stay in a panama treehouse & soak in hot springs
You can’t come to Panamá and not stay in a treehouse! Especially this one, which is right next to a river in a stunning nature reserve in the Chiriqui province.
El Rio Encantado is located near the quiet community of Caldera, known for it’s hot springs, about 20 minutes from the popular mountain destination of Boquete.
The resort opened in 2008, with a vision of offering ecological lodging with modern facilities.
The uniquely designed treehouse has a double bed, 1/2 bath, a small counter where you can enjoy a meal, and a wonderful wraparound deck overlooking the river. There is a private simply, but nicely, equipped outdoor kitchen with an attached shower (with hot water!).
There are also three small, fully-equipped cabins peppered throughout the resort.
In addition to the river and lush grounds, which are peppered with pre-Colombian art, there is a family pool with a bar where you can sip on cocktails, two beautiful walking trails, two hanging bridges that give you access to the other side of the river, and a small archeology museum with more pre-Columbian pieces from the Chiriqui region.
In the area, you can find petroglyphs, hot springs, and beautiful areas to hike.
There are two places to access hot springs—the rustic Caldera Hot Springs (“pozos termales”) and Paraiso Escondido La Abuela.
The Caldera Hot Springs are reached by car and foot; the ride is quite long on a very rocky dirt road and over two bridges, then you’ll park and walk approximately 10 minutes. There is a small rustic “pool” directly in the earth surrounded by large boulders that you can access once you pay the $3 entrance fee. The river is just a short distance away so you can alternate between hot and cold. This is authentic Panamá at its best!
Paraiso Escondido La Abuela is a small “resort” deep in the countryside on a very rocky orchid- and airplant-decorated road. For the $5 entrance fee, you can soak in a larger, but cooler, thermal pool. The river is a short walk away and there is a hike to a lookout (“Mirador”). Drinks (including cerveza!) are available for purchase.
panama treehouse info:
the treehouse @ el rio encantado resort
Some important notes for your Panamá treehouse visit at El Rio Encantado Resort:
- Bring bug spray (there are mostly gnats that are easily distracted by area lighting; the bed has a mosquito net but they still manage to swarm a booklight)
- Check the weather before visiting the resort
- There is only one local restaurant (a charming Panamanian fonda called “Melissa’s Place” with chicken, beef and pork for approximately $4-$5 per meal)
- Bring your groceries as there are VERY limited opportunities to shop in the area (unless you drive to Boquete)
hot springs info:
Some important notes for your hot springs visit:
- All wheel or four-wheel drive recommended
- Bring your entrance fee(s), towels, water and snacks
