Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the turn-off to Las Nubes and Amistad to the right, then the church, before a steep climb back
to the junction with the main road at the police station, where taxi drivers often hang out.
Besides hiking and admiring the scenery, there are a couple of niche-interest attractions.
Finca Dracula
(daily 8am-5pm; $5, $10 for guided tour), far from being the country retreat
of a Transylvanian bloodsucker, is home to one of Latin America's premier orchid collec-
tions, boasting 2200 species, and is about five minutes' walk beyond
Los Quetzales
. It best
justifies its hefty entrance fee in March and April, when more flowers are in bloom. Those in-
terested in horses might consider
Haras Cerro Punta
( 227 3371,
harascerropunta.com
),
which offer tours in Spanish round a stud farm that breeds racing stallions with greater lung
capacity due to the altitude. The foaling season (Jan-May) is probably the most rewarding
time to visit.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: CERRO PUNTA AND AROUND
By bus
Buses from David (every 15min, 5am-8pm; 1hr 50min; last return bus at 8pm) via
Volcán pull up on Cerro Punta's one main street before heading up to Guadalupe.
ACCOMMODATION
NUEVA SUIZA
Hostal Cielito Sur
Main road 5km south of Cerro Punta, 10km north of Volcán 771
2038,
cielitosur.com
.
This outstanding B&B is run by genial hosts, who provide a perfect
blend of knowledgeable warm hospitality and privacy. Set amid beautiful grounds, four vast,
immaculate rooms, some with kitchens, are decorated with traditional Panamanian artwork
and share a ho
mel
y living room. Rates include a substantial breakfast with plenty of home-
made goodies.
$95
CERRO PUNTA
Hotel Cerro Punta
Main road 771 2020.
This friendly spot comes with clean, comfortable
en-suite rooms (no TV) and a reasonable
res
taurant serving local fare - set menus during the
week ($4-5) and à la carte at weekends.
$33
GUADALUPE
Los Quetzales Lodge and Spa
771 2182,
losquetzales.com
.
Incredibly versatile
place accom-modating backpackers, honeymooners, Panamanian families and expats with
consummate ease. Choose from superior dorms - chunky wood, quality bedding, bedside
lights and really hot showers - standard rooms, suites and glorious cloud-forest cabins
($180). All guests have access to the comfy lounge and games room, full of books and
sofas, warmed by a log fire, and with table tennis. Activities include spa treatments, cycling,
horseriding, and walks through the surrounding cloud forest. The restaurant caters to the
same range in budgets from delicious soups with home-made bread ($5), to pizza and pasta
($9), but it's worth splurging on their pricier, fancier mains, accompanied by more vegetables
