Experience the cool highland forests of Marcala and La Tigra, home to Resplendent Quetzal, mountain‑gems, solitaires, and other iconic cloud‑forest specialties.Discover the vibrant dry forests of La Paz and El Chircal, where Turquoise‑browed Motmot, Lesser Ground‑Cuckoo, and regional flycatchers bring color and excitement to the day.Enjoy exceptional birding around Yojoa Lake, from foothill rainforest to pine‑oak woodland, including the rare Keel‑billed Motmot, Black‑crested Coquette, and the endemic Honduran Emerald.Explore the Caribbean lowlands at Lancetilla Botanical Garden and Indura Reserve, encountering jacamars, manakins, toucans, and parrots.Glide through the quiet waterways of Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, searching for Boat‑billed Heron, Sungrebe, American Pygmy Kingfisher, and even manatees and monkeys.Immerse yourself in the lush rainforest of Pico Bonito National Park, with opportunities for Lovely Cotinga, trogons, woodcreepers, and a visit to CREDIA to find the striking Black‑and‑White Owl.Approximately 250+ species are possible, depending on conditions.

While we cannot guarantee sightings of the birds listed below, we believe that encountering these species is quite likely during this tour. Honduran EmeraldResplendent QuetzalLovely CotingaWine-throated HummingbirdGreen-breasted Mountain-gemSlate-colored SolitaireSpot-bellied BobwhiteOcellated QuailTurquoise-browed MotmotBlue-throated MotmotGuatemalan FlickerWhite-faced Quail-DoveBlue-and-white MockingbirdWhite-lored GnatcatcherSalvadoran FlycatcherBushy-crested JayLesser Ground-CuckooHighland GuanKeel-billed MotmotTody MotmotBlack-crested CoquetteRudy CrakeBlack-and-white OwlBlue-throated GoldentailMayan AntthrushNorthern Barred-WoodcreeperWhite-faced Ground-SparrowOlivaceous PiculetBlack-headed TrogonWhite-collared ManakinWhite-necked PuffbirdChestnut-headed OropendolaAgami HeronAmerican Pygmy KingfisherFulvous Owland many more!

OSCAR CARMONA

Overall Difficulty: Moderate. This itinerary is designed for birders who are comfortable with full days in the field, varied terrain, and changing elevations, but it does not require strenuous hiking or advanced physical conditioning. Trails range from easy to moderately uneven, with some elevation gain in the highlands and cloud forest. Most walks are taken at a slow, steady birding pace with frequent stops. Walking & TerrainDaily walks typically range from 1–3 miles, broken into segments.Terrain varies from smooth lodge trails to uneven forest paths, muddy sections, and dry forest groundcover.Cloud‑forest trails in La Tigra and foothill trails in Pico Bonito may include short, moderate uphill sections.No long or continuous hikes; all walking is done at a comfortable birding pace.Boat tours (Yojoa Lake, Cuero y Salado) require stepping in and out of small watercraft with assistance. Elevation & ClimateYou will experience elevations from 2,000–6,000 ft in the highlands, where temperatures are cool and humidity is lower.Lower elevations (Yojoa Lake, Tela, Pico Bonito) are warm to hot, with higher humidity.Guests should be prepared for heat, sun exposure, and occasional rain in the lowlands. Daily PaceMornings begin early (typically 6:00–6:30 AM) to take advantage of peak bird activity.Afternoons include additional birding sessions, boat tours, or transfers.Evenings are relaxed, with time to unwind at the lodge before dinner.Several days include scenic transfers between regions, balanced with productive birding stops.

The tour price is $4,450 USD per person based on double occupancy. The single supplement is $700 USD and will be applied if you request single accommodations, or if you prefer to share a room but no roommate is available and we are unable to pair you with another participant.To register for this tour, please complete an online reservation form. A non‑refundable deposit of $300 USD per person is required to secure your space. All payments—including deposits and final balances—may be made by credit card, check, or bank/wire transfer.Deposits are due within 14 days of submitting your reservation form. The remaining balance is due as soon as the tour is confirmed or 90 days prior to the tour start date, whichever comes first. We will invoice you accordingly.

The tour package includes:Expert local guide and tour hostMeals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner - starting with lunch on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 10) Ground transportation during the tour with professional driverEntrance fees to parks/preserves as outlined in the itineraryLodge / accommodations as outlined in the itineraryAirport transfers (Day 1 & Day 10)Boat tour excursion(s) (as stated in the itinerary) The tour package does not include travel and pre-tour expenses including but not limited to:Airfare to and from the tour destinationExtended stays (before and/or after the tour)Travel insuranceTips/Gratuity for guides, driver, and lodge staffAlcoholic beveragesItems/expenses of personal nature

International travel includes several important practical considerations that guests should review before registering for this tour. The notes below outline key documentation requirements and general travel expectations to help ensure a smooth, well‑prepared experience. Passport & Visas:  A valid passport is required for entry into Honduras. As a general best practice, your passport should have at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates, even though Honduras officially requires only that your passport remain valid for the duration of your stay. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and most other Western nations do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Entry is granted on arrival at no cost, and no advance visa application is required. Immigration officers may request proof of onward or return travel (a printed or digital copy of your return flight itinerary is sufficient) and, occasionally, proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Travelers may also be asked to provide accommodation details for their visit. Guests are encouraged to confirm current entry requirements with their government’s travel portal prior to departure, as policies are subject to change. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all participants and should include, at minimum: trip cancellation and interruption coverage, emergency medical coverage, medical evacuation coverage (particularly important for remote cloud forest locations where ground transport to major hospitals may take several hours). Guests should verify that their policy covers adventure travel activities including hiking and wildlife excursions in remote locations.

Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following schedule applies:Cancellations made 120 days or more before the tour start date: Full refund of payments made minus the non-refundable per person deposit and any supplier cancellation penalties. Participants may choose a one-time transfer of payments made beyond the non-refundable per person deposit and any supplier cancellation penalties to another tour within 12 months, subject to availability. Cancellations made 119–91 days before the tour start date: 50% refund of payments made minus the non-refundable per person deposit and any supplier cancellation penalties. Cancellations made 90 days or less before the tour start date: No refund.We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected circumstances.For full details, please review Terms and Conditions before booking any of our tours or services. Our Terms and Conditions include important information about how we operate our tours, including cancellation policy, travel insurance, health and fitness requirements, and other essential guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Day 1: Arrive in Honduras by 12 pm & Transfer to Marcala. Your journey begins as you arrive in Tegucigalpa, where you’ll meet your guide and begin traveling west toward the cool highlands of La Esperanza and Marcala. This first day offers a gentle introduction to Honduras’ montane habitats, giving you time to settle in while still enjoying meaningful birding. As we leave the city behind, the road climbs into rolling pine‑oak country and agricultural valleys dotted with small communities. The change in elevation brings noticeably cooler air and the first hints of the highland birdlife we’ll encounter over the next several days. Our first stop is El Consejero Private Reserve, a beautiful highland property known for hummingbirds and mixed‑flock activity. The reserve is an ideal place to stretch your legs after the flight and begin building your trip list. Here we will look for species such as Azure-crowned Hummingbird, Mexican Violetear, White-eared Hummingbird, Rivoli’s Hummingbird, Mountain Trogon, Brown-backed Solitaire, Guatemalan Flicker, Bushy-crested Jay, Yellow-backed Oriole, and Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer.  After birding, we continue to Marcala, a small highland town known for coffee production and cool evenings. We’ll have time to settle into our rooms, enjoy dinner, and prepare for an early start the next day as we head deeper into the highlands. Overnight: Casona Campestre, Marcala. Day 2: Marcala, Reserva El Jilguero to La Tigra. We begin the day very early, stepping into the cool highland air of Marcala before sunrise. This region sits in a mosaic of pine‑oak forest, coffee farms, and cloud‑forest remnants, and the early morning hours are ideal for bird activity. Reserva El Jilguero is one of the most productive highland birding sites in western Honduras. The forest here is dense, humid, and rich with mixed flocks moving through the understory and mid‑canopy. As we walk the trails, we’ll listen for solitaires, wrens, and nightingale‑thrushes, and watch for hummingbirds flashing by. The possible species we can encounter here include Collared Trogon, Fulvous Owl, Highland Guan, Common Squirrel-Cuckoo, Slate-colored Solitaire, Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem, Sparkling-tailed Hummingbird, Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush, Crescent-chested Warbler, Blue-throated Motmot, Yellowish Flycatcher, and Rufous-collared Sparrow. After a productive morning, we return to Marcala for lunch before beginning the 3.5‑hour drive to La Tigra. The drive takes us east across rolling highlands and into the mountains above Tegucigalpa. As we climb, the landscape shifts from agricultural valleys to lush cloud forest, signaling our arrival in one of Honduras’ most celebrated birding regions. We settle into our lodge, surrounded by cool air, dense forest, and the sounds of highland birds. The evening is yours to relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for a full day of cloud‑forest birding the next day. Overnight: Hotel Gloriales Inn, La Tigra. Day 3: La Tigra National Park. Today is our first full day in the cloud forests of La Tigra National Park. The park protects more than 24,000 acres of mature forest and is home to an exceptional concentration of montane species. The trails here wind through towering oaks, bromeliad‑laden branches, and dense understory vegetation. We’ll spend the morning exploring several of La Tigra’s most productive areas, listening for solitaires, wrens, and quail, and scanning for hummingbirds perched on exposed branches. The park is known for its diversity of mountain‑gems, trogons, and tanagers. Specialties include Resplendent Quetzal, Green-breasted Mountain-gem, Northern Emerald-Toucanet, Wine-throated Hummingbird, White-faced Quail-Dove, Flame-colored Tanager, White-naped Brushfinch, Crested Guan, Rusty Sparrow, Scaled Antpitta, Spotted Woodcreeper, Singing Quail, and Rufous-browed Wren. The Resplendent Quetzal is one of the park’s most iconic species. While sightings are never guaranteed, La Tigra offers some of the best opportunities in Honduras to encounter this spectacular bird. We’ll move slowly, pausing often to scan fruiting trees and listen to the soft, resonant calls that sometimes reveal their presence. In the afternoon, we continue birding around Cerro de Hula and the lodge’s nearby forest patches. This area offers a slightly different mix of species, with more open forest edges, transitional habitats, and opportunities to pick up birds that prefer lighter canopy or shrubby vegetation. Species we may encounter in this location include Blue-and-white Mockingbird, Black Thrush, Band-backed Wren, Ocellated Quail, Cabanis’s Wren, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Painted Redstart, Black-vented Oriole, White-faced Ground-Sparrow, Slender Sheartail, Streak-backed Oriole, Spot-breasted Oriole, Barred Antshrike, Red-billed Pigeon, Black-headed Saltator, Orange-billed Nightingale Thrush, and Gray-crowned Yellowthroat. We return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening in the cool mountain air. The forest quiets quickly after sunset, making it a wonderful time to reflect on the day’s sightings, review photos, and prepare for tomorrow’s transition toward the dry forests and wetlands of Yojoa Lake. Overnight: Hotel Gloriales Inn, La Tigra. Day 4: La Tigra & El Chilcal to Yojoa Lake. Today we leave the cloud forests of La Tigra and begin our descent toward the warm, diverse lowlands of Yojoa Lake, Honduras’ largest natural lake. This transition day is beautifully varied, taking us from misty highland forest to dry tropical woodland and finally to expansive wetlands rich with diverse species. This change in habitat brings an entirely new suite of birds, including several specialties typical of Central America’s Pacific slope and interior dry forests. Our first stop is El Chilcal Archaeological Site, a fascinating blend of cultural history and dry tropical forest. The open understory, scattered trees, and shrubby edges create ideal conditions for flycatchers, motmots, and ground‑dwelling species. Species possible here include Spot‑bellied Bobwhite, Lesser Ground‑Cuckoo, Cinnamon Hummingbird, Banded Wren, Orange-fronted Parakeet, White‑lored Gnatcatcher, Striped Cuckoo, Pearl Kite, Turquoise‑browed Motmot, Salvadoran Flycatcher, and Rose‑throated Becard.  After birding El Chilcal, we continue toward Yojoa Lake, arriving in time for a scenic boat tour. The lake’s wetlands, reed beds, and open water host an impressive variety of species, and the gentle pace of the boat allows for excellent viewing opportunities.Here we may encounter: Snail Kite, Gray‑chested Dove, Gray-breasted Crake, Yellow‑breasted Crake, Lesson’s Motmot, Altamira Oriole, Ruddy Crake, Muscovy Duck, Keel-billed Toucan, Black-crowned Tityra, Pinnated Bittern, Melodious Blackbird, and Fork-tailed Flycatcher – among others.  After the boat tour, we travel a short distance to PANACAM Lodge, our base for the next three nights. Nestled in the foothills above the lake, PANACAM offers easy access to several of the region’s best birding sites, including Cerro Azul National Park. We’ll have time to settle into our hotel, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day of birding around Yojoa Lake. Overnight: PANACAM Lodge, Yojoa Lake. Day 5: Cerro Azul, Luna del Puente, Sendero Venancio & Honduran Emerald Hotspot. The Yojoa Lake region offers an extraordinary mix of habitats—humid foothill forest, pine‑oak woodland, open country, and dry scrub—each with its own distinct birdlife.  We begin early at Cerro Azul National Park, a lush, forest reserve rising above the lake. The trails here wind through humid foothill forest rich with mixed flocks, motmots, woodcreepers, and tinamous. The forest is alive in the morning—calls echo through the canopy, and the understory often rustles with antthrushes and foliage‑gleaners. Specialties we may encounter here include Great and Little Tinamous, Scarlet-rumped Tanager, Golden-hooded Tanager, Montezuma Oropendola, Brown Jay, Common Squirrel-Cuckoo, Gray-breasted Martin, Crimson-collared Tanager, Tody Motmot, Keel‑billed Motmot, Fawn‑throated Foliage‑gleaner, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Short-billed Pigeon, Green Honeycreeper, Mayan Antthrush, Northern Barred‑Woodcreeper, Violet Sabrewing, and Dusky Antbird. Next, we visit Luna del Puente, a private reserve with a birding tower that offers elevated views over the forest canopy. This is a perfect place to look for swifts, raptors, and canopy species that are harder to see from the ground. The tower provides a peaceful vantage point, and the surrounding trails offer opportunities to pick up additional foothill species.  Possible species include Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Rufous-breasted Spinetail, Olivaceous Piculet, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Plain Chachalaca, Black-headed Trogon, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Chestnut-capped Warbler, Buff-throated Saltator, Streak-headed Woodcreeper, White-collared Swift, Olive-throated Parakeet, Collared Forest Falcon, Masked Tityra, Green-backed Sparrow, and Blue-black Grosbeak. After lunch, we continue to the Sendero Venancio, a pine‑oak open area that contrasts sharply with the humid forest we explored earlier. This habitat supports a different suite of species—sparrows, warblers, flycatchers, and open‑country birds that thrive in drier, more exposed terrain. Species typical of this area include White‑faced Ground‑Sparrow, Morelet’s Seedeater, Barred Antshrike, Cinnamon‑bellied Saltator, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Yellow-olive Flatbill, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Yellow-throated Euphonia, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, and Rufous‑backed Wren.We finish the day at one of Honduras’ most important birding locations—the Honduran Emerald hotspot near El Cajón Dam. This dry, scrubby habitat is the only place in the world where the Honduran Emerald, the country’s sole endemic bird, can be reliably found. After exploring this hotspot, we return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening. The lodge grounds themselves are birdy; you may spot orioles, hummingbirds, or motmots right outside your room before nightfall. Overnight: PANACAM Lodge, Yojoa Lake. Day 6: Yojoa Lake, Caribbean Lowlands to Tela. Today we make the scenic transition from the foothills of Yojoa Lake to the warm Caribbean lowlands, ending the day in the coastal town of Tela. This is a travel day, but it’s also a productive birding day, with time in the morning to continue exploring the diverse habitats around Yojoa Lake before we begin our journey north.  The Yojoa Lake basin offers an exceptional variety of habitats within a short distance— and this morning is intentionally left open to tailor our birding to conditions, recent sightings, and group interest. We may revisit Cerro Azul National Park, return to Luna del Puente, Sendero Venancio or explore the wetland edges near the lake.  After lunch, we begin the drive toward the Caribbean lowlands. The road gradually descends from the foothills into warmer, more humid terrain, passing through agricultural valleys, small towns, and forest patches that hint at the coastal ecosystems ahead. As we approach Tela, the landscape shifts again—palm groves, mangroves, and coastal breezes signal our arrival in one of Honduras’ most productive birding regions. We arrive in Tela, a relaxed coastal town known for its beaches, seafood, and proximity to several excellent birding sites. After checking into our hotel, we’ll have time to unwind, enjoy the ocean air, and prepare for the next day’s exploration of one of Honduras’ premier birding hotspots. Overnight: Costa Bella Hotel, Tela. Day 7: Tela: Lancetilla Botanical Garden & Indura Resort. We begin early at Lancetilla Botanical Garden, a sprawling reserve of tropical forest, botanical collections, and shaded trails that host an extraordinary diversity of birds. With more than 350 species recorded, Lancetilla is one of the top eBird hotspots in Honduras and a highlight of any birding tour on the Caribbean coast. The garden’s mix of mature forest, bamboo stands, fruiting trees, and open pathways creates ideal conditions for observing a wide range of species. Species possible here include Rufous‑breasted Spinetail, Scaly‑breasted Hummingbird, White-breasted Wood-Wren, Long-billed Gnatwren, Thick-billed Seed-finch, Variable Seedeater, Rufous‑tailed Jacamar, White‑browed Gnatcatcher, Band‑tailed Barbthroat, Black‑headed Trogon, Olive-backed Euphonia, Orange‑billed Sparrow, Black Hawk-Eagle, Russet‑naped Wood‑Rail, Slate‑headed Tody‑Flycatcher, Northern Schiffornis, Northern Bentbill, Great Antshrike, Stripe-throated Hermit, Yellow-bellied and Mistletoe Tyrannulets, Collared Aracari, White‑collared Manakin, and Pale-billed Woodpecker- among others. In the afternoon, we explore Indura Resort, located along the coast near mangroves, forest patches, and landscaped gardens that attract a variety of species. This area offers excellent opportunities for: Snail Kite, Muscovy Duck, Mangrove Cuckoo, Ringed Kingfisher, White-fronted Amazon, Red-lored Amazon, Roadside Hawk, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Northern Jacana, Green Breasted Mango, Pale-vented Pigeon, Olive-throated Parakeet, Magnificent Frigatebird, Gray Hawk, Blue-gray Tanager, and Amazon Kingfisher.  We then return to our hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening by the Caribbean Sea. Tela’s coastal setting provides a peaceful end to a day filled with colorful lowland birds and rich tropical forest. Overnight: Costa Bella Hotel, Tela. Day 8: Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge to Pico Bonito.  We depart early from Tela, traveling toward the entrance of Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, a protected area of mangroves, lagoons, and river channels that empty into the Caribbean Sea. The refuge is known for its quiet, untouched feel—no roads, no crowds, just water, forest, and wildlife. Upon arrival, we board a small boat and begin navigating the Salado River, moving slowly through shaded channels lined with mangroves and overhanging vegetation. The boat tour is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in Honduras - with possibilities for Antillean Manatee (a subspecies of West Indian Manatee), American Crocodile, White‑headed Capuchin Monkey, and Mantled Howler Monkey. The river and surrounding wetlands host an excellent mix of water and forest‑edge birds including Northern Potoo, Boat‑billed Heron, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Agami Heron, Lineated Woodpecker, Muscovy Duck, Spot-breasted Wren, Common Black Hawk, Green Kingfisher, Bat Falcon, Lesson’s Motmot, Mangrove Swallow, Russet‑naped Wood‑Rail, Northern Beardless‑Tyrannulet, White‑necked Puffbird, and Black‑crowned Antshrike. After completing the boat tour, we travel toward Pico Bonito, arriving in time to enjoy birding around the lodge gardens. We settle into the Lodge at Pico Bonito, our base for the next two nights. The lodge is one of Honduras’ most beloved birding destinations, with excellent access to forest trails, observation towers, and the foothills of Pico Bonito National Park. We enjoy dinner, review our sightings from Cuero y Salado, and prepare for tomorrow’s full day of birding in one of the country’s richest tropical forests. Overnight: Lodge at Pico Bonito, Pico Bonito. Day 9: Pico Bonito National Park & CREDIA Bird Sanctuary.  We begin the day right outside our rooms. The Lodge at Pico Bonito is famous for its birdy gardens, fruiting trees, and forest edges that attract a wide variety of species. The lodge’s observation tower offers elevated views over the surrounding forest, giving us a chance to scan for canopy species, raptors, and parrots. Species often seen around the lodge include Lovely Cotinga, Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, White-necked Jacobin, Long-billed Hermit, White-bellied Emerald, Crowned Woodnymph, Black-crested Coquette, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, White‑vented Euphonia, Chestnut‑colored Woodpecker, Yellow-winged Tanager, Purple‑crowned Fairy, Olive‑backed Euphonia, Chestnut‑headed Oropendola, Blue-throated Goldentail, and Violet-headed Hummingbird. We then head into the forest on one of Pico Bonito’s well‑maintained trails. The park’s foothill rainforest is dense, humid, and full of life. Forest specialties we may encounter: Mottled Owl, Slaty‑tailed Trogon, Slaty‑breasted Tinamou, Graceful Black‑throated Trogon, Tawny‑winged Woodcreeper, Central American Pygmy-Owl, White Hawk, Stripe‑tailed Hummingbird, Black-throated Shrike-Tanager, Brown-hooded Parrot, White-shouldered Tanager, Red-capped Manakin, Little Tinamou, White‑crowned Parrot, and Lesser Greenlet.In the afternoon, we visit the CREDIA Bird Sanctuary, a protected area known for its reliable sightings of the Black‑and‑White Owl. The Black‑and‑White Owl is a highlight of the day—striking, uncommon, and often seen roosting quietly in dense foliage. With patience and careful scanning, we have a strong chance of finding this beautiful species. We return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing final evening in the rainforest. Overnight: Lodge at Pico Bonito, Pico Bonito. Day 10: Departure from Pico Bonito & Tour Conclusion.  Your final morning in Honduras begins in the foothills of Pico Bonito, where the sounds of the rainforest greet the day long before sunrise. This last morning offers a quiet moment to reflect on the extraordinary diversity of landscapes and birds you encountered. It’s a gentle, fitting close to a journey that has carried you from the highlands to the lowlands and everywhere in between. Before breakfast, you may choose to step outside for one last look at the gardens. The lodge grounds often come alive with early activity.  Even a short walk can produce new sightings or simply offer a peaceful farewell to the rainforest. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge, surrounded by the sounds and colors that have defined your time in Pico Bonito. After breakfast, we begin the journey to the airport. As you board your flight, you leave with far more than a list of species. You carry the memory of quiet forest mornings, the flash of a hummingbird in cloud‑forest light, the stillness of the Salado River, the call of a toucan echoing through Lancetilla, and the thrill of seeing the Honduran Emerald in its only home on earth. Participants may arrange departure flights from San Pedro Sula International Airport after 2 pm today.

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