Las cabañas del Francés

We had a wonderful five-night stay in our little wooden cabin, though I wish there were larger bins with lids in the kitchen and bathroom. Because it’s a rural spot, there are venomous creepy-crawlers around, so shake out shoes and clothes before putting them on. We also saw lovely hummingbirds. The couple running the place are thoughtful and quick to respond. Our WhatsApp questions were answered within a couple of minutes, and the shower stayed warm consistently, which I really appreciated after other places in Panama. We liked being able to cook simple, healthy meals and avoid Boquete’s parking chaos. It’s about a 15-minute drive to Boquete and 30-40 minutes to most trailheads. Laundry is available on request, though there’s no self-service.

For anyone wanting peace and quiet, this place is a dream. Downtown Boquete can get noisy at night, and sometimes there are fireworks at 6 in the morning, so staying out here is a relaxing alternative. The Caritas for rent are clean, thoughtfully laid out, and set in a beautiful location. Jean speaks good English and gave us helpful information. He and his wife were also very kind and patient while we were considering buying their property. I highly recommend a stay here.

The views are stunning, and the hosts make the place even more special. Louison and Jade are warm, energetic, and went out of their way to welcome us. When we came back during torrential rain, they met our car with umbrellas and helped us get to our room. They speak Spanish, English, and French. The gardens are gorgeous, with gravel paths kept in lovely condition and lots of trees, flowers, and native plants. There’s a small pool with loungers and a covered BBQ area with a very large table. The newer rustic-style Cabanas have AC, private bathrooms with showers, and compact but well-equipped kitchens. Absolutely recommend this spot around Boquete, Chiriqui.

The canyon view is beautiful and has a really energizing feel. The cabins sit in a woodsy setting, and the prices are very good for what you get. The place was built recently, in 2017, and is kept in good shape. The owner comes by every day to check that guests have what they need. It gets VERY windy here, but the cabin handles it. I found the sound calming, though if strong wind noises bother or scare you, this may not be the place for you.