The Palms Penthouse is located within the private Punta Caelo Beach Community in San Carlos, approximately two hours southwest of Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City.

For the most flexibility during your stay, we recommend renting a vehicle at the airport. If you prefer not to drive, private transportation can also be arranged.

Before traveling, we recommend downloading WhatsApp for communication during your stay and Waze, the most commonly used navigation app in Panama.

For your convenience, we've included direct links to both Google Maps and Waze below.

Open in Google Maps

Open in Waze

Before you leave home, we recommend taking a few minutes to prepare for your trip. A little planning will help ensure a smooth arrival and allow you to start enjoying your vacation the moment you arrive.

✓ Download WhatsApp – This is the preferred method of communication throughout Panama and the fastest way to reach us during your stay.

✓ Download Waze – While Google Maps works well, Waze is the navigation app most commonly used by locals.

✓ Review your arrival instructions – Door codes and check-in information will be sent approximately 24 hours before your arrival.

✓ Verify your passport – Panama generally requires passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. Please verify your passport meets this requirement before traveling.

✓ Check with your credit card company – Most U.S. credit cards work without issue in Panama, but it's always a good idea to confirm your travel notifications are up to date.

✓ Save this Concierge Guide – Bookmark this page or add it to your phone's home screen so it's easy to access throughout your stay.

Panama uses the U.S. Dollar (USD) as its official currency, making travel easy for visitors from the United States. Most restaurants, grocery stores, and businesses accept major credit cards, though we recommend carrying a small amount of cash for local vendors, roadside stands, or smaller purchases.

Helpful Tips

• U.S. dollars are accepted throughout the country.

• Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express may not be accepted everywhere.

• ATMs are readily available in Coronado and other nearby towns if you need additional cash.

• Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, 10% is customary for good service if a service charge has not already been included.

The Palms Concierge Tip

We recommend arriving with $50–100 USD in small bills for tolls, tips, and incidental purchases during your first day.

We highly recommend stopping for groceries on your way from Panama City to The Palms Penthouse. Stocking the refrigerator before you arrive means you can settle in, pour a drink, and start enjoying your vacation immediately.

Our favorite grocery store is Riba Smith in Coronado. It offers an excellent selection of fresh produce, meats, seafood, wine, specialty items, and many familiar U.S. brands.

Other nearby options include Super 99 and Rey, both of which carry a wide variety of everyday essentials.

Our Concierge Tip

If you're arriving after 5:00 PM or on a Sunday, we recommend picking up everything you'll need for your first evening before arriving at Punta Caelo.

Panama's Pacific coast enjoys warm temperatures year-round, so lightweight, comfortable clothing is perfect for most of your stay.

We recommend bringing:

• Lightweight clothing and swimwear

• Comfortable sandals and walking shoes

• A light sweater or cover-up for cooler evenings or air-conditioned restaurants

• Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat

• Insect repellent, especially if you plan to enjoy the terraces in the evening

• Workout clothing if you plan to enjoy the fitness center, walking trails, or yoga.

Good news—you can leave these at home!

• Beach towels are provided.

• A pickleball set is available for guest use.

• Yoga mats are provided.

• A small cooler is available for beach days and excursions.

The Palms Concierge Tip

Our favorite days begin with coffee on the terrace, followed by a swimsuit and sandals for the rest of the day. The atmosphere at Punta Caelo is relaxed, comfortable, and effortlessly elegant.

The Palms Penthouse offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the residence. Your network name and password will be provided upon arrival and are also available inside the penthouse.

Most U.S. cell phones work well in Panama with international roaming, but we recommend checking with your wireless carrier before you travel to understand any international charges.

For the easiest communication during your stay, we recommend using WhatsApp. It is the preferred messaging app throughout Panama and is the fastest way to reach us if you have questions or need assistance.

If you prefer not to use your carrier's international plan, an eSIM can be an affordable option for mobile data during your trip. Popular providers include Airalo and Holafly.

The Palms Concierge Tip

We recommend connecting to the Wi-Fi as soon as you arrive and keeping WhatsApp notifications enabled during your stay. It's the quickest way for us to answer questions, provide recommendations, or assist if anything comes up.

For most guests, yes. While it's certainly possible to arrange private transportation, having a rental car gives you the freedom to explore Panama's beautiful Pacific coast at your own pace. Coronado, El Valle de Antón, local restaurants, grocery stores, and many of our favorite beaches are all just a short drive away.

One thing to be aware of: rental car rates in Panama are often advertised at surprisingly low daily prices, but the insurance can significantly increase the total cost when you arrive at the rental counter.

We've had great success using our American Express card's Premium Car Rental Protection, which allows us to decline the rental company's collision coverage. Be sure to tell the rental agent that you'll be using your American Express rental car insurance before completing your paperwork, as they will need to remove their collision coverage from your reservation. We also recommend confirming your coverage with American Express before traveling to ensure it applies to your specific rental.

The Palms Penthouse includes two complimentary covered parking spaces, making it easy to come and go throughout your stay.

The Palms Concierge Tip

If you plan to spend most of your vacation relaxing at Punta Caelo, a rental car for just part of your stay may be all you need. But if you'd like to explore nearby towns, restaurants, beaches, and mountain villages like El Valle, you'll appreciate the flexibility of having your own vehicle.

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Send us a message on WhatsApp anytime. We're always happy to help make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

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