Santo Tomas

One of two major Guatemalan ports on the Gulf coast, Santo Tomás de Castilla is a few kilometers south of Puerto Barrios on Santo Tomás Bay. It is Guatemala’s largest and most efficient port on the Caribbean Ocean. It was formerly known as Matías de Galvez, and now handles 77% of the country's exports and half the imports, as well as 20% of El Salvador's imports and 10% of its exports. It is a wonderful place to get an authentic taste of local Guatemalan culture.

The following Shore Excursions are available for this port on this cruise, and may be reserved beginning 180 days before the cruise begins.

Eco-Hike At Hacienda Tijax
Tour Code: SST-6955
Duration: 7 1/2 hours
Retail Value: $199.00
Price: $99.00

Experience the beauty of Guatemala's rainforest in a unique new way during this memorable eco-hike at the Hacienda Tijax.

Depart the pier for the drive through the scenic Motagua Valley. Along the way, you will see lush tropical vegetation in the countryside. Upon arrival at the bridge over the Rio Dulce, a stop will be made for spectacular views and photo opportunities of Lake Izabal and Rio Dulce National Park, a protected area and one of the most important ecological reserves in the country.

Next, you will embark a small boat for the transfer to nearby Hacienda Tijax, an actual preserved rainforest. A staff member will greet your arrival, then lead you on a walk along elevated cable bridges that rise up to 60 feet high through the rainforest, and cross over crystal-clear natural springs and rivers. As you proceed along the elevated trails, you will learn about the natural products of the jungle, including gum, rubber, spices and medicinal plants. You will also take in splendid views of orchids and epiphytes throughout your 3.25-mile, round-trip journey.

Halfway through your walk, you will have an opportunity to climb the Observatory Tower for spectacular views extending along the river to the Castillo de San Felipe. The Tower of the Shaman at the top of the hill uses the ancient methods of directional construction. Utilized by the Maya for tracking sun and moon activity, it served as the basis of their baffling advancement in the areas of astronomy and calendar development.

A poolside barbecue will be served during the 1.5-hour lunch break, followed by some time to relax or swim in the pool. Time permitting, you may choose to take in one of the optional activities available for an addition charge, including horseback riding or kayaking.

Following your visit, you will re-board your boat for the return trip to the bridge, then be transferred back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a 3.25-mile hike. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and comfortable walking or hiking shoes, and bring sunscreen a hat, sunglasses and insect repellant from the ship. Guests wishing to swim should bring a swimsuit and towel from the ship. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or guests who utilize a wheelchair.

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Terms & Conditions:

Free Unlimited Shore Excursions are for full fare guests only, capacity controlled and subject to availability. Requested excursions may not be available at time of booking. Supplement will apply on Regent Choice excursions (indicated by the above) and excludes Private Arrangements and all Adventures Ashore programs. In order to ensure quality guides and sufficient transportation, we must provide the tour operator with passenger counts at least 36 hours in advance. Therefore no refunds will be given within 36 hours of tour departure for cancellations or no-shows. Please pay special attention to scheduling and tour lengths when booking your shore excursions. In many cases, it is not possible to participate in more than one tour per day in a given port. Tours operate rain or shine. Tours require minimum participation levels to operate so please sign up as early as possible. Tours may be cancelled if minimum participation levels are not met. Prices, Itineraries and General Information shore excursion prices are subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases or currency fluctuations. Please consult the Destination Services Desk onboard for information. During local or national holidays, access to certain facilities (such as museums or archaeological sites) may be limited or denied. In such instances, adjustments will be made to minimize inconvenience to guests. Some tours have limited availability. Tours are generally available for reserving 180 days prior to the beginning of a cruise. Please sign up early to avoid disappointment. Regent Seven Seas Cruises reserves the right to require guests to complete a liability waiver for select shore excursions. For more information, please visit the Destination Services Desk onboard.