Pedasí

Pedasí is a coastal gem on Panama’s Azuero Peninsula that has maintained its characterful, traditional pace of life. The village is known for its tidy streets, colorfully painted colonial houses, and friendly locals. It serves as an authentic alternative to the more developed tourist hubs, offering a genuine glimpse into rural Panamanian culture and folklore. The town square is the heart of the community, where traditional festivals are often celebrated with music and dance. Nature is the headline act here, with the nearby Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge offering crystal-clear snorkeling and white sand beaches. From July to October, the waters off Pedasí become a prime spot for whale watching as humpback whales migrate through the area. For surfers, the world-renowned breaks of Playa Venao are just a short drive away. The region is also a famous destination for deep-sea fishing, earning the nickname 'The Tuna Coast' for its abundant marine life. Gastronomy in Pedasí highlights fresh Pacific catches and traditional 'fonda' style meals. The town is roughly a five-hour drive from Panama City, but small regional flights are also available. The best time to visit for sun is during the dry season from December to April, while wildlife enthusiasts should aim for the late summer whale season. It is the great destination for those seeking tranquility mixed with outdoor adventure.

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.

Bocas Isla Bastimentos

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

Santa Fé

A charming mountain village in Veraguas, famous for its orchids, coffee culture, and countless waterfalls.

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.

Panama Canal

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

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.

Pearl Islands

An archipelago in the Gulf of Panama, famous for its beaches and clear waters.

Bocas del Toro

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

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

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.

Casco Viejo

The historic district of Panama City featuring colonial architecture.

Panamá Viejo

The archaeological ruins of the first Spanish city in Panama.

San Blas Islands

Archipelago owned and governed by the indigenous Guna people.

Coiba National Park

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

Volcan Baru National Park

The protected area surrounding the country's highest peak.