Policies
Deposit
Reservations will be confirmed with a one night deposit at the time of booking. Full payment is due on check-out. Rancho de Caldera accepts cash, Master Card, VISA and American Express; no checks. The room rate is non-refundable, in accordance with the cancellation policy outlined below.
Check In & Check Out
Check in is between 2 and 6 pm. Check out time is 11 am. If you do not check out, we will charge an additional night. Early check-in or late check-out are available on request, space permitting.
Cancellation Policy
High Season (November 1 - April 30): Cancellations 30 days or more in advance of the arrival date will result in a refund of the deposit, less a $30.00 processing fee. Cancellations 15 - 30 days in advance will result in the loss of 50% of the full room rate, charged at the time of cancellation. Cancellations within 14 days will result in 100% of the full room rate for the entire visit, charged at the time of cancellation. Rancho de Caldera is not responsible for cancellations or delays due to weather or transportation problems; travel insurance is strongly recommended. Guests are responsible for all nights booked. No shows for any reason will be charged the full amount.
Green Season (May 1 - October 31): Cancellations 15 days or more in advance of the arrival date will result in a refund of the deposit, less a $30.00 processing fee. Cancellations 8 - 14 days in advance will result in the loss of 50% of the full room rate, charged at the time of cancellation. Cancellations within 7 days will result in 100% of the full room rate for the entire visit, charged at the time of cancellation. Rancho de Caldera is not responsible for cancellations or delays due to weather or transportation problems; travel insurance is strongly recommended. Guests are responsible for all nights booked. No shows for any reason will be charged the full amount.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you to take out a comprehensive travel and health insurance policy at the time of booking to protect you and all those accompanying you for the full time of your visit. The policy should cover illness, injury, death, loss of baggage and personal items, cancellation and other travel contingencies. Please make sure the policy covers you in the country of Panama. This must be done prior to your departure from your home country and preferably at the time of booking.
Reception
Reception hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Minimum Stay
2 nights.
Rates
Our rates are subject to change without notice. Additional guests: $35 per night, with a maximum of 3 to a room. In addition to the daily rate, a 10% tax on the room and a 5% tax on food and services must be added to the bill.
Discounts
Discounts must be discussed at the time of booking, and not on arrival.
Payment
For deposits and advance payments, guests may pay by credit card via the website or make a direct deposit to our Panamanean bank account (contact us for details). Room payments, restaurant charges, horseback riding and incidentals at check out can be made with cash, American Express, Visa or MasterCard.
Banks
There are numerous banks and ATMs in Boquete and David. They include, but are not limited to, Global Bank, HSBC, Banco National, Banistmo and Banco General.
Registration & Occupancy
Only registered occupants are permitted in the rooms, though management, at its discretion, may grant permission.
Children
Children 12 and older are welcome. Children 11 and under are not permitted; Please do no request special permission as the facilities are not safe for young children. Children 12 - 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pets
Pets are allowed with an additional $50 deposit. If the pet will spend time outdoors, it is important that the pet is compatible with other pets, as there are dogs and cats at this property; further, the pet must be restrained by a leash at all times if it is inclined to chase after people, horses, sheep or cows. Further, there is an electric fence around the sheep area, which is uncomfortable for curious pets. If the pet poops on a walkway, driveway or clearly defined garden area, the guest must clean it up; if the pet poops in the fields, the guests may leave it there.
Should the pet be disruptive to any other guests (for example, a dog barking), the guests will be asked to find somewhere else to take their pet or will be asked to leave. The guest will still be charged for all room nights reserved. Should the pet destroy any property, the guests must reimburse Rancho de Caldera for the property at current replacement cost.
Keys/Local Cell Phones/Remote Controls
There will be a $20 charge for lost keys and a $75 charge for lost cell phones and remote control units.
Tips
Please note that tips are not included in your room charges. Please feel free to tip the cleaning staff, restaurant staff, tour guides, and horseback riding guides any amount you feel is appropriate.
Smoking
Rancho de Caldera is a smoke free environment; there is no smoking in or around the restaurant, or in the rooms. We have spacious covered balconies outside the room for smokers. Please dispose of cigarette butts properly and safely.
Building Maintenance
There may be occasions when we need to do building maintenance, repairs, etc. We will notify you in advance and repair and complete as quickly as possible. If you have a problem in your room, we will call the maintenance person to make the repair as soon as possible.
Electric, Internet & Water
Occasionally we have electric, water or Internet outages; Rancho de Caldera will make every effort to restore the service as quickly as possible but there will be no guest discounts as a result of such inconveniences. We supply 2 bottles of water in each room. However, our well water, which is purified by our ultraviolet water filter system, is fully potable and the bottles can be refilled with our tap water for day trips as needed/desired.
Wireless Internet
Wireless Internet is included with your room but requires that you bring your own computer. Service is very good but be aware that there are times when it goes down. We cannot be held responsible for weather or the Internet provider, in case the Internet goes offline for a period.
Maid service
Maid service is provided daily in the rooms. Sheets and towels will be changed every 3rd day unless you request otherwise. Leaving towels on the ground will indicate a desire for fresh, clean towels. There is no evening bed turndown service.
Laundry service
Please ask for rates. Rancho de Caldera is not responsible for any damage done to your garments, or for missing garments. Laundry service is available and, provided we get your laundry by 9:00 AM, you can expect to get your laundry back the next morning.
A/C
Most people find that air conditioning is not necessary. In keeping with our green policy and our off-the-grid facilities, we ask that you be conscientious about your air conditioning usage. Please turn off all lights and electrical devises when you leave the room or are not using them. Conserving energy prevents the use of the back-up diesel generator. (Leaving the windows open at night makes it so that air conditioning is generally not necessary overnight; sometimes it is nice to cool the room down before bedtime with the A/C unit, and then turn the A/C unit off and open the windows - and there is the added benefit of all the wonderful nature sounds.)
Electronic Gate
If you are renting a car, please notify us so we can give you the code for the gate.
Breakfast
At the present time, the following items are provided in the rooms so that guests may prepare their own breakfast whenever they choose: English muffins, jams, butter, coffee, milk, flavored yogurt, bananas, apples and pineapple.
Meal Service
Lunch and dinner are not included in the room rates. The restaurant, Madre Tierra, is open for lunch and dinner, Thursday through Monday. Lunch is served from 12 PM – 2 PM and dinner is served nightly at 6:30 PM.
Books & Games
We have a small English book library, as well as board games, which you are welcome to use. Please replace everything before you leave; you will be charged for missing items.
Damage & Inventory Policy
Our registered guests are responsible for any damage or breakage resulting from the use of our facilities however caused and will be liable to the owners for the cost of repairs/replacement. The rooms come furnished and items found missing from the inventory will be charged at replacement value. This includes the registered guests and members of their party. We reserve the right to bill their credit card. We are entitled at our absolute discretion to refuse to hand over to you, or repossess, the property, if we reasonably believe that any damage is likely to be caused, has been caused or is being caused by any members of your holiday party. These circumstances will be treated as a cancellation by the guest, no refund will be given, and we shall have no liability to you. You must allow us, the Owners, or our representatives, access to the property at any reasonable time.
Bathrobes
Rancho de Caldera provides 2 bathrobes in each room; if one is missing at the end of a visit, we will assume that you opted to purchase it and will charge you $40 for each one missing. Alternately, you can purchase brand new ones at the reception desk for the same price.
Behavior
We expect all clients to have consideration for other people. If, in our reasonable opinion or in the reasonable opinion of any other person in authority, you or any member of your party behaves in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause danger, upset or distress to any third party or damage to the property, impede the rights, welfare, safety or enjoyment of others or in any way damage the reputation and/or goodwill of the Owner or Rancho de Caldera, we are entitled, without prior notice, to terminate the occupation of the person(s) concerned. In this situation, the person(s) concerned will be required to leave the accommodation. We will have no further responsibility toward such person(s). No refunds will be made and we will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination. Guests will be responsible for the full charges for the full duration of the reservation.
Complaints
We have made every effort to ensure that your holiday is enjoyable and trouble free. If you do have a complaint or problem, it is essential that you inform us immediately, so that we may be given the opportunity to rectify and correct the situation as soon as possible. Any complaints or problems encountered during your stay, and not reported at the time, will not be considered at a later date.
Take care
We are in a rural, mountainous environment, where some surfaces can be uneven and/or slippery, especially after rain or on rocks or rough surfaces. At night it can also be very dark. Flashlights are provided in the rooms and should be used whenever you are outside at night. We are located in the tropics and there are venomous snakes and scorpions, among other things, in this area and in Panama in general. While Rancho de Caldera takes every possible precaution to eliminate the presence of snakes and scorpions, it is simply not possible to reduce the risk 100%. Rancho de Caldera is not responsible for the presence of or the consequences of a confrontation with snakes or scorpions.
Website Terms & Conditions
The above terms and conditions describe the legal framework under which you agree to participate on our website, what your rights and responsibilities are and what you can expect from us. By visiting or using this site, you hereby agree to and accept these terms and conditions. If you do not agree with these terms and conditions then you are not authorized to use this site.
Privacy Statement
We may use your contact details to inform you of our products and services including special offers that we think may be of interest to you. If you do not want us to use your contact information to send details of our products or services to you please contact us. All information collected or properly obtained during the booking process will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Statement which, with our web site use terms, are incorporated into these conditions.
Liability Waiver
Rancho de Caldera, or any of its owners, employees or representatives, shall have no liability for any personal injury or death to persons on our property, or illness directly or indirectly related to the property. Further, we shall have no liability for any personal injury or death to persons using equipment rented or borrowed from us, or while guests are horseback riding, hiking, using the swimming pool, hiking, or engaging in other activities at Rancho de Caldera. Rancho de Caldera cannot and will not be held responsible for loss, damage, illness, or injury caused by third parties who we recommend for their services. Finally, we shall have no liability for personal injury or death directly or indirectly related to snake bites, scorpion stings or other direct or indirect contact with insects, snakes, or animals.
Rancho de Caldera, or any of its owners, employees or representatives, is not responsible for loss, damage or injury to persons or property however caused. You must take all necessary steps to safeguard your personal property, including locking your doors when leaving or sleeping. Rancho de Caldera does not accept any liability for damage to, or loss of such personal property.
Rancho de Caldera does not accept responsibility for any delay, additional expense or inconvenience which may be caused directly or indirectly by events outside our control such as late arrival of international flights, civil disturbance, fire, floods, unusually severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government, acts of terrorism, or the failure of any machinery or equipment.
Medical & Health
Rancho de Caldera, or any of its owners, employees or representatives, assumes no liability for any such medical service or any costs related to any evacuation or provision of medical care if needed. If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability that may affect your stay, please tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the chosen arrangements. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking.
Disclaimer
Information on the Rancho de Caldera website is posted in good faith and is updated regularly, but Rancho de Caldera cannot guarantee its completeness and accuracy. Rancho de Caldera does not accept any liability to you or any third party for any error or omission on this site. Rancho de Caldera may change, update or delete the terms and conditions or any information on this site without prior notice.
Rancho de Caldera does not warrant that this site will be uninterrupted, error free or that any information or other material accessible from this site is free of viruses or other harmful components.
Governing Law
These terms and conditions are covered in all respects by the Laws of Panama and any legal action arising under the contract shall be litigated only in the appropriate Court having jurisdiction in that country.
Acceptance of terms & Conditions
I have read and understood these terms and conditions and undertake to abide by the same and acknowledge the right for Rancho de Caldera any measure it may take in the event of a breach of these terms and conditions.
Other Information
Money
Since 1904, the United States dollar has been the legal currency in Panama. Credit cards and cash are widely accepted. The hotel tax is 10%. The added tax value to products and services, with the exception of food and medicines is 5%.
Customs & Visa Requirements
United States and Canadian citizens need only a valid passport and tourist card to visit Panama. Tourist cards cost about five dollars and are available both on your arrival in Panama from the immigration authorities and through most airlines. A tourist card gives you an automatic 90-day stay. Travelers from other countries should consult with the Panamanian consulate or embassy in that country to obtain the latest information on entry requirements. When entering the country, you may only bring up to one carton of cigarettes and 3 bottles of liquor. Like other countries, you may be fined and charged for leaving Panama with products made from endangered species.
It is very important that your passport be valid for at least 3 months after your departure date or you will be denied boarding at the airport.
Language
Although the official language in Panama is Spanish, English is fairly well spoken and understood in Panamá City, less so in Chiriqui.
Climate
Please view the weather section on our website
Clothing
Light clothes are recommended. Pants and socks are recommended for anyone who plans to hike or go horseback riding. A light jacket is recommended, especially if you plan to spend any time in Boquete. A wide-brim hat and sunglasses are also a good idea. Sunscreen is very important.
Time Zone
Panama time is the same as the United States, Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5), though there is no daylight savings here.
Electricity, Telephone & Public Services
Electricity is generated onsite; power and outlets are all in accordance wit US standards. Local cell phones are provided to guests. The country code is 507.
Tourist Offices/Embassies
The national tourist agency Instituto Panameño de Turismo (IPAT) has its headquarters in the Centro Atlapa on Via Israel in Panama City. IPAT also has an information counter located at the airport. In addition, there are many tourist centers dispersed throughout the country. The IPAT offices found throughout Panama are there to answer questions and help visitors explore the country. More than 50 foreign embassies and consulates are located in Panama City.
Health/Water
No vaccines or pills are necessary prior to visiting Panama. Remember, the tropical sun can be strong; so it's wise to take protective sunglasses and sunscreen with you. Although Panama is indeed a tropical country, mosquito control is effective. Exceptions would include hiking and over-nighting in the jungle, in which case you should use protective insect repellant.