7 off-market lots across two sectors, pine-forest highlands 90 minutes from Panama City. One team that buys the land, builds the cabin, and gets it earning on Airbnb.
This is an off-market, exclusive listing — these lots aren't on a public sales office list. Sizes below are as surveyed; pricing is disclosed on registration.
| Sector | Lot | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago Apóstol | Lot A | 2,792 m² |
| Santiago Apóstol | Lot B | 2,439 m² |
| Santiago Apóstol | Lot C | 2,342 m² |
| La Rioja | Lot A | 2,653 m² |
| La Rioja | Lot B | 4,318 m² |
| La Rioja | Lot C | 3,049 m² |
| La Rioja | Lot D | 2,090 m² |
Total combined area across all 7 lots: ~19,683 m² (roughly 4.9 acres). Exact pricing, topography and access per lot disclosed once you're registered.
Altos de María sits in the highlands of Sora, Chame district — roughly 90 minutes from Panama City, with the community spanning elevations from about 1,400 to 3,600 feet across a 7,000+ acre masterplan of pine forest, hiking trails, waterfalls and lakes. The elevation keeps temperatures a consistent 68–78°F year-round — a genuinely different climate from the capital, not a repackaged coastal pitch.
68–78°F average, cooler and drier than Panama City thanks to elevation — comfortable without air conditioning most of the year.
Pine forest, not tropical lowland — hiking trails, waterfalls and lake access inside a private, gated 7,000+ acre masterplan.
~90 minutes from Panama City and roughly 30 minutes from the Pacific coast's beaches and golf resorts.
Sources: Casa Solution, Escape Artist, Altos del María community blog.
We pulled current market listings for cabins already operating in Altos de María rather than guessing at a number. Nightly rates for the area's roughly 70 active short-term rentals start around $50 and range up through $220+ for higher-end, pool-equipped cabins — comparable properties we reviewed were priced around $115–$116/night. Guest ratings across the area average a strong 4.8/5.
Panama-wide, average Airbnb performance runs closer to $157 ADR at 53.5% occupancy — useful as a national benchmark, but the Altos-specific comps above are the more relevant reference for this location. Altos de María sits outside Panama City's capital district, so short-term rental here isn't subject to the ATP permit requirement under Article 21 of Law 80 — the same rule that applies to our other countryside STR inventory.
The construction method changes both your timeline and your cost basis. Neither is "correct" — it depends on how fast you want the property earning and how much finish quality you want on day one.
Panama's typical residential construction — concrete block, metal or zinc roofing, aluminum windows, local tile — runs roughly $550–$750 per m² for a basic finish. Slower (12–18 months in the highlands is common) but familiar to every local contractor and bank.
Prefabricated frame kits run higher on a per-m² basis internationally — roughly $1,350–$1,880 per m² as a US benchmark before Panama import duties and site logistics, which typically add to that figure. The tradeoff: a materially faster build timeline and a distinctive design that photographs well for Airbnb.
Pick a construction path, then adjust lot size, cabin size and rental assumptions. Estimate updates live — educational tool only.
Educational tool only — not a guarantee, offer, or substitute for a verified builder quote and operator profitability analysis. Land pricing, build cost, ADR, occupancy and fees vary by lot, design and season.
Santiago Apóstol or La Rioja — 7 exact sizes to choose from. We walk you through what's actually available today.
Standard concrete or prefab frame — our allied construction partner works both paths. Partner identity disclosed once you're registered.
Furnishing, listing, photography and Airbnb management — no ATP license required outside the capital district.
One monthly report, one point of contact — for the lot, the build and the rental.
Sector, exact location, off-market pricing and current build-and-rent numbers — sent after a quick registration. Costs you nothing and holds your spot.
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