Connecting People with Panama’s Nature

The Story Behind Morrillo Beach Eco Resort and Its Mission to Protect Panama’s Wildlife

Tucked away in the remote tropical beauty of Panama’s Pacific coast, Morrillo Beach Eco Resort is far more than just a vacation destination. It’s a testament to what happens when deep respect for nature meets entrepreneurial spirit and a passion to inspire meaningful change. We were very privileged to experience the eco resort and be completely immersed in the surrounding nature.

The story of Morrillo Beach Eco Resort began in 2015 when the founders, Cari and Ryan, moved to the region and started building the resort from the ground up. It took three years to bring their vision to life, beginning with guided adventures and a restaurant in 2017, and culminating in the official opening of the full eco resort in November 2018. Since then, Morrillo Beach Eco Resort has grown into a beloved haven for travelers seeking a balance of wild adventure, tranquility, and environmental awareness.

A Place Where Families Thrive

While the resort initially imagined that children five and up would be the ideal guests due to the rugged landscape and jungle setting, experience has shifted that perspective. Over the years, they’ve welcomed families from across the globe. Some families with toddlers who are already intrepid explorers, and others with teens who have never stepped outside of city life.

“It’s really about the family, not the age,” says Cari. “Some three-year-olds are fearless and curious, while some teenagers are discovering nature for the first time. What we do is help them all adjust and connect.”

This personalized approach turns every visit into a life-changing experience, especially for those unfamiliar with remote, untamed environments.

While at Morrillo Beach Eco Resort, we experienced hiking through lush trails, learning to surf, being immersed in the Panamanian culture, and waking to the sounds of howler monkeys. These were moments that left lasting impressions!

More Than an Eco Resort — A Way of Life

When asked what sets Morrillo Beach apart as an eco resort, the answer isn’t a checklist of features — it’s a philosophy. “It’s not just a theme. It’s a lifestyle,” Cari explained. “We want people to feel nature, not just see it. If you don’t experience it, you won’t care to protect it.”

The goal is to foster a genuine connection between people and the environment, especially for children, so that they’re inspired to preserve what they’ve come to love. Whether it’s hearing monkeys call at sunrise or spotting a toucan overhead, guests leave with more than photos; they leave with a renewed sense of wonder.

A True Farm to Fork Experience

Continuing the theme of eco awareness, Cari fills her kitchen with foods grown onsite and from local farms. Farmer Ray provides her with organic, leafy greens, various vegetables, and herbs. What he does not grow, they purchase from a local woman who distributes her veggies from the farms of Eastern Panama, where the climate is a bit cooler at higher elevations and ideal to grow tomatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, and potatoes.  On the resort, Cari grows her own mangoes and avocados and raises chickens.

The pork and beef found in some dishes are also from local farmers, who ensure the animals live happily foraging in the jungle. At the end of their lives, every bit of the animal is used to its fullest, providing for bone broth and rendered fats.

The combination of these high-quality, organic ingredients makes the most delectable dishes. Everything was delicious. Every bite had been enjoyed at the end of each meal, but there was just enough space for an appetizing dessert. My son thoroughly enjoyed the Key Lime Pie most nights!

Seas of Trees: A Mission to Protect the Monkeys

Alongside running the resort, Cari and Ryan are pursuing a nonprofit mission called Seas of Trees, focused on the conservation of Panama’s critically endangered monkeys. What started as a casual observation of a local monkey troop quickly evolved into something much larger. Over time, they became unofficial caretakers for injured wildlife, including monkeys electrocuted by power lines or hit by vehicles.

As more animals were brought to them, it became clear that a formal effort was needed. Plans to open a brewery were set aside, and the building was transformed into a wildlife rescue center, now specifically focused on primates. The first major milestone came with Melikki, a baby monkey who represented the tipping point in the journey from passion to purpose.

Though still in its early stages, the rescue center now has a network of expert advisors and is equipped to care for animals in need. The long-term vision includes purchasing and reforesting land to eventually create a sanctuary where injured or disabled animals can safely live out their lives in semi-wild conditions.

A Future Rooted in Compassion

While only a handful of animals are rescued each year, the work being done is already making a difference. From baby opossums to monkeys and birds, each life matters. And as the nonprofit grows, so does its potential to influence wildlife care across the region.

Visitors to Morrillo Beach Eco Resort may come for the surf and the scenery, but they often leave transformed, with a deeper understanding of their place in the natural world and the importance of protecting it.

Because in the end, it’s not just a vacation. It’s a chance to connect, care, and contribute to something far greater.

The travel experience provided a lasting impression on all. It is a place I will always remember and hope to return to one day. This is a spot that is highly recommended to all!