Mayans to Macaws: History and Wildlife in Honduras National Parks | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

-

Mayans to Macaws: History and Wildlife in Honduras National Parks

PRIVATE TOUR - 9 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 3742

Private Tour Highlights

  • Wildlife spotting around the verdant Jeannette Kawas National Park
  • Soaking in the sun on the pristine tropical beaches of Tela
  • Touring the ancient Maya Ruins of Copan, taking in the towering Hieroglyphic Stairways, expert stone masonry, manicured lawns and much more!
  • Birdwatching at the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, a paradise for bird lovers.
  • Visiting one of the smallest Mayan Cities at Quirigua, noted for its abundance of well-maintained statues and figurines
  • Relishing in the pristine rainforests, gushing streams and picturesque waterfalls of Omoa
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

The abundance of rich Mayan history and varied wildlife across Honduras is explored during this enticing tour of the best National Parks and ancient ruins. Initially visiting the serene forested coastline of Omoa Bay, with its colonial fortresses and pirate hideouts, you quickly move on to the ruins of Copan, one of the most iconic and intriguing of all ancient Mayan cities and a fitting early taste of what is to come on this ‘Mayans to Macaws’ vacation.

From the splendor of Copan, your route will pass through the smaller, though no less noteworthy ancient archaeological complex of Quirigua, before a change of pace on the idyllic beaches of Tela and the wildlife reserves of Jeanette Kawas National Park and Cuero Y Salado Refuge. Here, you will have the chance to explore the pristine, tropical wilderness of Honduras which has long been a haven for innumerate species of monkeys, insects and birds, none more so than the famous squawking Macaw, Honduras’ national bird.

Inclusions
Prices include hotel accommodation with daily continental breakfast, guided tours in English, meals where specified, entrance fees, transportation between hotels, transfers between airport and hotel, naturalist guides and taxes. Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 3742

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in San Pedro Sulla

On arrival in San Pedro Sulla, you will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel for check-in. The rest of day one can be spent at leisure either recuperating from your journey or planning for the days ahead.

On arrival in San Pedro Sulla, you will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel for check-in. The rest of day one can be spent at leisure either recuperating from your journey or planning for the days ahead.

Day
2

Touring Omoa Bay

Setting read more...

Setting off this morning, your first full day of adventure begins at the nearby jewel of Omoa Bay, on the Caribbean coast. Characterized by its verdant tree-lined shores and sandy bays, Omoa is one of the most subtly scenic settings in all of Honduras, flanked by the Merendon Mountain range and a myriad of gushing streams and waterfalls which dissect the rainforest reserves, leading to the main Bay. First up is a pleasant hike to a nearby waterfall, taking the time to spot as much of the diverse wildlife and many bird species which call this place home, in the company of your expert, eagle-eyed guide. The trek leads to a sublime, elevated lookout point with panoramic views of the bay and its mountain backdrop, before strapping yourself in for a truly memorable zip-line tour back down through the forest canopy. Suitable for all ages, this adrenaline packed adventure allows for an entirely different view of the forest below, as you sail between the treetop platforms and soak in the unforgettable views and feelings of freedom.

With feet back firmly on the ground, an all-encompassing first day is rounded off with a trip to the abandoned Spanish Fortress of San Fernando de Omoa, one of the most impressive structures of its type in Central America. Touring this historic site is like stepping back in time, learning the history and necessity of its construction as the main defense against pirates for the colonizing Spanish fleet dropping anchor in the port during the 18th century. Finally, as the day draws to a close, head back to San Pedro Sula for an evening at leisure.
...read less

Fort-Omoa-Honduras
Day
3

Exploring the Copan ruins

Today, it is time to visit one of the most iconic ruins of the archaeological world, the ancient Mayan city of Copan. This supremely well-preserved site is known not just for its superb setting, shrouded by trees and adorned with perfectly manicured lawns, but also for its elegant artistic flair and unique place in Mayan culture. With many sculpted stone centerpieces, an acropolis, court chamber and famous ‘Hieroglyphic Staircase’, all encompassed by delicately carved surrounding walls and stand-alone statuettes, the Copan Complex leaves as much to the imagination as it reveals, marking itself from similar sites by its artistic elegance and unusually flamboyant style. Having adequately absorbed every stairwell and plaza of the site and nearby museum, the afternoon is spent enjoying the cobbled streets and tiled roofs of colonial Copan Ruinas, a pre-Columbian town and long-time sanctuary for pilgrims and tourists alike, en route to the Mayan city nearby. This evening will be spent in Copan. ...read less

Copa-Ruinas-Honduras
Day
4

From Copan to Quirigua

From the grandeur of Copan, today the tour moves on to the smaller, though equally well-preserved and just as enticing ruins of Quirigua. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known for its abundance of carved figurines and long, varied history, acting as an important ritual and administrative center for many hundreds of years, all the way up to the 10th century. Quirigua has a worthy place in the Maya story of Honduras, given that the original construction stood the test of time and was inhabited by numerous subsequent cultures after its initial uses may well have become redundant, producing some of the most impressive exhibits and monuments along the way. There will be plenty of free time to explore every tree-lined edge and moss-covered step of Quirigua before heading back to Copan for an evening at leisure. ...read less

Quirigua-Honduras
Day
5

The beaches of Tela and Lancetilla Gardens

Swapping read more...

Swapping wonders of the ancient world for those of mother nature, this morning’s first significant stop will be at the renowned Lancetilla Botanical Gardens. This experimental scheme was founded in 1925, and is today one of the largest, most diverse planting projects in the world, showcasing over 600 different plant species, exotic fruits, many tropical birds and even a Bamboo forest. From the serenity of the gardens it is then on to Tela Beach, some of the most pristine stretches of sand in the region. Here, verdant trees and undulating hills lead into golden bays and the gently lapping sea, making for an idyllic coastal break and welcome rest after a busy few days. ...read less

Tela-Beaches-Honduras
Day
6

Exploring the Jeanette Kawas National Park

Best accessed by motorboat, the Jeanette Kawas National Park is awash with Howler Monkeys, tropical trees and no end of bird species, making for the perfect full introduction to the biodiversity of Honduras and its national parks. This protected space is made up of a rich lagoon and verdant peninsula, which will be the focus of today’s exciting excursion after landing on its shores. Once there, a scenic hike through the forest along its plant-lined trails will take you to Puerto Escondido, a well-known hideout for pirates of the high seas during the Spanish colonial era. Along the way, look out for the resident Monkeys, Sloths, Macaws and Parrots, all known to inhabit this section of rainforest, making the most of its fertile foliage and abundant food sources.

From the cove, you have free time to take a dip in the crystalline waters or continue your birdwatching before gradually making the journey back to the boat and a well-earned lunch on one of the peninsula’s picturesque beaches. This evening, enjoy another night in Tela, relaxing in the beachside cafes and seaside restaurants of the town as the sun sets over the horizon.
...read less

Jeannette-Kawas-National-Park-Honduras
Day
7

Touring the Eco-hub of La Ceiba

The eco-exploration continues today with a visit to, initially, the Pico Bonito National Park and another exhilarating zip-line experience, this time crossing the beautiful Cangrejal River Canyon. Beginning with an ambient drive through the thick foliage and forest roads which lead to the La Ceiba region, you will arrive at the starting point for your uphill hike, gradually making your way to the first zip-line platform, though not before making the most of the canopy sights, sounds and smells along the way, a treat for all the senses. The majesty of this tropical paradise is of course absorbing from ground level, though comes sharply into a fresh focus and perspective from the lofty heights of these aerial viewpoints and open air wires, connecting one treetop station to another. The tour climaxes with an unforgettable descent across the flowing waters of the Cangrejal River, a suitable end to a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Having recovered from all the excitement, the rest of the day can be spent relaxing in the invigorating streams, plunge pools and lagoons surrounding Pico Bonito, or embarking on one of the many intrepid nature trails, before heading back to La Ceiba for the evening. ...read less

Pico-bonito-national-park-honduras
Day
8

Wet and wild in the Cuero Y Salado Refuge

As this versatile tour draws gradually to a close, there is no better way to round things off than with a visit to the waterways, lakes and forest paths of the highly-regarded Cuero Y Salado Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for many endangered species as well as some of the more abundant creatures native to these lands. Though Cuero Y Salado is home to many hundreds of plant, bird and animal species, some of the more noteworthy inhabitants to be found within the thick mangroves and forest floors of the reserve include the endangered Caribbean Manatee, Alligators, Howler and White-Faced Monkeys, Jaguars and over 200 varieties of tropical birds, a third of the entire country’s total population. This will be a full day of exploration, birdwatching and wildlife spotting, with plenty of free time to either pick the brain of your expert local guide or find your own private place to enjoy the surrounding scenery and abundance of nature at every turn. Finally, as the sun begins to set, make your way back to La Ceiba for one final night of fine food and fantastic memories. ...read less

cuero-salado-refuge-honduras
Day
9

Homeward bound

At an appropriate time, you will be collected from the hotel in La Ceiba, ready for the journey back to San Pedro Sula and your onward journey home. From here, you may wish to extend your trip out into other parts of Honduras or Central America depending on the time you have available.

At an appropriate time, you will be collected from the hotel in La Ceiba, ready for the journey back to San Pedro Sula and your onward journey home. From here, you may wish to extend your trip out into other parts of Honduras or Central America depending on the time you have available.

San Pedro Sula, Cortés, Honduras

Copan Ruinas, Copan, Honduras

Carretera A Tela, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras

Places You'll See

  • dolphin-Honduras

    La Ceiba

    The ecotourism capital of Honduras, and the third largest city in the country, is the city of La Ceiba. Appreciate the beauty of the area with canopy tours and zip lining nearby. Visit some of the National parks or enjoy some of the beautiful beaches that are offered.

  • Copan-Ruinas-Honduras

    Copan Ruinas

    Over one thousand years ago, Copan Ruinas was once the center of Mayan civilization. Here, one can witness some of the greatest Pre-Colombian artwork that is offered including ancient hieroglyphics. Nearby are many options for wildlife lovers including a bird sanctuary, butterfly house, as well as horseback riding and zip lining.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

San Pedro Sula : San Pedro Sula Hotel: Casa del Arbol Galerias

San Pedro Sula : San Pedro Sula Hotel: Gran Hotel Sula

Copan Ruinas : La Casa Rosada

Copan Ruinas : Plaza Copan

Tela : Hotel Cesar Mariscos

La Ceiba : La Quinta

4 Star Properties

San Pedro Sula : San Pedro Sula hotel: Hilton Princess

Copan Ruinas : Marina Copan (standard)

Tela : Hotel Villas Telamar (jardin)

La Ceiba : Quinta Real

5 Star Properties

San Pedro Sula : San Pedro Sula Hotel: Real Intercontinental

Copan Ruinas : Hacienda San Lucas

Tela : Hotel Villas Telamar

La Ceiba : Palma Real

Luxury Properties

La Ceiba : The Lodge at Pico Bonito

Testimonials

Cheryl

Traveled April, 2011

I loved Honduras

I loved Honduras, the people, the places, the food, and the wildlife. I never once felt unsafe. In fact I have felt more unsafe in places in Europe I have been than in Latin America. Of course there is crime in every country, you just have to know where not to go. I have used Yampu for 8 trips now and love them. They have great guides in all the countries, and these guides always have good tips on where to go if you end up doing things by yourself. Most of the main tourist places, such as Copan, have a lot of tourists around. The other good thing about Yampu, is if you don’t like the itineraries they have up, they will customize anything!!! Honduras was actually my favorite place in Central America I have been (I have only not been to El Salvador), so definitely give it a chance and go!

Traveled To

Greg B., United Kingdom

Traveled February, 2013

When a problem was encountered, Yampu worked with local tour operators to sort out the issue very quickly

After working with Yampu to provide me with my second holiday to the America’s, I am delighted to say it has been another success. We have now travelled to Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras with routes dictated by my needs to see sites that may not be on other people standard routes. Yampu have twice worked with local providers to make my unique routes possible. When a problem was encountered, Yampu worked with local tour operators to sort out the issue very quickly. I am already thinking ahead to my next trip with Yampu.

Frank

Traveled February, 2010

Thank you very much for organizing a most successful overland trip through central-america.

I returned home safe and sound on Sunday. Thank you very much for organizing a most successful overland trip through central-america. I am thinking seriously about a third overland trip through south-america in the next year or so. Thank you again for arranging a very successful and most enjoyable itinerary. I will contact you again in the next couple of months about similar trips through south-america and the Caribbean.

Let Us Customize This Trip For You

Our World Experts offer full support and dedication to customizing this tour to fit your wishlist - We can mix and match experiences, hotels and highlights to fit your budget and taste.

Similar Tours