Road Scholar : Home
Intergenerational Honduras: Exploring Coral Reefs and Mayan Ruins

Program Number: 15472RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/15/2013 - 6/25/2013;
Duration: 10 nights
Location: Honduras
Price starting at: $1,997.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 28; 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Program intended for grandchildren from 9 - 12 years of age.

A vibrant underwater world appears as schools of purple and yellow fairy basslets undulate against the whip coral and seaweed. Honduras’s magnificent reef is just one of many magical places at your fingertips in this Intergenerational adventure. Hands-on learning introduces tropical wildlife, Mayan temples and hieroglyphs, as well as the colorful culture of this Central American nation.




Highlights

• Raft the crystal-clear Humuya River and snorkel the coral reefs of the Bay Islands.
• Cultural divides fade away during a soccer game with local children at a Copan school.
• Climb Mayan temples and explore underground tunnels to uncover secrets of the Mayan culture.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to three hours at a time over uneven terrain; irregular steps without railings at ruins sites.



One youth per adult in shared accommodations. Adult is responsible for supervision of child at all times.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival San Pedro Sula, 2 nights; coach to Copán, 2 nights; coach to Tela, 2 nights; coach to La Ceiba, 1 night; ferry to Utila Island, 2 nights; coach to San Pedro, 1 night, departure.



Flight from the U.S.A.
Arrival San Pedro Sula
2 nights

A presentation at the local museum introduces Honduras, once home to native Mayans and 16th-century Spanish colonists. A tortilla-making demonstration at the central market highlights regional cuisine and provides insight into local culture. Experience the exhilarating Humaya River during a rafting excursion.



Coach to Copan
2 nights

Travel back in time at the temples of Copan, once considered the cultural capital of the Mayan World. Visit a coffee plantation to learn about its production while taking part in a coffee-picking contest. Other on-site lectures introduce the symbolism behind Los Sapos petroglyphs.



Coach to Tela
2 nights
Coach to La Ceiba
1 night

These sleepy Caribbean towns and beaches are home to small communities of Garifuna fishermen. Share a mid-day meal with Garifuna descendants after participating in a wildlife boat safari. Learn about local produce and its journey to U.S. supermarkets, then head to the Lacetilla Botanical Garden for a guided hike to study more exotic plants.



Ferry to Utila Island
2 nights
Ferry to La Ceiba
Coach to San Pedro
1 night
Departure

Surrounded by coral reef, Utila Island teems with marine life, as well as stories of pirates. The least-inhabited of the four Bay Islands evokes images of “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Learn about local history and snorkel the reefs to find the many sea creatures.




Honduras

This slice of Central America boasts some of its most ancient history. Honduras’ western city of Copán is built atop a pre-historic Mayan city and still features remnants of that lost civilization. Modern Hondurans are proud of their country’s rich history and folklore, celebrating both on their independence day on September 15.
Accommodations
San Pedro Sula: Modern hotel with pool and well located hotel. Copan: Quaint, hacienda-style hotel with pool. Tela: Enchanting 1920s hotel with pool. La Ceiba: Comfortable hotel. Utila: Resort hotel.
Meals and Lodgings
   Gran Hotel Sula
  San Pedro Sula, Honduras 2 nights
   Marina Copan
  Copan, Honduras 2 nights
   Villas Telamar
  Tela, Honduras 2 nights
   Hotel La Quinta
  La Ceiba, Honduras 1 night
   Utila Lodge
  Utila/Bay Islands, Honduras 2 nights
   Gran Hotel Sula
  San Pedro Sula, Honduras 1 night
 Gran Hotel Sula
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Gran Hotel Sula is situated in the downtown area of San Pedro Sula, across from the Central Park and the Cathedral.
  Contact info: 1 Street, 3-4 Ave., N.O.
San Pedro Sula,  00000 Honduras
phone: +504-545-2600
web: www.hotelsula.hn
  Room amenities: Air conditioning, coffee maker, hair dryer, telephone, in-room safe, internet access, and cable TV.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, lounge, coffee shop, bar, newspaper delivery, business center, fitness center, pool, laundry services, and meeting/banquet facilities.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call 800-866-7111 for rates. Subject to hotel availability.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call 800-866-7111 for rates. Subject to hotel availability.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM

 Marina Copan
Type: Hotel
  Contact info: Overlooking Central Plaza
Copan,  0000 Honduras
phone: +504-651-4070
web: www.hotelmarinacopan.com
  Room amenities: Air conditioning, private balcony, hair dryer, ceiling fans, cable TV, and phone.
  Facility amenities: The Copan Marina is a quaint hacienda-like hotel, featuring a pool.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Villas Telamar
Type: Hotel
  Description: Villas Telemar is a truly enchanting hotel built by the Tela Railroad Company in the 1920's to house U.S. executives. It comprises of free standing wooden houses decorated in hardwood, mahogany and wicker.
  Contact info: Barrio Independencia, Tela Nueva
Tela,  0000 Honduras
phone: +504-448-2196
  Room amenities: Air conditioning, telephones, TV, and private bathrooms.
  Facility amenities: Bar, cafeteria, restaurant, pool, Jacuzzi, conference rooms, fax service, Internet, room service, laundry services, and safety box.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel La Quinta
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Hotel La Quinta is conveniently located within walking distance of shops and restaurants. It has 110 comfortable rooms with tile floors, and grounds surrounded by local flora and fauna.
  Contact info: Carretera Ceiba
Tela Frente al Golf Club
La Ceiba,  0000 Honduras
phone: +504-443-0223
  Room amenities: Air conditioning and private bathrooms with hair dryers.
  Facility amenities: Pool, conference facilities, piano bar, gift shop, spa services, and laundry facilities.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Utila Lodge
Type: Resort
  Description: The Utila Lodge is a well-known dive resort located in Utila Island’s East Harbour. The lodge has an adjoining diving school and shop—Bay Islands College of Diving—as well as its own dock for fishing boats and dive boats.
  Contact info: Off Main Street
East Harbour, Utila Town,  Utila Island Honduras
phone: +504-4253143
web: www.utilalodge.com
  Room amenities: Each room has ceiling fans, air conditioning, a private bathroom with hot water, cable TV, large picture windows and small private balconies looking out over the calm Caribbean waters of the bay.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, small swimming pool, hot tub, Internet access, bar, a 24-hr trauma center, hyperbaric recompression chamber, and sundeck. The lodge offers activity packages (at an additional cost) that include ocean kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, and more. Meals are served buffet style.
  Smoking allowed: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
All-day arrivals at Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP) in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Hotel check-in starts at 3:00 p.m. You will be staying at Gran Hotel Sula that night.
  End of Program:
Departures from Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP) in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. You will be staying at Gran Hotel Sula the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. U.S. and Canadian citizens need valid passports for entry and proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from an infected country. For more information, please contact the nearest consulate/s. Participants traveling with a minor will need to carry a notarized letter of consent, signed by the parents or legal guardians, stating that the child is allowed to travel with the designated adult.
  Parking availability:
Not applicable.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: n/a
To Start of Program
  Location:  San Pedro Sula
  Transportation to site: Taxi services are available at the Ramon Villeda Moreales International Airport in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. If you choose to use this service, please use one of the registered taxis. In the event you need assistance, please ask for help at one of the airport's information booths.
  From End of Program
  Location: San Pedro Sula
  Transportation from site: Taxi services are available at the hotel. If you choose to use this service, please ask for assistance at the hotel's front desk.
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrive to San Pedro Sula.
(Saturday, June 15)
   
 Arrive To: Arrive at Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport. The Road Scholar representative will be waiting outside the exit door with a Road Scholar sign.

Transfer to the hotel.

Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day. Hotel check-in usually begins at 3 p.m.
   
Accommodations: Gran Hotel Sula

Day 2: San Pedro Sula -
Rafting & Kayaking on the Humuya River
(Sunday, June 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Program orientation.

Excursion to Humuya River for rafting and kayaking.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch by the river.
 Afternoon: Transfer back to the hotel.
Arrive to the hotel and enjoy some time at leisure.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
   
Accommodations: Gran Hotel Sula
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Copan -
Guamilito Market/Gourmet Coffee Plantation/Macaw Mountain Bird Park
(Monday, June 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at local restaurant.
 Morning: Field trip to Guamilito Market.
Site lecture: The Making of Tortillas.

San Pedro Sula's Guamilito Market is housed in a large covered building located approximately six blocks northwest of the city's main square. Once inside, visitors will find vendor stalls overflowing with all nature of Honduran handicrafts, from hammocks and weavings to carvings and paintings. Other stands sell vibrantly colored flowers, fresh vegetables and a wide selection of traditional food products. Enjoy the colors, sounds, tastes, and scents of this typical "mercado" and observe locals going about their daily business.

Transfer to Copan.

Copan is a small town with a population under 5000. Set in a fertile valley, it has remained virtually unchanged since the days when explorer John Lloyd Stephens first arrived in 1839. The quaint cobblestone streets and tile roofs are characteristic of colonial times. The town is quiet and a perfect place to relax.

Field trip to Santa Isabel Gourmet Coffee Plantation. During a guided walk of the plantation, learn how coffee is grown, harvested, and selected in preparation for the final roasting process.
Site lecture: The Life of a Coffee Plantation.
 Lunch: Lunch at Coffee Plantation.
 Afternoon: Arrive to Copan.
Time at leisure to enjoy the hotel and pool.

Afternoon transfer to Macaw Mountain Bird Park.

The Macaw Mountain Bird Park is a private bird sanctuary encompassing 9 acres of old growth forest near Copan. The park is a haven for rescued and endangered tropical birds that are no longer able to live in the wild. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with colorful parrots and explore the forest through a network of trails and elevated viewing platforms. Through education, the park hopes to promote awareness of these beautiful creatures' plight and encourage conservation of their habitats.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
   
Accommodations: Marina Copan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Copan -
The Copan Ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Site
(Tuesday, June 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Field trip to Copan ruins.
Site lecture: The History and Mystery of the Copan Ruins.

Despite its small size, the Mayan city of Copan stands apart from other ruins of its kind due to its beautiful and well-preserved carvings and inscriptions. The Great Plaza, the ball court, several lesser courts, and amphitheater that lie near the base of the Hieroglyphic Stairway are symbolic of the boundaries between the actual and supernatural worlds as games were metaphors for the struggle between good and evil. The Stairway, which has 63 steps, is inscribed with a partial history of Copan and is the longest extant Mayan inscription. Unfortunately, repairs have allowed only small portions of the most spectacular hieroglyphics in Central America to be interpreted.

Learn about the complex writing system of the Maya while painting glyphs on paper and cloth.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch.
 Afternoon: Return to the hotel.
Time at leisure to enjoy the pool.

Excursion to the Copan school for soccer game with local students.
 Dinner: Barbeque dinner poolside.
   
Accommodations: Marina Copan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Tela -
Chocolate Demonstration/ Woodworking Factory
(Wednesday, June 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Lecture and demonstration: "How Do You Make Chocolate?"

Transfer to Tela.

This sleepy Caribbean town with white sand beaches is 55 miles east of San Pedro Sula and was once the home base of the Tela Railroad Company, owners and producers of Chiquita bananas. Tela retains vestiges of its halcyon days as the banana capital of Honduras. It is also home to a thriving community of Garifuna fishermen, descendants of the Island Caribs, with their own brand of music.
 Lunch: Lunch stop in San Pedro Sula.
 Afternoon: Field trip to wood working factory.
Lecture on traditional wood carving techniques.

Time at leisure to enjoy the beach.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
   
Accommodations: Villas Telamar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Tela -
Cultural Interaction with Garifuna Community
(Thursday, June 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Field trip to Garifuna community of Miami.
Site Lecture: Life in a Garifuna Community.

This small village is made up of approximately 25 thatched huts built on a sand bar. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with members of the Garifuna community and learn about their traditions and way of living.

Excursion to Micos Lagoon for a "monkey safari" in boats. After the boat ride, children will be guided around the village by young Garifuna in order to see people and points of interest. Adults will have a table talk session with a Garifuna elder.
 Lunch: All will meet for a lunch prepared in the village.
 Afternoon: Transfer back to the hotel.
Time at leisure to enjoy the beach.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
   
Accommodations: Villas Telamar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: La Ceiba -
Lancetilla Botanical Garden/Cultural Interaction & Music Presentation/Cangrejal River, Forest-Hike and Swimming
(Friday, June 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Field trip to Lancetilla Botanical Garden.

This botanical collection was established in 1925 by the famous American explorer and tropical botanist, Wilson Popenoe. He was given the task of establishing an experimental garden where fruit trees and ornamentals from around the world could be cultivated and eventually brought to market by the United Fruit Company. Today Lancetilla boasts over 630 species of plants and has one of the world's largest collection of Asian fruits and has become one of Honduras' protected areas.

Lecture: Fruits and Vegetables, the Journey to the Supermarket.

Transfer to Triunfo de La Cruz. Visit King of the Drums, a Garifuna leader, and his family.

Mid-morning transfer to La Ceiba.

La Ceiba is a port city situated 40 miles east of Tela. Its name comes from the shady ceiba tree which can be seen in great abundance in the area. The port is kept busy by the large volume of banana and pineapple exports that are shipped from La Ceiba by the Dole Food Company. Next time you eat a banana or buy a pineapple--check the sticker to see where it came from!
 Lunch: Pizza lunch at local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Excursion to forest near the Cangrejal River for a hike and a swim in the river.
 Dinner: Dinner by the river.
   
Accommodations: Hotel La Quinta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Utila/Bay Islands -
Ferry to Utila/Field Trip to Local Islands
(Saturday, June 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Transfer to pier for ferry ride to Utila (Bay Islands).

Utila is located approximately 18 miles from La Ceiba and is one of the smallest islands in the Bay Islands group. This Caribbean Island has an interesting cultural flavor with traces of British, Spanish, Payan Indian, and even American influences. It is surrounded by one of the largest reefs in the world and has become well known as a prime diving and snorkeling destination.

Arrive at the hotel and check-in.
 Lunch: Lunch at hotel.
 Afternoon: Field trip to small populated islands.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
 Evening: Lecture: The Coral Reefs of the Bay Islands.
   
Accommodations: Utila Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Utila/Bay Islands -
Reef Snorkeling at Water Cay
(Sunday, June 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Lecture: The Animals of the Reef.

Excursion to Water Cay area for reef snorkeling (equipment provided).

Return to the hotel.
 Lunch: Lunch at hotel.
 Afternoon: Afer lunch, enjoy a boating trip to a small cay for snorkeling (equipment provided).
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
   
Accommodations: Utila Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Utila/Bay Islands –
Optional Snorkeling & Kayaking/Ferry to La Ceiba/Return to San Pedro Sula
(Monday, June 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Enjoy your final morning in the Bay Islands. Time at leisure to take advantage of hotel amenities, do some snorkeling & kayaking on your own, or just kick back and relax.
 Lunch: Early lunch at the hotel.
 Afternoon: Transfer to the dock and board a ferry to La Ceiba.
Arrive to La Ceiba.
Stop en-route for a snack.
Transfer to San Pedro Sula.
Arrive at the hotel and check-in.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Gran Hotel Sula
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Depart from San Pedro Sula.
Arrive in the U.S.
(Tuesday, June 25)
   
 Depart From: Transfer to airport for international flight to the U.S.

Note: Participants with independent travel arrangements and/or scheduled on later flights can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day. Except for breakfast, all other meals are on your own on this day.
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel (dependent on flight time).
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Lonely Plant Honduras & the Bay Islands


Author: Lonely Planet Publications


Description: An informative overview of Honduras and the Bay Islands from the popular Lonely Planet series.



Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life


Author: Paul Humann


Description: Humann's photographs of the fishes, corals, invertebrates and plants of the Caribbean are perfect to take along in the boat or to the beach.



Honduras Map


Author: ITMB


Description: A detailed travel map of Honduras.



Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish


Author: Joseph Keenan


Description: Idioms, common mistakes in word usage, and other helpful advice on tackling spoken Spanish. You'll need some foundation to take full advantage of this book – but even a complete novice will appreciate the author's playful sense of humor.



Fishwatcher's Field Guide Caribbean


Author: Idaz Greenberg


Description: A convenient double-sided plastic card showing 75 reef fish of the Caribbean.



Moon Handbook Honduras


Author: Moon Handbooks


Description: A comprehensive guide to Honduras, its history, culture and attractions.



Lost Cities of the Maya


Author: Claude Baudez, Sydney Picasso


Description: This lavish little pocket encyclopedia of archaeological discovery features hundreds of color photographs and illustrations, including Catherwood's original engravings.



The Maya: Activities & Crafts from a Mysterious Land


Author: Arlette N. Braman


Maya Art and Architecture


Author: Mary Ellen Miller


Description: An illustrated overview of the art and architecture of the Maya, making use of the latest discoveries at Tikal, Copan and Palenque to demonstrate the range of Maya artistic influence. With 200 illustrations, 50 in color, including site plans, maps, strikingly rendered reconstructions and color photographs of key temples and buildings.



Forgotten Continent, The Battle for Latin America's Soul


Author: Michael Reid


Description: Economist editor Reid draws on his years in the cities, presidential palaces and shantytowns of Central and South America in this portrait of a region rich in oil, farmland and culture and its prospects in the face of globalization.



Birds of Mexico & Central America, Princeton Illustrated Checklists


Author: Ber Van Perlo


Description: An admirably compact, comprehensive guide featuring color plates.





You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768