®
|
|
|
Deposits & Cancellations
|
Only 90 minutes from Panama city, on a two-lane highway is The Royal Decameron Resort, in the privileged zone of Playa Blanca which offers the country’s best weather with most sunny days. The perfect choice for an unforgettable vacation! The hotel has about 800 rooms with the best tropical style, satellite television, private bathrooms, telephone, balcony and ocean view. It has rooms with king size bed and also with 2 double beds. ALL INCLUSIVE FEATURES
Breakfast and Lunch buffets, buffets and a la carte dinners
The Royal Decameron Beach Resort & Casino offers 820 rooms in a tropical style, extensive public areas and gardens.
The rooms are provided with the following facilities: THE
RESTAURANTS Breakfast (Buffet) Lunch
Car rental
OPTIONAL TOURS OFFERED FROM THE ROYAL DECAMERON-PANAMA
JUNGLE BOAT TOUR - ECOCANAL The Gatun Explorer is the Gatun Lake´s first custom made expedition vessel. You will reach the vessel on fast boats with a maximum capacity of 16 passengers each, where you will find yourself immersed in the magnificent natural surrounding, gliding past lush rainforest to a secluded region of the lake and witnessing first-hand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, howler and capuccin monkeys, sloths, iguanas and crocodiles are just a few of the animal species you can view in their native habitat. The sights, sounds and aromas that make up this tropical paradise will engulf you. During this voyage of discovery, you will navigate above ancient routes that crossed the isthmus long before the lake´s creation. You will be introduced to the rich history and nature of this land. While on board the Gatun Explorer, a spacious 61 foot double decked houseboat, you can enjoy the trip relaxing, admiring the beautiful scenery, although numerous activities are available, such as swimming in the tranquil waters of the Panama Canal, canoeing, wildlife viewing and fishing. Lunch is served on board the Gatun Explorer.
INCLUDED: ground and boat transport, english-speaking guide, road tolls, taxes, lunch, soft drink, binoculars, use of kayak and fishing gear. RECOMMENDATIONS: Light and comfortable clothing, wet shoes or sneakers, head gear, sunscreen, bathing suit, beach towel, change of clothes, money for the cash bar and souvenir shopping. DEPARTURE: 8:00 a.m. RETURN: 6:00 p.m.
EMBERA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY The Emberá Indians are one among the many ethnic tribes indigenous to Panama and visitors are welcome to discover their culture at one of three communities, Emberá Purú , Parará Purú or Embera Drua (choice depends on climatic conditions), each located on the banks of one of the most important rivers in the Canal Basin. We are transferred by bus to the banks of the San Juan or Charges River, where we are met by representatives of the Emberá Indians that take us up the river in piraguas. We then arrive to the community originating from the mountainous region of the Darién province. We will experience the history and culture of the indigenous culture, through narrative, traditional dance and craftsmanship like woven baskets out of the natural fibers of the chunga, maquenque and naguala palm trees, as well as figures carved in cocobolo wood and tagua (better known as vegetable ivory) available for sale.. We then enjoy a typical lunch of fried fish and yucca or plantains, and an explanation on behalf of the chaman (witch doctor) on the medical use of some plants. This is the opportunity to try an ancestral custom in the form of a tattoo with jagua, a vegetable seed extract that the Indians use to adorn their bodies with geometrical patterns or animal representations for ceremonies and special celebrations. There is also time for a refreshing bath in the river.
INCLUDED: Bus transport, boat transport in an engine-powered piragua, english-speaking guide, donation to the community and park, traditional unch, soft drink, snack and tattoo ( included if desired). RECOMMENDATIONS: Light and simple clothing, wet shoes or sneakers, bathing suit, towel, Change of clothes, sunscreen and insect repellent. DEPARTURE: 8:00 a.m. RETURN: 7:00 p.m.
CITY TOUR & CANAL This tour takes us to see the Miraflores Locks, where we can appreciate the operation of the Canal and the passing through of ships (subject to the Panama Canal Authority's transit schedule). We visit the colonial city - or Casco Viejo, designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO with attractions such as the Golden Altar, the Plaza de Francia Square, Las Bóvedas . A panoramic visit of the ruins of Panamá La Vieja - now a historical monument to a time gone-by and also designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO - the original settlement that was destroyed in 1671 by the infamous pirate Sir Henry Morgan. We will visit Mis Pueblitos where you can see replicas of houses of the three most important cultures of the country: the spanish, the indian and the afro – antillan. Appreciate the panorama of the modern city of Panama and the Balboa Boulevard, where the statue of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the discoverer of the South Sea stands. As a departing impression, we make a panoramic tour on the Amador Causeway to take in the magnificent view.
INCLUDED: Ground transport, english-speaking guide, entry fees, lunch and soft drink. RECOMMENDATIONS: Comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen. DEPARTURE: 8:00 a.m. RETURN: 7:00 p.m.
CANAL & SHOPPING The perfect combination! Admire the impressive engineering work of the early 1900's and the extraordinary short time required for the huge cargo ships to transit at the Miraflores Locks (subject to Panama Canal Authority's transit schedule). After a panoramic tour through the city, we arrive at Multicentro, Central America's largest shopping mall with over 250 stores offering a wide variety of merchandise (e.g. shoes, sports articles, souvenirs, clothes for the whole family, appliances) and special discounts for Decameron guests.
INCLUDED: bus transport, english-speaking guide, map of the mall, discount coupons, snack and soft drink. RECOMMENDATIONS: Light clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen. DEPARTURE: 8:00 a.m. RETURN: 7:00 p.m.
THE PANAMA EXPRESS TRAIN We arrive at the city of Colón, Panama´s commercial capital and the Western Hemisphere´s largest Free Trade Zone, by bus. Weather permitting, we visit the San Lorenzo Fort on the banks of the Chagres River, dating from the 16th century and one of the colonial era´s most important fortifications. Alternatively, we visit Portobelo, a city whose position led it to become the trading crossroads and the ruined fortifications, where the canons that served to defend the city still are in place. Today, Portobelo is an important pilgrimage site for the devotees of the Cristo Negro or Black Christ. We also visit the Gatún Locks, the Canal´s biggest, where we become familiarized with Canal operations ( subject to the Panamá Canal Authority´s transit schedule ). Panoramic tour of the city of Colón, before returning to Panama City by the Panama Express Train, the world´s first inter-oceanic railway. The rails border the Canal stretch al all times, passing by the still immenseness of the Gatún Lake and through the dense, virgin tropical forests of the Canal Basin.
INCLUDED: Train and bus transport, english-speaking guide, entry fees, snack, soft drink and lunch. RECOMMENDATIONS: Casual clothing, walking shoes, passport, sunscreen and insect repellent. DEPARTURE: 7:30 a.m. RETURN: 8:30 p.m.
NOTE: Please keep in mind that purchases in the Free Zone are strictly controlled by law and take place at the risk of confiscation of the local Customs Authorities.
VALLE DE ANTON At a 45-minute distance from the Resort, in the Antón Valley, lies a picturesque village in the crater of an extinct volcano, which harbors a crafts market with a diverse offering of tropical flowers, fruits and vegetables, as well as crafts handmade by the villagers themselves. We visit the El Chorro Macho waterfall, where we will walk through the tropical rain forest. At the zoo and botanical garden El Níspero, we become familiarized with the flora and fauna endemic to this region, the 'golden frog' among other species and a spectacular orchid nursery.
INCLUDED: ground transport, english-speaking guide , entry fees, snack, and soft drink. RECOMMENDATIONS: Shorts, sneakers, sunscreen, hat and insect repellent. DEPARTURE: 8:00 a.m. RETURN: 2:00 p.m.
CULTURE & CRAFTS A prominent characteristic of the province of Coclé is the artistic vocation of its inhabitants. This is showcased by the large diversity of handmade products and the variety of natural materials used to elaborate these products: hats, wicker baskets, paintings on wood, jewellery manufacturing, embroidery and carvings in "soap stone". We visit the San Juan Bautista Cathedral, the town's Parque Central, the public market, crafts dealers, the Barrio San Antonio and Panama's geographic midpoint. At La Pintada we stop at the workshops where the famous "Sombreros Pintados" are manufactured by hand, the cigar factory "Tabacos Joya de Panamá", where we can buy Cuban tobacco, and a nut processing plant. Further, we visit the El Caño Archaeological Museum, where the remains of an ancient, mysterious pre-columbine culture are exhibited.
INCLUDED: bus transport, english-speaking, guide, entry fees, soft drink and snack. RECOMMENDATIONS: sneakers, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. DEPARTURE : 8:00 a.m. RETURN : 2:00 pm
CANOPY ADVENTURE This is an activity for the adventurous tourist looking for a new challenge! Ascend to the treetops and embark on a journey through the airs, all the while observing the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest from a unique perspective. The equipment and techniques used are those developed by speleologists and mountain climbers. The Canopy Adventure is developed around the spectacular waterfall at El Chorro Macho in Valle de Antón. During the day, a stop will also be made at the local crafts market. Degree of difficulty: I-II.
INCLUDED: bus transport, english-speaking guide, instruction, safety equipment, soft drink and snack. RECOMMENDATIONS: Shorts, sneakers or wet shoes and insect repellent. MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 90 kg./ 200 lbs per person. AGE REQUIREMENT: 12 years or older.
DEPARTURE: 8:00 a.m. RETURN: 2:00 p.m.
HIKING & WET RAPPEL A day filled with adventure awaits the intrepid tourist! The day starts of with a hike up the historically significant, legend-spun India Dormida Mountain (in translation; the sleeping Indian girl), 850 m./2,800 feet high, at the top of which the view of the scenic surroundings and the village of Valle de Antón is well worth the climb. Next, hiking down the "girl's head" through the dense tropical forest, is an unforgettable experience. Then comes the second challenge of the day: to wet rappel down a local waterfall. A large painted boulder can be found at the "Chorro de Los Duendes" Waterfall, wich has originated its own mysterious indigenous legend. At the top of the waterfall you will feel the adrenaline rush through your system, as you look down the 30m./100 feet to the water below. After a successful descent you will thoroughly enjoy a bath in the refreshing waters of the pool at the base of the waterfall, surrounded by the lush tropical vegetation. INCLUDED: bus transport, english-speaking guiding instructor, entry fees, professional hiking and rappelling gear, safety gear, snack, soft drink and light lunch. RECOMMENDATIONS: Shorts, sneakers, wet shoes, bathing suit, insect repellent, towel and a change of clothes.
WEIGHT LIMIT: Max 200 lbs/90 kg per person AGE REQUIREMENT: 12 years and older
DEPARTURE: 8:00 a.m. RETURN: 5:00 p.m.
INTRODUCTION TO BIRD WATCHING AT CERRO CAMPANA NATIONAL PARK Cerro Campana, located a mere 50 km. from the Resort, covers an area of 4,816 hectares and became the country´s first national park in 1967. The park, embraced by the Rio Chagres which is part of the complex water reserve system that complements the Panama Canal operations, harbors a great biodiversity of flora and fauna. According to studies carried out by the National Panamaniam University and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, the geography of the region characterized by mountains of basaltic rock at altitude, has contributed to the park´s rich diversity of species. This is the perfect place for bird watching, even for beginners, and you will become familiarized with species such as the iris-beaked toucan, the tangara, the white-tailed sparrowhawk and the pava simba. Degree of difficulty: I - II INCLUDED: ground transport, english-speaking guide, entry fees, soft drink and snack.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Sneakers or trekking shoes, insect repellent, long pants, head gear , binoculars and sun protection.
DEPARTURE: 6:00 a.m. RETURN: 12:00 m.
PARTIAL CANAL TRANSIT This is your chance to get to know the eighth wonder of the world from the best perspective imaginable - on board a boat transiting through the locks. We embark at the dredging division at Gamboa in the Gatún Lake, navigating the Corte Culebra or Gaillard´s Cut through the continental divide and head towards the Pedro Miguel Locks, on the Pacific side. Here is where we can appreciate canal operations, as the ferry is hydraulically lowered 9 m. (30 feet ). We continue to the Miraflores Locks, where the boat is again lowered another 18 m. (60 feet), and pass under the imposing Las Americas Bridge, thet marks the entrance to the Canal on the Pacific side, before getting off at the Port of Balboa or Amador. Ground transfer back to the Hotel.
INCLUDED: Bus and boat transport, english-speaking guide, road tolls, taxes, snacks, soft drink and lunch. RECOMMENDATIONS: Light clothing, comfortable shoes, passport, sunscreen and hat.
DEPARTURE: 8:30 a.m. RETURN: 6:00 p.m.* ( only saturday )
*REMARK: The duration of the tour depends on transit schedules and variations of up to two hours might occur.
INTRODUCTION TO RIVER RAFTING IN RIO GRANDE Rafting down the Río Grande, that has its source in the central mountain range of the Coclé Province and runs into the Pacific Ocean, is a truly unique experience. During the two -hour (approx) ride we come upon class II and III rapids, picturesque farms and forests. Each and every participant will have the opportunity to actively participate during the trajectory down the watery path, in a scenic surrounding characteristic of this region. Each group is accompanied by an instructor who is a professional in safety procedures. Degree of difficulty: II
INCLUDED: bus transport, guiding instructor, english - speaking translator, zodiacs (or Kayaks, depending on the water level), life - jackets, helmets, oars, first aid kit, snack, soft drinks and picnic - style lunch. RECOMMENDATIONS: Shorts, wet shoes, bathing suit, sunscreen , insect repellent, towel and a change of clothes. WEIGHT LIMIT: Max 200 lbs/90 kg per person AGE REQUIREMENT: 12 years and older
DURATION: 6 - 8 hours ( depending on river water level )
MACANO TRAIL ( ATV ) This tour will take us from the warm palm-clad lowlands, at sea level, to a fascinating mountainous region. It's a day of riding through fun muddy terrain, crossing streams among reforestation areas and passing through picturesque rural settlements until reaching a natural dam for a well-deserved rest and a bath. Degree of difficulty: III.
INCLUDED: Guiding instructor, ATV, helmet and protective eyewear. RECOMMENDATIONS: Long pants, sneakers, insect repellent, sunscreen, bathing suit, towel and a change of clothes.
DURATION: 3 hour FREQUENCY: Daily
DUST & SAND ( ATV ) A mix of beach and mountain adventures. Our trip will take us trough the village of Farallón until the mouth of the river, stop at the ruins of Gen. Noriega´s former beach residence and speed along the landing strip of the former military airport. Degree of difficulty : II.
INCLUDED: Guiding instructor, ATV, helmet and protective eyewear. RECOMMENDATIONS: Long pants, sneakers, insect repellent, sunscreen, bathing suit and towel.
DURATION: 2 hours FREQUENCY: Daily
BEACH RIDE This is a nice and easy tour for all those who wish to enjoy an ATV ride on the beach. Driving along the beach we enjoy the summer, the waves and the sea breeze, all the while passing beach homes, including Gen. Noriega's former residence, and a picturesque fishing village, where - with a bit of luck we get to see the local fishermen harvesting their daily catch. Degree of difficulty: I. INCLUDED: Guiding instructor, ATV, helmet . RECOMMENDATIONS: Shorts, sunscreen, insect repellent, sneakers and sunglasses.
DURATION: 1 hour FREQUENCY: Daily
TECA TRAIL – MOUNTAIN BIKE A fun mountain bike tour, starting through the village of Farallón and then climbing along a trail through a vast reforestation area, where we have a breathtaking view of the mountains and the teak, eucalyptus and pine plantations. Degree of difficulty: I. INCLUDED: Guiding instructor, helmet . RECOMMENDATIONS: Long Pants, sneakers, insect repellent, sunscreen and sunglasses.
DURATION: 2 hours FREQUENCY: Daily
DEEP-SEA FISHING The Pacific Ocean is a dream come true for the avid deep-sea sport fisher, with catch like tuna, dorado, sawfish, sailfish, pez gallo, mackerel, grouper and corvina ( croaker ).
INCLUDED: Boat with all the necessary safety gear (awning, life - jackets, radio), professional captain, fishing gear and soft drinks. DURATION: 4 hours.
INSHORE FISHING This tour is particularly designed for the younger tourist (6 - 14 years of age), to give him/her a chance to try the sport out in the company of adults, in tranquil waters with an abundance of fish. Catch: Porgy, grouper and corvina (croaker).
INCLUDED: Boat with all the necessary safety gear (awning, life - jackets, radio), professional captain, fishing gear and soft drinks. DURATION: 3 hours.
PONTOON BOAT TRIP Panoramic trip along the Farallón Coast.
INCLUDED: Boat with security equipment ( awning, life - jackets, radio), professional captain and soft drinks.
DURATION: 2 hours
SAILBOAT SUNSET CRUISE Sail along the coast of Playa Blanca, to admire spectacular sunsets.
INCLUDED: Sailboat with all the necessary safety gear ( life – jackets, radio), professional captain, guide, sof drinks.
DURATION: 2 hours
SCUBA DIVING (CERTIFIED DIVERS - FARALLON ) INCLUDES: maritime transfer in a boat with 12 pax capacity, boat with security equipment (awning, life-jackets, radio), professional captain, Dive master, soft drinks, tanks, ballast, diving weights for open water diving (Farallón area)
DURATION: 3 hours
DIVINING IN OTOQUE AND BONÁ ISLANDS (Pacific Ocean)
Open waters 2 tank diving
INCLUDES: Maritime tranfer Hotel-islands- Hotel in a boat with security equipment (awning, life-jackets, radio and diving platform), professional captain, Dive master, 2 tanks, and complete diving equipment, soft drinks and snacks.
DURATION: 3 hour
CARIBBEAN PORTOBELO Each and everyone of us is familiar with the wonders of the Caribbean Sea: the multicolored fish, oddly-shaped corals and clear waters cast their spell on all avid divers. Portobelo is the preferred place in Panama to practice diving, due to the abundant marine environment. Among the species found here are angelfish, butterfly fish, surgeon fish, blue tang, parrot fish and sergeant majors. We arrive in Portobelo in the afternoon and overnight in the bungalows that are part of the dive center's installations. The two dives are planned for the following morning and afterwards a traditional Panamanian lunch is served in the dive center cafeteria, before the return trip to the Resort. Optional night dive on the arrival day (additional cost).
INCLUDED: Return ground transport to Portobelo, road tolls, taxes, accommodation on the premises, dinner, breakfast and lunch (drinks NOT included), boat transport on vessel with capacity for 10 passengers and with all the necessary safety equipment, professional captain, dive master, 2 tanks and all dive gear. RECOMMENDATIONS: Sunscreen, dive certificate, logbook, seasickness medication, cash for drinks and other purchases, Cable and Wireless phone card, passport. FREQUENCY: Monday through Thursday.
DEPARTURE: 4:00 p.m. (from Decapolis) RETURN: 2:00 p.m. (the following day) to Decapolis
REMARK: All divers need to show a valid dive certificate upon registering for the excursion. No exceptions!
SAN BLAS IIn the Caribbean Sea lies this exotically enchanting place, a coastline of 200 miles dotted with islands, coral reefs and white sandy beaches. San Blas is in the care of one of the most traditional indigenous civilizations in the Americas: the Kuna Indians, whose culture is doubtlessly the most well-preserved among all the American indigenous tribes. The Kunas have been given the authority to establish their own self-ruled territory, la Comarca de San Blas, where a tribe parliament rules over the local population. Take a leisurely walk through a typical village, while interacting with the natives and taking the opportunity to buy some pretty molas, the finest in Kuna craftsmanship. In the morning, you have a boat at your disposition to visit a nearby beach or coral reef for some unforgettable snorkelling.
INCLUDED: Ground transfer Hotel - Albrook Airport - Hotel, round trip airfare, transport in motor-driven canoe to the island, community tax, accommodation, board (breakfast, light lunch, seafood dinner), excursions to the village and beaches. Drinks NOT included. RECOMMENDATIONS: Casual dress, sneakers, wet shoes, insect repellent, bathing suit, sunscreen, snorkelling equipment, bottled water, passport , cash for purchases, beach towel and a Cable and Wireless phone card.
DEPARTURE: Daily DURATION: Overnight Note:Flights are subjet to change without prior notice.
DISCOVER SAN BLAS IN ONE DAY (COCO BLANCO ISLAND) Coco Blanco (White Coconut) Island has a privileged natural position and can be defined as a Natural Paradise: a tropical island with palm trees in the middle, a ring of white sand around and crystalline sea. Coco Blanco is one of the 365 Islands of the SAN BLAS Archipelago, known for its flora and fauna biodiversity, apart from being surrounded by a diversified coral reef barrier that we invite you to discover ! The departure is from Río Hato Airport, 2 minutes away from the Hotel, to take a 45 minute flight in a Twin Otter plane with 20 passenger capacity, to the Islands of the Porvenir area. Once arrived, some motor pirogues of 5 passenger capacity will take us to Coco Blanco Island, base of our day activities: Tour to "Cayo Limón", the "Two Plams" Island and the "One Palm" Island to swim, practice snorkeling, photography, etc. The buffet style lunch, served at Coco Blanco Island, is prepared with fresh sea food, vegetables and fruits of the season.
INCLUDED: Transfer Hotel – Río Hato Airport– Hotel, round trip air tickets, transfer in motor pirogue to the island, english – speaking guide, buffet style seafood lunch, tours to the village and the nearby beaches, community taxes, unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic drinks. RECOMMENDATIONS: Sport clothes, sneakers, wet shoes, insect repellent, swimming suit, sunscreen, snorkeling equipment, towel, extra clothes, passport, sunglasses, hat and cash for souvenir shopping.
DEPARTURE: 9:00 a.m. RETURN: 5:00 p.m.
NOTE: Flights are subject to changes without previous notice
BOCAS DEL TORO Bocas del Toro encompasses part of the Parque Internacional La Amistad and the country's only marine park, Parque Nacional Marítimo Bastimentos - a testimony as good as any to the province's extensive beaches, pristine coral reefs and virgin rain forests. In truth, the biodiversity of the region is remarkable. Of further interest is the Afro-Caribbean influence in the local culture, as showcased through architecture, cuisine and other forms of folkloric expression. Take this unique opportunity to enjoy a boat tour to the bird sanctuary in the rocky Swan´s Cay or visit the coral reefs of Cayos Zapatillas and the small islands of the mangrove swamp. Another option is to walk the Sendero de la Rana Roja (Path of the Red Frog) in search of the Dendrobates pumilo, the species of amphibian after which the path is named.
INCLUDED: Ground transfer Hotel - Albrook Airport - Hotel, roundtrip airfare, accommodation, welcome at the airport in Bocas and transfer to the hotel, breakfast. Drinks Not included. RECOMMENDATIONS: Casual dress, sneakers, wet shoes, insect repellent, beach attire, bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, passport, cash for purchases, tours and restaurants, Cable and Wireless phone card. DEPARTURE: Daily DURATION: Overnight
Note: Flights are subject to change without prior notice.
DINNER AND NIGHT SAFARI This is the perfect occasion to visit the Gatun Lake by night and enjoy the thrilling sensation of navigating in the jungle on board panga - style boats with a capacity of 16 persons each, specially designed for this type of excursion. We depart the Resort in the afternoon and after a 90 minute drive by the highlands of Chorrera, we arrive into the public ramp at La Laguna. Here, we will embark and start this nocturnal adventure. We arrive to the Gatun Explorer, the houseboat that will serve as base for all of our activities. We are welcomed with a special house cocktail while we can appreciate the sunset and how the jungle transforms in the darkness. We can hear the howler monkeys announcing the night fall. After a tropical style dinner, we will embark the boats in search of nocturnal activities where caimans, owls, bats and crocodiles will surprise us with their eyes turning red as we light up the way. The coast will be illuminated with potent flash lights that will give us the opportunity to look in the dark. After this boat ride we return to the ramp to board the buses back to the hotel at midnight.
Included: bus and boat transport, english - speaking guide, tropical style dinner, soft drinks, welcome cocktail, taxes. Recommendations: light clothing, comfortable shoes, insect repellent and cash for bar and souvenir shopping.
Departure: 4:00p.m. Return: 12:00 a.m.
|
|
HOME HOT DEALS CENTRAL AMERICA SOUTH AMERICA FAM TRIPS ABOUT US INFORMATION ARCHAEOLOGY TOURS JOURNEY FOR THE SOUL RESERVATIONS 1-800-327-0080 Visit our new web site: www.galapagos-amazoncruises.com
Copyright © 1980-2010 taratours.com
™ |
