All perfect for relaxing holidays

Ellie is a great host, very helpful to book activities and explain about the area. The lodge has a wonderful view, the terrace is very peaceful to relax after surf sessions. This is very convenient to be able to rent boards at this place and have surf lessons. The new bungalows are very nice, confortable and well équiped. Very clean on arrival too. The common area is very confortable.

Stayed in August 2025

The hosta are very nice and helpful. Everything worked really good, the place is great and the view is unforgettable.

Stayed in July 2025

The place is so beautiful and the location is perfect- close to the beach and to the surfing point. Zigor and elli and their kids (the hostess) were so nice and take care of everything. The kitchen is well maintained, and the facilities are good!

Stayed in June 2025

We had a night that we want to cook in the common facilities and there was no electricity. The kitchen cooking device was on gas, so that was not a problem. But we had no lights at all, not even a candle. The made it more hard to cook and eat. The next day we notified the staff about this situation and the organised light.

Stayed in May 2025

The family running the place was super nice, super accomodating and really friendly. They went out of their way to make you feel comfortable.

Stayed in April 2025

Everything exceeded our expectations

Everything! Beautiful accommodations and location. Kitchen is well stocked and laid out to accommodate multiple guests. Deck and dining area are spacious with a breathtaking view. Best of all was the genuine welcome by the hosts.

Stayed in March 2025

It’s not only the problem of the property but a lot of mosquitos in the commun area. And maybe more equipment for cooking and have salt and pepper available

The view is amazing !

Stayed in March 2025

Perfect location...fantastic set up...super friendly and helpful owners! Super accommodating when we wanted to extend our stay!

Stayed in February 2025

Hammocks, kitchen & steps from the beach

Stayed in February 2025

Stuff are amazing. Place is so beautiful, just above the beach and a surf spot. Common spaces are nice and huts are comfortable

Stayed in December 2024

If you want a quite day, then don't come here on a Sunday. It's the day when all the locals are on the beach with subwoofers and it can be extremly loud. Rest of the week is nice and quite.

Great location right at the beach, ideal for surfing (you can rent reasonable priced bords there). Helpful host and the place has a great vibe.

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing.

The location is amazing, ocean view, on top of the hill, nice breeze, and close to a beginner surf break at El Estero.

Stayed in January 2025

Cant think of anything

Great location right at the beach. Bit further to center in case you have to walk and dont have a car. Staff super friendly. The bungalow had all I needed and was nice and clean with a good bed. Would certainly recommend.

Stayed in January 2025

Amazing stay. Great view and access to the ocean. Their new cabins where incredible. Staf was friendly and helpful. Best stay we have had on our trip.

Stayed in January 2025

Location was excellent and everything was within a 15 minute walk

Stayed in November 2024

Very friendly place with superb view on the Estero from the common area. Very relaxing atmosphere. The hosts have an extensive knowledge and experience of the area with all possible contacts to organize what ever activities you want: surf, fishing, snorkeling, diving in Coiba, etc They will organize everything you need in few phone calls. They have been living in Santa Catalina for decades. They know the DO and the DON’T. Even open to share their private tips to surf la Punta. We had one of the best surf sessions ever with my four kids. Thanks to Zigor’s advise!

Stayed in July 2024

Lovely little resort with a stunning view and simple yet comfortable cottages. You can rent surfboards and take lessons. The common area is spacious and welcoming. The whole infrastructure is quite run down but they plan to renovate it totally. I just hope they manage to keep the character and the charme.

Stayed in March 2024

We had a lovely time at Rancho Estero. We stayed in one of the cabins/huts without private bathroom. The shared bathrooms are kept clean at all times. The property itself is beautiful and has an outside kitchen as well as lots of hammocks in the shade. You can easily arrange trips to Coiba via the hosts- definitely recommend this trip as it was organised so well. We extended our stay since we enjoyed Santa Catalina and Ranchero Estero so much.

Stayed in January 2024

Everything was great, the location was perfect, our cabin had a beautiful view onto the Pacific. The mosquito net made sure we could get a good night's sleep without being bitten. We loved our stay, if we ever come back to Santa Catalina we will be staying at Rancho Estero again (but longer :-) ).

Stayed in January 2024

The power went out in Santa Catalina a couple of times during our stay but this was no fault of Rancho Estero - just something to be aware of if you are visiting Santa Catalina/other rural parts of Panama! Rancho Estero has extra water storage tanks in case of power outages, which was very handy. For older folks/people with bad balance, do be aware that the stairs down to the beach are a bit old and steep. The railing is very helpful.

Rancho Estero is beautiful, tranquil, and has direct access to the beach. The private bungalow was perfect for our family of 4 - rustic and small, but clean, comfortable, and just what we expected from reviews and photos. Ellie and Zigor were incredibly friendly and hospitable, conversing with us and making us coffee in the mornings. The shared spaces were functional and comfortable as well, especially the rancho with hammocks overlooking the beach. This was our favorite place to spend time during our visit to Santa Catalina. We didn’t take advantage of any surf lessons, but wish we had! Rancho Estero is about a 20 minute walk from the main stretch of restaurants and stores in town, but does have food options close by and has the advantage of being directly on Playa Estero. If you are looking for a rustic, peaceful place to stay in Santa Catalina, Rancho Estero is for you.

Stayed in December 2023

The spot is premium, right on top of the beach with a magnificant view. The owners are very very kind and helpful. You can take surf lessons, rent surf boards, get smoothies and they can arrange trips and transfers if available. The rooms and facilities are kept simple but theyre absolute fine like warm water shower, outdoor kitchen under a roof and refridgerator. Beside your room and toilets, everything is pretty much outdoor like a big garden. We loved it! Not crowded and enough things to do and to hang out around. One of the best places we've ever been! Cheers

Stayed in December 2023

The room was simple but everything we needed. We could see the sunrise from bed and the "terrace" overlooking the beach was a great place to spend our mornings and afternoons. The family that runs the place are amazing and the location right next to the beach is perfect. The bathroom is well maintained.

Stayed in December 2023

No option to dry your clothes. Need to get used to he high humidity.

Very lovely hosts! They inform you about everything and also help you to organize your stay in a way, that you get the most out of it! Very good value for the money!

Stayed in November 2023

We had a wonderful stay at Rancho Estero with our family. Even though by European standards, facilities are not perfect, and there would be place for some minor reparations, especially in the bathroom and shared kitchen, the authentic setting, the warm hosting from Eli, and the proximity of the beach made our stay at Rancho Estero one of the best experiences throughout our Panama trip. But above all, are the surfing lessons with Zigor. Big thank you! We really loved every minute spent on the board (and near, and beaneath it :)), and feel we have advanced a lot in surfing. The kids still say that surfing with you was by far their best experience in Panama. Hope to come back some time.

Stayed in August 2023