Santa Fe (Panama)

Santa Fe is a small town in the Veraguas region of Panama.

Understand
Santa Fe is a small mountain town of about 3,200 people close to the Santa Fe National Park, just south of the continental divide. There are many hikes located in the area and several hostels and hotels in town that cater to travelers who would like to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Get in
Located about 50 km north of Santiago de Veraguas. You can take a minibus from the terminal.

Get around
The town is small enough to walk.

See

 * The local mountain Cerro Tute can be climbed as a day hike.
 * The panoramic mountain El Alto can be reached via a paved road.
 * Another Bermejo waterfall is north of Santa Fe.
 * Orchid gardens are another attraction of Santa Fe.

Do



 * There are several hiking trails around town.
 * Cool, often foggy hikes through the forest to the Alto de Piedra waterfalls can be started near the top of the pass, about 10 km in the direction of Calovébora. The beginning of the path just after a simple tourist pub is not easy to find, the residents of the nearby houses are happy to show the way.
 * There are swimming spots almost everywhere thanks to the many little rivers. The accommodations provide information and often have small plans. The nearest sites can be reached on small roads 2 km north and east of the village.

Buy
A coffee cooperative produces the very good El Tute coffee, which is also available in local supermarkets.

There is no petrol station, no bank and no ATM.

Eat
Simple and inexpensive dishes are available in 5 family-run fondas in the center and 4 restaurants. Hotel Anachoreo offers something very unusual: delicious Cambodian food.

Drink
A bit of nightlife in a bar with pool tables might be expected on Saturday nights. Otherwise it is very quiet.

Sleep
Hotel Santa Fe,just before entering the town. Very simple cottages are rented at 1000 meters altitude at the Alto de Piedra falls for $25.
 * Coffee Mountain Inn — The Coffee Mountain Inn is about 800 meters east of downtown on the road to El Pántano . An American-Panamanian couple is offering 4-5 en-suite rooms. All have views of mountains and trees with lots of birds. Price: bed and breakfast on the terrace or under a canopy costs about $60 for 2 people.
 * Hotel Anachoreo — Hotel Anachoreo has an excellent view and food. Price: A double room is available for $44.
 * Caballo Verde — right in the quiet center.
 * Hostal La Qhia —  The classic place to stay is Hostal La Qhia, run by a Belgian-Argentinian couple and considered one of Panama's top hostels. It offers a lot of atmosphere and beautiful lounges. It is just a few minutes above the bus station. Price: A bed in a dormitory costs $11, a double room is only between $33 and $38.50, so it is often full.
 * Casa Mariposa — Casa Mariposa and other very nice vacation homes are rented from $145 (minimum 3 nights).

Go next

 * San Francisco (Panama)
 * Playa Calovébora, on the Caribbean coast of Veraguas