Language

Spanish is the native language of Panama. While most of people working in the tourism industry speak English, there is a far lower percentage of the general population that does. It is always a good idea to keep this in mind when trying to communicate with the locals. Panamanians are very patient people and will appreciate any effort made to communicate in their language.

At AMA Estancia, our Experience Curator and activity Guide speak fluent English, but our Chef team, housekeepers, grounds crew, farmers, stable crew and other teams communicate primarily in Spanish with limited to no English comprehension. Everyone on our team is happy to speak with guests by using our Experience Curator or our Guide as a translator.

Telephone Calling Codes

The international calling code to reach Panama is 507. When calling direct from the United States, you must dial 011-507 then the number, from the UK, 00-507 then the number. To call the United States from Panama you must dial 001+ Area Code + number. To call the UK, you must dial 0044 + Area Code + number.

Emergency

In Panama, the 911 Emergency System is in place; Make sure to leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member or a neighbor at home with contact for where you’ll be each day.

Metric System for Driving Directions

Panama uses the Metric system, unlike the United States, so distances and speed are measured by kilometers, not miles. Keep in mind that 1 kilometer equals about 2/3 (0.62) miles. Also, it is quite common to receive directions in meters when in a large town. When someone says 100 meters, they mean one block.

Safety

AMA Estancia, the reserve and grounds are monitored around the clock by a team of private security contractors. Panama is a safe country to travel in. Remember when you are traveling within Panama to use the same common sense you would use at home. It is very easy to let down your normal guard while you are here in Panama enjoying the beach lifestyle, but it is important to take normal safety precautions.

Money Exchange

Cash - The official currency of Panama is the Balboa, however there is no printed currency; you will only be able to find coins. What they do instead is use the dollar as currency as the exchange rate is 1 to 1. You will notice that the most widely accepted US bills are $10 and $20, so make sure you don’t rely on $50 or $100. Credit Cards – Most vendors give discounts for using cash, as credit card merchant companies charge high percentages on transactions here. Some vendors do not accept credit cards, while many only take VISA or MasterCard. American Express is extremely difficult to use here so please opt for one of the aforementioned credit cards when traveling. Travelers Checks – We do not recommend using Travelers Checks when in Panama. Since most vendors will not accept this form of payment because of the time it takes for the check to cash, it will be difficult for you to use them. If you are able to use them, be prepared to get tagged some type of money exchange commission fee.

ATM Machines

You will find that ATM machines are common in most towns (there are ATM’s in Pedasi).

Tips

Our staff at AMA Estancia prides itself on offering the best service possible from the time you arrive to the day you depart. With a full-time staff, we do our best to accommodate your every need. While each member of the AMA Estancia Team is well compensated for their work, tips are always appreciated. You will have a chance at the end of your stay with us to tip those team members who stood out in your eyes individually or you will also have the opportunity to tip the group as a whole. In order for you to focus on the business of relaxing while you are here at AMA Estancia tips can be discussed with our Experience Curator the evening before your departure when you are going through the check-out process.

Wattage

The electricity in Panama is 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz10/ 120 watts, the same as in the United States. All outlets at AMA Estancia are designed for 3-prong, flat blade plus ground plugs. If your electronics require a different plug shape or wattage, please make sure to get a voltage converter.

Vaccinations

Although no shots are required for entry into Panama, some precautions are recommended when traveling to remote areas as well as always being up to date with your normal shots. If you decide to get any vaccinations, it’s best to do so 4-6 weeks before your departure. Many guests ask about Malaria, while we are not doctors, we do not recommend taking Malaria precautions unless you are planning on being in a remote or high risk area. We highly suggest using a bug repellent while traveling that contains a moderate (5%) percentage of Deet, the active ingredient found in most repellents. Please consult your physician as well as the CDC’s website for the latest updates when planning your trip to Panama.

Zika Virus

Links to track Zika in Panama: https://www.iamat.org/country/panama/risk/zika-virushttp://www.promedmail.org/http://www.healthmap.org/promed/?p=39455

We call on our connections in Panama’s scientific community for updated information and advice - above are links to best and most up-to-date information to track reported cases.

You can see on the Healthmap linked above, that there have been no reported cases in Azuero where we are located, or furthermore, anywhere outside of the Kuna Yala indigenous area or Panama City region (many of these cases are also from Kuna Yala) - it would take you 8 hours of driving and 1-2 hours via boat to reach this area, we are very far away from it. Of the cases in Panama, most happened with the initial outbreak, and have been contained.

Mosquitos

We take general measures to ensure that mosquitos are not a huge nuisance at the property, but we are lucky in that the winds that come off of the coastal cliffs keep the porches and outdoor rooms very comfortable. However, it is the tropics and we try to be as eco-friendly as possible, so it is likely that you will experience mosquitoes while riding or hiking in the forest preserve - we keep several types of bug spray ready and available at the villa.

Mosquito Netting

Our beds are not netted - all of the bedrooms are completely sealed off and air-conditioned. It is very warm at the estate year-round, and most guests prefer to use the air. However, we do have high-powered ceiling fans in the rooms, but I would recommend keeping the windows and doors closed so that insects don’t bother you while you are sleeping.

How to get to AMA Estancia

If you are flying internationally, your flight will land at Panama’s international airport, Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. From there you have several domestic travel options to get to AMA Estancia, located on the Coast of the Azuero Peninsula in Los Santos Province a 20-minute drive from the town of Pedasi:

• Take a domestic flight from Panama City to Pedasi or Chitre: Air Panama offers a domestic flight (30-45 minutes) from Panama City’s Albrook Airport to Pedasi - the flight is seasonal. When not available, guests can fly to Air Panama to Chitre, which is one hour and a half from AMA Estancia. Please note that Albrook Airport is a 30-45 minute drive from Tocumen International Airport. From your arrival in Pedasi or Chitre, our team will pick you up for a 20-minute (Pedasi) or 1.5-hour (Chitre) drive to the estate.
• Charter a flight from Panama City to Pedasi: A private flight from either airport in Panama City can be chartered to Pedasi. From your arrival in Pedasi, the AMA Estancia team will pick you up for a 20-minute drive to the estate.
• Private ground transfer: We can arrange a private car or bus to drive you to the property. Driving from Panama city takes about 4-6 hours. The price varies.
• Rent a car: See above. Should you choose to drive, please contact us for detailed driving directions.

Helicopter Pad

Helicopters can land safely on the grassy lawn adjacent to the house.

Panama Entry Requirements

For U.S. and UK citizens, including minors under the age of 18, a valid passport and pre-purchased airline ticket exiting Panama is all that is required for entry. If a U.S. minor (U.S. Citizen under the age of 18) does not have his/her own passport, he or she must have a joint passport with one of his/her parents, legal guardian or the person traveling with him/her. For non-U. S. Citizens, a passport, a pre-purchased airline ticket exiting Panama, and sometimes a Visa are required. We strongly recommend that for U.S. and non-U.S. Citizens alike you check with the Panama Consulate in your area for the most up-to-date Passport and Visa requirements. Upon entry, each tourist is issued a tourist visa (stamp) with the restricted amount of time they can stay in the country. Most tourists are issued a 3-month tourist visa depending on what country you have citizenship in. It’s also a good idea to have several copies of the picture page of your passport as well as the entry stamp page with you when you travel.

Your valid passport must have at least one blank visa page to enter Panama. The expiration date of your passport must be of at least 6 months from your date of entry to Panama. For example, if you are going to fly to Panama on January 1st, your passport should not expire before July 1st of the same year.

Lodging in Panama City

We highly recommend the American Trade Hotel in Casco Viejo, the old quarter. It offers some of the finest service and experience in the city, and in a neighborhood you will enjoy walking around, with some of the city’s best restaurants and sites just steps away.

What does the rate include?

• Complete and private use of the estate
• All meals (3/day) and snacks, fresh juices, coffee, tea, soft drinks
• Two bottles of wine per day
• Personal Experience Curator who will design a customized activities itinerary prior to your visit and cater to your needs while onsite
• Daily housekeeping service
• Chef and sous chefs at your service
• Wilderness/adventure guide at your service
• Unlimited use of snorkeling and surf equipment
• Tours to the Turtle Nursery
• Unlimited use of the tennis center
• Private access to two beaches
• Wifi

Rate

• High Season (Jan-April) $3,500.00 per night for up to 12 guests
• Green Season (May-December) $3,000.00 per night for up to 12 guests
• Oct 15 - November 15 - The estate is closed.
• Winter Holidays (December 20-Jan 3) - Booked indefinitely
• For each guest over the 12th guest - $400.00 per night per adult, $150.00 per night per child
• 4-night minimum stay required

Inclusive Estate Rental Only

AMA Estancia is only available as an estate rental, including the 6-suite villa and 180-hectare estate, private access to the equestrian and tennis center, pool house, forest preserve and 2-miles of beachfront, our full staff, including an Experience Curator, Chef and wilderness Guide look forward to customizing our services to your travel preferences. The same rate and inclusions apply to 2 guests or 12 guests. Under no circumstance do we rent out single rooms.

Rate is for 12 Guest Maximum

The pricing is for 12 guests maximum, including children. The house can accommodate more people (14-17 people) especially if much of the party is children. We charge $400/night per person for extra adult guests after the 12th guest, and $150/night per child.

Minimum Stay

A 3-night minimum stay is required for booking.

Taxes

Our rates are inclusive of taxes and service charges.

Winter Holiday Bookings

The estate is reserved indefinitely at the holidays (mid December - mid January).

Deposit

A 50% deposit is due at booking to hold your reservation.

The 50% balance is due 30 days before arrival date, if the balance is not secured by this date, your reservation is automatically cancelled. Cancellation fees apply.

Payment

We do not accept credit cards. Payments must be made by wire or bank transfer.

Additional Fees

Guest services and provisions not outlined by the Rate Inclusions in the booking agreement, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages, specialized staffing or services (massage therapist, nannies, e.g.), specialized fishing vessels, e.g., are subject to additional fees.

Alcoholic beverages

Guests are not allowed to bring alcohol to the property. Please order the liquor you would like to have onsite ahead of time through our experience curator, a 15% corking fee will be applied.

Cancellation

Cancellations made at least 90 days prior to arrival date will result in a cancellation fee of 10% of the total stay. Cancellations made between 89-45 days prior to arrival date will result in a cancellation fee of 25% of the total stay. Cancellations made 44-16 days will result in a forfeit of the 50% deposit. Cancellations made 15 days or less prior to arrival date are non-refundable. Should travel restrictions be incurred due to COVID-19 within 15 days of your travel dates – bookings will be transferred penalty free to a future date of your choice. Should your booking require a transfer of dates, due to the implications of COVID-19 - all deposits are non-refundable. Departing early will be regarded as a last-minute cancellation, and the Guest will be charged for the entire stay booked.

Children

The estancia is perfect for families, we have one room with four twin beds and one with three twin beds each suited to this purpose exactly. The beach is slightly below the home, down a set of natural steps built into the hill, and a lawn separates it from the villa, ensuring there is plenty of room for the children to play safely where you can watch them from the indoor/outdoor dining and living spaces. We have toys and activities in the playroom and swimming toys at the pool house. AMA Estancia was designed for active families vacationing together -- you won’t run out of things to do. Our team at the house is very interactive, and will create a personalized luxury stay at the villa while helping to ensure that the children are entertained.

Nanny

A nanny is available for $60.00 per day. We need at least 2 weeks advance notice to ensure she is available.

Familiarization Tours / Site Inspections

For agents whose clientele are a good match for our offerings, we can offer a 1-2 night familiarization stay/site inspection, dependent on season and availability.

Our Experience Curator will be onsite at the estate during your site inspection. You will be treated as a guest and have the full guest experience.

If you are already planning to visit, please contact us for a guide to getting the most out of your familiarization stay at AMA Estancia.

Agent Commission

Commissions shall be paid at the rate of ten percent (10%) of the villa rental rate. We do not offer any special net rates to agents, just one published retail rate for the estate and all partners must sell the estate at this rate.

Retreats

We often have requests for yoga or wellness retreats. AMA is perfect as a retreat destination and we are happy to work with your team to provide special opportunities and amenities that fit into retreat programming. Please note that AMA Estancia is not a budget destination no matter the content of the retreat, and we do not offer special booking procedures for retreats, nor do we do promotions or advertising to fill retreat spots. If the retreat does not book enough guests, the reservation is subject to our normal cancellation policy.

Extra Villa Service

Requests for additional villa services, such as advanced grocery shopping, day trips, chartered flights, additional staff (nanny, massage therapist, etc.) must be made in writing to AMA Estancia no later than 30 days prior to your arrival. These services are not guaranteed and are not included in the contract price unless otherwise specified in the individual property information. AMA Estancia makes no representation as to the level or quality of these services. Payment is due in full in cash USD, wire or bank transfer to the manager upon arrival to the Property unless stated in the property description and cannot be paid by credit card. Once requests are submitted to AMA Estancia, any changes to villa services requests are subject to an acceptance from the owner. Guests cannot employ outside third party services unless requested in writing and approved by the property owner. Etra villa services once confirmed are non-refundable.

House Rules

• Smoking: Smoking is allowed outside only.
• Alcoholic Beverages: Guests are not allowed to bring alcohol to the property. Please order the liquor you would like to have onsite ahead of time through our concierge, a 15% corking fee will be applied.
• Additional Guests: People other than those in the Guest party set forth in the booking may not stay overnight in the property. Any other person in the property is the sole responsibility of Guest. Guests are not allowed to exceed the occupancy limit agreed to above.
• Safety: The property is not responsible for any accidents, injuries or illness that occurs while on the premises or its facilities. The Property is not responsible for the loss of personal belongings or valuables of the guest. By accepting the reservation, it is agreed that all guests are expressly assuming the risk of any harm arising from their use of the premises or others whom they invite to use the premise.
• Storms: If there is a storm or hurricane, no refunds will be given unless: The state or local authorities order mandatory evacuations in a "Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning area" and/or A "mandatory evacuation order has been given for the Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning" area of residence of a vacationing guest. The day that the authorities order a mandatory evacuation order in a "Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning," area, we will refund: Any unused portion of rent from a guest currently registered; Any unused portion of rent from a guest that is scheduled to arrive, and wants to shorten the stay, to come in after the Hurricane Warning is lifted; and Any advance rents collected or deposited for a reservation that is scheduled to arrive during the "Hurricane Warning" period.

Your Guide

Horacio José Peralta Pineda (you can call him “Kusy”) is a native to the nearby town of Pedasi, and grew up watching slash and burn farming eliminate most of the dry tropical forest in his beloved peninsula. Originally hired to take care of the grounds, Kusy has worked side-by-side with Emilio Mariscal, one of the most important reforestation engineers in Panama, as he researched and designed our long-term reforestation and sustainable development project. Kusy is now passionate about sharing the forest with AMA Estancia guests, and about restoring his homeland’s native ecosystem -- he personally creates all the trails and is the first to spot new species as they return to the wildlife corridor. He is a wealth of knowledge and has endless endergy for hiking, riding and surfing. For any adventure on the estate, Kusy is your go-to guy -- not to mention one of the best surfers in the peninsula.

Hiking

Guests can explore the hills, river systems, old-growth forest, reforestation areas, mangroves and coastal ecosystems using our network of over 12 miles of biking / hiking trails. This will provide a close up view the property and the wildlife which inhabit the forest areas, including howler monkeys, iguanas, birds, caimans, and rabbits.

Horseback Riding

We highly recommend horseback riding as one of the best ways to explore the diverse wilderness areas of AMA Estancia. A horseback ride through the estate with or without our guide will allow a close look at the wildlife on the property, old-growth and conservation forests, farming areas, reforestation project as well as sweeping ocean views. Starting and ending at our luxury equestrian center offers a once-in-a-lifetime exploration experience.

Surfing

Some of the best surfing beaches in Central America are on our coastline (Playa Venao, about 45 minutes down the coast from us, was home to the ISA surfing championship in 2011), and there are wonderful breaks to learn and practice on about a 10 minute walk down Panamaes beach in front of the villa. Panamaes has a beach break and has strong waves which are fun for playing in the whitewater, and challenging for the most experienced surfer. Kusy, our adventure guide, surfs at least once a day and is an excellent teacher.

Kusy can also take guests to Playa Venao, which is about 45 minutes from AMA Estancia, it is a beach break with consistent waves, which makes it a perfect spot for an experienced surfer and for beginners alike. Playa Venao and its consistent south swell make it a destination for surfers from all over the world.

Paddleboarding / Kayaking

Paddleboards and kayaks are available for use in the rivers or at the beach.

Fishing

The Azuero Coastline is known as the Tuna Coast, and Pedasi is a widely known sport fishing destination. Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin, Wahoo, Grouper and Snapper are regularly caught just off the coast.

We can arrange for a boat to take you for a fishing adventure from Puerto Escondido. Our team of Chefs will happily prepare your catch in a variety of different ways to your liking, including sushi or on the grill.

To learn more about the species and seasons, I will refer you the website of our neighbors, who explain the species and seasonality in detail: http://panafishing.com/species--seasons. html

Snorkeling

The reef snorkeling at Isla Iguana is amazing and great for families, it is one of the biggest well preserved areas of coral reef in the Gulf of Panama. There is a variety of coral and marine life, including sea turtles. If you want to open sea snorkel at Isla Frailes (30min away) - it is much more challenging and adventurous, but you will see massive species like tuna, sailfish and whales - it’s really a unique experience. These island snorkeling trips are a short boat ride away. Puerto Escondido, less than 30 meters from the villa, has a moderately sized reef offering an up close view of large coral, and marine life including lobsters and was recently defined as a protected area of ecological significance.

Boat Trips

• Isla Iguana: Parque Nacional Isla Iguana is a short boat ride away. With its powdery white sand beaches and amazing coral, it makes a great day trip! Boats will either depart from Playa Arenal or directly from Puerto Escondido.

• Isla Frailes: An iconic rock formation jutting out of the sea just 30 minutes away from us features a lighthouse and is a famous spot for local fisherman. Advanced open-sea snorkeling is also incredible here.

• Isla Cañas: This refuge is located at the nearby district of Tonosi in the province of Los Santos and contains a substantial beach area that is used by thousands of sea turtles for nesting each year. Accessible via a coastal mangrove, at high tide only, it is an adventure simply getting to Isla Cañas. Once there it is easy to enjoy the remote simplicity of this truly unique destination. The entire area is protected refuge not just for the sea turtles but also for the various animals that make the mangrove their home.

Isla Coiba

Isla Coiba is a world-famous ecological reserve and scuba diving destination. It is a 4-hour boat ride from AMA Estancia, and thus we recommend chartering a plane (40-minutes) to visit. Visits to Coiba are not included in our package and will incur an additional fee, but we are happy to help arrange the day trip and secure air transfer and diving operators.

Scuba Diving

We do not recommend diving by AMA Estancia because the undercurrents in the Pacific make it best for advanced divers, and Azuero lacks a great diving vendor in the area to help you navigate the currents. If diving is important to you, we recommend a trip to Isla Coiba (we could plan and arrange this for you), which is a 40 minute charter plane - Coiba has been compared to Galapagos for the density and diversity of species, and you will dive with huge whales, turtles and sharks.

Whale Watching

The whales typically arrive in July and stay until October - this turns any boat excursion into a whale watching opportunity, and sometimes we spot them from the terraces at the villa. The humpbacks can also be spotted from Isla Iguana, and near to the Los Frailes islands. The blue whale is also known to travel through this region.

Swimming

Guests at AMA Estancia can either swim laps in the 25 meter lap pool, or enjoy a vigorous ocean swim.

Sea Turtle Release

In 2015 we established a sea turtle conservation project, which includes a protected nesting area. During nesting and hatching season (September - January), our biologists work during the night to locate sea turtles who come to shore to nest, and then relocate the eggs to a protected area. When the sea turtles hatch, there is an incredible experience to work with our biologists, watching the turtles hatch and release them. We release thousands of sea turtles each year, but because this is subject to natural timing and cannot be predicted, we cannot schedule this for guests, but will make them aware of a hatching if it happens while they are staying at AMA Estancia so that they can participate. Guests are also welcome to work alongside our biologists during the night as they search for the nests if they would like, which may provide a rare opportunity to witness an endangered sea turtle nesting, however more-often-than-not, the turtle has already left when the nest is discovered, as we have miles of beach to protect.

Tennis

Guests can enjoy a tennis match on our acrylic hard court, category 2 (medium-slow) which is serviced by our luxury tennis center. All equipment and towels are provided, as well as luxurious changing room, and a comfortable viewing lounge serviced by a bar.

Mountain Biking

Guests can explore the rolling hills and forest of the estate using our network of biking / hiking trails.

Land Excursions

AMA Estancia is a destination unto itself, and we usually find that first-time guests prefer to stay on the estate and take-advantage of the many activities, boat tours, pool, tennis and equestrian center and farm-to-table dining. However, repeat guests or those who have read about Pedasi and Playa Venao as a destination sometimes like to go out and see these areas - we are happy to take guests to these nearby destinations, for an additional fee. There are longer tours past Pedasí, such as the Ron Abuelo tour, Festival de las Mil Polleras, and other cultural tours.

Onsite Dining

Flavia, your personal chef, started as a line cook to internationally trained Chef Andres Morataya, but after two years, he said she didn’t need him anymore and returned to the city! Melding world-class international technique with a lifetime of homestyle cooking in her native Pedasi. Flavia will cater to your every craving during your stay. Working with Kusy and the grounds team, Flavia designs your daily menus around what is in season. She orders all of her produce from our onsite farmer who cultivates the organic gardens and orchard to cater to the kitchen, and works with local ranchers and fishermen for the freshest possible cuts. If you like to taste the local culture when you travel, make sure to let Flavia know -- she’ll pull out her cast iron skillet and fix you the best tipico food in the country. All of our meals are served family-style and prepared fresh - let our staff know if you’d like to dine indoors or outdoors.

Area Dining

In recent years Pedasi has become a holiday destination and as such, there are a variety of restaurants, shops, and activities that catered specifically for the traveler. We recommend the following restaurants, cafes, and shops.

In Pedasi

• The bakery – Located on the main street, this café offers a good selection of croissants, brownies and strong coffee.
• Bohemia – located in Pedasi town, this restaurant offers homemade pizza in the heart Pedasí.
• Isla Iguana – located in Pedasi town, this restaurant is a local favorite. The cuisine is ‘tipico’ and they often serve the catch of the day. It is a great spot for a simple lunch if you happen to be in Pedasi.

In Playa Venao

• El Sitio – located on the beach, this restaurant provides good spot to relax and enjoy a break from your surf sessions.
• La Barca - located at the beach, this boat shaped wooden bar, is an excellent place to enjoy some cocktails and snacks while the sun is setting.