La Qhia Eco Retreat

The food is good, and the atmosphere is relaxing. La Qhia was a great place to stay, with comfortable beds, strong water pressure, and kind hosts. The owners are lovely, and everyone working there was so helpful. It’s a great base for checking out Santa Fe’s nature activities.

The terraces are the best part, with a cool breeze and lovely natural surroundings. The hammocks and sofas make it easy to relax, and the common areas are cozy and welcoming. Everything is kept clean, and there’s a local restaurant and rural bakery within walking distance. The little orange cat is the heart of the place and adorable enough to earn an extra point on its own. Breakfast is delicious. Be aware that roosters start crowing very early, even before 6 a.m., and wild birds sing at dawn, which is special if you enjoy local wildlife. Rooms near the restaurant can be noisy because the wood and bamboo construction carries footsteps and doors closing. That may bother light sleepers, though it’s part of the place’s natural charm.

Loved our stay at this beautiful hidden gem in the Panamanian jungle. The accommodations, restaurant, and drinks were all great, and the yoga class was a nice extra bonus.

The property is beautiful, and the staff are really kind. They’ve put together a helpful guide to hiking trails and local things to do. Even without a car, you can walk to some beautiful waterfalls and mountains if you’re up for it. I’d recommend 3-4 days for anyone wanting time in nature. It can get noisy outside, with cicadas, dogs, roosters, and more, so earplugs might help with sleep. A small guest fridge and coffee maker would be useful. The restaurant is open only 7-9 a.m. for breakfast and 5-9:50 p.m. for food and drinks. It’s hard to find a cup of coffee in town, and nowhere has food after 8 p.m. As a foreigner, I think Santa Fe is a hidden gem where you can experience “real Panamá”.