It’s just the abandoned ruins of a beach house. Yet, it has such intrigue and historical significance. One of the most corrupt leaders of the modern world partied, killed, smuggled and was ultimately brought to his knees in this structure. Over two decades later, it’s a fine example of just how little time Mother Nature needs to reclaim what’s hers.
General Manuel Antonio Noriega was the ‘Maximum Leader of National Liberation’ in the country of Panama from 1983 to 1989. The designation was created by Noriega and abolished after he was taken out of the country.
The United States military carried out Operation Just Cause in 1989 and Noriega surrendered on January 3, 1990. In the process, the beach house shown below was shot up beyond recognition.
The house is located in Cocle / El Farallon / Santa Clara / Rio Hato, Panama, about a two hour drive west of Panama City on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
It’s an eerie feeling when you walk into the ruins of Manuel Noriega’s beach house. During his reign, many soldiers and citizens are said to have been killed within the walls of the structure and on the grounds. Yet, you can still tell from what’s left that you’re standing in the middle of what was at the upper end of luxury.
With the decay brought on by the constant battering of tropical elements, the gun shot damage just blends in with Mother Nature’s doing and the works of vandals over the past few decades.
The jungle takes over. Once a world leader’s beach house interior. Now a natural wonderland. You begin to realize just how whole Mayan cities are hidden with the jungles of Central and South America.
The view from the second floor.
The view from the roof top terrace, looking out on the Pacific Ocean and Isla Farallon. It is said that if a soldier screwed up during Noriega’s reign, he was sent to Isla Farallon and didn’t return.
The bar remains on the roof top terrace at Manuel Noriega’s beach house ruins.
Another view of the main floor.
How many more years before this structure crumbles?
The locked front gates of the Noriega beach house. Translation: prohibited to enter under penalty of fine and imprisonment. Yet, the nearby resorts offer walking tours. The house is best entered via the beach but one must watch out for the one security guy roaming the beach on an ATV.
The beach in post-Noriega times is peaceful and becoming a mecca of tourism. The Royal Decameron Beach Resort is the largest tenant in the area right now. This will change of the coming years with the construction (renovation) of an international airport within walking distance.
Rio Hato Airport is an air strip that was first constructed in 1931 and was used primarily during World War II. Noriega used it as his personal airport during his reign. The Carretera Panamerica (a highway that theoretically runs from Alaska to Argentina) runs over top the runway. Currently, a tunnel is being built under the runway instead of re-routing the highway around the airport.
