TRAVEL EASY
Getting to paradise takes time. We are here to help make your trip as easy and seamless as possible, so please feel free to include us in your planning.
Panama City – Tocumen International Airport
Most international flights arrive into Panama City at Tocumen International Airport, which is approximately a 5.5-hour drive from The Hideaway.If your journey brings you through Panama City, we highly recommend spending a night or two exploring. It’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan city rich in culture, history, and incredible food—from the charming streets of Casco Viejo to its modern skyline and lively dining scene. We truly love the city and have created a curated Panama City Guide for our guests. Feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to share our favorite places to stay, eat, and explore. contact us
From Canada to Panama
For our Canadian guests, we recommend flying into Scarlett Martínez International Airport (Rio Hato / Playa Blanca), located approximately 3.5 hours from The Hideaway.
Seasonal direct flights (typically November through May) operate 1–2 times per week from Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City with airlines such as Air Transat, WestJet, and Sunwing.
As of 2025, WestJet has also introduced direct flights from Calgary to Panama City (Tocumen International), offering another convenient option for Western Canadian travelers.
BY CAR
We recommend using Waze for the most accurate directions. Simply enter “Catalina’s Hideaway, Lagartero” and follow the route provided.
As you get closer, look for a large sign on the main road that says “Lago Bay”—this is your turn. Turn left and follow the road. When you reach the Lago Bay gate, bear right and continue all the way to the beach, where you’ll find the entrance to Catalina’s Hideaway.
If you’d prefer more detailed step-by-step directions, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to send them your way.
A couple of helpful tips for the drive:
We recommend filling up on gas in Soná (about 55 minutes away) or Guarumal (about 30 minutes away), as fuel can be limited closer to Santa Catalina.
While there is an ATM in town, it can occasionally run out of cash, so we suggest bringing what you may need with you just in case.
For comfort along the way, the larger towns of Coronado, Penonomé, and Santiago are good places to stop for clean restrooms and a break. You’ll also find Panama’s main grocery stores—Rey and Super 99—as well as convenient “Va y Ven” shops attached to many gas stations, which are great for snacks and quick stops.
BY BUS
From Panama City you will need to take a minimum of two buses (either direct to Soná and then to Santa Catalina) or three buses (direct to Santiago, then to Soná, and then to Santa Catalina). You can request to be dropped on the main road at the Catalina’s Hideaway/LAGO BAY sign and we will arrange to pick you up there if you advise us of your exact timing. The commute by bus is approximately 7.5 hours. Please click below for more detailed instructions.
BY SHUTTLE
Shuttles are easily arranged through us and one of our providers. Pricing depends on the number of people, type of vehicle (yes, you can ride in style), as well as whether you’re coming from Panama City, Rio Hato, or another location within Panama. Contact us for more details.
BY CHARTER PLANE
Getting here has never been easier—or more beautiful. In 2025, a private airstrip called Lago Bay opened just minutes from Catalina’s Hideaway, offering a quick and scenic alternative to the drive.These charter flights reduce the journey from a 5.5-hour drive to just 45 minutes, taking you over the Panama Canal and along Panama’s stunning coastline—truly an experience in itself.Flights depart from Albrook Airport in Panama City (please note this is different from Tocumen International Airport), and can be easily arranged in advance. You can find more information and book flights here.
GETTING INTO SANTA CATALINA
Not bringing your own whip? The Hideaway has a shuttle service that can take you to and from town for a small fee. We can run you in for a dive trip, the surf swell, sunset, or local dinner reservations.
