Club Pacifico Sur

We had a great fishing trip with Miguel after walking to the boat ramp. Back at the place, we cooked what we caught in the kitchen. The rooms were clean, the air conditioning worked really well, and there was always tasty coffee ready. Had a wonderful time and will be back soon.

I wanted a few quiet days away from the usual carnival scene, so I looked into places along Panama’s Pacific coast and settled on CLUB PACIFICO SUR in Mariato, Veraguas Province. It’s a little secluded, but that suited me. After comparing options with my budget, I chose it, and it turned out to be even better than I expected. Playa Reina is just 100 meters away, and you get there through Atalaya, passing several interesting communities. My private cabin was separate from the main club building and had a sitting area with a hammock and table, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. For the quality and price, it was a very comfortable place to stay. The food deserves a mention too. Everything was fresh and delicious, and the staff are excellent cooks. Meals cost a small extra fee and aren’t included in the room price. I had fried fish and garlic lobster for dinner, both absolutely delicious. Playa Reina is right nearby and is especially suited to surfing, though you can still cool off in the water. The river meets the sea about 50 meters from the beach, so after swimming in saltwater you can take a refreshing dip in the river. The hotel is also close to Cebaco Island. If you’re lucky, you may find a captain willing to take you there, but prices vary and currently aren’t very low. Coiba Island’s proximity is another big draw for staying around Mariato. There are other beaches to explore as well. Malena Beach is beautiful and known for fishing. It isn’t really a swimming beach, though there is a spot for a dip. The local people I met were friendly, and chatting with them is common. Their coconut sweets are delicious. Four guys I met there shared lots of information about the area and showed me where turtle eggs are kept until they’re ready to be released into the sea. Mariato impressed me in a new way every day. Torio Beach is about a 25-minute drive from downtown Mariato. The road to both beaches is pretty good, with some bends, hills, and descents, plus lush green views and occasional glimpses of the coast. Torio is more set up for tourists than Malena, with places to stay, restaurants, and small businesses. It’s a long beach with calm waves, great for swimming. The roads could use work. There are potholes in many places and some stretches are poorly paved. Even so, this is a place I’d visit again. If you want to learn more about Panama, I recommend seeing it for yourself.

The pool’s on the small side, but the breeze and the sound of the waves make it a lovely spot to watch the sunset.

The managers are really kind, and the bed is so comfortable. Meals and breakfasts are very good too. It’s clean and quiet. I recommend it!