Rafting the Rainforest - Rio Platano, Honduras
Rafting the Rainforest
Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras
One of the premier wildlife viewing trips in Mesoamerica The Rio Platano is more an access trail to this amazing wilderness than an adrenaline whitewater-rafting trip. Macaws, river otters, several species of monkeys, four species of toucans, and the elusive tapir are consistently seen; jaguar are seen once every ten trips or so.
The Rio Platano is one of our most exciting adventures; following the route of the Rio Platano through the Mosquito Coast, one of the least explored areas in the Americas. You will explore ancient archaeological sites, visit mysterious caves, float through the habitat of amazing fauna deep in the pristine rain forest, run safe and exciting whitewater rapids (Class II-IV), and make contact with the Pech, Miskito, and Garifuna indigenous cultures. An 80-mile journey from the headwaters to the Caribbean.
Activities: Class II-IV Rafting, Trekking, Wildlife
Trip Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Lodging: Camping, Hotels, Ecolodges
12-Day Trip Departs: Feb - August
Land Cost: From $2,250
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Arrive in La Ceiba, Honduras
Day 2: Charter flight to Catacamas, hike to first camp next to pre-Columbian archeology site.
Day 3: Headwaters hike to put-in site transitioning to primary rainforest.
Day 4 & 5: Rafting the upper Rio Platano practicing your paddling skills on Class II – III rapids. Several archeological sites and ritual cave with pre-Columbian artifacts.
Day 6 & 7: Traversing “El Subterraneo” Gorge, with Class III & IV rapids, usually wildlife highlights in this section and fascinating archeology sites. Best section to see tapir & jaguar.
Day 8 & 9: Lower Rio Platano above Las Marias with rock art, Class II rapids, excellent birding. Arrival to Pech & Miskito village of Las Marias.
Day 10: Final leg from Las Marias to Raista in dugout canoes (with motors!), afternoon open to relax on the Caribbean white-sand beach.
Day 11: Transfer from Raista to La Ceiba, farewell dinner.
Day 12: Depart
For more information & to reserve your space: