Honduras - The Lodge at Pico Bonito

Tour Code: HND01

A rewarding and gentle 10-day birdwatching tour based at the outstanding Pico Bonito Lodge.

10 days from
£3,795 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£2,895

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Highlights

Honduras is a birder’s paradise and boasts over 740 bird species. This tour in our Bargain Birdwatching portfolio is a single-centre tour based in a luxury eco-lodge lying at the foot of the Pico Bonito National Park, which covers some 270,000 acres of little-explored Caribbean tropical wet forest and cloudforest. As you’d expect, the 400-acre private reserve in which the lodge is situated is alive with tityras, motmots, trogons, honeycreepers, flycatchers and hummingbirds. We will also visit the nearby Salado Wildlife Refuge which should reveal Agami Heron, Jabiru and Sungrebe amongst a profusion of wetland birds, as well as Black Howler Monkey and other mammals. This tour is designed to offer easy yet exciting and varied birding from an exceptionally comfortable base with good photographic opportunities.

Visa free travel to Pico Bonito

In recognition of the significance of promoting eco-tourism, the ‘Honduran Institute of Tourism’ (IHT) will provide a ‘letter of invitation’ to Naturetrek clients visiting Pico Bonito, to facilitate entry into the country without the need of a ‘consular visa’.

A warm-weather, single-centre birdwatching holiday
The Lodge at Pico Bonito is a member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ group
420+ bird species recorded within 20 minutes of The Lodge at Pico Bonito
Lovely Cotinga, Keel-billed Toucan, Great Curassow & Royal Flycatcher all possible
Look for the country’s endemic hummingbird, Honduran Emerald
Lesser Roadrunner, Lesser Ground-cuckoo & Salvin’s Emerald in forest south of Pico Bonito National Park
White-faced Monkey, Lesser Anteater & Central American Coati, Salado Wildlife Refuge
50 West Indian Manatees reside within Salado Wildlife Refuge
Good photographic opportunities
Led by expert local guides

If the idea of a warm-weather, single-centre birdwatching holiday appeals — and the popularity of our ‘Bargain Birdwatching’ holidays to such destinations as Zambia (Kafunta Lodge), Brazil (Serra dos Tucanos) and Panama (Canopy Tower) over the years tends to suggest that, to many, it does! — then this new holiday could be just for you!

The Lodge at Pico Bonito, a member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ group, is a luxury eco-lodge located on the northern (Caribbean) coast of Honduras. The lodge nestles at the foot of the Pico Bonito National Park, which covers some 270,000 acres of littleexplored Caribbean tropical wet forest and cloudforest.

In excess of 420 species have been recorded within 20 minutes of the lodge, amongst them the stunning Lovely Cotinga, a bird which was so revered by the Aztecs and Mayans that the species’ iridescent blue feathers were often given as gifts to tribal leaders.

As you’d expect, the 400-acre private reserve in which the lodge is situated is alive with tityras, motmots, trogons, honeycreepers, flycatchers and hummingbirds. All of these families will feature prominently in our daily sightings, with other magnificent birds such as Keel-billed Toucan, Great Curassow and Royal Flycatcher all ‘on the menu’.

Nearby Salado Wildlife Refuge should reveal Agami Heron, Jabiru and Sungrebe amongst a profusion of wetland birds, as well as Black Howler Monkey, White-faced Monkey, Lesser Anteater and Central American Coati. With luck, we might also see West Indian Manatee, for about 50 individuals reside in the refuge.

We will also target the country’s endemic hummingbird, Honduran Emerald, during a visit to the tropical dry forest south of Pico Bonito National Park, where we should also see Lesser Roadrunner, Lesser Ground-cuckoo and Salvin’s Emerald, amongst many others.

If easy, yet exciting and varied, birding from an exceptionally comfortable base with good photographic opportunities appeals to you, then do ask us for a detailed itinerary. We expect places to sell fast!

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Depart UK, overnight USA

Day 2

Arrive San Pedro Sula; transfer Pico Bonito

Day 3/8

The Lodge at Pico Bonito & surroundings

Day 9

Depart Pico Bonito; in flight

Day 10

Arrive London

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation: A night in the US out of necessity and then seven nights at The Lodge at Pico Bonito.
Food: All included in the price, except meals en route.

Reviews

Pico Bonito is a truly amazing lodge. Staff are so friendly. The accommodation is very comfortable. Olbin and Angel were amazing local guides. I really enjoyed all of the trip. I loved the time at Pico Bonito and the botanical garden.
L.V. Devon, February '23
Where to start? A magical place with cabins set in the jungle with fabulous views. The terrace where we ate was a permanent delight with hummingbirds skimming everywhere. Our two local guides were incredibly knowledgeable and looked after us all very well, nothing was too much trouble. All the staff at the Lodge were so polite and helpful and made us feel very welcome.
K.M. Hertfordshire, February '23
The accommodation at the lodge was excellent and a pleasure to stay in. The gardens and pool area were very attractive. There were readily accessible areas where one could do some independent birding.
S.H. Leicestershire

The lodge is in a great location, very comfortable with fantastic staff. Even when the weather wasn't good it was just a nice place to relax and still see wildlife.
R.W. Hertfordshire

We saw many species of birds and other wildlife in a new country and ate and drank the local food. The Pico Bonito Lodge was very good and welcoming and the staff and guides were very attentive. We saw a variety of habitats during the holiday and the transport worked well due to the good driver. Overall a pleasant experience and good lasting memories.
M.C. Bedfordshire

We enjoyed a 10 day bird watching trip based around Pico Bonito National Park in the rain forested heartlands of Honduras. Knowledgeable and friendly local guides took us on daily excursions exploring this little- known region, leading us on early morning walks and amazing boat trips that brought us stunning views of over 190 different types of birds, frogs, monkeys and snakes. The food was delicious and our luxury rainforest cabins couldn't be bettered for nature watching on the doorstep day and night.
L.S. Kent

I have travelled many times with Naturetrek over the years and their service has been excellent. A considerable increase in the number of trips offered by the company has not led to a deterioration in quality of service or personal attention to queries or problems from their clients. Honduras was an example of this. Pre- and post-tour extensions were arranged without fuss, as well as different routes to our destinations at different times. Apart from unavoidable weather-affected plans (capably handled by the company), events proceeded very smoothly with no unwelcome surprises for the group. Tour guides were excellent and knowledgeable in the many aspects of interest to the clients in addition to the main feature of the trip - ornithology. Accommodation, transport and food was the best available and helped make a strenuous trip as comfortable as it could be. In order to make these tours as valuable as clients desire, there is a cost implication that cannot be denied. However, these costs were not jaw-dropping and I believe the trip was excellent value for money.
J.H. Hampshire

Pico Bonito is a beautiful peaceful resort with great wildlife, an extensive trail system, and a pleasant pool. The cabins are large, and the food excellent. Olbin and Santos are outstanding bird guides with great knowledge and enthusiasm. The resort is several miles up a private road and very safe to walk around- it is an oasis. The trips out to different sites were varied and interesting and added to our bird tally. Although some stamina is needed for the very early starts, it was an advantage to have a single base. The arrangements by Naturetrek all worked well, and the only problem was with the totally inefficient customs in Atlanta, which nearly cost us our connection, but which is obviously outside of Naturetrek's control.
P.G. London

Pico Bonito lodge was everything we hoped for. NB The moth trap there is marvellous - new things every night. The Honduran Emerald site is also wonderful for butterflies and dragonflies.
D.W. Lancashire

The overall itinerary allowed for a good all-round look at the bird life of the area. We saw most of the target species, including Sungrebe, and also saw Manatees and other mammals.
B.L. Powys

Pico Bonito Lodge, surroundings, cabins and food were superb. The guides were first class - accommodating and competent. Their birding ability was amazing.
R.S.

The accommodation and staff at Pico Bonito Lodge were excellent and the guides were very good.
Mr & Mrs B.

The bird guide at Pico Bonito, Esdras, was excellent, very knowledgeable and talented. The lodge was very good, a lovely setting and everything catered for that you would need.
E.H. Edinburgh

The cabins at Pico Bonito were extremely comfortable. The staff were helpful and the guide was excellent.
M.S.

Snorkelling extension a wonderful day - A 40 minute boat ride to the off shore islands that are surrounded by coral reefs submerged in warm clear water. Colourful fish, spectacular corals, an Island stop to sea star fish, Pink Boa's, Canivet's Hummingbird and Yucatan Vireo, a rustic lunch and a chance to buy souvenir jewellery hand crafted in natural mediums of nut shells and seeds. Tame shore birds, running along the waterline, Sanderlings, Turnstones and Pelicans.
J.B.

Alexander Alvarado - an excellent bird guide, full of enthusiasm and wanted to show us all the birds that he could.
Mr and Mrs M. Hertfordshire

The lodge was lovely, I can't fault it. Very nice rooms with fresh flowers and plenty of bottled water. Lovely pool and sunbathing area. Greta food and attentive service. Guides were excellent and it was a nice combination of woodland trips, boat excursion and two trips to the coast. The snorkelling trip was excellent and it was good to see several islands. Also the trip to see the Hummingbirds at Rio Santiago was very special. A wonderful holiday- thank you.
C.C. Cornwall

The three local guides were outstanding with their phenomenal eyesight to pick up the birds. They were always friendly, courteous and well organised. Nothing was too much trouble. Everything ran smoothly. The highland extension was well worth doing.
M.S. Devon

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Extensions

Honduran Highlands Extension

4 days from £1,495

View Details

Dates & Prices

2024

Departures Availability Cost

Sun 22nd Dec – Tue 31st Dec FULL £3,995

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,895

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£495

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Tue 4th Feb – Thu 13th Feb FULL £3,795

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,995

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£495

Thu 20th Feb – Sat 1st Mar SPACES £3,795

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,995

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£495

Tue 4th Nov – Thu 13th Nov SPACES £3,795

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,995

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£495

Mon 22nd Dec – Wed 31st Dec SPACES £3,995

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,995

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£495

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Thu 5th Feb – Sat 14th Feb SPACES £3,795

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,995

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£495

Wed 4th Nov – Fri 13th Nov SPACES £3,795

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,995

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£495

Tue 22nd Dec – Thu 31st Dec SPACES £3,995

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,995

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£495

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Our bargain birdwatching tours suit keen birders who want an active, fast-paced birding holiday with a dedicated focus on searching for birds rather than on looking at the area’s other wildlife or cultural highlights.
We offer a wide selection of long-haul holidays to many destinations in South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and elsewhere.
What can I expect?

An expert English-speaking local ornithologist leader
Outstanding value for money
Dawn-to-dusk birding with limited time for rest, relaxation and outside interests
Enviable bird lists
Focused searches for endemics and regional specialities

Who are these tours best suited to?

Keen & active birders – whether expert or making their first visit to a country or continent
People looking for an action-packed bird-focused tour

Where can I go?
Naturetrek's selection of birdwatching holidays includes many South and Central American countries including Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Panama.
In Africa our selection includes Malawi, Ethiopia and South Africa, while in India and Nepal we offer a choice of 17 bargain birdwatching tours! Here are a few more choices:

Endemics of Western Australia
Argentina's Mar Chiquita
Birds of Brazils Atlantic rainforest
Colombia – home to the world’s richest avifauna
Sri Lanka’s endemic birds

 
 

 
Our specialist recommends...




"I’d recommend our ‘Nepal’ holiday visiting Chitwan National Park and Koshi Tappu Reserve, and ‘India – Bharatpur & Chambal’ within Asia. Try ‘Ecuador – Cock-of-the-rock’ for a superb introduction to Andean birding, while, if you want a bit of luxury, the accommodation we use on our ‘Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park’ tour is top class.” 

Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager

 
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The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:

Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar

Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
 

Our specialist recommends...


"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader

  
 
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Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Tour Reports

Tour report - November 2014

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At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

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