuero y Salado Wildlife refuge via canoe and explore estuaries abounding with wildlife. Then head deeper into the jungle to zip line through the forest canopy and conquer the raging whitewater of the Rio Congrejal in Pico Bonito National Park.

Day 13-16
Fly to the bay island of Utila and take a boat to our private lodge on a secluded palm fringed beach. Spend the first day refreshing your scuba skills, or if you've never been diving, start your PADI Open Water Certification course. Head to the beach, strap on your scuba gear and walk into the Caribbean Sea to discover sandy slopes, colorful fringing reefs and dramatic walls. Eagle rays, octopi, sea horses, and shy morays hide in walls coral encrusted caves and crevices&perfect for beginner divers and thrilling for the experienced diver. Explore the wheelhouse of the Halliburton Wreck, a 100-foot ship that was sunk in 1998. Above the waterline, sea kayak, explore jungle caves, search for iguanas and play on white sand beaches. In the evening, kick back at the lodge and listen to presentations on local dolphin and whale shark research.

Day 17-21
Now that the whole group is certified, we head to the north coast of Utila where huge pinnacles and sheer walls rise from thousands of feet below. Explore Black Hills where giant schools of fish hovering in the blue mix with the vibrant circus of life surrounding a coral mountain. Investigate the bottomless wall at Duppy Waters where huge grouper and barrel sponges abound. On the boat, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins and whale sharks. If you spot any, grab your snorkel and jump in to swim with these amazing creatures! On night dives off our beach, the bioluminescence lights up the ocean and we discover a completely new set of colors and reef inhabitants. A party on the final night gives us a chance to reflect on our adventures and how much we've learned about this extraordinary country, from the jungle to the sea.