Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your stay at Catalina’s Hideaway? Here’s everything you need to know about booking, getting here, and making the most of your time on Panama’s Pacific coast.

Reservations & Policies

How far in advance can I book?

Individual reservations open three months in advance during high season (November–May) and five months in advance during low season (June–October).

Certain dates may be unavailable due to tentative group retreats or private events. If you don't see availability for your preferred dates, feel free to contact our team.

Is there a minimum stay?

We have a two-night minimum stay for individual reservations, with no maximum length of stay.

Is Catalina’s Hideaway family-friendly?

Absolutely! We welcome families and offer several accommodations with loft sleeping areas for children.

Our Beachfront and Garden Casitas are especially well suited to family stays. If you're unsure which accommodation is best for your children's ages, we're happy to help you choose.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation and refund terms depend on your reservation. Please review our Hotel Policies before confirming your booking.

If you have questions about your specific reservation, contact our team directly.

How do deposits and payments work?

Payment requirements and deadlines are outlined in your booking confirmation.

For details about deposits, accepted payment methods, refunds, and any additional charges, please review our Hotel Policies or contact our reservations team.

Getting Here & Around

Where is Catalina’s Hideaway, and how do I get there?

Catalina’s Hideaway is located in Lago Bay, near Santa Catalina, on Panama’s Pacific coast.

The drive from Panama City takes approximately 5.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Guests can travel by rental car, private transfer, public transportation, or charter flight.

Our Getting Here guide covers the available routes, airports, transportation options, and travel tips.

Do you offer transportation to Santa Catalina?

If you're planning to explore Santa Catalina during your stay, please ask our team about transportation options.

What should I know before driving to Santa Catalina?

Santa Catalina is a small coastal town, and services become more limited as you approach the coast.

We recommend filling your gas tank and withdrawing cash before leaving Soná, particularly if you're arriving late in the day.

It's also a good idea to download your driving directions in advance in case mobile reception becomes unreliable along the way.

For detailed directions, visit our Getting Here guide.

Where can I eat?

Our on-site restaurant, Sobremesa, serves fresh, seasonal food in a relaxed tropical setting.

You'll also find restaurants and cafés in Santa Catalina, approximately 15 minutes away by car.

During Your Stay

Is the water safe to drink?

We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to help reduce single-use plastic during your stay.

What activities can you arrange?

There's plenty to explore around Catalina’s Hideaway, whether you're looking for adventure or a slower day by the ocean.

Popular experiences include surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving in Coiba National Park, wildlife watching, yoga, fishing, and exploring the surrounding coastline.

Our team can help you plan activities and connect you with local guides and operators.

Some excursions, especially Coiba tours, are best arranged in advance because availability, permits, and weather conditions can affect scheduling.

Visit our Experiences page to discover more.

What currency is used in Panama?

Panama uses the US dollar alongside the Panamanian balboa, which is pegged to the dollar at a one-to-one rate.

US dollar bills are used throughout the country. We recommend carrying some smaller bills for local purchases, transportation, and tips.

Credit cards are accepted at many established businesses, but smaller shops and local operators may prefer cash.

Is Wi-Fi available?

As with many coastal destinations, occasional service interruptions can happen, so we recommend planning accordingly if you need a reliable connection for work.

What should I expect from the surrounding jungle and wildlife?

One of the best parts of staying at Catalina’s Hideaway is being surrounded by tropical nature.

You may encounter birds, monkeys, lizards, insects, and other wildlife around the property. We recommend packing insect repellent, keeping food secured, and respecting the animals you encounter.

Please avoid feeding wildlife and be mindful when walking outdoors after dark.

Travel Essentials

Do I need vaccinations to visit Panama?

Vaccination and entry requirements depend on your nationality, travel history, and countries visited before arriving in Panama.

Yellow fever vaccination documentation may be required for certain travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Before traveling, check current requirements with an official government health authority or qualified travel-health professional.

Are there any Panamanian holidays I should plan around?

Panama celebrates several major holidays throughout the year, including Carnival, Holy Week, Independence celebrations in November, Christmas, and New Year's.

These periods can bring increased domestic travel, busier roads, changes to business hours, and higher demand for accommodations and transportation.

If your trip falls during a major holiday, we recommend arranging transportation and excursions in advance.

What medical facilities are available nearby?

Medical services in the Santa Catalina area are more limited than in Panama's larger cities.

For minor medical needs, ask our team about the nearest available clinic or pharmacy. More extensive medical care may require traveling to Soná, Santiago, or another larger center.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency transportation, particularly if you plan to surf, dive, or participate in outdoor adventures.

For an urgent medical emergency in Panama, call 911.

Do you accept volunteers?

If you're interested in working with the Hideaway, you can contact our team to inquire about current opportunities.