Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping & Eating
The island is a day trip from Panama City, though there is a handful of lodgings. Prices
are high here for what you get. Stands on the beach sell food, but check the hygiene
standards before committing.
Vereda Tropical Hotel
HOTEL $$$
( 250-2154;
www.hotelveredatropical.com
; d with fan/air-con incl breakfast US$72/83; )
Atop a hill with commanding views, this boutique hotel charms with tropical tones, mo-
saic tiles and rod-iron railings. The dining patio (mains US$9-16) has gaping views and
Julio Iglesias serenading from the speakers. Service may be a little slow. It's about 100m
up a winding path off the main road.
Cerrito Tropical
B&B $$$
( 390-8999;
www.cerritotropicalpanama.com
;
d/apt incl breakfast from US$88/110; )
This smart Canadian and Dutch-owned B&B occupies a quiet nook atop a steep road.
Rooms are stylish, some are more spacious and not all feature TVs. Meals ranging from
burgers to seafood are available on a large shady deck until 8pm. Extras include BBQs
and picnic lunches. To get here, go right uphill at the end of Calle Francisco Pizarro.
It can also arrange tours such as fishing, hiking and whale-watching, and daytime
packages with lunch and showers for nonguests.
Zoraida's Cool
GUESTHOUSE $$$
( 6566-9250, 6471-1123; s/d/tr US$35/45/50)
Overlooking the bay, this turquoise house
is run by Rafael, the widow of Zoraida. Rooms are small and mattresses plastic-wrapped,
but it's the cheapest around. The clincher is a hammock deck ideal for a snooze with Pa-
cific views. Turn left as you exit the dock and walk for a few minutes until you see a sign
leading you up the hill.
Donde Pope Si Hay
PANAMANIAN $
(mains US$4-7; 8am-8pm)
A simple eatery serving fresh fish, cold green coconut water
and
patacones
(plantains), there is nothing mysterious about Pope beyond its name.
Information
Ferries from the Causeway in Panama City land at a pier near the north end of the island.
As you exit the pier, the main beach is to your right. To your left, you'll see a narrow
