Patuca
River Expedition
(Moskitia)
2001
| Tour |
Duration |
Rates per person | |
| 2 Persons | 3-4 Persons | ||
| Patuca River Expedition | 7 Days / 6 Nights | N/A | $938.00 |
The program includes:
Conditions
What passengers should bring
Backpack, day-use or fanny pack, shorts/pants/long-sleeved shirt, personal
cotton towel, raingear, sun hat, gaiters , hiking boots (well-sealed), camp
shoes/sandals , insect repellent, water bottles, waterproof lighter, pocket
knife, sunglasses w/keeper strap, sunscreen/lip balm, sunburn cream SPF 15 or
higher, moisturizer , eye drops. If you bring technical equipment like camera,
binocular do not forget waterproof bags.
Suggested Hotels
For arrival night in Tegucigalpa, Hotel Prado USD 35.- per person in DBL
For extension night in La Ceiba, Hotel La Quinta USD 29.- per person in DBL
For extensions from La Ceiba to the Bay islands please ask specific information.
Program
Day 1: Tegucigalpa - Catacamas
Departure from Tegucigalpa. Ater a short program introduction we drive to
Olancho, Honduran’s interior where cowboys still roam. In Catacamas we prepare
our equipment for our expedition. Overnight in Catacamas.
Day 2: Catacamas – Matamoros (Cuyamel
River)
Leaving the vehicles at the end of the jeep trail we continue on foot and 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
to see the endangered scarlet, great green macaws, toucans and parrots. Our
journey brings us downstream to our camp: Matamoros. Its location gives a
commanding view of the river and its valley. From here onward to the Miskito
coast, our diet consists of local food with some international additions.
Overnight in Matamoros.
Day 3: Matamoros
We spend an entire day in and around Matamoros. Early rises may take advantage
of our camp's location to spot wildlife along the river bank or in the trees. We
explore the surrounding forest on a hike. In the company of our naturalist and a
local guides we learn about the existing flora and fauna. Time to rest at our
camp, enjoying its outstanding location. Overnight in camp in Matamoros.
Day 4: Matamoros - Krausirpi
Breaking camp in the early morning, we continue downstream. The narrow valley of
the Cuyamel reveals primary rainforest as we listen to the voices of the jungle.
Suddenly, the Cuyamel runs into the wide, gentle flowing Patuca River. The
Patuca is also home to a number of endangered large mammals, such as Jaguars.
Stop for lunch on a sand bank at the riverside. In the afternoon we arrive to
the indigenous village of Krausirpi. Here we will 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.
Day 5: Krausirpi
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 will discover the unique ecosystem of a tropical rain forest, along
with its myriad of sights, sounds and smells. Overnight in Krausirpi.
Day 6: Krausirpi - Wampusirpi
Leaving Krausirpi we continue on the Patuca River, traveling on the edge of the
Rio Platano Biosphere. In the late afternoon we arrive in Wampusirpi. We take a
walk through this Miskito village to experience the lifestyle of the largest
ethnic group of the region. Overnight in a simple guest house.
Day 7: Wampusirpi – Ahuas – La Ceiba
From Wampusirpi we depart 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 the
program.
Last updated January 6, 2002 / JT