We are situated in a farming valley just a 5 minute walk from the entrance of Parque Internacional
La Amistad, a magnificent park shared with Costa Rica. At an elevation of 2,000 m (6,500 ft.)
the climate is spring-like year round. Trails take you along mountain streams
and through giant oak forests where the magnificent Resplendent Quetzals commonly nest.
"We are retired naturalists/biologists with a passion for the biodiversity of the tropics.
Being from northern climes, we
wanted the cooler temperatures of
the cloudforest. After experiencing the over-visitation of cloudforest in Costa Rica, we looked to Panama which is
yet largely undiscovered by tourists. We discovered our property while hiking in the area and we purchased it in 2005.
A former potato field, bordered by forest and stream, it is now a lush and peaceful retreat.
The highly sought-after Resplendent Quetzal nests within 15 minutes walk
of our house and often visits our yard to feed. This is a birder's paradise!"
Owners
LOCATION: Volcan, Chiriqui, Republic of Panama, Central America (1 hour flight Panama City to David, then 1.5 hour drive).
ACCOMMODATIONS: House, 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath (sleeps 4).
The area is particularly attractive to naturalists and birdwatchers. Local guides, knowledgeable in the natural and human history, are available. A 15 minute drive down a recently paved road takes you to the small town of Cerro Punta and a further 15 minutes to Volcan where you will find grocery stores, bakeries and a good variety of restaurants.
The area is best accessed via a one hour flight from Panama City to David where a car can be rented for the 1.5 hour drive to the mountains. Situated on a small, picturesque lot with a stream and waterfall, the house is 1,100 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms, one bath and is fully and comfortably furnished, including a completely equipped kitchen.
Some of the Chiriqui highlands birding locations include:
Talamanca Endemic Bird Area (EBA,) includes the Volcan Baru National Park and La Amistad International Park, The Volcan Lagunas Wetland is one of the best birding area, The western region of Santa Clara, about 40 kms. (25 miles) from the town of Volcan, La Fuente (Volcan community park with a spring and pond).
In addition to hiking and birdwatching in the park, during a stay of 3 days to a week you will find many other interesting activities such as Dracula Orchid Farm (an internationally known orchid breeder), Volcan Baru National Park, Barilles Archaeological Site and white water rafting on the Chiriqui Viejo River. Carinthia dairy farm, Haras Cerro Punta (offer tours of their pure breed horse ranch), Arte Cruz (wood carving and handicrafts), Janson Family Coffee (learn how coffee is processed and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee), Vino Don Coba (natural tropical fruit wine), Truchas Bambito (fish or buy fresh Rainbow Trout), Finca Guardia (horse ranch and trail riding). Or, you can just relax on the property and enjoy the expansive view from the comfort of the living room. Many bird species visit the ‘back yard’ and cloud forest specialists such as American Dipper, Torrent Tyrannulet and Black-faced Solitaire are seen almost daily.
You can easily combine a few days at La Amistad Cloudforest Retreat with an extended itinerary including the beach (Pacific or Atlantic), Bocas del Toro, the Panama Canal area and Panama City.
RENTAL FEATURES:
Amenities: Washer and dryer / Iron and ironing board / Covered parking
Wood Fireplace: Lots of firewood and kindling
Beds: 2 Queen Beds (one Queen Bed in each bedroom)
Entertainment: TV (no Cable / Satellite) / DVD / Video library
Kitchen: Full kitchen / Cooking utensils provided (some assorted spices available) / Refrigerator / Microwave
Outdoor Features: Balcony / Lanai / Gas-Electric BBQ Grill / Charcoal BBQ Grill
View-Location: The property is private and bordered by a mountain stream and forest
Communications: Internet is available
Suitability: Not suitable for children / No pets / No smoking
Nearby activities: Hiking / Wildlife viewing / Restaurants / Archaeological site / Rafting
RATE DETAILS (in US Dollars)
Feb., Mar., Apr. (dry season, nesting of Resplendant Quetzals):
$85.00 / night
May/June & Dec/Jan. (shoulder season):
$70.00 / night
July - Nov. (green season):
$60.00 / night
Monthly:
$1,000.00 / month
- Maximum of 4 in house
- 3 night minimum stay
- 7th night free
- Dates availabe:
Year Round
- Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice
Before contacting us, please check OUR CALENDAR for your desired dates.
