SantoThomasDeCastilla


A Day at Amatique Bay Resort

Travel from the ship to the Amatique Bay Resort by either water taxi or taxi cab. The Amatique Bay Resort is considered to be the Central American Five-Star Mega Resort, with features like a botanical garden surrounded by Mayan archaeological sites, exotic landscaping and a great variety of flora and fauna. Use your time at the resort to relax however you choose! Activities include use of the pool with a large pool bar, water slides, private beach, a butterfly and turtle garden, the Jade Museum, a souvenir shop and a beach volleyball court. For an additional fee payable at the resort you can also participate in the following: fishing, bicycles, Kids Club, diving lessons, kayaks, water bicycles and golf cart rental. After your day at the resort, return to the ship by boat or taxi at your leisure.

NOTES:
Bring your swimsuit, towel and a hat.

Water taxi: approximately US$8 one way and US$12 roundtrip (last departure from the resort is at 3:30pm); Taxi: about US$10 per person roundtrip based on 4 guests.


A Day at Amatique Bay Resort with Lunch


DURATION:  Varies
PRICE:   $59 per person

Travel roundtrip from the ship to the Amatique Bay Resort by either water taxi or taxi cab (rates indicated below). The Amatique Bay Resort is considered to be the Central American Five-Star Mega Resort, with features like a botanical garden surrounded by Mayan archaeological sites, exotic landscaping and a great variety of flora and fauna. Use your time at the resort to relax however you choose! Activities include use of the pool with a large pool bar, water slides, private beach, a butterfly and turtle garden, the Jade Museum, a souvenir shop and a beach volleyball court. Included is a delicious barbeque buffet lunch. For an additional fee payable at the resort you can participate in the following: fishing, bicycles, Kids Club, diving lessons, kayaks, water bicycles and golf cart rental. After your day and lunch at the resort you can return to the ship by boat or taxi at your leisure.

NOTES:
Bring your swimsuit, towel and a hat. Water taxi: approximately US$8 one way and US$12 roundtrip (last departure from the resort is at 3:30pm); Taxi: about US$10 per person roundtrip based on 4 guests.


Archaeological Copan & Honduras Countryside


DURATION:  Approximately 8 1/2 hours
PRICE:   $449 per person

Travel into Honduras by chartered small aircraft to visit Copán-known as the Paris of the ancient Mayan world. A short drive leads you over a dirt road to the ruins of Copán. Once at the site enjoy an interesting and informative 2 1⁄2-hour, 1 1⁄4-mile stroll to see the pyramids, temples, and stelae. Marvel at the well preserved Ball Court, ponder the peculiar inscriptions on the magnificent stelae, and admire the famed Hieroglyphic Stairway. You will also make a visit at the New Sculpture Museum, then you will stop for lunch in the town of Copán. You will have some time to step into the local museum or shop for local souvenirs before you fly back to Guatemala and the ship.

NOTES:
Bring your passport.


Banana Plantation


DURATION:  Approximately 3 hours
PRICE:   $89 Adult   $64 Child

The tour will begin with a drive through the beautiful Motagua Valley, as you enjoy the sights of lush tropical vegetation and banana plantations. Upon arrival at Omagua Banana Plantation, visit the production plant to see how the Chiquita Banana fruit is carefully chosen, cleaned and packed. Board the bus again to drive through part of the plantation before departing to Marbrissa Hotel, where you will be treated to refreshments while you admire the view of Amatique Bay and the port town of Puerto Barrios. Return to the pier in time for lunch.

Countryside & Rio Dulce by Land


DURATION:  Approximately 4 hours
PRICE:   $89 Adult   $59 Child

Begin your tour with a bus ride through the scenic Motagua Valley, admiring the countryside with lush tropical vegetation. The bridge over the Rio Dulce provides an opportunity for taking photos of the magnificent view of Lake Izabal and the Rio Dulce National Park. This is one of the most important ecological reserves and protected areas of Guatemala. View the dense and thriving jungle, as well as Guatemalan weekend homes, marinas and small hotels dotting both sides of the river and lake where Castillo San Felipe is located. Drive to La Endenada Hotel by the river for a refreshment. There will be free time to stroll around the premises or take a short boat ride on your own to the surrounding areas of the river.

Hacienda Tijax & Eco-Adventure Hike


DURATION:  Approximately 7 1/2 hours
PRICE:   $169 per person

This tour begins with a bus ride through the scenic Motagua Valley. You'll stop at the bridge over the Rio Dulce to view the magnificent Lake Izabal and Rio Dulce National Park (one of the most important ecological reserves and protected areas of the country). Board a small boat to transfer across the lake to Hacienda Tijax. The attractions here are the trails and the wonderful canopy tour through the rain forest, which includes crossing over the crystal clear natural springs and rivers by elevated cable bridges up to 600 feet high. Learn about the products of the jungle, such as gum, rubber, spices, and medical plants, with spectacular views of orchids and epiphytes. The trail is about a mile long. Other options, at an additional charge, include kayaking in groups of four to observe howler monkeys on the other side of the river, horseback riding or a visit to Castillo San Felipe. A poolside barbeque will be served, then a small boat returns you to the bridge where the bus will be waiting to return you to your ship.

NOTES:
Please bring sunglasses, hat, sunblock, insect repellent, hiking shoes, swim gear, camera and binoculars for bird watching.

Quirigua Archaeological Ruins


DURATION:  Approximately 4 1/2 hours
PRICE:   $89 Adult   $69 Child

Take a visit to Quirigua National Park--a Mayan city that once ruled the region. Upon your arrival at the park you will disembark the motorcoach and walk the stone pathway onto the grounds. You will be able to view the monuments lining the central plaza and take a moment to study the intricate carvings on the stelae, altars and zoomorphs which reveal vivid portraits and bizarre glyphs. Your informative guide will explain the engineering techniques used to construct Quirigua as well as explain some of the history of the area. After concluding the walking tour of the city, reboard your bus for your return to your cruise ship.

Rio Dulce & Quirigua Ruins


DURATION:  Approximately 10 hours
PRICE:   $149 Adult   $124 Child

Enjoy a four hour cruise on the Rio Dulce, an area of immense natural beauty and a sanctuary for a variety of birds and wildlife. By motorcoach you'll pass rolling hills, dense jungles and banana plantations en route to Quirigua. Walk the stone pathway onto the grounds viewing monuments and ruins revealing the grandeur of a once great civilization. The Acropolis demonstrates engineering achievements that are now considered one of the wonders of the Maya. Lunch is provided at a riverside restaurant.