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.

Visit to Q’eqchi Indigenous River Community
Tour Code: SST-2265
Duration: 6 hours
Retail Value: $199.00
Price: $99.00

Discover the Mayan way of life along the Tatin River, and the generosity of the non-profit organization that made it all possible during this memorable visit to the Q'eqchi indigenous river community.

Depart the pier aboard a 30-passenger boat (fitted for 15), and proceed for the ride towards Rio Dulce; an area of exquisite natural beauty that serves as a sanctuary to a variety of aquatic birds and wildlife. Upon arrival, you will visit Ak' Tenamit, a Maya Q'eqchi community development located on the Tatin River.

Ak' Tenamit is a non-profit organization founded in 1992 by American visionary Steve Dudenhoefer. This successful volunteer-supported operation helps with the sustained development and recuperation of the Mayan culture within the Q'eqchi villages of Rio Dulce. Ak' Tenamit provides assistance to more than 9,000 people that were displaced as a result of land reform and violence stemming from the civil war of 1963-1996. These people have been relocated to 45 villages in this area.

Ak' Tenamit conducts programs on education, crafts, health, organic agriculture, eco-tourism, community development, gender equality, and more. Its headquarters is divided between the north side of the Rio Dulce Canyon, where the first school was built and a floating dental clinic is stationed, and the Tatin River, where an ecological footpath through the forest, arts and crafts shop, a restaurant and second school has been established. Ak' Tenamit uses computer-based tutorial learning to empower rural students to be successful in their own rural setting. During your visit, you will be served a local snack and have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs made by local artisans.

Next, you will continue across the river to the opposite bank, and sail past a mangrove lagoon and water lilies for an opportunity to learn how Q'eqchi villagers live. En route, you will see the headquarters on the north side of the Rio Dulce Canyon.

Following your visit, you will proceed to Livingston's Villa Caribe Hotel for lunch accompanied by a performance of Garifuna music and dancing. After lunch, you will embark the boat for the return ride to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a 30-minute walk in the jungle. Embarking the small boats requires guests to be agile enough to bend and climb, and endure a bumpy boat ride. Guests may get wet during the boat ride. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and comfortable walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and sunglasses 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.