Something
interesting is happening in the mountains high above Cerro Punta in
Chiriqui. From the town, if you look up to the South West, you can
just make out a tiny cluster of buildings.
This is
the Hostal Las Nubes (the clouds), well-named because, being at 7600
feet 2,200 meters above sea level and the highest hostelry in Panama,
it is often actually in the clouds. It has just opened and if you
were to go there this week-end, you would probably be the first guest.
But going there is for the adventurous.
The hostel
is the first phase of a residential project called Hacienda Las Nubes
and has been built primarily for prospective buyers to provide lodging
for them if they want to oversee construction of their house.
Swiss architecture.
The road
is very rough, "ideal for 4 wheel drive enthusiasts" according
to Mr. Ricardo de la Espriella, the developer. Fot those who brave
the trip, the rewards can be impressive Firstly, they will be staying
on the edge of the Friendship Park (PILA) –- a wildlife refuge.
From your
balcony you can view various species, including the beautiful rare
Quetzal, and the view of the peak of the dormant Volcano Baru is unsurpassed.
If you
are tempted to buy one of the lots set aside for homes, you would
be able to take advantage of an introductory price of $20 per meter,
a figure which will certainly increase considerably, maybe double
in 2007, especially when the road, which is scheduled by the Ministry
of Public Works and the Ministry of Agriculture to be built during
the dry season (Dec - April), and which also leads to the park’s
ranger station, is built and asphalted.
Comfortable,
country-style dwellings.
The hostal
has three spacious suites with fireplaces (the temperature can drop
as low as 10ºc). The floors are of polished hardwood and the
walls of volcanic rock, creating harmony with the surrounding forest.
The architecture
is Swiss, the appointments are tasteful and there is every comfort
and convenience, including abundant hot water, TV and internet reception.
To reach
Hostal Las Nubes easily with a guide, contact Mr. Orlando de la Guardia
at 6674-7994 or visit him at the offices of Bienes Raices Chiriqui
Realty (771-5531) in Volcan.
