Mono feliz — Hotel in Chiriquí

I honestly can't remember much but was telling my daughter today about the time I hiked to Mono Feliz about 10 years ago. It very likely has changed since then. My partner and I went literally through hell to get here as we got stuck in a storm and we were rescued our first night by some extremely generous locals who let us spend the night in their hut on the water. The next day they took us by horseback to Mono Feliz. It was quite the adventure and we were so relieved to find the hotel. When we arrived they were rather rude, unfriendly to the locals who kindly helped us find the place, and tried to upsell us on everything. They were out of the room class we hoped to get (and the place had no way to contact them to reserve ahead of time), or so they said (as we saw open rooms on the property) and put us in the most expensive room available. I've never had an argument over money at any place I've stayed, and tend to tip well and round up. The woman who was helping run the place at the time surprised us at the end with a charge for "prepared meals" nearly 10 x the charge of the "kitchen use" that we thought we were paying for, because we used salt and olive oil one night. I wouldn't have minded if she had mentioned this early on, but she was very rude. She was also aloof, walked around in her bra breastfeeding the monkeys all day, etc etc. I'm super open minded but this was far over the top. The setting was beautiful and we enjoyed hanging out with the other travelers we met here, who also found this woman odd and off-putting. I felt I was being held hostage. If she is no longer there it is likely a great...

Refugio Ecologico Mono Feliz||||Punta Burica||||568477305||||This place is an adventure in pure natural Panama jungle. There is a bus ride or taxi depending on your budget that takes you to a small pueblo (very small) called Bella Vista. This is about an hour and a half by bus or probably an hour in taxi. When they drop you off you have to walk down a road that turns into a trail that leads to the ocean. It is a hike, probably a 45 to 60 minute walk. The walk itself is an awesome experience. Reminded me of the movie Castaway. When you arrive there are about 5 cabanas you can rent overnight. All have beautiful views. They have a small communal kitchen area. Meals are served whenever you ask. There is a good shower and toilet rather than an outhouse. There is NO Wifi or electricity or phone signal. Which is one reason I loved this place so much. If you want to see how Tarzan and Jane lived in the Jungle you need to try this. They make it so comfortable to do it. Beds and living conditions are very comfortable unless your a snobby prude you will love it. MONKEYS are like everywhere! Covering the trees...right up to you too many to count. They eat from your hands. The view of the beautiful Island...the natural beauty is something very rare to experience, never had such a vacation as this and I travel a lot. Which is why I keep returning. The owners live there like they are part of the nature. They even have a natural spring pool... So very cool. They are a great couple with kids that help them. The father speaks fluent English. I have stayed there at least 4 times because I own a home in the...

My friend was looking up surf spots in Panama, because the known pacific surf destinations are limited to a few touristy beaches. We are used to a remote small community lifestyle, in this safe and inviting country, because we are peace corps volunteers; and the idea of visiting a new green speck of the country was worth the gamble on the unknown surf. What we found in punta burica far exceeded our expectations in every way. The beach and forest are pristine with a complete ecosystem; three species of monkeys, lizards, toucans and hummingbirds, and almost no mosquitos or flies! |The ocean is clean and clear with good spots for swimming and surfing. The point break has long rights with beautiful shoulders and a safe deep reef. This break is along the road as you enter the Refugio mono feliz from town. One afternoon we paddled a balsa raft to the island to check out another break which is more expert right point. just visiting the uninhabited island in itself was worth the trip! |The family that runs Mono Feliz are so special. They care a lot about the place which is paradise on earth. The cabins, kitchen and pool are set beautifully in the forest with tall trees, flowers and just the natural sounds of bird calls and surf. They keep up trails that go along the beach all the way to Costa Rica and there's a walk to a waterfall and swimming hole. |Because it is a long way to travel I recommend spending at least a few days. Ideal to connect with family and friends, without technology, bring books and boardgames. take advantage of the space and nature to connect to your...