Rio Patuca Expedition

Rio Patuca

Honduras

The vast La Mosquitia region, a tropical rain forest comprised of primary rain forest, coastal mangroves, and pine savannahs, forms a significant part of the remaining biological corridor that once covered the Central American Land Bridge. This expedition provides the opportunity to meet endangered species as the tapir, jaguar and giant anteater. Armadillos, wild pigs, monkeys, alligators, toucans, red and green macaws, pink herons and many other exotic and exciting creatures also enrich the forest. In the evening, commune by the campfire with your native guides and learn about how their cultures live within an ecosystem in harmony with nature, their native traditions, social structure and unique history.

The Itinerary

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 at the river bank. Bird watchers should be alert for 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 provides 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 risers may take advantage of our camps location to spot wildlife along the riverbank or in the trees. We 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 have time to rest at our camp, enjoying its outstanding location. Overnight in camp in Matamoros.

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 Cayamel runs into the wide, gentle-flowing Patuca River. Bird watchers may 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 and continue travelling the Patuca to the indigenous village of Krausirpi. Here we 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 Matamoros campsite is run by the Patuca Foundation in collaboration with the Grupo Ecologico Olancho, GEO, a local non-governmental organisation. In 1996 the Patuca Foundation received authorisation from the Honduran government to manage 105 hectares of deforested rain forest in Matamoros within the Patuca National Park. Currently, Patuca/GEO are establishing the experimental, Matamoros Model Farm in this area as a means of deterring the ever encroaching agricultural front; promoting ecotourism with the campsite infrastructure as a means of generating income for local inhabitants; plans exist to establish a Scientific Research Station in an effort to conserve the biodiversity of Honduran tropical rain forests.

Day 5:
A relaxing day, devoted to soaking up the environment of a traditional Tawahka village and its social structure. Later, entering the forest with a Tawahkas guide, we discover the unique ecosystem of a tropical rain forest, along with its myriad of sights, sounds and smells. At nightfall, we enjoy a local dance. Overnight in Krausirpi.

Day 6:
Leaving Krausirpi, we continue on the Patuca River, travelling on the edge of the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve. During the day, we pass various Tawahkas and Miskitos villages. At the end of the day, we arrive in Wampusirpi where we spend the night in a simple guesthouse.

Day 7:
From Wampusirpi we leave 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.

General Information

Rated: The tour to the Patuca River has the character of an expedition. Good physical condition is recommended. We provide 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.

For further information on prices, departure dates and bookings, please contact us