FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Should I purchase travel insurance?

When travelling in Central America, always take out travel insurance. Travel delays due to unforeseen circumstances can occur. At Valle Escondido Resort, Golf & Spa, no-shows due to travel delays are considered to be a cancellation and the corresponding fees will apply. Please read Valle Escondido’s cancellation policy.

2. How do I get to Boquete, Chiriqui (Panama) and Valle Escondido Resort?

Flying

Panama’s domestic airline, Air Panama, operates out of the Albrook airport (Aeropuerto Marcos A. Gelabert), just west of Panama City (45 mins from the Toucumen International Airport (PTY) via taxi). The flight to David airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Enrique Malek) takes approximately 45 minutes. There are no direct flights from the Tocumen International Airport at this time. Driving from David Boquete is approximately 45 minutes from David. Valle Escondido Resort can arrange taxi pick up at the airport at an additional cost. Approximately $45 for 2 people in a safe, insured comfortable mini-van, or approximately $35 (2 persons) in an airport taxi. Several local, and international, car rental agencies are located at the David Airport.

When you leave the David Airport, turn left and drive approximately 3½ km (2.1 miles). You will see a Police Station on the right hand side of the road—turn left here and head North on Calle Miguel Brenes (also called Calle F Sur). Continue on this road for 1.8 km (1.1 miles), go past the McDonald’s and Super 99, until you come to the 4-lane Pan-American Highway. Turn right.

Drive about 2.7 km. You will see a Toyota Dealership on the left-hand side of the road and a sign that says ‘Boquete’. Turn left. If you’ve passed TGI Friday’s, you’ve missed the intersection.

You will now be on the main road to Boquete, which is about a 40-minute drive away. It is a 4-lane highway also. You will come to a Delta Gas Station and the “Los Establos Plaza” in the centre. Turn left and follow the signs to Valle Escondido Resort.

Driving from Panama City

Boquete is about 6.5 hours away from Panama City. Take the Pan American Highway, west towards David. The halfway point is a town called Santiago.

In the last 40 minutes of your trip, you will see a TGI Friday’s on the right hand side of the road and a sign that says ‘Boquete’. Turn right at that sign. If you pass the Toyota Dealership, you’ve missed the turn. You will now be on the main road to Boquete, which is about a 40-minute drive away. It is a 4-lane highway also. You will come to a Delta Gas Station and the “Los Establos Plaza” in the centre. Turn left and follow the signs to Valle Escondido Resort.

3. Should I rent a vehicle?

We strongly advise renting a vehicle in Boquete. Most tours pick up and drop off guests at Valle Escondido and taxis are available to bring you to the town centre (about a 2-minute drive or one kilometer walking distance). But Boquete isn’t about the bustling, sometimes noisy, town centre. Boquete is about the incredible beauty of the surrounding areas. If you have a car, you are free to explore Boquete at your own pace. Contact us for more information about car rental in Boquete, Panama!

4. How long should I stay in Boquete?

We recommend at least a three-night stay at Valle Escondido Resort. Guests consistently tell us that they wished they allowed for more time in Boquete because it is the perfect home base for exploring the province of Chiriqui. Click here for Things to Do.

5.What time is check in and check out?

Check-in is after 3:00 p.m. Check-out is at 12:00 noon. Please let us know if you plan to check-in late.

6. Are pets allowed?

Yes! We are a pet-friendly resort (under 30 lbs.) and have set aside certain rooms for guests traveling with their furry friends. All pets must be kept on a leash when outdoors, and we kindly request that you clean up after your pets, and do not bring them into the restaurants. Please be sure to ask for a pet-friendly room when making your reservation.

7. Do the rooms have hot water?

Yes! All of our rooms have hot water showers.

8. Do you have Internet access?

All of our rooms and common areas have free wireless Internet. Valle Escondido Resort has the fastest speed possible, but due to our mountain location, it can vary. The Reception Area of the hotel has a computer available for use, free of charge.

9. What is the weather like?

‘Land of eternal spring and flowers’ is not just a phrase coined by a romantic travel writer—it is an apt description of Boquete Panama. With its clean, cool mountain air, the temperature in Boquete ranges between 60° and 80° F (16° and 28° C). ‘Green season’ in Boquete takes place between mid-May through to mid-November. Rain is possible later in the afternoon—but the mornings are usually glorious! It’s best to plan activities early in the day.

‘Dry season’ starts mid-November through to May, although you will sometimes get some light showers in the afternoon. Between December and February, it can get quite windy in Boquete. The combination of high winds, the sun and the Bajareque—a light mist that settles upon Boquete—result in breathtaking rainbows!

10. What should I pack?

Be sure to bring a sweater for Boquete nights and during the green season, bring a light rain jacket or travel umbrella. If you are planning on doing a lot of outdoor activities in Boquete, bring insect repellent and sunscreen. During the day, regular spring/summer clothes are ideal.

11. Do you have hairdryers? Alarm clocks? Iron?

We have hairdryers in all the rooms and alarm clocks and garment steamer available at the front desk.

12. Are there ATMs in Boquete?

Yes! We have a number of ATMs in Boquete. Complete fees depend on your home bank.

13. Do you have parking?

Yes, we offer free parking. Our parking lot is secure and safe! Albeit, the resort is not responsible for any lost items from vehicles.

14. Will my cell phone work in Boquete?

Most cell providers from outside Panama may not have coverage in Boquete. You can make national or international calls on our office phone for a fee. Please inquire at Front Desk.

15. Are there a lot of mosquitos in Boquete?

No. Boquete does have a tiny ‘coffee bug’ that looks like a fruit fly, but it’s nothing a bit of insect repellent can’t take care of!

16. How much are taxis in Boquete?

A taxi costs $2-$3 within Boquete–drivers will sometimes increase the rate later at night. During office hours, we would be happy to call a taxi for you—just ask!

17. How long does it take to walk into town?

It takes approximately 10 minutes to reach Boquete’s main road by foot. It is about a 3-minute drive to town.

18. Do you serve dinner?

Yes, Sabor Escondido serves delicious international and local flavored cuisine for breakfast ,lunch and dinner. We can also recommend great restaurants and provide our guests with vouchers from top Boquete restaurants, with offers exclusive to Valle Escondido!

19. Is the water safe to drink?

Yes, but we recommend bottled water if you aren’t used to the water in Panama! Two 12oz. bottle water are complimentary upon checkin only.

20. Cacellation Policy

The resort do have a cancellation policy:

• 1. Feria de Boquete (January 9-17, 2014)
• 2. Boquete Carnival (March 1-5, 2014)
• 3. Holy Week (April 17-21, 2014)
• 4. Panama Independence (November 1-9, 2014)
• 5. Christmas & New Year (December 22, 2014 – January 2, 2015)