Getting to Catalina’s Hideaway
Catalina’s Hideaway is located on Panama’s Pacific coast near Santa Catalina, approximately 5.5 hours by road from Panama City. Whether you’re arriving by car, shuttle, bus or charter flight, here’s everything you need to plan your journey.
Flying into Panama
Panama City — Tocumen International Airport
Most international flights arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, approximately a 5.5-hour drive from Catalina’s Hideaway.
If your journey brings you through Panama City, we highly recommend spending a night or two exploring. It’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan city rich in culture, history, and incredible food—from the charming streets of Casco Viejo to its modern skyline and lively dining scene.
We love the city and have created a curated Panama City Guide for our guests. Feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to share our favorite places to stay, eat, and explore.
From Canada to Panama
For our Canadian guests, we recommend flying into Scarlett Martínez International Airport (RIH) in Rio Hato / Playa Blanca, located approximately 3.5 hours from Catalina’s Hideaway.
Seasonal direct flights, typically operating from November through May, are available 1–2 times per week from Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City with airlines including Air Transat, WestJet, and Sunwing.
WestJet also offers direct flights from Calgary to Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY), providing another convenient option for travelers coming from Western Canada.
By Car
We recommend using Waze for the most accurate directions. Simply enter “Catalina’s Hideaway, Lagartero” and follow the route provided.
As you get closer, look for a large “Lago Bay” sign on the main road—this is your turn. Turn left and follow the road. When you reach the Lago Bay gate, bear right and continue all the way to the beach, where you’ll find the entrance to Catalina’s Hideaway.
If you’d prefer more detailed step-by-step directions, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to send them your way.
A few helpful tips for the drive:
We recommend filling up on gas in Soná, approximately 55 minutes away, or Guarumal, approximately 30 minutes away, as fuel can be limited closer to Santa Catalina.
While there is an ATM in Santa Catalina, it can occasionally run out of cash, so we suggest bringing what you may need with you just in case.
For a comfortable stop along the way, Coronado, Penonomé, and Santiago are good places for clean restrooms and a break. You’ll also find Panama’s main grocery stores, including Rey and Super 99, as well as convenient Va y Ven shops attached to many gas stations for snacks and quick stops.
By Bus
From Panama City, you’ll need to take a minimum of two buses: either directly to Soná and then to Santa Catalina, or three buses via Santiago, then Soná, and finally Santa Catalina.
You can ask to be dropped off along the main road at the Catalina’s Hideaway / LAGO BAY sign. If you let us know your exact timing in advance, we can arrange to pick you up there.
The journey by bus takes approximately 7.5 hours.
By Shuttle
Private shuttles can easily be arranged through Catalina’s Hideaway and one of our transportation providers.
Pricing depends on the number of guests, type of vehicle, and whether you’re traveling from Panama City, Rio Hato, or another location within Panama. And yes—you can ride in style.
Contact Us for Shuttle Details →
By Charter Plane
Getting here has never been easier—or more beautiful. In 2025, a private airstrip called Lago Bay opened just minutes from Catalina’s Hideaway, offering a quick and scenic alternative to the drive.
Charter flights reduce the journey from a 5.5-hour drive to approximately 45 minutes, flying over the Panama Canal and along Panama’s coastline.
Flights depart from Albrook Airport in Panama City. Please note that Albrook is different from Tocumen International Airport (PTY), so international travelers will need to transfer between airports.
Flights can be arranged in advance.
Learn More + Book a Charter Flight →
Getting Into Santa Catalina
Not bringing your own car? Catalina’s Hideaway offers a shuttle service to and from Santa Catalina for a small fee.
We can get you into town for a dive trip, surf session, sunset, or dinner reservation, so you can enjoy the area without needing your own vehicle.
