Accommodation

Check-in Time:

15:00

Check-out Time:

13:00

You will be accommodated at the El Ranchito Surfcamp, in shared or private double rooms. The hostel has four unattached cabins situated in a green and shady tropical garden, surrounded by many trees and sounds of nature that are sure to make your stay unique and remarkable. In the middle of the garden, there is a big ranch, typical of the Panamanian lifestyle, which houses a tall open kitchen and huge hangout area for the guests.

Program

Throughout the week, you will have a total of six surf lessons during this camp, that each runs for an hour and a half. Our certified professional surf instructor, Lorenzo, will guide you through each step of the essentials of surfing:

Paddling the board
Right pop-up
Balancing on the board
Wave selection
Surf etiquette
Surf safety
Ocean awareness

Instructors

Laurent Dutruilh

Laurent, also known as Lorenzo, is the owner and surf instructor of El Ranchito Surfcamp. Because he was born in the famous surf town of Biarritz in France, waves and surfing have become one of his priorities. Therefore, he turned his hobby into a career. Every summer, he goes back to France to work professionally as a surf instructor. Due to his eleven long years of experience in surf coaching, he knows all the essentials required for successful surf lessons.

Location

This retreat will take place in the El Ranchito Surfcamp, which is located in Guanico village in the Azuero Peninsula, the most southern point of Panama. To the delight of nature lovers, this hostel is a lush tropical garden surrounded by many palm trees and the sounds of the jungle which provide a totally cool experience of living with nature. Also, within only four minutes of driving, you can reach the remote beach paradise of Guanico.

Guanico is a piece of gem that is still undiscovered in Panama. It is situated between the tourism areas of Playa Cambutal and Playa Venao. Its beach stretches over 20 kilometers with nothing but nature. If you are seeking for a remote place to relax, Playa Guanico Abajo is the perfect spot for you. Especially for surfers, its empty line-up and uncrowded waves make for a perfect surf spot and experience.

Nearby places

Guanico Beach - 4 minute-drive

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Food

The package includes a nice daily dinner. This way we all can sit together and exchange our experience throughout the day.

The following meals are included:

Dinner

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Vegetarian
Vegan
Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Seafood
Fruitarian

If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

Besides the main retreat activity, which is surfing, you can also do other nature-related activities like biking, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Horse rental is available nearby for an additional cost, and El Ranchito Surfcamp can help you get access to this activity. They can also offer you expert local advice on other things to do and places to visit while in Panama. Of course, you are welcome to do any personal activity during your free time, like relaxing in a hammock or socializing.

What's included

6 daily surf lessons of one and a half hour each
7 nights accommodation
Daily dinner
Daily professional surf instruction
Free surfboard rental
Photo series of participants in the water

What's not included

Airport transfers
Alcoholic beverages
Any additional activities or trips
International airfare costs
Meals not specified

How to get there

Driving directions from Panama City

Cross the Puente de las Americas bridge and stay on the Inter-American Highway until the town of Divisa. This will approximately take three hours.
In Divisa, turn off from the Inter-American Highway. The exit ramp is on the right entering Route 2 (or Calle 2) via Dr. Belisario Porras.
Stay on Route 2, passing Chitre, for 48 kilometers until Las Tablas. Chitre is the cheapest place for gassing up.
Entering Las Tablas, which is 37 kilometers from Chitre, continue on the main road until the stop sign. On the right side, there is a town square called Parque Belisario Porras and a church.
On the small street, go straight and be careful not to turn left to stay on the main road.
Turn on the second left, and then turn on the immediate next right. You will then be on the road to Valle Rico heading to Tonosi, which will be about an hour drive taking you into the mountains.
Arriving at the T-section, turn right heading to the town of Tonosi.
When you arrive at another T-section, you will see the Banco National on the left side. Turn right.
Stay on this road and go straight. In around 15 minutes, you will see a blue bus top on the left side. In here, turn left heading to Guanico, passing the town of Ave Maria.
After five minutes, you will see the sign of El Ranchito Surfcamp.

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

Arrival by bus

At the Albrook bus station in Panama City, take a bus to Las Tablas first. This will cost around 9.50 USD. They run every hour daily, and travel takes about four hours. In Las Tablas, take a taxi to another local bus terminal in order to go to Tonosi. This ride will cost about 2.75 USD. Once you get to Tonosi, you will have to take a taxi to El Ranchito Surfcamp. The alternative to this is to catch a direct bus from Las Tablas to Guanico at 13:30.

Cancellation Policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.

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