Jetsettersblog

The Guatemala Tourist Board has launched a programme to attract more visitors to the Peten region in the north of the country through the development of new facilities and the promotion of tourism products such as the Carmelita-El Mirador circuit or the new Maya Trek. The region is home to the Maya Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected area in Guatemala occupying 19% of the national territory, as well as important Maya sites like Tikal.

The tourist board is working with the town of San Andres in the Peten distict to build new tourist facilities in the community of Carmelita, which is the starting point for the Carmelita-El Mirador tourist circuit. Visitors will be able to find information about this route to plan their visit, and also learn more about the area’s outstanding natural environment, its people and their way of life.

The Carmelita-El Mirador Circuit is a two-day hike through the jungle of the Maya Biosphere Reserve to reach El Mirador, the largest Maya city discovered to date (and a two-day hike back). El Mirador National Park features two major architectural groups: the Tiger Complex, which includes a large 60-metre high pyramid with a base of 58,000 square metres, surrounded by two smaller ones; and La Danta Complex, which reaches a height of 75 metres and stands out at the top of a hill. A visit to El Mirador National Park itself requires a minimum of three hours to explore the different Maya monuments and roads as well as the Maya Biosphere. There are also other smaller Maya sites in the area worth visiting such as El Tintal, La Florida and La Wakna.

Another innovative way of exploring the area is the recently launched Maya Trek, a 3-day adventure through the Maya Biosphere Reserve which takes visitors through different archaeological sites and protected natural spaces between the community of Cruce de dos Aguas and Tikal National Park. The 50km trek follows the Buenavista Valley, one of the main commercial routes in the Pre-Classic and Classic Maya Periods (from 800BC to 1200AD), controlled from the city of El Zotz.

Besides Tikal, the Maya Biosphere Reserve includes many other archaeological sites of interest such as Yaxha, PIedras Negras, Nakum, El Ceibal, Uaxactun, Aguateca and Dos Pilas

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Antigua, Guatemala- Discerning travelers looking to slip away to a novel destination at a true value should check out the El Convento Boutique Hotel in Antigua, Guatemala’s 1,2,3 Sale. Book a suite at the exquisitely charming El Convento Boutique Hotel now through September and save 15% off your second night and 25% off your third night.

Travelers with an appetite for a novel experience will adore the buffet of options in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua. Whether you want to climb a volcano, stroll along cobblestone streets, visit myriad churches, convents and cathedrals or simply enjoy alone time in a boutique hotel seeped in culture and luxury, El Convento Boutique Hotel in Antigua, Guatemala has endless options to fill four days with history, culture and adventure.

TripAdvisors 2014 Travelers’ Choice Award in Guatemala for TopTen Hotels in Romance and Small Hotels, El Convento features 26 spacious exquisitely decorated suites drawing upon the rich history and culture of the region. Each of the suites is individually designed, some with beamed ceilings and with a private garden or terrace with views of the volcanoes. This charming hotel is located on a cobblestone street across from the legendary Capuchinas Convento. Many rooms are within close range from the Parque Central, La Merced Church and Antigua Cathedral. The boutique hotel also features a lovely rooftop, perfect for dining under the stars,

Antigua, Guatemala is called land of eternal spring for its consistent spring-like climate. Visitors can enjoy 75 degrees all year round so honeymooners can count on sun-filled days. Direct flights are available from major cities including NY, LA, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas making post-wedding travel planning easy and direct.

El Convento Boutique Hotel also was awarded the Most Excellent Hotel in Mexico and Central America by Conde Nast Johansens in 2013, in addition to earning TripAdvisor’s coveted 2014 and 2013 Traveler’s Choice award. El Convento Boutique Hotel features 26 spacious guest rooms with flat screen TVs and free WIFI , two lounges areas, two restaurants, a wine cellar and gated guest parking. For more information, check out
www.elconventoantigua.com

Tucan Travel have released a new nine day Group Tour to Costa Rica to add to their large range of Central America Group Tours. The Tortuguero Costa begins and ends in San Jose and visits La Fortuna where guests can hike in the hills around Arenal Volcano, Tortuguero National Park where it is possible to watch turtles lay eggs and hatching on the beach and Cahuita National Park, known for its coral reefs, rainforest and black sand beaches.
This nine day Group Tour is perfect for those limited for time but want to catch a glimpse of the country’s most popular highlights. The Group Tour departs every other week, staying in 3* accommodation and comes with an affordable price tag of just £699 or £78 per day.

Matt Gannan, CEO of Tucan Travel commented, “We have seen Costa Rica grow in popularity over the last few years with its impressive dedication to responsible travel, diverse wildlife and wide range of activities available to all types of traveller. We are very pleased to be able to offer affordable tours of the country for everyone.”

The first departure date for this tour is in November, just in time to enjoy the warm winter weather over the Christmas period.

Experience this historic, engineering marvel as it commemorates its first century while getting to know amazing “Crossroads of America” with Truly Panama’s dynamic collection of boutique tour packages.

Panama City, Panama – Experience the Panama Canal at its century mark of changing the course of history with a dynamic collection of boutique tours by Truly Panama, a sustainable travel tour introducing the world to the wonders of this culturally rich “Crossroads of America.”

Several of Truly Panama’s unforgettable tours showcase the famed waterway, which took more than three decades to construct and connect two oceans, along with other areas of this culturally rich “Crossroads of America.” These include:

Full Day City Tour

Visit the Panama Canal Interoceanic Museum in Casco Antiguo, an UNESCO historic site commonly called the walled city. Discover the intriguing history and construction of the Canal at the visitor center located at the Miraflores Locks. Watch giant ships on their journey, see how the locks operate, and hear about future plans to expand and transform the canal. This tour includes a visit to Old Panama, founded in 1519 and looted by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671.

Canal and Train Ride Adventure

Take a scenic train ride to the Colon province and visit the Gatun Locks. Observe the mechanical operations on the Atlantic side and watch in awe as large vessels travel through the narrow canal, flanked by lush jungle on either side. Visit Fort San Lorenzo, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO, before journeying by train back to the city, going from one ocean to another through the Panama Canal Riviera.

Eco Tour Gatun Lake

Enjoy an amazing boat ride on Gatun Lake, which was the largest man-made lake in the world when it was created and carries ships for 21 miles of the transit across the Panama Canal. See the lush, surrounding rainforest and navigate close to massive ships as they wait to cross the Canal. Discover the area’s unique species of birds, monkeys and iguanas, among other local wildlife.

Partial Canal Transit

Navigate across the Pedro Miguel locks as you learn about the canal’s engineering, its expansion and the new Centennial Bridge. On route, admire beautiful Panama bay and the city skyline and sail under the Bridge of the Americas. Once in the Pacific you will disembark in the Flamenco Marina and transported back to you hotel.

Panama is fast gaining popularity among travelers for its rich culture, bio-diverse, protected natural environment, stable government, friendly, safe and affordable communities and idyllic, hurricane-free weather. Truly Panama creates unique experiences and memories with top-of-the-line services and expertise, offering more than two dozen unique tours in this amazing country. These range from canal excursions to rainforest, mountain and island adventures. Truly Panama can also craft custom packages and luxury yacht charters upon request. The eco-friendly company was founded by Jonathan Zelcer and his team of tourism professionals with solid domestic and international experience in the luxury hospitality industry.

For more information, call (507) 398-0541 or e-mail reservations@trulypanama.com

Costa Rica’s “Little Summer” Offers Unprecedented Wildlife Viewing at Great Value

Wildlife is abundant –and so are the savings — when travelers reap the rewards of Costa Rica’s “Little Summer” in July.

Because of a little-known weather phenomenon that in-the-know wildlife lovers keep to themselves, July is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica. The secret lies in the early rains of May and June, which cause an abundance of flowering trees and fruits that attract the most abundant wildlife of the year. This coincides with a break in the rainy season called “veranito” (“little summer”) that offers ideal wildlife-viewing conditions.

Wild Planet Adventures’ Ultimate Wildlife Eco Tour offers the most value in Costa Rica, as much as twice the value per day of most other competitive tour operators. Prices begin at $343 per person, per day, for a 9-day, 10-day or 14-day wildlife eco-tour including all meals (rare in any itinerary) and no low-value “free days.” (This means travelers don’t have to shell out more bucks for activities on those days because all activities are included.)

With so much included some might think this tour was designed with lots of high volume/low cost filler. In fact the opposite is true. This award-winning wildlife eco-tour is packed with unique and exclusive wildlife activities and remote destinations starting with wildlife viewing in an astounding eight national parks and wildlife reserves.

Highlights on both coasts include Cahuita, Arenal, Monteverde, Carara, Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks. The diverse wildlife activities are suitable for travelers of all ages and skill levels and include whitewater rafting, canopy tours, beaches on both coasts, volcanoes, hot springs, sea-kayaking with dolphins, snorkeling at night in the bioluminescence, a scarlet macaw migration and much more.

Tourist dollars on this itinerary also support wildlife conservation, with visits to the world-famous Sloth Sanctuary where Wild Planet’s guest can meet over 100 unbelievably cute rescued sloths, and Proyecto Asis, a hands-on wildlife rescue center where travelers can interact with wildlife. Wild Planet includes high-end naturalist and biologist guides, and interactions with animals, wildlife experts and scientific researchers. Mid/upscale lodging includes one-of-a-kind rainforest and jungle lodges.

Smart savings, coupled with Wild Planet’s unique itinerary and exclusive access, provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the wildlife of Costa Rica with true wildlife experts who have 23 years of experience in Costa Rica. Wild Planet offers four departures in July to take advantage of this extraordinary wildlife viewing season.

For a detailed itinerary, compelling wildlife photo and video galleries and booking information, visit http://www.wildplanetadventures.com / or contact trips@wildplanetadventures.com

About Wild Planet Adventures

The editors of National Geographic Traveler announced in April 2014 that the wildlife specialty tour operator Wild Planet Adventures received its fifth “World’s Best 50 Trips” award from National Geographic Traveler.

The expert wildlife guides of Wild Planet Adventures go the extra mile to explore remote wildlife habitat and study wildlife patterns in destinations not often accessible to the general public. Thanks to the company’s comprehensive itineraries that balance diverse and complex ecosystems and habitats, guests enjoy wildlife and game viewing that is carefully aligned with animals’ seasonal, daily and nocturnal migrations.

Following a philosophy that interacting with nature has the power to transform lives, tours are conducted in Africa, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is recognized by top publications in the travel industry for its itineraries that combine intimate encounters with wildlife and local culture.

For a more information and a complimentary 2014 catalog call toll-free 1.800.990.4376, or e-mail: trips@wildplanetadventures.com . To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com

-Collette’s newly enhanced land-based tour brings travelers to less-explored sites-

An engineering marvel once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Panama Canal will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its opening on August 15 this year, an ideal time for travelers to explore the diverse culture of Panama, the “Crossroads of the Americas.”

Beyond the impressive locks, true explorers will find the mountainous region of the Anton Valley, vast rainforest, verdant tropical gardens, UNESCO World Heritage sites in vibrant Panama City, and Buenaventura’s white sandy beaches, are ripe for discovery during Collette’s nine-day Discover Panama program. With departures from May 2014 through April 2015, the tour is priced beginning at $1,699, land only, per person, double occupancy.

Among the tour highlights is a partial transit cruise through the Canal aboard the Pacific Queen. Travelers begin at the north end of Gaillard Cut, which was carved through the Continental Divide, pass through the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks, and see the Centennial Bridge and the Bridge of the Americas, the only roads crossing the Panama Canal. Additional highlights include:

· Gamboa – Travelers begin their Panama journey with three relaxing nights in a deluxe river view room, complete with balcony and hammock, at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, idyllically located for guided nature walks through the resort’s rainforest and gardens and a trip by dugout canoe to an Emberá village to learn about their traditional indigenous culture.

· Anton Valley – In the mountains, nestled inside the second-largest volcanic crater in the world is the community of the Anton Valley, where guests will stay at the Los Mandarinos Hotel, a family-owned boutique property. Guests will explore local handicraft markets, the Museum El Valle, a non-profit orchid nursery that houses more than 100 varieties, and the El Nispero Zoo, home to a large selection of animals endemic to Panama.

· Playa Blanca – With accommodations at the JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort in Buenaventura, guests can enjoy a day of leisure with a choice of water adventures, a round of golf, spa treatments and more.

· Panama City – Guests will visit the Panama Viejo Visitors’ Center and Cathedral Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore the ruins of the oldest Spanish settlement on the Pacific, and walk the cobblestoned streets of Casco Antiguo, the Old Quarter – another UNESCO World Heritage site which showcases the Plaza de la Independencia, the Presidential Palace and the National Theater.

With easy access from many gateways, the ability to use U.S. dollars and value-packed rates during high season, Collette’s Discover Panama tour is an ideal opportunity for immersion into this vibrant and somewhat unexplored country, while sharing in the historic milestone of the Panama Canal.

For more information on the Discover Panama tour, contact a travel agent, or call 1-800-340-5158, or visit www.gocollette.com

About Collette

With a passion for travel since 1918, Collette is a major worldwide tour operator that offers more than 150 tours to destinations on all seven continents. It is a third generation, family-owned company headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, with additional divisions in Canada and the United Kingdom. With a wide collection of land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group travel, family tours, religious programs and garden holidays, Collette provides its guests with cultural experiences that go far beyond a vacation. Its knowledgeable Tour Managers, an industry-leading travel protection plan, and roundtrip home to airport sedan service are some of the many ways Collette handles all the details, allowing its guests to simply sit back and enjoy the adventure.

Learn more at www.gocollette.com , follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, and view tour videos on YouTube.

The desire for adventure travel vacations is on the rise, worldwide. Even though it seems like all the travel-worthy places are overrun by visitors, WANT Expeditions will take your family to a unique destination without the throng of tourists surrounding you. The company creates custom, conservation-oriented itineraries for groups of no more than 15 adventure-seekers that provide authentic experiences across the globe. Immerse yourself in a different culture and give your kids something to rave about when you get back home. Here are several locations your whole family will enjoy:

Grey Whale Migration and Whale Sharks in Baja
Jan 24-Jan 31, 2015
Spend the first part of your trip on a quiet, sandy beach at a private camp in Magdalena Bay while the Pacific Gray Whales pass by – some will even stop to say hello. Then head to the Sea of Cortez side of Baja where you can swim or snorkel with whale sharks and sea lions. Add more adventure to your days with multiple options, including: kayaking tours through the mangrove forest, nature walks through the sand dunes and swimming among the migrating sea life. Limited Space Available!

Costa Rica Wildlife Safari
Jan 25-Feb 4, 2015
From oceans to rainforests, agutis to toucans, Costa Rica offers a paradise for everyone, especially nature lovers! Paddle through the rainforest in a canoe then explore the forest on foot. Go wildlife viewing on horseback before taking a relaxing dip in the Ecotermales Hot Springs. Venture out on daily hikes in several national parks, through lush forests and mountain landscapes with a great view of the volcanoes on clear days. At night, witness the lava flowing down Volcano Arenal and be sure to take your camera. Enjoy the thrill of zip-lining through the trees and, if you wish, spend your last day trying watersports or sunbathing on the beach.

Galapagos Islands Yacht Cruise
April 12-April 20, 2015
Spend a week on a private catamaran with only a small group of adventure-seekers; with fewer people, everyone receives an unparalleled experience on and off shore. You will make stops at places like North Seymour, Darwin Bay, the Highlands of Santa Cruz and Floreana to see Blue Footed Boobies, Short-eared Owls, Waved Albatrosses and many other rare, beautiful creatures native to these islands. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, the oldest scientific research station on the archipelago, where they raise a variety of species until they’re strong enough to survive on their own.

East Africa Wildlife Safari
June 15-June 25, 2015
Combine two of the most breathtaking natural phenomena into one trip – the wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park and witnessing the majestic, snow-capped Kilimanjaro. You will also get to experience other natural gems like Lake Nakuru in Kenya and the famous Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. Enjoy daily game drives in the African bush, spotting rhino, impala, wildebeest, zebra, lion and countless other wild animal species. On the last full day, hike to Mandara Hut on Kilimanjaro and keep your eyes peeled for Black and White Colobus Monkeys.

Greener Pastures: The Globe’s Top Five Luxury Farm Stays

As the farm-to-table movement grows in popularity, people are becoming more mindful about how food – the very soul of our existence – ultimately gets to our plates. Recognizing this surge of interest in sustainable produce and cultivation, a number of working farms around the world have created unique travel experiences that provide guests with the chance not only to relax, but also to learn about and connect with local food sources.

HotelsCombined.com, the award-winning hotel price comparison site, recently combed through its database of more than 800,000 properties to select five truly outstanding farm stays offering the ultimate in both luxury and agritourism:

Blackberry Farm, Tennessee, USA

The way the story goes is that back in 1939, Mrs. Florida Lasier of Chicago snagged her silk stocking on a blackberry bramble whilst exploring the idyllic Smoky Mountain Foothills – thus the name of Blackberry Farm was born. Today the farm’s 4,200 acres is home to one of the most luxurious hotels the world over. Guests can enjoy all the trappings of a high-end property while indulging in the ambrosial simplicities of the farm: on the menu, there’s wildflower honey, fresh eggs, artisan cheeses and a variety of heirloom vegetables galore. In addition to the beautiful suites, cottages and dining venue, the 18th century Amish barn hosts several culinary programs including cheese and wine tastings and cooking demonstrations. Guests can be as hands-on as they wish, getting their hands dirty in the gardens or simply lounging around in the comfort of the property’s sumptuous lodgings.

Photo: http://press.hotelscombined.com/images/Blackberry Farm.jpg

Eckington Manor, UK

This charming, award-winning restored property encompasses a farm, orchard and vegetable and herb gardens. The fifteen en-suite boutique bedrooms available to guests are furnished with designer furniture, elegant light fittings and large, comfortable beds dressed in Italian cotton linens. The manor lies along 260-acres of water meadow pasture and boasts a stunning natural landscape. Visitors can roam the surrounding footpaths to spot a multitude of colourful bird species or can even be present at the births of resident lambs and calves. The property’s onsite restaurant sources most of its ingredients, including grass-fed beef, directly from the farm.

Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate, New Zealand

Set upon 5,000 acres of breathtaking New Zealand countryside, the Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate has operated as a working farm since the mid-1800s. Large herds of sheep, cattle and lamb roam the grounds and the various rooms in the main lodge offer up unique experiences – from open, breezy lounges to more intimate areas decked with over-sized fireplaces. In the Main Lounge, guests can cozy up on plush couches or plop into an armchair with a good book. Thirteen cottages offer dramatic vistas of the farm and are appointed with deep sofas, heated marble floors and pebble mosaics. Plenty of explorations are available to guests as well and range from touring the orchard and gardens to hiking and mountain biking.

Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge, Nicaragua

Few hotels will connect you to nature’s simplicities like Morgan’s Rock. This 4,000-acre expanse of Nicaraguan jungle houses a low-impact working farm, which produces vegetables, meat, dairy and even shrimp. Guests can lend a hand collecting eggs and milking cows or can simply enjoy a rustic meal overlooking the sea. Fifteen beach bungalows constructed from natural materials rest privately under the jungle’s thick foliage and offer beautiful ocean views. The lodge has a variety of adventurous excursions to choose from, but for those who are most interested in the workings of the farm, the “Breakfast at the Farm” tour is a great option. Guests get to participate in every step of preparation for the morning meal – from pounding the freshly-picked corn into homemade tortillas, to sourcing milk and eggs from the respective animals.

Babylonstoren, South Africa

This charming property houses 12 luxurious guest suites reminiscent of Cape Dutch farm buildings. Whitewashed walls adorned with ornate gables and thatched roofs exude a sense of calm on this peaceful 200-hectare working farm. Guests are welcome to join in on the harvesting, pruning, planting and picking of fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices. Guided (or unguided) tours of the property run daily. Whether canoeing on the farm dam, cycling through the estate’s vineyards and orchards or strolling along the property’s stream flanked with 7,000 bush lilies, this South African gem serves up a truly serene holiday experience. A highlight and must-do for anyone staying at Babylonstoren is to dine at the onsite restaurant. The food here is farm-fresh and impeccably prepared. Breakfast is a treat in itself with fresh fruit and pressed juices, homemade mueslis, creamy yoghurts and farm honey.

About HotelsCombined:

HotelsCombined is the world’s leading hotel price comparison site, allowing travellers to find the best prices from all the best travel sites in one search. More than 300 million people every year use the free service to find the best prices for over 800,000 hotels in 120,000 destinations across the world. HotelsCombined is available in over 40 languages and delivers prices in 120 currencies. Established in Australia in 2005, HotelsCombined is Australian-owned and employs more than 200 people both domestically and internationally.

Truly Panama Announces New Culture & Nature Package

Truly Get to Know this Amazing “Crossroads of America” with 10-Night Panama Tour Package Offering a Panoramic View of the Country’s Rich Cultural, Historical and Natural Diversity.

Panama City, Panama – Discover the multifaceted cultural and natural beauty found at the “Crossroads of America” with an exciting new tour package offered by Truly Panama, a sustainable travel tour company that has garnered enthusiastic praise since launching operations last year.

The 10 Nights Panama Culture & Nature package introduces travelers to the historical and architectural wonders of Panama City, the traditional customs and crafts of Panama’s charming pre-Columbian villages, the pristine natural beauty and diverse wildlife of its lush tropical rainforests and scenic highlands, and the blissful relaxation of one of its top beach resorts.

“We’re excited to introduce this package,” said Truly Panama founder and president Jonathan Zelcer. “With its focus on culture, tradition and nature, it’s an ideal blend for those who really want to get to know Panama.”

The Panama Culture & Nature Close-Up package, priced from $2,477 per person plus taxes (based on double occupancy and a minimum of 4 adults age 13+), also offers a perfect balance of discovery and relaxation in its itinerary:

DAY 1

Arrive in Panama City, where one of our representatives will meet you. Take a ground transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2

Highlights of Panama City

Visit the historic city of Old Panama, the Panama Canal Interoceanic Museum in Casco Antiguo, and discover the charms of this area commonly called the walled city. Discover the history and the construction of the Canal at the Miraflores Locks visitor center. Watch ship transit and learn how the locks operate.

DAY 3

EMBERA

Visit an Embera indigenous village and experience its music and traditional dances before riding by canoe down a beautiful tropical river. Lunch included.

DAY 4

RAINFOREST ADVENTURE

Hike the lush trails of Soberania National Park, observing its resident hummingbirds, sloths, anteaters and trogons, and ascend our 40-meter tower to spot the famous blue cotinga and toucans. Glide across glistening Gatun Lake, passing curious rainforest monkeys, iguanas, birds and other local wildlife, and watch massive ships wait to cross the Canal.

DAY 5

TRANSFER TO CHITRE

Journey to the heart and soul of Panamanian culture in the province of Herrera, where inhabitants of the Azuero Peninsula proudly display and celebrate their traditions and folklore.

DAY 6

THE BEST OF AZUERO

Discover the region’s unique traditions and industries, learning how the locals produce sugarcane, salt, clay and bread and meet an elder craftswoman who creates Pollera, the typical dress of the Panamanian women, considered by many one of the most beautiful costumes in the world.

DAY 7

THE HERRERA HIGHLANDS

Explore the Herrera Highlands, another area rich with indigenous groups in the pre-Columbian era. Visit the most important wildlife refuge in the province, local artisans and growers of the region’s wide variety of orchids. Trek through the El Montuoso Forest Reserve, known as the “The Lung of Azuero.” Discover mysterious petroglyphs and the origin of the La Villa River to take a refreshing swim in the midst of the woods.

DAY 8

TRANSFER TO THE BEACH

Arrive at beautiful JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort Resort for 4 days of leisure to enjoying the beach in total relaxation.

DAY 9

leisure on your own

Take the time to relax and enjoy a variety of activities the hotel offers.

DAY 10

VISIT TO EL VALLE DE ANTON AND TRANSFER BACK TO PANAMA CITY

After checking out from the hotel our staff will pick you up to transfer you to the city. On our way we will visit the beautiful town of El Valle de Anton, an extinguished Volcano Crater once one of the largest in the world.

Private transfer back to the international airport.

Panama is fast gaining popularity among travelers for its rich culture, bio-diverse, protected natural environment, stable government, friendly, safe and affordable communities and idyllic, hurricane-free weather. Truly Panama offers more than two dozen unique tours in this amazing country, ranging from canal excursions to rainforest, mountain and island adventures. Truly Panama can also craft custom packages and luxury yacht charters upon request. The eco-friendly company was founded by Jonathan Zelcer and his team of tourism professionals with solid domestic and international experience in the luxury hospitality industry.

For more information, call (507) 398-0541 or e-mail reservations@trulypanama.com

HOPKINS, Belize – Imagine walking down a winding pathway imprinted with leaves, through tropical vegetation, past chattering parrots and fragrant orchids to find a set of wooden stairs. Now look up. Sitting on stilts 12+ feet above the earth is a private cabana, set amidst the trees awaiting its guests. Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort has created a magical, intimate place where travelers can escape and enjoy the lush jungle of Belize in their secret hideaway, yet be a minute’s walk away from the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Hamanasi introduced the treehouses in its opening year – the first resort in Belize to offer these innovative accommodations – and is currently the only one to build them beachside.

Today, the award-winning boutique resort offers 13 secluded treehouses nestled in the dense coastal forest, surrounded by tall trees, lush gardens and a plethora of birdlife. The best part? These private cabanas are freestanding structures so there are no other guests above, below or beside to detract from the peaceful environment.

As the first beach resort in Belize to be Green Globe Certified by the Belize Tourism Board, Hamanasi is committed to protecting the surrounding ecosystems and removes as few trees from their property as possible. Because of this, guests get to experience “nature’s air conditioners” and connect up close with the flora and fauna – including chachalacas, trogans, iguanas, agoutis, cocoplums and more – that call those trees home.

Eight treehouse units boast eight-foot long verandas and nearly 500 square feet of interior space, with either one king-size bed made from tropical hardwood trees or two mahogany queen beds. Honeymooners may opt for one of the five Deluxe Treehouses, which feature a wrap-around veranda with a Jacuzzi. All units include air conditioning, ceiling fans, louvered windows and full-size futon couches.

Hamanasi is a convenient home base for exploring the Best of Belize on and offshore – from climbing Mayan ruins and the hiking in the Jaguar Preserve to diving Glover’s Reef Atoll and snorkeling the reefs of the second longest barrier reef in the world. Even so, travelers may decide the best part is actually the haven they call home while in paradise. For more information on the resort and their treehouse accommodations, please visit www.hamanasi.com