Secluded, tranquil, idyllic… If you want a getaway, far from the madding crowd, Casa Anzuela is it.
118 miles from Panama City’s Congrejo district, you’ve got 45 minutes of top cruising speed, until you hit Colon. Take a right and you’ll cover 50 miles, in 2 hours, along a 2 lane coastal road. Let your co-pilot or back seat drivers take pictures and do the oohs and ahs, as you’ll need to focus on the Long and Winding Road, with serious pot holes.
I kid you not, these will hide in shadows and jump out at you. BE CAREFUL!
In Puerto Linda, stop on the left and pick up some groceries. Full liquor, beer and wine.
At around 52 miles down the sea lane, you’ll come to an unprepossessing offshoot to the left. You might see the battered sign “Casique”. Get off at the 1st part of the intersection, where it’s a relatively smooth transition.
There’s a hut on the left where the guy sells veggies and has medium size heads-on frozen shrimp, $4/lb. These are quite tasty.
Cruise carefully along 5 miles of dirt road (making a left at the cross) and then you’ll hit the end of the world, as we know it, (Jose Pobre). Keep left and go behind everything.
You’ll come to a white bridge. Take the ford to the right, Henry. 3-4 houses down is Casa Anzuela. Park in the secluded area in front of the dilapidated pier, under the mangroves and head in, to the house. Downstairs is yours.
Upstairs are your delightful hists, Jim and Shirley. Jim resembles a tall Hobbit, with striking blue eyes and Shirley could be out of Lothlorien. They are awesome! Laid back, mellow, intelligent and informative, I unexpectedly found two new, great friends.
The house has everything you’ll need. The bed is comfy and the pillows downy.
Ducks, chickens, 2 and 3 toed sloths and other stuff, if you’re a nature lover.
The water is crystal clear. The kayak quickly takes you to the reef and great snorkeling. Dive shops abound, for SCUBA enthusiasts.
Nearby are other really good, economical restaurants, bars and tourist attractions. Jim and Shirley will give you the deets.
I had a great time and highly recommend this place, Casa Anzuela. Videos and fotos on my YouTube Channel Panama - Colon, Portobelo, Jose Pobre, Casa Anzuela
Thanks, Jim and Shirley!
