Changes in Latitude

Las Lajas is the best family beach in Chiriqui.

Las Lajas Beach Resort has a sublime location, good facilities, and peaceful vistas in every direction.

This delightful little hotel has 12 rooms and a suite. The restaurant and bar are wonderful.  The food is delicious. The management and staff are warm and attentive. Lize de Garcia hails from Amsterdam and her husband, Gama Garcia Carrera, is from Panama.

Together they run Cocaleca Tours providing activities such  nature hikes, horeseback riding, Guaymi culture tours, boat tours, and rental of equipment for the beach.  Lize recommends the hills behind the mangrove for those who are comfortable on horses.  It is one of her favorites.  The Guaymi visit takes you to an indigenous family’s home with a waterfall behind the house that provides a swimming hole.  Lize recommends the Guaymi tour “because of its pureness and the women are so happy to have a possibility to sell their handy crafts”  (indigenous dresses, handmade bags, hats).

Access is by a very good road from San Felix, just two hours from Boquete.  The beach slopes very gently; you can walk on soft sand for a long time before its time to swim.  The beach runs for 22 kms and provides views of islands, many sea birds, and sweet waves.  The beauty here has not been trampled by crowds, mega resorts, or the over development common on beaches closer to Panama City.

This resort is owned by Peter McNamee and Scot Arnolds from San Francisco, where they run a pizza business. Susan & Jonathon are your contacts in reception.  In the bar and restaurant you’ll be taken good care of by Julio, Reinaldo, Jorge & Tracy.

A serene setting is created by low tide leaving 500 meters of beach, one of the largest pure sand beaches in Panama. There is very little undertow so this beach is perfect for children riding boogie boards. This tranquil hideaway is a must for visitors to Chiriqui. There are many hammocks to choose from. Bring a good book, grab a fruity cocktail, and listen to bird songs in paradise.

Dear Readers,

Where is your perfect destination? What makes a travel destination perfect? No matter your price range, value is a worthwhile consideration. Why pay 50% more for anything, especially upscale accommodations at peerless destinations?

Consider what you’ll pay for 2 weeks in Hawaii, Europe, Canada, or Australia. $4000 per person, plus air, for budget accommodations in a group of 26 people. For the same amount of money and time exploring Latin America without the herd, you can live in high style. The photo here is our favorite place in Hawaii. We love Hawaii, but what about value?

This month Kiplingers polled 2200 travelers about their annual vacation plans asking, “Have high gas prices and the economic downturn forced you to reconsider travel plans for this summer?”

39% say no.
23% say they’ll vacation closer to home.
31% say they won’t be taking a trip this year.
7% are not sure.

We have good news for the 61% of you who are reconsidering your vacations. Latin America is nearby and full of incredible spas, nature-based resorts, and upscale countryside destinations. Stay out of the cities and you’ll enjoy luxury vacations for the price others are paying to be herded like cattle into modest quarters.

Or you’ll stay twice as long for the same investment. Or maybe you’ll take your entire family for the price of a couple’s vacation in N. America? Cost is not the most important vacation consideration, but value ranks high in my book. Ask me where I’m vacationing this year, and how it compares to my favorite places – even in Asia – on any measure. Latin America is an incredible value right now – on every measure.

Peace & Prosperity,
Mango Steve