Day 01: San Pedro Sula, Honduras - Copan Ruins
Arrive San Pedro Sula and transfer (2 hours) to the famous Copan Ruins. A Maya capital from the 400s to the 800s AD, Copan is one of the largest and most impressive of all the Maya centers discovered so far. It consists of pyramids, temples and 21 stone pillars, or stelae, with exquisite carved likenesses of ancient Copan kings. Arrive to your hotel for check-in and overnight. Hotel Marina CopanDay 02: Copan Ruins
Full-day visit to the Copan Ruins. The Copan Archaeological Park covers 74,130 acres/30,025 hectares at an elevation of 2,100 ft/640 m. Only a fraction of the ruins have been excavated, but as jungle growth is cleared away from each new section and more mounds are tunneled into, even more wondrous things appear. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant Carnitas Nia Lola (a good, typical restaurant in Copán Ruinas with a beautiful view.) This afternoon, visit the bird park and nearby village of Copan Ruins. Return to your hacienda and enjoy the evening at leisure. Hotel Marina Copan (B,L)Day 03: Copan Ruins - San Pedro Sula - La Ceiba
Return to San Pedro Sula airport for flight to La Ceiba. Visit Finca Santa Isabel, a coffee plantation for a tour on the process of growing, harvesting and finally processing the coffee beans, en route to San Pedro Sula. On arrival in La Ceiba airport, you are met and transferred by hotel shuttle (non-exclusive) to Pico Bonito Lodge. La Ceiba is set at the foot of impressive Pico Bonito Mountain, which is now part of Pico Bonito National Park, the country's largest and a good place to do some strenuous hiking through a cloud-forest environment. It's home to some rare and endangered species, including quetzals, tapirs, jaguars and pumas (though they're not easily seen.) Waterfalls are found in the park and are most impressive in the rainy season. The park is also a bird-watcher's paradise - some 285 species have been identified in the area. Pico Bonito Lodge (B)Day 04: Pico Bonito National Park
Join the lodge guide for a (non-exclusive) hike, wildlife spotting and swimming in Pico Bonito National Park. Pico Bonito is home to some rare and endangered species, including quetzals, tapirs, jaguars and pumas (though they're not easily seen). Waterfalls are found in the park and are most impressive in the rainy season. The park is also a bird-watcher's paradise - some 285 species have been identified in the area. Return to the lodge and enjoy your evening at leisure. Pico Bonito Lodge (B)Day 05: Cuero and Salado Wildlife Reserve
Today, enjoy a (non-exclusive) boat trip through the tropical lagoon of Cuero & Salado Wildlife Reserve and Manatee refuge. Among the wildlife in the refuge are wading birds, manatees, howler monkeys and Blue Morpho butterflies. Access to the park itself is by burra - small carts pushed along the old fruit company rail line by local boys. Pico Bonito Lodge (B)Day 06: La Ceiba - Roatan Island, The Bay Islands
Return by lodge shuttle to La Ceiba airport to board your flight to Roatan. You are met on arrival and transferred to Palmetto Bay. The Bay Islands off the Caribbean coast are one of Honduras' primary tourism areas. They're popular with divers, snorkelers and anglers because of the extensive barrier reef that lies near the islands. Palmetto Bay Plantation (B)Day 07: Roatan Island
Enjoy Roatan's Zip Line Canopy Tour (non-exclusive.) On metal cables, harnessed with hooks and wearing heavy gloves, through treetops to eleven different platform locations. Breathtaking views of the sea and the white sandy beach plus a close-up examination of a relatively unspoiled jungle. Return to the hotel this afternoon and enjoy the balance of day at your leisure. Palmetto Bay Plantation (B)Day 08: Roatan Island
At leisure. Palmetto Bay Plantation (B)Day 09: Roatan Island - Depart
Transfer to the Roatan airport. (B)
