Rio Planto Rafting Trip (1 Viewer)

Has anybody taken this trip? I have been thinking of taking this or another trip through the Moskitia region of Honduras. Any tips info etc. is appreciated.

I've never done the trip, but some friends and I were planning to do it and checked out some of the details. La Moskitia Ecoadventures (http://www.honduras.com/moskitia/bird.html) seems to be the most highly regarded company. I met the owner Jorge Salaverri in Las Marias at the end of one of his trips (Las Marias is very remote itself, which makes you wonder how remote the rest of the trip is, if Las Marias is the end point!). He knows a lot about birds and will run specialised birding tours. Robert Gallardo (one of the leading birders in Honduras) is leading an expedition to survey birds along the Rio Platano next year and he chose Jorge's team for organising the logistics.
You begin at the headwaters of the Rio Platano in the Olancho, which is itself pretty remote. You then travel by inflatable raft for 9 days down the Rio Platano until you next reach civilization (I have included a photo of the hostal I stayed at in Las Marias, to give you some idea of the luxury you can look forward to after 9 days of roughing it). Jorge provides the tents, all equipment and food and from what I have seen it is all good quality gear. He also takes a satellite phone for communication in emergencies. Robert Gallardo has done a number of trips in this part of Honduras and he seems to find new species for the country every time he goes (if I remember rightly, his last trip added Fasciated Tiger-Heron and Grey-rumped Swift the Honduran list). His website has a lot more info on the birds of the region (http://www.birdsofhonduras.com/), though currently the site has expired until he next renews it. There is no doubt that the birding would be spectacular, though you must be aware that a large amount of the time you will be travelling in a raft, sometimes through quite heavy white water and so will not be birding all the time.
The best of luck with it. I guarantee some amazing birds and I look forward to hearing what you get.

Tom

That is the trip I was looking at, with Jorge. Need to find some others to come along or join another group. Was hoping for March if anybody is interested. After 2 months in Antarctica I figure I will need some tropical birding

Sounds incredible!! I cant go but hope you get the chance to write something up from that trip.

Yes, I've done that trip with Jorge and a group of biologists/birders. It was an absolutely unforgettable experience. I can't recommend it enough. Jorge's company is wonderful, and he is an expert naturalist (though I wouldn't consider him an "expert" ornithologist/bird guide) with a passion for sharing his knowledge of the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve. As others have mentioned, you won't be birding all the time. You are an active member of the paddling team, and the trip could be considered quite strenuous at times. The hike in to the launch point is a rough day, and there are a couple of portages that you need to be prepared for. The birding was outstanding. Please drop me a note if you want to discuss further, or if you need another body for an upcoming trip.