Get 3 Credit Hours while SCUBA Diving, Exploring Mayan Ruins, and Whitewater Rafting in Honduras!!!

Itinerary and Costs +++ Academic Information +++ Professor R. Igor Gamow +++ Program Director Aaron Shupp

Spend this summer vacation SCUBA diving and traveling through the beautiful and exotic nation of Honduras while earning three credit hours in Professor R. Igor Gamow's world renowned class entitled "The Biophysics and Physiology of Extreme Environments."

We will begin our trip on the beautiful and tranquil island of Utila, one of the famous Honduran Bay Islands. This small isle is surrounded by countless world class dive sites that are only a short boat ride away. Utila boasts one of the earth's best places for encountering the majestic whale-shark. Although diving is the main industry on Utila, it retains a genuine Caribbean island culture. You won't find massive resorts or chain restaurants here. In fact, virtually every business is run by locals. For the first week of our trip, we will spend most mornings diving and the afternoons having lectures with Dr. Gamow. If you are not already a certified diver, the trip includes a PADI Open Water Certification at no additional cost. In fact, certified divers may take Advanced Open Water or a PADI Specialty course at no additional cost!

The second leg of the trip takes us to northeastern Honduras in the department of Olancho where we will spend 4 to 5 days floating down the Rio Sico. This extremely remote river meanders northerly along the western flank of the Mosquitia Jungle. The put-in for this section is located upstream in the mountainous area near the small town of San Esteban, and flows 38 miles north to the take-out near La Bolsa.

We'll spend our days floating through the canyons and valleys. Here we will encounter the beautiful backdrop of the Sierra de Agalta National Park where wild lavender and white orchids are found high up in the trees. Here the birding can be outstanding with trogans, quetzals, toucans, black hawks, and much, much more.

The river passes through narrow canyons such as Orchid Chasm and Cayman Canyon. Over 60 class II-IV rapids keep things alive throughout the journey. As we make our way down the river we'll pass four Pech Indian villages which are only accessible by foot and horse trail. Curious and playful children will run down to greet us. Each night we'll camp along the river's edge where the river guides will prepare delicious meals. This truly is a spectacular and exciting place to spend four wonderful days out in the backcountry.

The final leg of our trip starts with a scenic ride to the colonial town of Copan Ruinas in the western mountains. Here we will spend two days exploring ancient Mayan ruins, horseback riding, visiting a coffee plantation, and soaking in relaxing hot springs. Professor Gamow will finish his lectures. Finally, we will return to San Pedro Sula and fly back home.

For more information and application please contact:

Central and South America Program Director: Aaron Shupp

Email: shupp@colorado.edu

For Questions Regarding Academic Information Please Contact:

Professor R. Igor Gamow of SANN International College

Email: gamow@spot.colorado.edu

For Questions Regarding SANN Institute and all of its Programs

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