Santa Fé

Santa Fé is a quiet find located in the highlands of Veraguas province. This peaceful village features a refreshing, cooler climate compared to the lowlands and is surrounded by the misty peaks of the Santa Fé National Park. Travelers come here to experience the authentic, rural side of Panama, far removed from the urban bustle of Panama City. The surrounding nature is spectacular, featuring over 50 documented waterfalls in the immediate vicinity. Hiking trails wind through dense cloud forests where rare orchids bloom and exotic birds like the Resplendent Quetzal can be spotted. The region is also celebrated for its high-quality organic coffee, with many local fincas offering immersive farm-to-cup tours. Getting to Santa Fé involves a turn-off from the Pan-American Highway at the city of Santiago. From there, a scenic, winding road leads up into the mountains, taking about 1.5 hours. Regular buses connect Santiago with the village. However, renting a high-clearance vehicle is recommended if you plan to explore the more remote trails and cascades. The best time to visit is from December to April to witness the peak orchid season and enjoy dry hiking conditions. However, the rainy season makes the waterfalls truly thunderous and impressive. Santa Fé maintains a laid-back, community-focused vibe that is first-rate for nature lovers and slow-paced travelers.

Nearby cities

Panama City

Modern capital on the Pacific coast featuring an impressive skyline.

David

Major city in the west, near the border with Costa Rica.

Colón

Port city at the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal.

Santiago de Veraguas

A major agricultural and commercial center.

Chitré

Capital of Herrera province, known for its local festivals.

Soná

A historic agricultural hub and the gateway to the world-renowned surfing and diving spots of Veraguas.

Playa Blanca

A premium resort destination on the Pacific coast featuring giant pools and white sand beaches.

Pedasí

A charming fishing village on the Azuero Peninsula, famous for its beaches, whale watching, and surfing.

Bocas Isla Bastimentos

A wild island in Bocas del Toro known for its marine national park, red frogs, and Afro-Caribbean heritage.

Farallón / Río Hato

A premier Pacific beach destination featuring luxury resorts and expansive golden sand beaches.

Santa Catalina

A once-remote fishing village, now famous as one of Central America's premier surf spots and the gateway to Coiba National Park.

Playa Venao

A world-class surfing destination featuring black sand beaches and a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere.

Aguadulce

An industrial city known for salt production, sugar cane plantations, and shrimp farming.

History & landmarks

Las Tablas

The cultural heart of the Azuero Peninsula, known for its magnificent carnival celebrations and traditional Panamanian folklore.

El Valle de Anton

A village located inside one of the world's largest inhabited volcanic craters.

Bocas del Toro

A picturesque archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, popular with tourists.

Panama Canal

A world-famous artificial waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Boquete

Mountain town known for its cooler climate and coffee plantations.

Taboga Island

Taboga Island, also known as the "Island of Flowers," is a picturesque volcanic island situated in the Gulf of Panama.

Biomuseo

A colorful biodiversity museum designed by architect Frank Gehry.

Amador Causeway

A causeway linking islands, offering great views of the city skyline.

Nature

Gatun Lake

A massive artificial lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal.

Chagres River

The river that provides the water essential for the operation of the Panama Canal.

More places

Coiba National Park

A large Pacific island with rich marine life, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Fort San Lorenzo

A historic fortress situated at the mouth of the Chagres River.

Soberania National Park

A world-renowned destination for birdwatching in the tropical rainforest.

Fortifications of Portobelo

Major Spanish colonial defenses located on the Caribbean coast.

Volcan Baru National Park

The protected area surrounding the country's highest peak.

Cerro Punta

The highest inhabited area of Panama, known for its fertile volcanic soil.

Casco Viejo

The historic district of Panama City featuring colonial architecture.

Panamá Viejo

The archaeological ruins of the first Spanish city in Panama.