Isla Palenque, Gulf of Chiriqui, Panama

Happy June travelers!! Its incredible that is middle of the year already, right? Well to celebrate the middle of year I’m premiering on the blog a new must travel destination of our beautiful Panama: Isla Palenque, Gulf of Chiriquí.

The last time I was in Gulf of Chiriquí was in January with Robert. Since that visit I knew I wanted to come back again. Definitely the Gulf of Chiriquí as climb top of my list as one of my must travel destinations in Panama. Actually the first time I heard about Isla Palenque was because of Robert when we were exploring all around Panama and we wanted to visited in January but unfortunately we didn’t have the enough time. So this was the perfect excuse to come back again.

I actually was planning to visit Isla Palenque for Easter Week but the hotel was full at that time. So my plans changed to end of May which were the only dates available so I took them and reserve those on my calendar. This time I took my mother with me (sorry Robert I couldn’t wait for you jijiji) The truth is that I need it some quality time with my mom so it was perfect!

To visit the Gulf of Chiriquí this time we took a Copa Airlines flight departing from Tocumen International airport and arriving to David Chiriquí. Then the hotel send us a driver to pick us up to take us to the Boca Chica pier to take a boat. Its about one hour and twenty minutes more or less from David’s airport to the Isla Palenque Hotel.

Isla Palenque is some 400 acres, with five miles of coast and over a mile and a half of soft volcanic beaches, ranging from a large, zebra-striped crescent beach which faces the setting sun and forms most of the island’s southwest side. Isla Palenque have numerous secluded private and hidden beaches, known only to those who explore the island extensively. It has stunning views of the ocean stretch in every direction, pristine beaches, wild rocky outcroppings, serene coconut groves, or craggy ridges covered with ancient trees.

Isla Palenque’s beauty doesn’t stop at the coast; the island offers an incredibly lush and varied interior. Hike dramatic bluffs in a verdant tropical forest, take in the view from gently rolling hills, pass along primordial lagoons, or study precious mangroves: its has about 220-acre nature preserve that provides miles of trails for exploration.

Isla Palenque is an idyllic habitat for an enormous variety of native plants and animals. Something that really impressed me was the tremendous variety of foods harvested performed on the island. Almost all the dishes offered in the menu are cooked with ingredients harvested by them and that is what makes it even more delicious and fresh. Certainly my mom and me agreed that each day the dishes were more delicious. Honestly guys I do not recommend skipping any of the 3 dishes offered at every meal. By that I mean the entree, main course and dessert. Everything is delicious!! My favourite (of course a dessert) was the Coconut cocada with vanilla ice-cream.

All rooms are made of warm woods, bamboo floors, high ceilings and some with outdoor showers and a huge bath overlooking the jungle. The furniture and art pieces are handmade by Panamanian artisans. I was in love with one of the dining rooms made by one of the hotel cabinetmakers with pure wood.

As for activities there is an endless number of activities that can be done from island hoping (trust me the islands of the Gulf of Chiriquí are paradise), hiking the rain forests, surfing lessons, paddle boarding, kayaking, whale tour, canopy, scale, etc .. even if you like to stay relax and enjoy the hotel like the beautiful infinity pool its also very fun. You can even go to the beach since the hotel offers direct access to different beaches all around the property. Believe me getting bored is not an option here!

PS: I’m partnering with @San_Cloud brand who makes the most beautiful beach towels where the 10% goes towards organisations that help protect and conserve the beaches, oceans and the marine life. By purchasing any of their products you will get a 25% discount using my code “MarcyYu25” Let go shopping for a good cause!!

I hope you enjoyed this travel post,

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