Isla Palenque – One of the Most Beautiful Eco Lodges in Panama
Affiliate Disclosure: This post on Isla Palenque, Panama contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
HI, I’M TARA!
I’m a passionate traveler who loves discovering unique boutique hotels and experiencing unforgettable wildlife adventures.
INTRODUCTION
I always keep a list of dream hotel properties I hope to visit someday—about a dozen or so, give or take. Some feel more realistic than others, mostly due to practical considerations like budget constraints.
Isla Palenque had been on my radar for quite a number of years. When I learned that a conference I was attending would be held in Panama City, I knew I couldn’t fly all the way to Central America without at least trying to sneak in a visit to one of the most stunning eco lodges in Panama. Even better, it happened to be low season (or “Green Season”), which meant this luxurious retreat was a bit more affordable.
PANAMA IN GREEN SEASON
The green season in Panama, from May to November, transforms the landscape into a lush, vibrant paradise. Rain typically falls in short intense showers, followed by sunny skies, leaving most of the day available for activities such as hiking, wildlife excurions and, cultural activities. With fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, and an abundance of wildlife, it can be a wonderful time to visit Panama.
WHY ISLA PALENQUE
This was my second trip to Panama. During my first visit, my husband, kids, and I explored Bocas del Toro, Boquete, Panama City, and the Guna Yala—a truly unforgettable adventure.
This time, I was looking for something different. With a busy conference week in Panama City ahead, I craved a peaceful, crowd-free retreat that combined beachfront relaxation with ocean activities like snorkeling. October turned out to be the perfect time to visit, as it also coincided with humpback whale watching season in the Gulf of Chiriquí, where Isla Palenque is located.
The resort at Isla Palenque is part of the renowned Cayuga Collection, a group of sustainable luxury properties I’ve admired ever since my visits to two of their hotels in Costa Rica. The Cayuga Collection truly redefines eco-conscious travel by blending luxury with sustainability. Their approach includes hiring and training locals, prioritizing renewable energy, reducing waste, and sourcing products locally—all while providing guests with authentic cultural and natural experiences.
ISLA PALENQUE VIDEO
Before I get into the details, have a quick peek at Isla Palenque in this short 1-minute YouTube video.
ABOUT THE GULF OF CHIRIQUÍ
Nestled on Panama’s Pacific coast, the Gulf of Chiriquí is a stunning region renowned for its natural beauty and incredible biodiversity. The gulf stretches from the Costa Rican border in the west, to Coiba Island in the east, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It includes several smaller islands, such as Isla Secas, Boca Brava, Isla Palenque, Isla Parida, and Isla Iguana.
To help you visualize it, here’s a Google map with the resort marked. You can click on the image below for an interactive version.
The gulf’s waters are teeming with marine life, making it a prime destination for snorkeling, fishing, and eco-adventures. Some of the highlights include dolphin sightings, humpback whales (from July to October), and sometimes even whale sharks near Coiba Island (from January to March). On land, the surrounding rainforests offer incredible hiking opportunities and the chance to explore diverse ecosystems.
The region is also home to indigenous groups such as the Ngäbe-Buglé and Bribri, who add a rich cultural layer to the area. The Ngäbe-Buglé are known for their vibrant textiles and efforts to protect their lands, while the Bribri are famous for their cacao cultivation.
ABOUT ISLA PALENQUE
This eco-luxury resort spans 400 acres of dense rainforest and secluded beaches, offering a tranquil retreat surrounded by untouched nature.
The resort’s accommodations are thoughtfully designed with sustainability and comfort in mind. Each space highlights local craftsmanship and offers sweeping views of the ocean or jungle.
Guests can enjoy a beachfront bar and restaurant offering exceptional cuisine—especially impressive given the island’s remote location—a yoga pavilion, and a stunning pool surrounded by loungers. The warm, calm ocean waters out front of the resort are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Exploring the island unveils miles of lush hiking trails, secluded beaches, and opportunities to spot wildlife, including unique birds, monkeys, and iguanas.
THE CASITAS
The eight beachfront casitas at Isla Palenque offer a seamless blend of luxury and nature, creating the ultimate escape for relaxation. Each one has its own private path to the secluded beach.
Room features inlcude a king-sized bed, an indoor day lounge, an outdoor day lounge, and a hammock for unwinding. The outdoor bathroom is a standout feature, with double sinks, rain showers, an open-air soaker tub, organic toiletries, and plush robes that make every moment feel indulgent.
Designed with comfort in mind, the casitas include both ceiling fans and air conditioning. The Wi-Fi is surprisingly reliable for such a remote location—my husband and I were able to work from our bedroom and the restaurant without any issues.
Casita amenities include complimentary tea, French press coffee, fresh juices, and snacks in the minibar. The stealth housekeeping service was also impressive—despite twice-daily service, we never once saw the team in action, a testament to their skill and respect for guest privacy.
For those familiar with eco-resorts, maintaining separation between indoor and outdoor spaces can be a challenge (I’ve had to sweep out trails of army ants before!). The casitas at Isla Palenque strike the perfect balance with floor-to-ceiling windows that immerse you in nature while the fully enclosed living and sleeping areas keep the elements—and bugs—outside. My mosquito-averse husband especially appreciated this detail.
While the casitas comfortably sleep two adults, the daybed can be swapped out to accommodate up to two children (for an additional fee). For larger groups, there’s also a stunning private six-bedroom villa available.
NEW VILLAS COMING SOON
For 2026, Isla Palenque is planning to introduce new two-bedroom villas nestled in the forest, offering stunning ocean and sunset views. Each villa will feature two separate bedrooms with private bathrooms, a spacious common area, a private pool and deck, providing an ideal setting for families or groups of friends.
ACTIVITIES AT ISLA PALENQUE
I often go into trips like this thinking I just want to relax and read a book. Well, I do—but not for five days straight! I like to stay active, learn new things, and make sure I’m not missing out on something amazing. Thankfully, Isla Palenque offers plenty of activities to keep you engaged, if you so choose.
I started several days with a yoga class. While it is technically a group session, with this being such a small resort, I ended up having private instruction both times. It was such a lovely way to start the day.
Each day, my husband and I explored the island on hikes. The guided hikes, in particular, were our favorites. Our guide’s deep knowledge of the island’s flora and fauna made every walk fascinating, and his passion for the environment was contagious.
Another highlight was the cooking class. At a boutique resort like this, it’s easy to go days without seeing many other guests. The cooking class not only provided a fun culinary lesson but also gave us a chance to meet some of the other travelers.
Of course, we couldn’t resist the boat excursions.
1. WHALE WATCHING
From August to October, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí, and this was the one experience I absolutely didn’t want to miss. It did not disappoint. We saw multiple mother-calf pairs during our morning out on the ocean, and the best part? We were the only boat out there—just us and the whales.
2. ISLA SECAS SNORKELING
Another unforgettable excursion was to the Islas Secas, a remote group of 14 volcanic islands known for incredible marine life and pristine beaches. We booked a half-day private tour that included snorkeling, a surprise encounter with dolphins, and a beautiful picnic lunch on a deserted beach.
While this trip is sometimes offered as a group tour, no one else signed up, so we enjoyed it as a private experience. It was worth every penny, and at under $500 USD, it felt like a great value for such a special excursion.
Sometimes the best activity is simply doing nothing. Relaxing in a lounger with a cocktail—alcoholic or otherwise—while watching howler monkeys swing through the trees or taking in the incredible sunsets quickly became one of my favorite pastimes. The setting was so serene it made these quieter moments just as memorable as the more adventurous ones.
WHAT IMPRESSED ME MOST
What made Isla Palenque truly special was the exceptional attention to detail and service throughout our stay. Communication was seamless, with tours and pickups easily coordinated via WhatsApp, making everything completely stress-free.
The dining experience was another standout. The quality of the dishes was impressive, especially for such a remote location. Each meal was crafted with care, highlighting local ingredients and flavors in a way that felt both authentic and elevated.
The casitas also reflected this commitment to detail. Every item was thoughtfully chosen, with almost a complete absence of single-use plastics. I remember learning during my first Cayuga stay in Costa Rica that they avoid even “recycled plastic” due to concerns about where it ultimately ends up—a philosophy clearly upheld here.
What impressed me most, though, was the dedication and longevity of the staff. Cayuga’s focus on hiring and promoting locals was evident in the team’s pride and professionalism. For example, Meynor, our cooking class instructor, had started as a dishwasher and worked his way up. Many staff members had been with Isla Palenque for five years or more, and some much longer.
GETTING TO ISLA PALENQUE
Getting to Isla Palenque is part of the adventure. A short 2-hour flight from Panama City to David, a 1-hour drive, and a scenic 15-minute boat ride deliver you to this serene escape. The private transfer from the airport to the boat dock costs just over $100 USD each way.
We did the entire journey in one go—flying from Vancouver to Los Angeles, then to Panama City and David. It was a long travel day, but coming from Canada, we’re quite used to spending a lot of time in transit.
For those of you living in major hub cities (and yes, I’m a little jealous), the journey should be much easier. Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY) offers direct flights from over 20 North American cities, and there are several daily flights from Tocumen to David (DAV). Alternatively, flights are also available from Panama City’s Domestic Airport (PAC).
If getting there were simpler for me, I could easily imagine visiting more often—spending 4 to 5 nights at Isla Palenque, with a couple of days in Panama City as the perfect quick escape.
LEARN MORE
A stay at Isla Palenque Resort, Panama is an all inclusive experience. Casita rates include the following:
- ROUND-TRIP BOAT TRANSFER: Boca Chica to Isla Palenque.
- MEALS & NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Locally sourced breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, fresh smoothies, and specialty coffee.
- ISLAND AMENITIES: Infinity pool, sunbeds, hammock lounge, and access to 7 secluded beaches.
- ACTIVITIES: Paddleboarding, yoga, kayaking, nature hikes, cooking classes, rum tastings and more. (Additional activies, such as snorkeling excursions are available at reasonable rates.)
- CASITA COMFORTS: Minibar non-alcohlic drinks and snacks, Wi-Fi, and twice-daily housekeeping.
Learn everything you need to know at IslaPalenque.com. See also rates for Isla Palenque and other lovely Panama eco lodges along the Gulf of Chiriquí on Booking.com. (For Isla Palenque reviews, read what recent guests have to say on Tripadvisor.)
Tip: In “Green Season” Cayuga often offers a 5 nights for the price of 4 promotion at Isla Palenque.
Do you have specific questions about Isla Palenque? Please feel free to reach out to me via direct message on Instagram, Facebook or by email.
Want to see more unique adventures and special hotel properties? I would love for you to follow along with The Better Beyond on Instagram!
