Lonely Planet describes Santa Fe de Veraguas as "the undiscovered gem of Panama" and we like that our village is still off the radar. Santa Fe is on the border of a 70,000 hectare national park where jaguars still roam. We are known for rivers, waterfalls, orchids and butterflies. The hiking is incredible. There is a new road to the Caribbean side for those wanting river/beach adventure. We live in paradise.
Our home is about ten minutes from Santa Fe in an area called La Pandura. The area is peaceful and quiet. In the garden are orange, tangerine, lemons, bananas and guanabana trees. You are welcome to harvest whatever fruit is in season. We have no need for air conditioning or heating, as the climate is perfect year round.
The space
Our house was designed to take advantage of the 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. We have a solar system that powers the main house and carport. Power outages are no longer a problem! The main floor has a large kitchen and dining room, expansive living room and a screened porch. Two spacious bedrooms, and a full bath, are downstairs and have a private terrace with hammocks. The private master suite is located across a bridge connecting to the main house. The master bedroom has a king size bed and private bath and terrace. The covered third floor is perfect for watching the afternoon sunset and having a cocktail in the evening. There is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy.
Guest access
The house has three stories and sits on six private hectares (15 acres). The master bedroom is on the main floor and is wheel chair/handicap acessible. There is also a small apartment across the yard which has one bedroom, a small kitchen/living room and bath.
Notes
Adventurous travelers can use our cabin in the mountains, a two hour walk from Santa Fe. Or you can take a four wheel drive taxi road conditions permitting. The cabin is rustic, but has a propane stove, indoor plumbing and kerosene lanterns for light. The waterfalls cascade below our cabin. Observing life in the village is one of the highlights of a trip to Panama.
The large city of Santiago is about an hour south of Santa Fe. In Santiago you can find good grocery stores, gas and banks.
We have a worker, Victorio, Monday through Friday who takes care of the animals and horses. We do have three outside dogs and a cat, as well as four horses. Victorio takes care of the animals. His wife, Fulvia, cleans once a week. They are wonderful people.
Features
Washer
Dishwasher
Clothes dryer
Oven
Microwave
Coffee machine
Fridge
Iron
Hair dryer
Heating
Air conditioning
TV
WiFi
High Speed Internet
Bathtub
First aid kit
Wheelchair accessible
Smoke alarms
Fire extinguisher
Bed sheets
Towels
Workspace
Fireplace
Home cinema
Toys
Gym
Sauna
BBQ
Pool
Hot tub
Balcony
Garden / yard
Deck / patio / courtyard / terrace
Covered porch / verandah
Kosher home
Meat-free kitchen
Gated community
EV Home Charger
Bikes
Camping gear
Kayak
Tennis court
Standup paddleboard
Travel Styles
Long term
Adventure
Family
Sport and leisure
Eco
Luxury
Village
Mountains
Beach
Water
Remote
Tropical
Hiking
House rules
Unsuitable for infants under 2
Suitable for children ages 2-12
Pets not allowed
No smoking
Allergens
Cat free
Dog free
Smoke free
Dates of Availability
Availability calendar
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Neighbourhood
If you are looking for the "real" Panama, Santa Fe is it. Our neighbors are Panamanians and few people speak English. Having said that, you will be made very welcome in our town. People are friendly and curious. Our home is about 10 minutes by car from Santa Fe in a beautiful, tranquil setting with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. The house is a 10 minute walk to an idyllic place on the river to swim.
Getting around
Panama has excellent public transportation. Buses pass by our gate almost every hour. Taxis are inexpensive. All major rental car agencies are available in Santiago or Panama City if you choose to rent a car.
Map of Approximate Location
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Premium
Janet
John and I have been home exchanging for over 15years and love this way of traveling. We've lost count but I think we've done over 100 exchanges all over the world. We're adventurous people who look for places off the beaten path. But we enjoy cities and are open to just about anywhere. Sometimes we travel with another couple or our adult children.
People Like Us is the world's most trusted home exchange community. We believe in sharing, trust, generosity, respect, communication, equality, cooperation, honesty, hospitality, friendship, flexibility and adventure. We take pride in our homes and we care about the environment in which we live: our village, city, country and our planet. We care about the ethos of home exchange and we do it because we love the experience and the friendships that it generates.