New Horizons In Eco-Tourism - Little Known Eco-Travel Hot Spot Heralded As Next Costa Rica

(Boquete, Panama) – In search of unspoiled tropical getaways, honeymooners, retirees, nature aficionados and soft adventure travelers alike are increasingly looking beyond traditional favorites, like Costa Rica.

While many still appreciate the natural splendor of Costa Rica, concerns are growing about cost of living escalation, development and infrastructure issues.

In search of greener pastures for less, eco-travelers cross the border to Panama, which is ”… the most beautiful retreat in the world and almost undiscovered...” – according to Harper’s Bazaar Magazine. 


Harper’s is not alone. Lonely Planet readers rated Panama one of the top 10 countries to visit. National Geographic Traveler reveals the secret in a nutshell:

“A cornucopia of wildlife wonders side by side with fortresses and sleepy colonial villages, Panama is a country just awakening to its vast potential."

Besides eco-travelers, Panamas ‘vast potential’ attracts retirees and green entrepreneurs - Canadians, Americans, some Europeans. Americans can reach Panama as easily as Costa Rica in a few hours by plane.

Originally from Idaho, an American expat - after first settling in Costa Rica - recently moved across the border, to Boquete, Panama. He says: “…Hotel accommodations are 30 percent to 50 percent cheaper than those in Costa Rica…good restaurants similarly economical.”

Gina Cronin from Ohio was looking for a place to escape harsh winters and an environment supportive of a more self-sustaining life style.

On her first visit to Panama, she fell in love with the spring like climate and the green hills of Boquete – an area called ‘Panamas Sun Valley’ favored by Panamanians for their vacations, - near the Costa Rica border. “I knew right away that I had found my new home” remembers Cronin.

Today, Cronin is a green hospitality pioneer in Panama, operating a luxurious boutique resort in nature and contributing to neighborhood projects in Boquete.

Among her resort guests are birdwatchers, stressed big city dwellers needing a getaway, families with teenagers, Yoga fans, horseback riders and workshop groups.

Nature loving gourmets from near and far are attracted to her open-kitchen Madre Tierra restaurant, where gourmet Chef Craig tickles palates with his sumptuous ‘slow food’ lunch and dinner creations.

(http://ranchodecaldera.com/madre-tierra.php)
(http://ranchodecaldera.com/our-chef.php)

Rancho guests commune with Madre Tierra (Mother Nature) in other ways as well, they smell the flowers, watch birds, butterflies, fireflies, stars, sunrises, hike, trek, jog, or explore the area on horseback.

After that they can relax in luxurious terraced bungalow – or stay connected with their loved ones at home from their laptop. (Yes there is free high speed Internet access - even though the Rancho is 100% off grid. Guests get a personal mobile phone to use during their stay)

The Ranchos casual, friendly ambiance lets guests be as social or secluded as they wish. Some reach out, make new friends with fellow travelers from around the globe - others prefer to stay by themselves.

Plenty activities outside the Rancho in Boquete – from nearby hot springs to Volcano climbing and white water rafting. (http://ranchodecaldera.com/area-activities.php)

Thanks to hydro- solar- and wind power generators she had installed, Cronin’s self-sustaining Rancho operates on clean energy year round.

As a result of its nature friendly ‘green’ approach to hospitality, the Rancho became one of central Americas first Green Globe certified eco-resorts. (http://ranchodecaldera.com/sustainability.php)


Many Rancho guests come from North America – by plane.

But, one man claims he cycled 4000 miles to get here from the US! (It remains unclear if he made the trip because he was craving Chef Craig’s famous Madre Tierra French fries…). Read the full story at http://ranchodecaldera.com/guestcomments.php

Tip: for reviews from travellers who have stayed there, look up Rancho de Caldera on TripAdvisor.com at
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1573310-d1056117-Reviews-Rancho_de_Caldera-Caldera_Chiriqui.html


For photos and more information about Panama, Boquete and the Rancho de Caldera eco hospitality project visit www.ranchodecaldera.com

Located in Boquete, in the mountains of western Panama near the Costa Rica border, Rancho de Caldera eco-resort, retreat center and gourmet restaurant is a small, private eco- project that provides luxury accommodations in a self-sustaining, off the grid environment.

In recognition of its clean energy operations and green policies, Rancho de Caldera is among the first boutique eco-resorts in Central America to be recognized by the coveted Green Globe hospitality certificate.

Rancho de Caldera
P O Box 112
Boquete, Chiriqui
Republic of Panama

Panama Mobile: +507 6612-2147
Phone from USA: (877) 810-0898 or (216) 220-0192

Press contact: Gina +507 6612-2147 Email:ginatip@gmail.com

This release was published on openPR.