Building, starting, and running a business in Panama has been nothing short of pure fascination in addition to the usual blood, sweat (lots and lots of sweat), and tears. But, like I tell everyone, some things have been easier and some, harder. As is with any business, building and keeping a strong team to deliver the dream has unequivocally been the most challenging part.
You see, in Panama, 2 weeks off a year (10 work days) is impossible to wrap your mind around. When I explain this to our team, it's not so easy for them to understand. In reality, it's hard for those that only get two weeks off per year to believe it too!
I will explain more about all that over a col-col when you get here but the point is that we need to make the most of our guests time when they get here and do what it takes to "Deliver the magic of this place."
You can't simply get on a plane, travel around the world and magically relax. It takes time to unwind from the stresses of daily life, unplug a lot, and not rush everything to do as much as possible. But believe me, it's possible and that's why we came up with the perfect 11-day trip. Here's how it goes:
Day #1: Arrive in Panama City, get a great meal and rest for the adventures coming.
This is the area of Casco Viejo and it's one of my favorite places in the world.
Day #2: Depart Panama City at 9am for a beautiful and interesting drive through the colorful country to us in Morrillo where there's a col-col waiting, and the beach calling your name. & surf.
Day #3: Get up and get after it for a surf lesson. With the best place we have ever seen to learn: "Beginner Beach" right out front, just grab a board and you will learn to get up and surf in your first lesson.
& surf.
Day #4: Hop in a traditional panga boat for a ride to a secluded white sand island for snorkeling, exploring, and fishing. Being the tuna coast of the world has great fishing/dining benefits.
& surf.
Day #5: A great day of rest and relaxation. Get in a yoga session and a massage. Sometimes the monkeys can throw off your focus. Cool.
& surf.
Day #5: Not that into chillin'? There's enough time for a waterfall hike and yoga or, just hike if you got the energy! We got you.
& surf.
Day #6: This is Lucia and she is waiting with all her heart for your visit. She lives to share her beautiful self-sustainable world, delicious foods, and rich coffee with guests. On the all day home tour you will eat well and test your courage jumping off waterfalls. Magical.
& surf.
Day #7: Explore the critically endangered mangrove by learning to stand up paddle board. Oh wait, you actually already know how. You just don't know you know but, I know that you know so don't worry.
& surf.
Day #8: Time to stretch the legs again for a hike into the Cerro Hoyas National Park. Explore the Rio Playita canyon while spying amazing birds, monkeys, lizards, and keeping cool beneath massive waterfalls.
& maybe not surf on this day...tired.
Day #9: Learn how to cook the most beloved traditional Panamanian dish - arroz con pollo. Over a traditional outdoor wood-fired "fogon."
& surf.
Day #10: After a fresh breakfast and amazing cup of coffee, get in the shuttle for another colorful ride to the Panama Canal. Along the way reflect on the memories, or sleep, and arrive at the Panama Canal; one of the 7 wonders of the world for a tour by our shuttle driver. Then return to your hotel for a great meal and rest before taking off for home the following morning.
& no surf.
Day #11: Say "Hasta luego" to Panama and all that makes her great. Return home with great photos, colorful memories, get your reviews done, and stay in touch. We will be begging you to come back after becoming great friends.
& dreaming of surfing together again soon.
How does that sound to you? All you have to do is decide to go and we got you from there.
Your Friends in Morrillo, Cari and Ryan Mackey Owners and Hosts Morrillo Beach Eco Resort