Last night I arrived late at my destination. I was headed to the Cangrejal River Valley and it was dark by the time that I arrived. Before travel, I did some research, and decided upon staying at La Villa de Soledad B&B, a small boutique bed and breakfast with excellent reviews. This is one of 10 different lodging alternatives at the Cangrejal! Although my destination was only 9 km from La Ceiba, at night the distance seemed longer because of the darkness around us. Although I could not see the river, from time to time I could hear water rushing through rapids as I drove to my destination, so I assumed the road was following the river.
After I checked in, I enjoyed a refreshing glass of Jamaica as a welcome drink. This is a very traditional Central American drink that is hibiscus flower tea. My room had a comfy queen size bed, a spacious bathroom with hot water and a ceiling fan. My first concern was the lack of air conditioning. Would it be that I will be able to sleep soundly without a/c? The Wi-Fi however was surprisingly fast considering out remote location! French doors opened out to the garden and there was a hammock right in front of my room.
It was late and I was tired, so I checked in early, with the intention of getting up to enjoy dawn at the Cangrejal River. I slept soundly in the orthopedic bed. Best of all, I found that the night was chilly and that air conditioning is not needed for a good night sleep. The murmur of the river lulled me to sleep and other that waking up for a few minutes to cover up, I slept through the night. It was good to sleep without a/c and listen to the river instead of the a/c machine!
This is how the sun shines at La Villa de Soledad, one of the hotels in the Cangrejal River Valley
Dawn at the Cangrejal River
I did not have a clue of the pleasure it would be to experience dawn at the Cangrejal River Valley. Birds started singing and chirping a few minutes before the first rays of light. Soon the sun rays were pouring into my room inviting me to get up and enjoy a magical day. As I left my room, I realized that I had indeed slept in the jungle, but with all the comfort I could ask for! The lodge is within the Nombre de Dios National Park and has a view across the Cangrejal River of Pico Bonito National Park. It felt like I was in a remote location that keeps its secrets and beauty hidden from most people. A variety of birds, including keel billed toucans could be easily seen from the front porch without the need of binoculars.
I knew that I was in for a great day! Today, my itinerary includes white water rafting in the crystal-clear waters of the Cangrejal River. Tomorrow I would hike the El Mapache Trail in Pico Bonito National Park to the El Bejuco Waterfall. But before, I needed a hearty breakfast to make sure that I had the proper energy to take full advantage of the day ahead of me.
Spacious porch with hammocks at La Villa de Soledad
The aroma of fresh brewed coffee was in the in air, and I could not help myself of finding the source. I was happy to find a delicious plate of fresh fruits and a cup of piping hot coffee waiting for me. It was right on time! We had agreed for breakfast at 7 am the night before, and I was happy to see that they were very punctual at La Villa de Soledad. My breakfast consisted of fresh fruits, fresh juice, eggs with ham, toast and jelly. It was a great tasty breakfast and I was ready for a day full of adventures. Coffee was splendid and I made sure to get a refill!
As I was getting ready for my rafting tour, I could not forget that the day had already been special. Alas, dawn at the Cangrejal River Valley had proved to be an experience I would cherish for many years. After breakfast, and following instructions, I donned close that I would get wet, generously lathered my skin with sunblock and headed off to Omega Tours, where my second adventure of the day was about to begin. Yet another story to share with you about my unique experiences in Atlantida!
