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Deposits & Cancellations
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DECAMERON GALEON -SAN MARTA
Decameron Galeon’s main hotel tower is surrounded by cabins and gardens located in the outskirts of the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta in front of the “Pozos Colorados” stunning beach. Its facilities offer over 200 meters of beach, a Galleon type construction where guests will find 2 refreshing pools, one for adults and one for kids, to meet the needs of a real family vacation. In this hotel, you will also be able to try international and traditional Colombian dishes in our four restaurants and bars, including Cocos Bar on the beach, the seafood restaurant ”Rococo”, the restaurant shaped as a pirate ship “Panasiatico”, and its nightclub “The Cave”.You will also enjoy different types of recreational activities such as dance classes, aerobics, ping-pong, water polo, tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, and non-motorized water sports like kayaking, sail boats, sea-cycles and many other activities. Location OPTIONAL TOURS FROM DECAMERON GALEON IN SANTA MARTA:
* REFRAIN FROM EATING: Shrimp, lobster, sierra, barracuda, bonito, and salads. It is preferable to eat: a whole, small fish, such as pargo or mojarra and drinks in a bottle *It is worth noting, given the character of the Natural Park, that limitations are imposed on the construction of the restaurants and services of typical folkloric character. Neguange is an
unequaled spot, ideal for snorkeling. During the trip of about
1 hour overland we will make a stop at one of the natural
viewing points, from where we will be able to appreciate the
Sea of Seven Waves (Mar de las Siete Olas), and afterwards
descend to Neguange. From there we will board a typical
motorboat and transfer to Playa Cristal (Crystal Beach),
a place of extraordinary natural beauty where you can enjoy the
sea and sun besides having the opportunity to swim among
multicolored fish found in the coral reefs near the shore.
It is important to take into consideration one is visiting a Natural Park. Due to this condition, there are limitations on construction in the area. Therefore the area where food and beverages are offered is simple and rustic. Optional: Mask and snorkel rental ($) Includes: ground and maritime transport, Park entry fees (The Foreigners have to pay and additional tax to entrance to the Tayrona National Park), professional English speaking tour guide, awning, refreshments and typical snack (fried plantain and white cheese). Recommendations: insect repellent, lightweight clothing, bathing suit, sun block, sunglasses, beach towel, hat. Departure: 8:00 a.m. Return: 4:00 p.m.
ARRECIFES With an extension
of 15,000 hectares, the Tayrona National Park is one of the most
important National Parks of Colombia. A paradise on earth, with
beaches of crystalline waters and spectacular coral formations,
an ample variety of tropical flora and fauna, it extends east of
Santa Marta, between the Sierra Nevada and the waters of the
Caribbean Sea. The great quantity of coconut palms, its white
sandy beaches and its nearness to the Sierra favor it with
spectacular scenery. We will travel overland approximately 1 hour to reach Cañaveral and from there we initiate a hike of approximately 45 minutes through the humid tropical forest until we reach Arrecifes, where you can appreciate the beauty of the area and the exotic scenery. You will enjoy bathing in the natural “swimming pool”. Includes: ground transport, Park entry fees (The Foreigners have to pay and additional tax to entrance to the Tayrona National Park), professional English speaking tour guide, refreshments. Recommendations: tennis shoes or wet shoes, insect repellent, lightweight clothing, bathing suit, beach towel, sun block, hat. Duration of the Walk: approximately 90 minutes Level of Difficulty: III Departure: 9:00 a.m. Return: 5:00 p.m. First cove of
Tayrona National Park, and one of the beautiful bays. For those
who practice nautical sports and diving, Bahía Concha is the
perfect place. A lovely bay framed between the mountains and the
sea with peaceful waters that permit you to appreciate its
varied colors, this place offers the tourist beautiful scenery,
sea, beaches and mountains, flora of the humid forest, fauna,
fish and diversity of birds. We will make a run of approximately 1 hour by land transport until we reach the site. We will enjoy the scenery and later transfer by launch to Playa Coral. This is a magical place where we will have the opportunity to go snorkeling, and we will appreciate the wonders of the submarine world, multicolored fish, corals, algae: it will be a unique and unforgettable experience. Includes: land and water transport, Park entry fee, professional guide, tent with capacity for 5 persons, refreshments, equipment and induction to snorkeling. Recommendations: repellent, lightweight clothing, bathing suit, sun lock, sunglasses, beach towel, hat. Departure: 8:30 a.m. Return: 3:00 Pm PUEBLITO To arrive at
Pueblito is to find yourself, at a short distance from Santa
Marta, with a fragment of history from the pre-Hispanic Tayrona
culture. It is like traveling through time and discovering the
meaning and the mode of life of the Indians who built, erected
and lived in a place of difficult access, with some
architectural characteristics which liken it to the mythical
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City). Energy and emotion are felt in the environment when amidst thick overgrowth are discovered streets paved with stone, canals which outline an ancient aqueduct system, bridges and terraces where in some bygone epoch the dwellings of the aborigines who lived here before the arrival of the Spaniards, were erected. The song of the birds and the frogs provides a background for those who, after several hours of stony pathways, make it to the top and put their feet on this pre-Columbian village. The excursion includes a scenic tour on the panamerican highway to Venezuela, to reach Calabazo, starting point of the hike, which lasts 3 hours until reaching Pueblito, typical lunch (fried fish, coconut rice, patacones, salad) in Cape San Juan del Guía, a refreshing swim in the sea in the natural swimming pool of Arrecifes, a 2-hour hike to Cañaveral to start the return to the Hotel. Includes: ground transport, Park entry fees (The Foreigners have to pay and additionaltax to entrance to the Tayrona National Park), English speaking professional tour guide, refreshments, typical lunch. Recommendations: sun block, lightweight clothing, sunglasses, insect repellent, tennis shoes, hat, bathing suit, beach towel. Level of difficulty: V. Minimum age: 12 years. Maximum weight: 200 Lb Departure: 5:00 a.m. Return: 6:00 p.m. CIUDAD PERDIDA
(LOST CITY)
It is difficult not to succumb to the enchantment produced by the temptation to go and become acquainted with the enigmatic Ciudad Perdida of the Tayrona Indians, a millennial culture whose importance marked the history of the country. This Indian city is located amid thick, dense and almost impenetrable vegetation surrounding the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Few are the fortunate who can tell about the fulfilled dream of reaching the mountain and finding consolidated on the heights that stone city which only three decades ago nobody knew existed, and today is one of the most imposing works of pre-Hispanic architecture of cultures which inhabited Colombia. The Sierra Nevada
is the highest coastal mountain range in the world: starting at
sea level, 16,400 Km2 rise in four groups of peaks and a wall of
5,295 m in height. The highest points are 5,700 m above sea
level. Above 3,000 m there is perpetual snow and lakes of
glacial origin. Such is the verticality of the mountain that
from these summits, as though from a privileged balcony, the sea
abates at scarcely 30 km distance. When one is there, time is
short to tour and understand the significance Includes: ground transport Santa Marta - Machete Pelao - Santa Marta, full meals based on canned goods and imperishable products (including refreshments and snacks), lodging (multiple accommodations, hammocks with mosquito netting), Park entry fees and permits for the Sierra Nevada National Park and the Ciudad Perdida Archaeological Park, local expert guides, mules, porters, assistants, cooks. Recommendations: backpack, hiking boots, lightweight sleeping bag, bathing suit and towel, insect repellent, sandals for river crossing, sun block, canteen / water bottle, basic first aid kit, flashlight and batteries, large plastic bags, lightweight clothing for warm climate (shorts, tee shirt), long pants and long-sleeved shirt for nighttime. NOTE: each passenger will carry their own backpack with their personal effects, for which reason we advise lightweight luggage. This excursion requires optimum physical condition and health. The excursion guide reserves the right to reject any participant who does not fulfill this requirement without right to reimbursement. Level of difficulty: V Duration: 6 days (3 days ascent, 1 day’s stay in Ciudad Perdida, 2 days descent) Through the oldest city in South America in an air conditioned vehicle. We will visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, one of the most visited sites in Colombia, the place where Liberator Simon Bolivar died, December 10th he signed his last will and testament and had his last proclamation read. We continue on the Avenida del Libertador, and visit the monument to the famous Colombian soccer player El Pibe Valderrama. From here we continue toward Taganga, a picturesque fishing village nestled in a beautiful bay just 5 minutes from downtown and starting point of the area designated as Tayrona National Natural Park. During the tour we will appreciate the most beautiful bay in America and the colonial architecture of the city. A free hour gives you time to buy handicrafts.
Departure: 1:00 p.m. Return: 5:00 p.m. SCUBA DIVING Santa Marta has
innumerable spectacular sites for scuba diving. Here we find
brain corals, the largest sponges of Colombia and a great
variety of majestic-colored fish. The mini course is designed for those persons who want to venture into the submarine world. This is developed over 2 days. The first day the student is instructed in the swimming pool where they are given the basic principals of scuba diving; basic handling of equipment, and lastly practice dives in the swimming pool, until the instructor determines that they are ready to go diving in the sea. The following day two dives are made in the sea at low depth, maximum of 30 – 40 feet (10 – 12 m). Dare to venture into the wonderful submarine world! Includes: ground and maritime transport, theory class (video and explanation), 1 Practice Class in the swimming pool, full equipment (mask, fins, 2 tanks, regulator, vest and weight belt), 2 dives to 30 feet maximum, snack, instructor or DIVE MASTER. Recommendations: wet shoes, sun block, hat, sunglasses, beach towel, bathing suit, extra change of clothing, logbook. Departure: 7:30 a.m. Return: 2:30 p.m.
TWO DIVES FOR
CERTIFIED DIVERS
The great adventure of scuba diving from the beautiful crystalline waters of Santa Marta at two meters above sea level where we can appreciate the lovely scene of a sunken ship at 90 feet depth, in the southern zone of the Tayrona National Park. In Granate, Morrito Largo, and La Aguja one can observe a great variety of coral reefs, multicolored fish and abundant marine flora and fauna. Includes: ground and maritime transport, weight belt, regulator, vest, snack, PADI instructor. Recommendations: wet shoes, sun block, hat, sunglasses, beach towel, bathing suit, extra change of clothing, logbook Departure: 7:30 a.m. Return: 2:30 p.m.
During this four-day course, the knowledge and theory necessary for enjoying your first dives is transmitted. This is done through the instructor’s explanations and the use of videos and manuals, which guarantee easy and fun learning. Includes: maritime transport, 5 theory classes, 1 Practice Class in the swimming pool, 6 dives with tank, complete equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, 6 tanks, regulator, vest and weight belt), snack, PADI certificate, gift, instructor or DIVE MASTER. Recommendations: wet shoes, sun block, hat, sunglasses, beach towel, bathing suit, extra change of clothing, logbook. Departure: 7:30 a.m. Return: 2:30 p.m.
NIGHT SCUBA DIVING
Dare to live this unique experience which particularly involves our sense of sight. The settings, flora and fauna we may find on a night dive have a totally distinct dimension to those of a daytime dive, even in the same site and under similar conditions. Includes: ground and maritime transport, weight belt, regulator, vest, flashlight (without batteries), PADI instructor. Recommendations: wet shoes, beach towel, bathing suit, extra change of clothing, logbook. Departure: 5:00 p.m. Return: 8:00 p.m. Romantic seashore excursion, enjoying a lovely subset passing the Bello Horizonte and Plenomar bays, appreciating the hotel zone of the city until you reach the bay of Santa Marta. You will enjoy 3 cocktails to the sound of background music, the perfect moment to start or end your vacation. Includes: maritime transport, activities guide, three tropical cocktails. Recommendations: lightweight clothing, sunglasses, sun block, hat Departure: 4:00 p.m. Return: 6:00 p.m. * Click HERE to go back to the Tour Menu Sunset in Santa Marta ECO-ADVENTURE IN MAMANCANA NATURAL RESERVE (Canopy, Mountain Biking, Hiking) In the
Mamancana Natural Reserve nothing is common and ordinary.
Here one lives the best extreme adventure only 5 minutes
from the sea, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada de Santa
Marta: a perfect mixture of adrenaline and fun, of nature
and sports. This combination of adventures gives you the possibility of carrying out in one single day various activities; such as: Hiking on varied paths; Canopy by aerial paths made up of different manufactured materials with the highest standards of security. Mountain Biking the perfect tour for practicing this sport where the mountainous terrain offers the visitor an overflow of adrenaline and physical effort. At Mamancana one enjoys the vertigo and adrenaline overflow. The duration of the activities depends on the skill of the participants. Includes: ground transport, entry fee to the Reserve, secure equipment, a theoretical-practical chat by highly qualified personnel, instructor. Recommendations: sun block, lightweight clothing, sunglasses, tennis shoes, hat, insect repellent. Level of difficulty: II - III Departures: Daily Duration of activities: Approximately 3 hours. Minimum age: 6 years. Maximum weight: 200 Lbs. The Rumba on a
Chiva is a different way to tour nighttime Santa
Marta, on board picturesque and colorful buses where
tropical cocktails are served to the rhythm of Caribbean
folkloric airs. It’s three hours of a panoramic tour where you can appreciate at a distance El Rodadero, the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the bay of Santa Marta, residential neighborhoods, the historic downtown area, and the Cathedral. The tour continues toward “La Escollera” discotheque in El Rodadero where the excursion ends with an invitation to continue the party there. Includes: ground transport by typical chiva, English speaking activities and tour guide, live music, 5 tropical cocktails. Recommendations: comfortable clothing, extra money for expenses at the discotheque (restricted entry under 18 years old). Departure: 9:00 p.m. Return: midnight * Click HERE to go back to the Tour Menu * REFRAIN FROM EATING: Shrimp, lobster, sierra, barracuda, bonito, and salads. It is preferable to eat: a whole, small fish, such as pargo or mojarra and drinks in a bottle 10 minutes from the cove of El Rodadero is found the old Aquarium & Sea Museum “El Rodadero”, and the basic facilities, where we will find small tanks built right into the sea we will appreciate a variety of marine species, such as sharks, seals, dolphins and exotic tropical fish. We will enjoy a show of dolphins and seals. This aquarium also has a Marine Museum where one can observe a variety of species such as: corals, congrios, crabs, lobsters, octopus, etc., which are a reflection of the marine bottom and ensemble of life at the coralline bottom of the Caribbean Sea. After, we
transfer to Playa Blanca and enjoy a refreshing ocean swim
in crystalline waters with white sand beach. Includes: ground and maritime transport, entry to the Aquarium, English speaking professional tour guide. Recommendations: sun block, lightweight clothing, bathing suit, sunglasses, beach towel, hat, wet shoes. Departure: 9:00 a.m. Return: 2:00 p.m. Playa Blanca
owes its name to the quality of the white sand which heats
up with the sun and contrasts with the sea. They are seas of
hope which invite us to a party loaded with sun and sand,
making the oldest city in America a complete dream
adventure. The old song which many Samarios (people
from Santa Marta) hum, reflects the beauty of the seas of
hope which make Santa Marta a complete paradise, among which
is found Playa Blanca only 20 minutes by launch from El
Rodadero, nestled in a lovely bay of crystalline waters and
white sand beach. It is a place where you are sure to enjoy
a day of beach, sun and sand.
Includes: ground and maritime transport, English speaking professional tour guide, awning and refreshments. Recommendations: sun block, lightweight clothing, bathing suit, sunglasses, beach towel, hat, wet shoes. Departure: 10:00 a.m. Return: 4:00 p.m. MI GANJA ANIMAL PARK & BARRANQUILLA After a 90
minute ride from Santa Marta, we reach Barranquilla, the
fourth largest city in the country and one of the most
important ports for navigation and international
commerce, located on the western riverbanks of the
Magdalena river. We will tour Barranquilla’s residential
neighborhoods and surroundings, continuing to Mi Granja
Animal Park. Here we will start our adventure in this
theme park which offers the visitor ecologically healthy
recreation in an environment where you can have direct
contact with nature and interact with the animals of Mi
Granja Animal Park, such as goats, sheep and pigs, among
others.
Included: land transport, refreshments, professional English speaking tour guide, park entrance, lunch (grilled chicken or steak, baked potatoes, and one soft drink), snack and ice cream for kids (hot dog, soft drink) activities for adults and children. Activities for adults: horseback riding, stroll in horse drawn cart. Activities for kids: animal feeding (fish, goats, pigs), pony ride, stroll in horse drawn cart. Recommendations: sun block, lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent Departure: 8:00 a.m. Return: 5:00 p.m. MINCA COFFEE PLANTATIONS AND EXOTIC FLOWERS Minca is a
spot surrounded by majestic mountains and a fine mist
which enhances the mystery created by the Tayrona Brilliant-colored flowers possess a rare form, which added to the scent that emanates from them, makes Minca a unique site of varied vegetation. Thus at each house, in each farm or simply on either side of any of its roads, there is an unrestricted abundance of exotic flowers such as heliconia, zingiber or maraca, anthuria, orchids and red ginger. The coffee plants are another of the forest charms of the region, as if to demonstrate that here, too, one finds the seal of the most famous of Colombian vegetation. It is wonderful, then, to find in this space, a kind of ecological door in the form of a path with access to the Sierra, which in the midst of its Caribbean Coast, a short distance from the sea which borders the most beautiful bay in America, possesses peaks crowned with perpetual snow. Includes: ground transport, professional English speaking tour guide, coffee plantation entry fees, refreshments, typical lunch (chicken stew). Recommendations: lightweight clothing, long pants and long sleeve shirts, insect repellent, good walking shoes or hiking boots. Departure: 9:00 a.m. Return: 4:00 p.m. Go through the different coastal towns of the departments of Magdalena, Atlántico and Bolívar before arriving to the enchanting Cartagena. Visit the walled city, where you can appreciate the antique, modern city and visit its most representative monuments such as the Popa Convent, the San Felipe Fort and the Monument to the “Old Shoes”, acompanied by an English speaking specialized tour guide who will offer you complete information about the history of each of these sites. Moreover, you may discover on a short walk, the colonial enchantment of the old city’s streets, be seduced by its balconies adorned with a profusion of colorful flowers, and the charm which characterizes its different plazas. Includes: ground transport, museum entry fees, English speaking professional tour guide, refreshments, lunch. Recommendations: lightweight clothing, sunglasses, appropriate walking shoes, sun block, hat. Departure: 5:00 a.m. Return: 6:00 p.m.
As always,
vigilant and imposing before the passing trade-winds,
Cabo de la Vela rises up haughtily before the face of
its visitors, who, astonished at the softness of its
sands, walk toward the aquamarine sea. There, among its
waves, they seek to maintain the bewitchment of their
dreams. Located in the Guajira department, in the
northern zone of Colombia, the Cape comes with reddish
sand beaches at the shore of the Caribbean Sea. The stay
includes hammocks to spend the night, a typical
restaurant and a visit to a neighboring Wayúu
settlement. You may sleep in hammocks or Guajira chinchorros, beneath a palm-leaf structure which
allows you to enjoy the breeze which accompanies the
sound of the waves. The Wayúu culture, settlers of this gentle region whose inhabitants revere the zone as a sacred place, is firmly rooted in its traditions. Legend tells us that when a Wayúu dies, his soul inhabits this territory; therefore they care for and respect the land. You will visit el Faro and the Pilón de Azúcar, active participants of the exotic scenery, which you can access them by enjoyable hikes, a dare for those who are lovers of scenery and the challenges of nature. Includes: ground transport, English speaking professional tour guide, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, refreshments, lodging at the settlement in individual hammocks, Park entry fees. Recommendations: lightweight clothing for the excursion, and for sleeping we recommend pants and a sweater to keep warm during the cold night, insect repellent, sun block, bathing suit, comfortable shoes, beach towel, hat, sunglasses, cash, identity documents. We alsorecommend not carrying valuable objects, air tickets or important documents. REFRAIN FROM EATING: Shrimp, lobster, sierra, barracuda, bonito, salads. It is preferable to eat: a whole, small fish, such as pargo or mojarra and drinks in a bottle Level of difficulty: I Departure: 4:30 a.m. Return: 4:00 p.m. (the following day)
Quebrada Valencia, a cascade of crystalline waters near the bay of Santa Marta, located an hour from the city, on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, is the perfect spot for enjoying the charm of this mountainous system. Here we can observe beautiful cascades of crystalline waters which between rocks and cracks offer an unequaled spectacle. This natural waterfall comes from the Sierra Nevada, forming a series of pools or natural swimming pools, appropriate for a refreshing swim. There are spectacular pools, some of shallow depth for a tranquil and relaxing dip, others deeper and inviting. We will observe the cascades which fall from pool to pool as though irrigating the rocks which adorn their natural beauty. This natural area is surrounded by exotic vegetation and plantations of diverse fruit typical of the region, thanks to the agreeable climate in the zone. Includes: ground transport, English speaking professional tour guide, refreshments, snack, entry fees to the Reserve. Recommendations: lightweight clothing, insect repellent, sun block, bathing suit, beach towel, extra change of clothing, tennis shoes or wet shoes. Level of difficulty: I - II Departure: 9:00 a.m. Return: 4:00 p.m.
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of this work and
the magnitude of the labor its construction implied for the
Indians. In all there are 160 terraces of different dimensions,
almost 200 blocks of surface, accompanied by 22 dwelling rings
and a series of retaining walls half a meter in width, and a
system of drains and cornices which have permitted Ciudad Perdida to sustain itself in the presence of attacks by erosion.
Includes:
ground transport, entry fee to
the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, English speaking
professional tour guide, refreshments. Recommendations:
sun block, lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes,
sunglasses, hat.
culture. There, one seems to hear a light conversation
between the river and the wind in the trees. There is a
whole choir of natural voices, hidden by the road that
leads to this village today denominated the ecological
capital of the Sierra Nevada. Located 700 meters above
sea level, with a temperature that varies between 17º C
and 27º C, it is easy to observe how the blue tones of
the sky turn varying shades of gray. The village
recreates the picturesque life of its inhabitants,
settlers charged with harmony and a sense of belonging
by the land that precedes Colombia’s highest seaside
mountain range.
