Chaeli

I am a former research ecologist and park ranger, who grew up in the United States. After the university, I entered the Peace Corps, a program where citizens volunteer in other countries, I came to Panama for the first time to teach ecology around 20 years ago.. I met my husband here, fell in love, and after some time in the states, we have made Panama our home for the past fifteen years.

I remember in college, I met an acquaintance on the bus, and asked what kind of job he was hoping to get after graduation. Unlike the grad school or consulting jobs, I was used to hearing, he said he wanted to move to Brazil and become an adventure guide. Wow. I thought that sounded wonderful. Maybe impractical, but wonderful. Now I am the impractical one.

I followed a more traditional route -spent time in grad school, studied ecology, worked at a research institute in a very stressful job. And I kept on thinking of my friend's answer. Finally, my husband and I decided to try something different, opening a tourism business near his family, in an area not known for tourism. That was 15 years ago.

We now own and operate a bed and breakfast in the village of Santa Fe, Veraguas. where I lead guests on backcountry treks into the beautiful rainforest of Santa Fe National Park. I love going back country trekking, have had a few close encounters, and have had the opportunity to name one of its many waterfalls. We make Santa Fe our home and raise our son here.

From talking with guests, and experience with different mobility issues in my own family, I want to provide a window into the Panamanian experience and beautiful landscape that you may not realize or experience on your own.