El Otro Lado

Customer Ratings
This is a Satisfaction Rating based on our own customer feedback

Unique and extraordinary resort in a remote natural setting, with vibrant, original decorations elevating each of the four bungalows to a one-of-a-kind boutique holiday house.

Hidden among the intense tropical vegetation mantling the hills that rise above Portobelo Bay, in a remote spot just two hours’ scenic drive away from Panama City, this unusual, high quality resort is a haven of peace and wellbeing.

El Outro Lado consists of four remarkable bungalows, virtually knitted into the landscape, so you are really enveloped in the natural world. Each of these is furnished and decorated in funky style with lots of bright primary colours and artistic details, including ornaments inspired by traditional Panamanian crafts. The restaurant serves a menu of Caribbean and international fusion food.

You can relax by the pool and drink in the vivid sunsets or visit deserted beaches just a short boat ride away. There are many activities on offer including fishing, boating in the mangroves, hiking, bird watching, picnicking on the beach, diving over the coral reefs and shipwrecks, racing canoes and even conga dancing! To get a feel for the area’s history, take an excursion to the fortifications at Portobelo, a UNESCO protected colonial city.

What our clients say

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

Great!
"Bocas del Toro was great fun and frivolous and a great journey there by boat."
GS, Bushey
We didn't realise the partial canal transit would be in such a big boat with loads of other tourists - not a problem, but would have been good for this to be pointed out in advance.
NF, Tunbridge Wells
Amazing!
"Most memorable was watching mother and baby two-toed sloths from bedroom window at Canopy Tower. Early morning on the roof of Canopy Tower listening to howler monkeys as the sun rises over the forest.”
NW, Kidlington
Highlights: “Locks on the Panama canal and Panamax vessels up close.”
MC, Fulham
Most memorable experience: “Tranquillo bay was a cut above everything else. Staying on Waidup (near Isla Tigre) was also special.”
MH, Chiswick
Most Memorable Moment?: Too hard to choose one. Panama Canal Transit was a lifelong ambition.
NA, London
We enjoyed all locations which were very diverse and equally memorable.
IB, Chesterfield
Panama was far more interesting than what we thought it would be, particularly the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Bio Diversity Museum.
CY, Heathfield
Because of my interest in shipping, the Panama Canal partial transit was fascinating.
JB
Each part of my trip had a special moment. I loved both the new and old parts of Panama city, but my highlight there was seeing sloths while walking up Cerro Ancon. In Bocas del Toro it was being the only person there on a stunning beach. The best moment though has to be staying at the Canopy Tower and experiencing the wildlife. I'll never forget the sound of the Howler monkeys.
TF, Wakefield
Top experiences in Panama - going through the canal and exploring Panama City and surrounding area. I was surprised to find that Panama is not just the Canal Zone!

Tailor made holiday

Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.

Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.