Frequently Asked Questions

Is local bus transportation available from Uverito Beach to Las Tablas?

Yes, there is bus transportation; however, it is not a "traditional" bus, but more like a passenger van that carries 6-8 people.

Bus stop "Almacen Status"
Phone #: 6804-0517

Monday to Friday

From Las Tablas to Uverito Beach
5:50 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

From Uverito Beach to Las Tablas
6:20 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

Saturday to Sunday

From Las Tablas to Uverito Beach
7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

From Uverito Beach to Las Tablas
9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

How do we get the keys to the Uverito Beach House?
The keys will be provided to you by the housekeeper at the time of your arrival OR they will be placed inside a combination lock at the front gate.  The lock's combination will be provided to you via e-mail.  Once you open the lock, the keys inside will allow you to open the gate and get inside the house.  Take the combination lock with you inside the house until you are ready to leave.  If the housekeeper isn't scheduled to meet you upon your departure, put the keys back inside the lock and place the lock back on the front gate. 

Is there hot water in the showers?
Yes, we installed an on-demand tankless water heater that feeds hot water to the showers in both bathrooms.  We finally got rid of the "suicide" shower heads that kept shocking our guests because we couldn't get anybody to install them correctly.  So now the only shock you will get is of how quickly the hot water came on.

How is crime in the area?  Is the area safe?

The house is completely surrounded by a fence, security bars on the windows, and security doors.  The area is relatively safe.  Since it is a beach community, there are times during the week when the houses are empty that break-ins do occur.  In response, the police have been more vigilant during the week with more patrols assigned to the area.  Just be safe and keep valuables inside and keep the doors locked when going down to the beach or leaving for an extended period of time. 

Are there any services/stores near the house?
Within walking distance you will find several small restaurants at Uverito Beach.  However, you will need to travel 10 minutes to Las Tablas to find supermarkets, post office, banks, restaurants (with lots of variety and low prices for breakfast, lunch, dinner), souvenir stores, etc.  It is recommended to stop and gather enough supplies before heading to the beach house, if necessary.

What kind of Internet service do you offer?
Did you come to work or relax?  Okay fine, we do have free wireless internet.

Can we bring our kids?
Absolutely.  Uverito Beach is ideal for them with fairly low waves and few rip currents.  Want to surf?  Head south about 20 minutes to Pedasi for world class surfing. 

Why do I have to pay a deposit?
The $200 refundable deposit reserves your stay at the Uverito Beach House.  Should you accidently break anything, the deposit would go toward replacing what was broken.

How do I get my deposit back when I'm done renting?
After the house has been returned in good order (assuming nothing is broken or missing), a $200 check will be mailed to you within 30 days of checking out.

How do I get the keys to the house?
Upon arrival, the housekeeper will be present to give you the keys and show you the house.  This is a good time to ask any last minute questions about the house or area that you may have. 

What about fishing? 
We are only a 20 minute ride to Pedasi where you will find world-class fishing.  In fact, the Azuero Peninsula has a very diverse marine ecosystem and fantastic offshore fishing. The Azuero Peninsula is often referred to as the "tuna coast" for its abundance of yellow fin tuna. However tuna is not the only fish that can be found in the waters near Uverito Beach and in the Azuero Peninsula. There are numerous types of fish including wahoo, snapper, grouper, dorado, mackerel, and amberjack (to name a few) that can be found in Panama's Azuero Peninsula.

What about snorkeling?
Minutes away by boat from the Port of Mensabe is located Isla Iguana, an island that provides visitors a veritable natural wonderland. Amidst 35 acres of coral reefs, 13 coral species and an astounding 200 species of fish, Isla Iguana offers the best snorkeling in the country and outstanding diving opportunities.
This island features humpback whales in its waters, giant iguanas, and the yearly nesting site of the 4-foot Carey sea turtle. Birders can enjoy the region's largest colony of magnificent frigate birds with their puffed red chests, without traveling to the more distant Galapagos Islands.

How safe is Panama?
As safe as any big city: there are well-defined places you want to avoid but all the popular places are very safe. Panama's government is taking the safety of traveler's seriously.  The beach is probably the safest area to be since most beachgoers are there for the same reasons you are...sun and relaxation.

Should I drive a car in Panama?
It's not for the faint hearted but actually, statistically, our traffic safety record is better than that of the U.S.  Hard to believe?  No.  We have less highways (where most fatalities take place), fewer 18-wheelers (that kill basically anything that comes in their way) and kids can't drive cars here until they are 18 and even then, very few have money to buy one.  Having said that, keep in mind that bus drivers often drive erratically, but that will be changing slowly as the new Metro bus system is phased in.  However, the ride to the beach house is on the main freeway will normally have few cars or buses, making the ride a scenic adventure with opportunities to stop along the way.  So, to answer the question: yes, you can rent a car in Panama and drive out to the beach house.

So I rent a car how do I get to the beach house?  Directions from Panama City to the beach house will be provided.

What if I don't rent a car, can I get a bus to the beach house from Panama City?  Yes, you can catch a bus from the Albrook Bus Terminal to Las Tablas.  The medium sized, mini-buses that service the country's interior, i.e. Santiago, Chitre, Las Tablas, etc., are comfortable, normally air conditioned, and depart regularly throughout the day at set times.  Once you get to the bus terminal in Las Tablas, catch a taxi to the beach house for $5-$7.  Below is the schedule information for the buses from Albrook Bus Terminal to Las Tablas:

Schedule
Monday - Saturday
6:00 a.m.
7:15 a.m.
8:15 a.m.
9:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
11.15 a.m.
12:15 p.m.
1:15 p.m.
2:15 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
4:45 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.

Sunday
6:00 a.m.
7:15 a.m.
8:15 a.m.
9:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
11.15 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
1:45 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
4:15 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
 

I want to buy real estate in Panama: what do you recommend? 
Well, we recommend purchasing a pre-construction condominium at Miranda Suites.  More information is on the website:  http://www.mirandasuites.com/.  

I want to retire in Panama
Great idea, but we recommend that you first stay here for a month or two to get a taste of what its like to live in the interior of Panama.  You may prefer the busy city life (which this is definitely not) or learn to enjoy the solitude of being able to do whatever you want in this paradise of a country.  There are many pluses and some minuses that you will have to consider, but we're convinced that after your stay with us...you will definitely make retiring to Panama one of your top choices.

What about healthcare in Panama?
Excellent.  First class service is available and cheap.  Pharmacies in Las Tablas are generally open 24/7 selling almost everything over the counter, which is a lot cheaper here than in the U.S.

So, is there any reason I should not go to Panama?
Absolutely! There's the pain and sense of loss when you have to go home again, mostly related to getting used to warm weather and sunny skies. We should also warn you of the risk of minor strokes when you just had a first class seafood platter, drinks, and coffee at a fine restaurant and the entire bill is still under $15. The same risk exists when you take a taxi for miles and arrive after 30 minutes to only pay $5. Right now, we can't think of anything else but maybe you want to help us out?  Come see for yourself by staying with us.