Vacation Rentals by Owner

Piece of Paradise

Guest: Nana Jan (Van Buren AR)
Date of Stay: 05/06/12 Review Submitted: 05/17/12

It was love at first sight. My husband and I travel alot, but usually stay at all inclusive resorts. This was our first time to actually be a part of the community and I highly recommend it. The house was everything listed in the discription and more. The house and property were very clean and well maintained, with Carlos (the caretaker) coming out just about everyday and keeping us supplied with fresh bananas that were absolutely yummy. I loved waking up in the morning with a pot of coffee and sitting outside watching the birds and butterflies seeing new something new everyday. Valeri was very, very helpful with all our concerns and quick to answer any questions we had. She even loaned us her truck to get around while we were staying in El Valle. We cooked several meals after buying fresh shrimp and fish from the local fishmonger's truck, plenty of dishes and cooking utensils to prepare any meal you would desire. But, enjoyed eating out in town at several of the local establishments---very good and more than reasonnably priced. Took a day trip to San Carlos to the beach (first black sand beach I've ever seen and lots of sea shells). Watch out for the hermit crabs. Enjoyed visiting El Macho (waterfall), the local zoo, going to the open market and meeting all the interesting and colorful people of the town. Ty's sport bar is a great place to meet expats who have made El Valle their home full of information and tips. I would highly recommend El Valle and this piece of property for a truly relaxing vacation experience. Hope to visit again and again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

1st trip to panama

Guest: TL (Southeast Alaska's Panhandle)
Date of Stay: 03/04/12 Review Submitted: 03/15/12

We liked the house very much. It was very comfortable and well appointed. It was nice to relax on the porch outside too. Fireflies at night! The grounds and trail were great. The little town had good food in the restaurants, stores and bakery. Wifi at the library. We liked the museum, ziplne, thermal pools, marketplace, kids in school uniforms and all those horses, dogs, and chickens everywhere. Caros and Gisela took good care of us. We'll be back one day!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Escape from northern USA Winter!

Guest: Nancy (Pine Island, Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 02/16/12 Review Submitted: 03/04/12

We recently returned to Minnesota after spending 2 weeks in El Valle at this Piece of Paradise! It truly is just that. It is such a beautiful, relaxing setting. The house is very comfortable, the grounds are amazing, and the weather is perfect.The pictures do not do it justice! We enjoyed watching birds, butterflies and wildlife. It is close enough to town to be able to walk but yet far enough out for lots of privacy and quiet. Carlos, the caretaker who greeted us and took us to the house, was extremely helpful and answered any questions or inquiries we had. He also gave us suggestions on things to do in the area. We found lots of good restaurants in town plus made multiple trips to the market to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables to cook at the house. The kitchen was stocked with all the cookware and utensils needed. If, or more likely when, we return to Panama we would surely love to stay here again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

guest stayed a week

Guest: Rod & Marie
Date of Stay: 01/09/12 Review Submitted: 01/18/12

Hi Valeri, We had a great time in El Valle. Gisela and Carlos are very nice. Next time we'll probably opt for a place a little warmer, but we will certainly keep your email for a possible re-visit. We took some pictures but the ones you have on the website are better. We are attaching one of the hillside. All the pictures don't quite capture the full beauty of the site and the pleasantness of the house. Thanks again. Rod & Marie

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Guest stayed in August 2011

Guest: Kali
Date of Stay: 08/27/11 Review Submitted: 09/06/11

Hi Valerie, Just wanted you to know we had a lovely time at your mountain home this past weekend. Carlos is an extraordinary man. We'll be back before long! Best, Kali

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Guest: Paul David and Wanda
Date of Stay: 04/14/11 Review Submitted: 04/22/11

Hi Valerie, Just a quick note to let you know that we are back in PC. Had just a wonderful time at your beautiful ""casa" and in and around the town of El Valle. Carlos and Gisela were wonderful and we both enjoed getting to know them at least on a perfunctory basis. I put 38 miles on the truck, late lunches and trip to zoo. Thank you so much for the use of it, it was great. I walked soooo much through the woods and down into the beautiful area near where Carlos lives. Met a lot of folks, even met someone, didn't get their names, who knows you and I think your brother or close relative. Anyway, they knew the house. I saw a sloth way up in a tree who stayed around for a couple of days, could almost see it from the porch. Anyway, thanks for the use of the truck and the cell phone. Didn't even make a call. We loved your place and felt so at home their. Talk with ya later, paul david and wanda

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Family Stay late December 2010

Guest: Michelle (British Virgin Islands)
Date of Stay: 12/27/10 Review Submitted: 01/23/11

This was a lovely family destination to stay at. Our son is involved in a bird project so the whole family spent lots of time hiking the property (adjacent to the river) and environs to photograph birds! (I have a new respect for bird photographers!!!!). It was lovely. Here are a few tips that we'd wish we had known: * The caretakers are lovely but do not speak English (brush up on your spanish) * You need a car as it's quite a distance from the main town area; preferably a higher clearance vehicle (we had a mid-sized family sedan which bottomed out quite a bit on the road into the property) * El Valle was very wet while we were there - in dry season! Take rain gear, especially shoes * Toilet paper and soap are provided but nothing else. Fortunately we had supplies from our Panama City VRBO so we didn't need to buy too much at the Chinese Supermarkets (a very underwhelming experience) * Other: We did not get a cell (as mentioned) but we didn't need it. There is currently no ability to get internet (again, not a problem for us) Overall, a wonderful experience and one we're pleased we did. Thank You!

Owner response:Thanks for commenting. This year rainy season lasted way longer than usual. Sorry about phone usually people ask or Jisela asks, it was an over sight, phone is definitely available. Distance by car is about 5 to 7 minutes, we have walked to center of town on many occasions and it is about a 45 minute walk. Last folks stayed 2 weeks without a car. We can make arrangements for in town travel or you can learn the mini bus system and travel that way, of coarse your own vehicle is best. A car can be used but you are right lower to the ground cars are not recommended. In the future I will make sure extra items that come with rental are there. The Chinese markets are cool that is part of the Latin American experience. LOL.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, sightseeing.

Our "go to" place in El Valle!

Guest: Kristi (Panama City, Panama)
Date of Stay: 08/20/10 Review Submitted: 11/09/10

We live in Panama City. Valeri's cottage in El Valle is the only place we will stay when we go to El Valle. We arrive and instantly are able to relax! The secluded location, lovely grounds, river and trail below, covered patio with chairs, and helpful caretakers make it always the perfect weekend away. The kitchen is stocked with everything needed - pots, pans, coffee maker, utensils. The location is perfect - secluded with views of surrounding hills yet close to town, markets, restaurants. We have two young children who swim in the river below each time we visit! THANK YOU!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children.

Guest: erich
Date of Stay: 01/14/10 Review Submitted: 01/13/10

Valeri, Thank you very much for allowing us to stay at your house in El Valle de Anton. We very much enjoyed our time there. Your house and gardens are absolutely beautiful. It was so nice to be alone with the natural surroundings. It was a shame we were only there for one night. The two gentleman working in the garden were also very nice. One of them picked a whole bag of fresh oranges for us. Again, thank you very much and I hope to be back soon! -Erich

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/11/10 Review Submitted: 01/11/10

The house is very nice, simple, and clean. The surrounding grounds are spectacular. There are fruit trees in every direction and a beautiful little stream running at the bottom of the hill behind the house. Sitting outside and looking at the steep, lush mountains was a great way to spend time. I can't wait to come back.

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Guest: Fatimah
Date of Stay: 12/15/09 Review Submitted: 12/14/09

Valeri, It was lovely! The view was amazing I didn't want to go into town. :-) Thank you again, Fatimah Guest stayed in house in Dcember 09

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Guest: kristi heck
Date of Stay: 11/21/09 Review Submitted: 11/20/09

P.S. Your place, like no other place we’ve spent a weekend away, is so tranquil, so immediately relaxing and lovely. Thank you! frequent guest

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 09/20/09 Review Submitted: 09/19/09

Hi Valerie, I wanted to thank you for letting us rent your beautiful Piece of Paradise. We really enjoyed it very much, the beautiful nature, the birds and also the very kind caretakers. The hike together with Carlos was fantastic. Thanks again and we will definitely spread around this location as a wonderful place. With kind regards, Marcel Foederer Stayed at Piece of Paradise 7/25/09 to 8/5/09

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/05/09 Review Submitted: 04/05/09

We stayed in El Valle in this cute house located on a beautiful piece of property for 3 nights. This house is very well maintained, clean and has all the comforts of home. We had a great time exploring the property, relaxing on the hammock in perfect weather, and listening to the birds. It was very relaxing and Gisela the caretaker cooked us delicious meals every night. Highly recommend this place for anyone visiting El Valle. It is absolutely beautiful.

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Guest: Lola & Dennis Wheeler (Jackson, Missouri, USA)
Date of Stay: 02/19/09 Review Submitted: 02/19/09

We just spent three months at "A Piece of Paradise". Birds and other animals are everywhere, as are plants and flowers -- beautiful landscaping just never quits! Dennis reports seeing 258 bird species in Panama, 54 of which were "life" birds for him -- the great majority of each category right there on the property, and many from a hammock on the front porch! We had a total of 15 house guests from time to time, and no one was disappointed. Our adult children came down to visit over the holidays and to see our granddaughter Elena who is volunteering with the Peace Corps at an Embera Puru community. There are good restaurants and activities galore. The owner was just a cellphone call away to help us get settled, and Gisella and Carlos were always available to assist us when needed. We cannot recommend this property too highly!

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Guest: Laura Moser Austin (GA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/17/08 Review Submitted: 06/17/08

What a beautiful spot in Panama. We had a two-family group stay in June 2008 and really enjoyed the privacy and bird watching. We spotted toucans four times in 3 days! After staying in 6 different locations in Panama, we were pleasantly surprised to find the least expensive of the 6, was one of our favorites! If you are planning a day-trip to El Valle, I would consider staying here just to experience the early morning sounds and mist of the rainforest.

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Guest: Tracy13 (Virginia)
Date of Stay: 01/29/08 Review Submitted: 01/29/08

My husband and I spent an entire month in this house with our three children. The description on this VRBO website is entirely accurate. It really is a piece of paradise! Great bird-watching and butterfly-watching on the property. Wonderful to watch sloths languish in the trees and to pick papaya off the tree all right outside the front door! House is clean and well-kept with everything you could need. There is a pretty steep drop off of the terrain right outside the front porch, and therefore it made having toddlers a little difficult because we had to monitor their every move. Non-walking babies or children over 3 would have no problem and would be enchanted by this place. Great creek for kids play. Prettiest little hike we've ever had leaves right from the property up along the creek. Caretakers of the property are delightful and very trustworthy.

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Guest: Sam Voelkel (-)
Date of Stay: 12/06/07 Review Submitted: 12/06/07

This was the perfect house in the perfect location! My wife and I spent our honeymoon here and it was even more beautiful than we had imagined. The house is tucked-away on its own little hilltop with gorgeous views and plenty of privacy. We loved swinging in the porch hammock with the sound of the brook running below. It's also a short drive to the center of town where there are some fun local activities to experience. We'd love to go back for our anniversary!

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Guest: Enys Mendoza (Hollywood/Florida)
Date of Stay: 11/18/07 Review Submitted: 11/18/07

Este lugar es un paraiso , esta muy cerca con la naturaleza y mucha tranquilidad. La casa es un pedacito de paraiso en la tierra ,el ruido de la cascada del rio y de las aves es muy bello ,Este lugar es muy comodo tiene todas las comodidades, no le hace falta nada ,es lo tipico de Panama. Yo y mi esposo pasamos unos dias esplendidos. Bajamos hacia la carretera principal y fuimos a las playas .me diverti muchisimo la comida es riquisima es tipica,el agua de tomar es muy dulce y natural. y voy a volver otra vez a este paraiso.

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