Touching down in the green valley of San Pedro Sula, we’ll sit down and enjoy lunch as we review our objectives for the trip and get to know one another. Leaving San Pedro Sula, we’ll head west until we reach the small town of Copan Ruinas. Named after the ancient Mayan Ruins of Copan, this cobblestone-lined town lies just a few miles east of the Guatemalan border. This mountainous region is scattered with reminders of ancient society.
During the next 7 days you’ll spend your mornings with your own native spanish-speaking instructor in a relaxed, one-on-one conversational instruction designed to increase your proficiency and ability to communicate with local people. We’ll explore the ancient Mayan Ruins of Copan, which lie just east of town. We’ll see the exceptional preservation of their temples and cities and learn how the history of these fascinating people is reflected and carried on in their living descendents. Other afternoon excursions will take us to the surrounding mountains on horseback and to the natural hot springs, which sit in the mountains high above the town.
“I had the most memorable experiences in my life. Getting my SCUBA certification was extremely fun and adventurous, I can’t wait to do it again. Building greenhouses from scratch for a family with such hope and happiness in their eyes was the best feeling ever. I was emotionally touched by what I saw in both the poor village and the beautiful island. My Spanish definitely improved. You can’t truly imagine what it’s like until you see if for yourself.”
Because of our unique access to remote villages, you will spend a several days in the Mayan village of Carrizalito. Here you’ll work side-by-side with this impoverished community to improve its health, education, and livelihood. You’ll work with villagers on one or more sustainable development projects including but not limited: sustainable agriculture practices (reforestation, soil enrichment, etc); composting latrines; improve the local school and educate the community on health standards. Having gained a sense of understanding and achievement in this unique place, we’ll say goodbye to our new friends and head to the coast to explore the other natural wonders of the Bay Islands.
From the coastal town of La Ceiba we’ll board the ferry to the small island of Utila, your home for the next 7 days. Just 18 miles off the mainland, this tiny island is host to one of the world’s largest barrier reefs. You will spend your days here diving while you earn your PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification as an Open Water Diver (or add another certification if you are already PADI certified), We’ll dive multiple sites around the island and spend our time in the warm Caribbean water rather than a cold pool. We’ll explore underwater caves and tunnels and dive along side a multitude of sea life with the hopes of the a brief encounter with Whale Sharks, Sea Turtles and Giant Lobsters. We’ll also spend time while on Utila working with the local community to protect the reef and raise awareness for outsiders.
We wrap up our trip with a final Honduran meal, before returning to the mainland, to reflect on our journey and the differences we’ve made in the lives of others and our own.
Service | Immersion | Language | Adventure |
---|---|---|---|
** | *** | *** | **** |
Trip Highlights
Tuition: $3200*
Enroll Now!*excludes airfare