Reviews of Caldera River Canyon

amazing surroundings, pool, wonderful garden, nice cabin

Beware: host says double-booking happens all the time and he's just the pet sitter. Says people complain all the time the cabin they get is different and worse than what shows on Booking and what is charged. Told us horror story that day of newly wed couple where bride just got diagnosed with late-stage cancer that day, and her room got double-booked and they had to leave. Pet sitter seemed more concerned about his own inconvenience than that tragic situation.

Breakfast was not included, but the kitchen facilities were excellent. There was the option of having our breakfast, either inside or at two different locations on a large patio. A beautiful view of the gorge and river. The location was absolutely amazing. Private natural surroundings with walking trails and access to swimming in the adjacent river or crossing a footbridge to use a beautiful pool. Frank and Farid have an eye for detail. The house was spotless, tastefully decorated with original artwork. The spacious covered patio overlooked the river and at night there was the option of lighting the river below. The location of El Rio Encantado in Caldera is a 1/2 hour drive south of Boquete offering the best of two worlds. Boquete is busy with lots of amenities but the difference in weather is striking. Boquete is at a higher altitude and closer to the ridge of mountains so that it may be cold and rainy there while at the same time the weather in Caldera is sunny and warm. The chance to photograph tropical birds without moving from your patio was awesome. Frank or Farid were available immediately to answer any questions. The house is on one side of the river with more rental houses on the other side. They are distanced from each other on the 100 acre property such that you don’t see or hear your neighbours. If you visit be sure to ask Frank for a visit to his museum of Pre-Colombian art.

The only thing that could’ve been better is if we could’ve stayed longer.

Caldera River Canyon / El Rio Encantado is Panama’s best kept secret. This ecological environmental preserve is pristine and shows the natural beauty of the Chiriqui Highlands of Panama. I can speak from hiking many of the trails in Chiriqui and this place is the best. The grounds,cabins and surrounding area are kept immaculate.The pool/bar area an oasis, with the pool water crisp. A birder’s paradise with multiple view points.If the pool is not enough there are multiple swimming holes on the river. The staff, Farsi, is awesome and helpful. The 3km trail along the river will not disappoint with the variety of birds,vegetation and views. All accommodations were built with a total respect for the natural environment. An amazing place. Thank you Frank, for sharing your knowledge, for giving us a tour of your museum and a breathtaking hike through your paradise.