Your Guide to the Playa Escondida Area

Playa Escondida has direct access to a beautiful golden-sand Caribbean beach. The sea is generally calm, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The best snorkeling spots are right in front of the property and toward the east side of the beach, where you'll find corals and tropical fish. We recommend bringing your own snorkel gear or borrowing ours. The sunsets over the palm trees are spectacular.

Portobelo is just a 20-minute drive and is a must-visit. The 17th-century Spanish fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss Fort San Jerónimo, the Royal Customs House, and the Black Christ church. The town has local restaurants with fresh seafood at very affordable prices ($8-15). The Black Christ Festival in October draws thousands of pilgrims. You can also take a boat from Portobelo to nearby islands for snorkeling.

The Caribbean area has a more relaxed pace than the city. Local shops carry basic supplies, but we recommend doing major shopping in Panama City before arriving. Cell signal works well at the property (Tigo and +Móvil have good coverage). For internet, the property has WiFi. Electricity is stable. We recommend using insect repellent at dusk. Bottled water is available at the property and local shops.