Monica & Tony

The howler monkeys swinging in the treetops on Isla Palenque are so fun to observe. While cuddling with wild monkeys is prohibited on Isla Palenque, they can allow us to interact with them at the Alouetta Monkey Lodge, located just an hour from Isla Palenque, and sanctuary to abandoned pet monkeys who are more comfortable lazing away in human arms than in the treetops. After we’ve had our fill of monkeying around, it’s time to witness Chiriqui, Panama’s hidden natural wonder – the La Chorcha waterfall. A steep 90-minute climb rewards us with 180-degree view of the Gulf of Chiriqui – on clear days Volcan Baru and the border between Panama and Costa Rica can be spotted. Help us enjoy an alfresco lunch as we take in the views.

Help us enjoy repelling down a towering jungle tree to move through the incredible vertical ecosystem we were craning our necks to see only moments before. After securing our harnesses, your gift helps to hoist us into a world of flowering epiphytes, strange tropical fruits, delicate ferns and velvety mosses, while birds we heard from the forest floor make colorful appearances in the surrounding canopy. Occasionally, even a troupe of howler monkeys will come close to see who their new neighbors are!

Help us learn how the Gulf of Chiriqui earned its title as the big game sport fishing capital of the world. From our dock at Playa Giron, we will head out to the nearby islands for a chance to catch Roosterfish and Bonito, Snook, and Mackerel. Any guests’ catches that are not released will be included on our menu at Edén!

We’ll be chauffeured by boat to a string of uninhabited islands ideal for kayaking along uncanny coasts and through rock arches and tunnels. Help us pull ashore for a light lunch on a hidden beach and spend some time exploring an uninhabited island by hand and foot: rock climbing, coastal exploration, or hiking.

A more challenging alternative to the Hike to Punta Ballena, this rock hiking excursion lands us at the blowhole just in time for its most impressive eruptions – but only after we’ve successfully navigated the volcanic rocks that line the island’s western coast. Did we take out that life insurance policy?!?

Tony loves to fish! Help us have a local fishing excursion where we take a note from the local fishermen and head into the shallow bays Isla Palenque shelters for prime inshore fishing from the rocky coastline. The locals have been known to hook snapper, roosterfish, snook, jack, or trevally in our protected bays.

Paddle out towards neighboring Boca Brava to view our mangrove-lined Northeast coast from the open sea, enjoying opportunities for dolphin-spotting or a glimpse of a surfacing sea turtle as you approach the inviting shallows hidden behind Punta Ballena. At low tide, a vast expanse of sand forms a land bridge between Isla Palenque and Boca Brava, and the windswept ecosystem or resilient coastal plants and tide pools make for fascinating exploration opportunities no matter where you pull up to shore between the two islands.

Isla Palenque’s Northeast coast includes two isletas that shelter one of the island’s most enchanting natural attractions: a shallow sand-bottomed cave home to a tiny species of insectivorous bat. Our kayak tour allows for an invigorating journey along our rocky coast to reach this incredible part of the island -- launching from Playa Giron at low tide for beginners, and into more boisterous waves for the experienced kayaker who craves a challenge.

We'll have a drink or two on you at the local bar or at our favorite saloon. Cheers!

With your wedding gift we will reserve a night in our Honeymoon Suite and indulge in luxury that exceeds all of our expectations. Our honeymoon suite is not just romantic; it's spacious, comfortable, luxurious and very private. Thank you for Suite Memories!

We look forward to reserving an intimate candlelit dinner. We'll choose a quiet restaurant with a warm atmosphere, outstanding cuisine and impeccable service. If Tony catches anything while Sportfishing we can have it prepared for us that night!

We would love to shop around for our favorite piece of art as a cherished keepsake from our once in a lifetime trip. This gift will adorn our home for many years to come!

It's just a quick flight from Panama City to the exciting new experiences awaiting us on our island getaway at Isla Palenque.

We'll enjoy a sensual aromatherapy massage engaging a combination of stimulating techniques and soothing aromas. This is perfect for our romantic honeymoon!