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• The Azuero Peninsula

Pedasi, Panama

The tiny town of Pedasí is slowly emerging as one of Panama’s up-and-coming tourist destinations. Located in the southeastern corner of the Azuero Peninsula, it is tidy, charming, and friendly. The buildings are decorated with some wonderfully intact Spanish-colonial architecture, and there are a number of pristine beaches close to town. Visitors to Pedasí can take trips to the wildlife sanctuary of Isla Iguana, which lays just off the coast, or head down the Azuero 34 km to the surf-haven of Playa Venao.

Pedasí is the hometown of Panama’s former president Mireya Moscoso (1999-2004), a fact that many point to as being the main reason for its increase in tourism. Still, despite the recent influx of foreign visitors, Pedasí has remained a relatively simple and homespun place. Other than a locally famous dulcería which slices some of Panama’s tastiest cake, the restaurants in town are simple and nondescript, as are the grocery stores and cantinas.

Most of Pedasí lies along a 1 km stretch of road that runs straight through town. Small hotels, restaurants, and private residences line the street. The sidewalks are virtually non-existent, but with the minimal amount of traffic that Pedasí sees, a walk down the street is not a problem. Near the town’s northern entrance is the central plaza, a place where locals gather at all hours of the day to chat and lounge. The plaza is bordered on one side by an attractive, palm-lined church, which calls attendees to evening mass with a large melodic bell. A stroll through the plaza and along some of its bordering streets at sunset is a good way to get a feel for this mellow Panamanian town.

The accommodations in and around Pedasí are nice and sure to improve in the coming years, as there are several building projects in the works. A large branch of Banco Nacional de Panama shines at the town’s northern entrance, and an equally sizeable CEFATI tourist information office lies just two blocks away.

3 km east of Pedasí lies a coastline full of wide, white-sand beaches that are virtually deserted; indeed, visitors can often spend the whole day out here without seeing any other tourists. The beaches are easy to access, and although the ocean can become a bit choppy, it is swimmable. Playfully referred to as the “Tuna Coast,” this area also offers up some good sportfishing, the best of which is (obviously) for tuna. In town is a diving and deep sea fishing operator that can arrange trips within the surrounding area for those interested.

A few km off the shore from Pedasí is the Refugio de Vida Silvestre Isla Iguana, a 55-hectare wildlife refuge that has tranquil beaches and some wonderful snorkeling. The coral reefs which ring the island attract large fish, making both snorkeling and diving popular while visiting the island. During the months from June through November there is even the chance spotting humpack whales in the surrounding waters.

34 km southwest of Pedasí is Playa Venao, a mostly-local surf spot that serves up consistently good waves that break in both directions. The vibe here is mellow and pleasant, and its close proximity to Pedasí makes it a convenient place to day trip while staying in the town.

Public transportation to Pedasí runs through Chitré and Las Tablas. A bus from Panama City to Chitré runs about 4.5 hours. From here, hop a bus to Las Tablas, and then one to Pedasí—total, it should take about 1.5 hours. Additionally, Pedasí has an airstrip which welcomes commercial flights from Panama City, a trip which takes about 35 minutes.

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Region: Azuero Peninsula, Los Santos Province Closest Airport: Justiniano Montenegro (located in Pedasí) Altitude: 0 ft (0 m) Average Temperature: 80º F (27º C)

Pedasí (pronounced ¨peh-da-SEE¨) is the gateway to the Tuna Coast, located at the southern portion of Panama´s Azuero Peninsula, and surrounded by clean Pacific waters. Both an adventure destination for avid fisherman and local pescador hangout, big game fishing pioneers have been successful in catching marlin, wahoo, sailfish, grouper, rooster and yellow-fin tuna for decades in this area. Today, Azuero’s Pedasí is much more than a fraternal reference to a world-class fishing location: it embodies a lifestyle. Pedasí and Azuero combine a stronghold community of farmers and cowboys, bohemian surfers and fishermen, and adventurous expats and entrepreneurs.

This tranquil town of about 2000 people is spread out along a pristine location of endless uninhabited beaches, mountains, rivers, villages, rolling hills and exotic trees. The hard working locals form an essential part of Pedasí culture, as they tend to their farming, fishing and traditional furniture making trades that put Pedasí on the map. Walk the old colonial streets of Pedasí to immerse yourself in Panama’s ¨interior¨ way of life (¨el interior¨ is the common word for ¨countryside¨ in Panama). Homes around the town’s central plaza are generally one-story and have wide porches in which locals, especially the old-timers, generally spend their time outside in the very rocking chairs that they or their ancestors made. Pedasieños are notoriously friendly and open. They are proud makers of the country’s polleras and known for their annual November parade and festivals. Time feels slow and relaxed. Town life is centered around this main plaza, a pleasantly walkable area. The rest of Pedasí’s 2000 people live spread out in small communities, dotting  hillsides, and also beaches where they keep with their families’ legacy: fishing.

The infusion of expats in this region also makes Pedasí life interesting: retirees looking for a beachside retreat, real estate pioneers, young couples looking to be entrepreneurs in a laid-back environment. This blend of North Americans, Spaniards, Italians, Israelis and more also happens to be the majority of owners of restaurants, hotels and tour-based activities in the area. Most expats have integrated into the community, providing a pleasant community lifestyle. With a town as tiny as Pedasí, you’ll definitely meet at least a few expats who swapped their lives from abroad to this fishing town, giving you another insight into this area.

And what is the draw? Pedasí is really a beautiful location- pristine and quiet- with many activities to offer. Head out for deep sea fishing tours, day excursions to the white sand beaches of Isla Iguana (as shown in the above photo) or surf the 5-ft overhead waves of Playa Venao. Grab a book and head out to a secluded beach. Enjoy whale and turtle migrations, horseback riding, paddle boarding, vinyasa yoga, a tour of Varela & Sons rum factory, local cuisine and scuba diving. Or just sit back: listen to the area’s howler monkeys and sounds of tropical wildlife, enjoy the vast starlit summertime sky, and watch the large cruise and container ships migrate to and from the Panama Canal. This is the place to relax.

Attractions & Places to See

Pedasí is a calming location, reflected by the quiet lifestyle of its inhabitants and natural beauty. Take a drive through the rolling farmlands, waving to friendly locals, to Pedasí’s coast: this is Panama’s best fishing location. Observe the birds that hug the water due to the region’s abundance of fish, the boats dotting the distance, the seasoned fisherman bringing in their catch. Decide to embark on a fishing adventure yourself: known as the Gateway to the ¨Tuna Coast,¨ the waters don’t disappoint.

The Azuero Peninsula also has some of the best beaches. Surf at popular Playa Venao, boogie board at the local’s favorite beaches, and ride to a few interesting islands featuring iguanas, turtles and hermit crabs. Learn the stories about how one island was used for target practice in WWII, and now is the happy home of a wildlife reserve. Catch the right time of year and you could be in luck to see humpback whales, who come to the warm waters to breed and give birth. Hear the whoop of howler monkeys at dawn and dusk, claiming their patch of land in the monkey world. Wildlife is teeming in the jungle that surrounds you. This is Pedasí, and its beautiful outdoors are its primary attractions:

• Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge
• Playa Venao: prime spot for surfing, great beginner beach
• Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge
• Playa Cambutal
• Mountain Oria Arriba

Activities & Things to Do

Pedasí is well-known as a fishing hotspot, but the area has much more to offer. The area is perfect for taking a road trip with the windows down and exploring. See what’s beyond those cattle farms and grassy hills: take a dirt road down to the coast. Time is slow in Pedasí. Find the Prince of Liechtenstein’s house and the quaint bakery Paris Hilton once dined at. Boutique shop in town, enjoy a Swedish massage and visit expat hangouts. When planning your days here, do yourself just one favor: plan for enough time to truly relax and enjoy this pleasant experience in Panama’s heartland. Here’s a peek at the many activities you can explore while in Pedasí:

• Whale Watching (July-October)
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Bird & Wildlife Watching
• Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
• Stand Up Paddle Boarding
• Horseback Riding
• Turtle Nesting (October-November)
• Real Estate Hunting
• Rum Factory Tour

Restaurants and Nightlife

Pedasí has a handful of reliable restaurants in town for breakfast, lunch and dinner, both locally owned and also by expats. Most of the hotel restaurants in and around Pedasí are open for all meals, and can even personalize your dinner by cooking your catch of the day. Fish is obviously fresh and in abundance on local menus, but there are also a few great places for ribs, burgers and wings. The small town has a few key bakeries, juice shop and is actually great for Italian food. Reservations are recommended at a few of the restaurants as tables can be limited. Also ask in your hotel which restaurants are open (Mondays and Tuesdays are popular days for a few key places to close. This site/app can also give you a constantly updated list of recommended dishes (Spanish only):

¨Nightlife¨ is quiet: this is a town that truly prefers to rise with the sun. Smiley’s Restaurant is a favorite expat hangout, and on Tuesdays and Fridays there is normally live music (you can feel free to join in!). They also have a great TV for watching any sort of sports games any day of the week, lunch or dinner. Hotel Pedasito is also a popular hangout for playing board games, chatting and hanging out on the porch. Not far away, Playa Venao also has a few dinner spots that convert into fun hangouts. For clubs, bars and casinos, Las Tablas and Chitré would be your prime locations.

Amenities & Infrastructure

Pedasí is a small but growing town. It has all the basics you would expect in any growing tourist location, but is limited in variety. Public transportation: Taxis are few and far between. It’s best to have a phone number on hand of a reliable driver for pick-up if you’re hanging out around town and need a lift. Public amenities: Ask nicely for a fountain or restroom in the shops in town and beachside, or make a small purchase/donation if you are in need of facilities. Shopping: For supermarkets, there are now a few small stores in town that will get you by (meat, toiletries, fruits/veggies, liquor, etc.). For large purchases, consider doing a major shop in Panama City or Chitré before you arrive. There are also a few, cute and new boutique shops as well as two places to get swimwear and surf gear (one owned by surfer Sonia ¨Pucha¨ Garcia and the other by an Israeli duo with a local Kitesurfing School). There are also a few souvenir shops with artwork, Panama hats, mola purses,  jewelry, etc. for purchase right in the town plaza. ATMs: There are two 24/7 ATMs right in the center of town: Banco Nacional and Caja de Ahorros. Be prepared: sometimes the ATM can run out of cash. Gas stations: Yes: there are three full-service gas stations along Pedasí’s main strip. WiFi or Internet cafés: Wifi is available in most restaurants in town, and most definitely in all hotels. There are also two reputable Internet Cafés in the two center (one even serves ice cream). Cell Phone Reception: Fairly reliable reception (spotty in some beachy areas) Restaurants: Several local and expat-owned lovely places to eat. Please ask your hotel for recommendations as some restaurants are closed on certain days (mostly Mondays and Tuesdays). This site/app can also give you a constantly updated list of ratings and recommended dishes in Pedasí restaurants . (Spanish only). Nearest medical facilities: There is a small health center (Centro de Salud) in town with a few English-speaking doctors. Although small, service is normally immediate, attentive and well-equipped for minor needs. For most emergencies, there is a public hospital in Las Tablas (40 minutes away) and also Chitré (1.5 hours away), as well as private clinics in both cities. If extensive care is needed in Panama City, transfers by air can be privately arranged.

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Pedasi and Tonosi

The province of Los Santos , located in the south of Panamá , is the cradle of folklore. At the end, towards the Pacific , there are two unique points: Pedasi and Tonosi. Here, you will enjoy natural beauties such as the migration of humpback whales from July to October. You can also visit Isla Iguana to dive over the oldest and largest coral reef in the Gulf of Panama and see many of the birds and iguanas that live there.

Natural Refuges

Other attractions in the area are the Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge and La Marinera Reserve, where, between the months of July and November, thousands of sea turtles arrive at the nesting beaches at the same time. This is a fascinating phenomenon that only occurs on 14 beaches in the world, and two of them are in Tonosi. If you want even more adrenaline or to visit at another time of the year, you can always surf excellent waves, book fishing boat trips, kitesurf, paddle surf or boogie boards.

Isla Iguana - Pedasi

Adventures in the pacific.

In both Pedasi and Tonosi, the beaches have thicker, golden sand. On Isla Iguana, however, you’ll find fine, white sand. Enjoy the more than 124 miles (200 km) of coastline and the extensive beaches of the region, such as El Arenal, Los Destiladeros and Punta Mala. The waves and currents vary depending on the beach, for being on the Pacific Ocean , they all have tides. Take them into account when you plan your surfing adventures when you visit the beaches of Lagart Point, Top Secret and Quatro-Once.

Tonosi is a little more than one hour by car from Pedasí, next to the province of Veraguas . In the town of Tonosi you find all types of accommodation , restaurants and even boat rentals. There you can book sea and land tours. When you go, don't miss Isla Caña and navigate through its three types of mangrove: white, red and black. All this before enjoying a day at the beach. 

If you want waves and a great atmosphere, visit Venao . This is a very lively and popular destination among both Panamanian and international surfers alike. It has all the amenities, including board rentals and classes. If, on the other hand, you are looking for surf and less hustle and bustle, stay in Cambutal. This is a more rustic and natural area, with fewer buildings, but also with excellent waves and a variety of accommodation options.

Things to do in

Pedasi y tonosi.

Get to know the rich and varied folklore of Panamá in Pedasi and Tonosi....

Whale Watching

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Turtle Sanctuary

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Places to Stay

Hacienda san isidro, pesé, getting there.

You can reach Pedasi by road from Panama City . The journey takes approximately 5 hours, but the experiences you will have when you get there are worth the drive. You’ll know you have arrived in town when you see hundreds of colorful houses with their typical doorways, where there will always be a rocking chair facing the street. The town has very little traffic and its main roads are paved, which are perfect for cycling or walking.

Take the opportunity to try the typical food and visit the main square before venturing to incredible places such as the Pablo Arturo Barrios Wildlife Refuge protected area, where you can see coastal dunes—a unique landscape in the country—as well as mangroves, estuaries and beaches. 

The town of Pedasi does not have a beach of its own, but there are some located just 2 miles (3 km) away and others that are farther but which are quite easy to get to. Many hotels offer transfers and tours or, if you prefer, you can rent a car and drive there yourself.

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Pedasi, Panama – Travel Guide for Nomads and Expats

April 2, 2019

Pedasi, Los Santos, Panama

A small, coastal town in the Los Santos province of Panama. Despite being its small size, Pedasi nevertheless has a visible community of expats from all over the world. The Selina has attracted more digital nomads to the area as well. Pedasi is a bit inland from the beach, but within a quick drive you’ll be at some of the best beaches in Panama.

POPULATION: 5,000

Table of Contents

WEATHER IN PEDASI, PANAMA

The rainy season goes from roughly May-December. Yearly temperatures are pleasant, ranging from about 18-30°C.

HOW SAFE IS PEDASI, PANAMA FOR TOURISTS?

Pedasi is an extremely safe town. You should have no issues here. There have been expats living here for decades without issues. Pedasi is also very far from Panama City so there’s not too much city riff raff. The streets are clean and well organized and the buildings are reasonably well kept. 

DAY TRIPS AND THINGS TO DO IN PEDASI

Explore the protected island of Isla Iguana — where you can see black iguanas hanging out and sunbathing on the beach! Nearby are some of the best beaches in Panama .

Check out Las Tablas , other major town in Los Santos. It’s known as Panama’s carnaval city and only 30 minutes away!

Take a trip to Playa Venao to party and surf. Pedasi used to be the big travel destination, and Playa Venao relatively unknown and hard to get to. It seems this has changed and Playa Venao is now more popular among tourists than Pedasi!

RENT AN APARTMENT IN PEDASI, PANAMA

Apartment rentals in Pedasi are reasonable. For something basic and off the beach, you can get away with $400 or less a month.

If you want to rent an apartment for a short period of time — just to make sure the city is right for you before committing to a longterm apartment contract — we suggest using Airbnb.

COST OF LIVING IN PEDASI, PANAMA

As a small town, you can keep living expenses low here in Pedasi. If you’re fine with living a simple life and renting an apartment a few blocks from the beach as opposed to beachfront, you could feasibly live here on $1000/month.

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN PEDASI

Unless you intend on starting your own business (a dive shop, for instance) you won’t encounter many job opportunities in this small town.

IS THERE UBER IN PEDASI, PANAMA

No, Uber does not operate in Pedasi.

IS PEDASI A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE?

Pedasi is a peaceful, pleasant village with beautiful beaches. We think that it would suit many expats well. However, keep in mind that this is an extremely small tourist town that is about 5 hours driving from Panama City . If you are perfectly content with small city living, consider Pedasi. If you’re looking for somewhere a little bigger and/or better connected, well, keep checking out our guides!

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Looking For Panama's Most Charming Coastal Town?

You may just find it in pedasi panama., the dream still exists in pedasi panama..

What is "the dream?" It differs for everyone, but for people living in and loving Pedasi, it goes something like this:

• To live in a landscape of rich beauty and nature...
• To be surrounded by friendly, active, fascinating people...
• To take part in fun and fulfilling outdoor activities...
• To live both simply and luxuriously....
• To find affordable, modern real estate and a lower cost of living, 
• To benefit from being amongst the first in a steadily growing community....

If these sound like part of your "Panama dream," we think you might like it here in Pedasi. Whether you're looking for your next great vacation or a property by the sea, there's a lot to discover in our beautiful town of Pedasi.

Learn More About Pedasi Panama:

Real estate, community news in pedasi, get to know pedasi panama..

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Culture and tradition in pedasí panama.

Pedasí in Panama is a charming town and birthplace of the first female Panamanian president, Mireya Moscoso (1999-2004). Partly because of her efforts, this sleepy fishing village has turned into a beautiful and authentic travel destination.

The many cultural and traditional activities and festivals are linked to the town’s rich colonial history. You’ll see women wear the traditional costume (pollera) and men their traditional sandals and black and white hats. In the town centre, many colonial buildings have remained intact.

The central square is the place to relax with a cold drink or a local coffee, but also to meet the locals. Everybody, young or old, strolls along the square in the afternoon and evening.

Iguana Island

There is a lot to see and do in Pedasí. There´s pristine white beaches, where you can easily spend a day without encountering any other travelers.

Another recommendation is to visit Iguana Island in the Vida Silvestre Isla Iguana reserve . Here you can snorkel along a coral reef. Rays, eels and turtles can be spotted. Between June and November there’s a good chance you will see humpback whales.

If you’re a bird watcher, the island is a great place to visit as well. Some 62 species of birds live on the island. As do several other animals, such as the black iguana, the island’s namesake.

Some 40 minutes from Pedasi, you’ll find local surf spot Playa Venao. Local surfers like to come here because of the constant waves and the relaxed atmosphere.

Another nice destination is the island of Isla Cañas, located at a 1.5 hour drive from Pedasí. Each year, from July to October, no less than 5 (!) turtle species lay their eggs on the 13 km long beach of the island. You can book an evening tour to experience this unique spectacle.

During your stay in Pedasi, your home is a small Bed and Breakfast about 1.5 km from the town centre and a 5 minute walk from Playa el Toro.

What can you see in and around Pedasi?

The following destinations are close to this travel package:

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Pedasi – Whale Watching Day Tour

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Tour Details

Every year between July and November Pedasi becomes a live party when the Humpback Whales coming to our shore. From 10 minutes to the shore, we can see tails, fins if we are lucky we will see beautiful jumps and amazing stunts like no others no matters their 50 tons and 18 meters long.

Approximately two thousand humpback whales come to the poles looking our warm waters is a unique journey of 10,000 kilometers, is the longest migration do for any mammal.

Many of them use the waters of Pedasi, Gulf of Montijo or Coiba to mate and others to give birth to their young, called calves, and follow your long way road, whales usually move in groups and communicate with amazing males songs. At night from the shore is heard as they hit with their tails against the water.

Throughout the year it is very common to see aquatic shows courtesy of the playful bottlenose and spotted dolphins, which undoubtedly will be an unforgettable experience.

Departure & Return Location

Punta Mala Marina ( Google Map )

Departure Time

Set with the Customer (Recommended 6:30 am)

Price Includes

• Marine Transportation
• Water and Ice
• On board assistant
• Snorkel equipment

Price Excludes

• Car Transportation
• Any Private Expenses
• Room and Room Service Fees
• Alcoholic Drink
• Snacks and Sodas

What to Expect

Close encounters with whales and dolphins are up there on most people’s ultimate wildlife bucket list, but it still surprises many when they hear that Pedasi is one of the best places in Panama to see whales and dolphins in the wild. We have tours that focus only on whale watching, and there are other tours that combine with other maritime activities such as sport fishing or enjoy the beautiful beaches of our coasts and Iguana Island. In our waters also inhabit about other 19 types of cetaceans, such as whales Bryde, who only momentarily rise to the surface. Sometimes arrive pilot whales, and rarely orcas. We also can watch whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles. Please note that humpback whales are wild animals and we are unable to predict their behavior, for this reason, we can not guarantee whale watching on all trips.  We do everything possible to give you a memorable experience. Azuero and Pedasi Coast offers phenomenal scenery for scuba diving, snorkeling, sport fishing, and other water sports. This tour is aboard Pedasi Paradise a 25-foot Boston Whaller boat originally built in 1990 and restored in 2014. It is powered by twin 115 HP Mercury engines, with a cruising speed of 30 knots, which means you can get to any destination very quickly. The boat has a Lowrance GPS, fishfinder, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, spearfishing or sport fishing equipment, Livewell for the bait. This tour can be a single day (Day Tour) or stay the days you like and stay at the Pedasi Paradise Hotel, located in the middle of Pedasi. We have super discounts for Multi-day Tours.

Day 1: 6:30 am Departure

To enjoy your tour to the fullest, we recommend starting early in the day

Day 1: 7:00 am Whale and Dolphin Watching we take you into Azuero depth waters

Is time to observing whales and dolphins (cetaceans) in their natural habitat around the coast and Iguana Island

Day 1: 9:30 am Beach Time

Depending on the tides and weather conditions and the wishes of the clients, we can continue enjoy this paradise.

Day 1: 2:30 pm Return to Punta Mala Marina

After a adventure day we only have to return to our starting point and arrive at safe harbor.

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Home » Panama Guides » Guide to Pedasi, Panama

Guide to Pedasi, Panama

• Healthcare & Wellness
• Dining and Food Culture
• Costal Charm

Nestled along the serene coastline of Panama, the captivating town of Pedasi emerges as a hidden treasure that flawlessly combines the splendors of nature with a vibrant cultural tapestry. This comprehensive guide invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating allure of Pedasi, a place that has captured the hearts of those in search of an idyllic coastal haven, an affordable cost of living, and a community that opens its arms to newcomers. From delving into the distinctive Pedasi lifestyle to uncovering its enticing retirement prospects, real estate marvels, and the flavors that define its culinary scene, you’re about to embark on a journey that paints a vivid portrait of Pedasi as an optimal choice for those seeking to enrich their lives within Panama’s coastal embrace.

Embrace the Pedasi Lifestyle: Where Tranquility Meets Adventure

Pedasi’s lifestyle is a symphony composed of tranquility and adventure, offering a versatile tapestry that caters to diverse preferences. As you wander through the charming streets, the warm greetings of locals and the fusion of cultures captivate your senses. Pedasi fosters an exceptional sense of community, where shared experiences create an atmosphere of inclusivity. The array of activities, from lounging on pristine beaches to engaging in local festivities, caters to those seeking both relaxation and excitement. The lifestyle here resonates deeply with those who find solace in tranquility as well as those who thrive in the thrill of novel experiences.

The captivating expat community of Pedasi forms a rich tapestry woven with various backgrounds, united by their shared admiration for the town’s allure. The coexistence of local residents and expats creates an environment of unity and camaraderie, making forging meaningful connections and friendships an effortless endeavor. Bustling markets, cultural events, and art exhibitions provide fertile ground for camaraderie, weaving a mosaic of shared moments that embody the heart of Pedasi.

Unveiling Pedasi’s Coastal Climate: A Sanctuary for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Pedasi’s climate stands as a cornerstone of its appeal, offering a delightful range of temperatures throughout the year. With sun-kissed beaches and the sparkling ocean as your backdrop, the climate beckons you to partake in a plethora of outdoor activities. Whether you’re indulging in water sports, exploring hidden coves, or simply strolling along the shore, the climate ensures that every day is an opportunity for adventure.

The temperate climate of Pedasi fosters an environment that encourages outdoor pursuits and wellness activities. From morning walks along the coastline to afternoon yoga sessions against the backdrop of the ocean’s symphony, Pedasi’s climate is a catalyst for vitality and holistic well-being. Nature’s embrace, combined with the coastal breeze, creates an atmosphere where relaxation and rejuvenation intertwine seamlessly.

Retire in Tranquil Splendor: Pedasi’s Promise of Serenity

Pedasi beckons retirees with its tranquil ambiance, providing an environment that nurtures personal growth and relaxation. The town’s affordability empowers retirees to embrace a comfortable lifestyle without financial strain. The inclusive community ensures a seamless integration into the local way of life, making the transition to a retirement enriched with new possibilities a smooth one.

Imagine waking up to the gentle rustling of palm trees and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore. This is the retirement dream that Pedasi effortlessly turns into reality. The town’s serene atmosphere is a haven of tranquility, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The local community becomes an extended family, fostering connections and friendships that enrich your retirement years with meaningful experiences.

Real Estate Dreams: A Coastal Canvas Awaits

Pedasi’s real estate market unveils a spectrum of options, catering to those who seek a permanent bond with this coastal paradise. From beachfront villas that offer direct access to the ocean’s embrace to modern residences that harmonize with the town’s rhythm, the market is diverse and exciting. Guided by experienced professionals, your journey to finding your dream property in Pedasi becomes an exciting adventure filled with promise.

Pedasi’s real estate landscape presents an opportunity to invest not only in property but also in a lifestyle. The town’s allure, coastal beauty, and burgeoning community make it a sought-after destination for both residents and investors. The value of real estate has shown a steady appreciation, reflecting the town’s growing popularity. Pedasi’s real estate is more than just a property investment; it’s an investment in a coastal sanctuary that holds the promise of an enriched lifestyle.

Cost of Living: Coastal Pleasures Without the Price Tag

Pedasi’s enticement lies in its notably economical cost of living. From housing to daily expenses, the town’s affordability empowers you to savor life’s pleasures without financial burden. Access to fresh produce, dining options, and entertainment venues ensures that you can delight in life’s joys without the weight of financial constraints.

The rhythm of daily life in Pedasi unfolds within the realm of financial feasibility, offering a refreshingly affordable range of daily expenses. Whether it’s groceries, dining out, transportation, or entertainment, each facet of life is characterized by reasonable pricing that liberates you from the constraints of financial strain. Groceries don’t strain your budget, dining out becomes a regular pleasure, transportation is accessible, and entertainment comes without hesitation. Pedasi’s cost of living extends an invitation to embrace a life brimming with fulfillment, unburdened by the shackles of exorbitant costs.

Healthcare and Wellness: Nurturing Well-Being by the Sea

Pedasi’s pristine surroundings and temperate climate provide the canvas for holistic well-being. The town’s residents naturally gravitate toward outdoor pursuits such as beachfront yoga, coastal walks, and immersing themselves in the stunning coastal beauty. Wellness centers, yoga studios, and retreats offer sanctuaries where you can focus on self-care, reinvigorate your physical and mental state, and foster a renewed sense of vitality.

Pedasi’s commitment to well-being extends to its healthcare landscape, where residents enjoy access to top-tier medical services without the burden of steep expenses. Modern medical facilities, experienced professionals, and a comprehensive range of healthcare options ensure that your health remains a priority. The synergy between nature’s tranquility and well-being resources creates an environment where you can flourish physically and mentally.

Savor Culinary Delights: Coastal Gastronomy in Every Bite

Pedasi’s culinary landscape mirrors its cultural diversity, presenting a medley of international and local flavors. Local markets overflow with fresh, locally sourced produce, inspiring you to experiment with culinary creations in your own kitchen. On the other hand, local eateries invite you to savor Panamanian delicacies alongside global favorites, with each dish embodying Pedasi’s rich culinary heritage.

Exploring Pedasi’s culinary scene is a journey that unveils the town’s soul through its flavors. From the catch of the day to indigenous ingredients that have stood the test of time, Pedasi’s gastronomy is a celebration of both tradition and innovation. Whether you’re relishing the simplicity of fresh seafood or delving into the intricacies of Panamanian cuisine, each bite is an invitation to understand the cultural narrative that defines Pedasi’s identity.

Embrace the Coastal Charm of Pedasi: Your Journey Awaits

Pedasi extends an invitation to explore its natural wonders, cultural treasures, and a lifestyle that blends coastal serenity with vibrant community bonds. As you embark on this odyssey, remember that International Relocation Firm is your dedicated partner. Whether you’re contemplating immigration to Panama, a transition to Pedasi, or an exploration of the real estate landscape, our team of experts is committed to turning your dreams into reality. Immerse yourself in Pedasi’s charm, where a fulfilling lifestyle, affordable living, and endless opportunities await. Reach out to us today to set forth on your voyage into a new chapter of life, embraced by the coastal allure of Pedasi, Panama.

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Pedasi, Panama

Pedasi, Panama - Retiring, Cost of Living and Lifestyle Information

By Jim Gault

The town of Pedasi has been discovered by expats and the secret is out. Pedasi is on the tip of the Azuero Peninsula in the province of Los Santos on the Pacific Ocean. It’s a five-hour trip from Panama City —turning off the Pan-American Highway heading south the drive takes you through the city of Chitre down to Las Tablas and it’s a further 45-minute drive to Pedasi.

As a small sleepy village with a full-time population of around 2,500, Pedasi is rural living at its best. The village is surrounded by green pastures and grazing cattle. Village center is only a five-minute drive to the Pacific Ocean and three spectacular unspoiled beaches and little development.

The main source of income here for locals is fishing. Considered the “Tuna Coast” of Panama, the waters are filled with an abundance of fish. Sport fishing has become a pastime here, as you are almost always guaranteed a great day's fishing.

Another attraction that has been gaining in popularity in recent years is surfing. Surfers worldwide have discovered Playa Venao, a surfing beach only 30 minutes away. In 2011 and 2012, Playa Venao hosted the World Surfing Championships putting this great surfing destination firmly on the map.

The National Park, Isla Iguana, is only a 20-minute boat ride from el Arenal beach. There are dozens of boat captains available to take you for a half-day or whole-day adventure. No need to make a reservation. It is a local and tourist favorite for snorkeling, scuba diving, beachcombing, swimming, and relaxing. The beaches are Caribbean white sand. Isla Iguana is also noted for its wildlife refuge with thousands of frigates and various birds, hermit crabs, and colorful iguanas. Upon returning to el Arenal, many people stop at the beach cantina for a cold beverage.

Panama’s first female elected president, Mireya Moscoso, was born in Pedasi. She made many contributions to improving the infrastructure of the town during her time in office. Her efforts have given the locals a sense of pride in their town. The first thing you might notice when you visit Pedasi is how clean the town is, and that the homes are all well kept and painted in bright colors.

While exploring Pedasi be sure to keep an eye out for the many striking murals, hand-painted by area artists. Adding color and culture, they make for great selfie spots!

Home to vibrant Spanish colonial architecture, fabulous flora, and friendly locals, Pedasi weaves a welcoming tapestry where customs, cuisine, culture, and ecology intertwine with amazing activities to create a fun and memorable visit. Pedasi often holds art and crafts fairs for vendors from around the area.

Retire in Pedasi

Pedasi lies in the “Arco Seco,” meaning it is in the driest part of Panama with annual precipitation of only 39 inches. Enjoyable breezes from the Pacific Ocean keep daytime temperatures ranging from 73 F to 93 F. Evenings are cool and pleasant.

The village has all the necessary amenities for day-to-day living. The recently completed Minsa-Capsi hospital, just outside the center of the village, offers most services with a variety of specialists. There are several fine restaurants, a few small grocery stores, three gas stations, two banks, fire and police stations. Las Tablas is the nearest city where you can find anything else you might need and it’s only a 45-minute drive away.

The safety of Pedasi is one reason why many expats move here. In Pedasi, there is little to no petty crime of any kind. Locals and expats all look out for each other, and locals welcome expats and expat businesses.

There are now about 250 expats who live in the Pedasi area. They are a mix of people from around the world, including Americans, Canadians, Israelis, Germans, French, English, Venezuelans, Italians, Columbians, and others.

The charm of Pedasi is alluring and attractive for the growing number of retirees looking for a simpler, slower lifestyle.

Lifestyle in Pedasi

Many expats go to the beach in the morning to watch pristine sunrises. Pedasi is a wonderful place to live for ocean lovers. Activities include Scuba, snorkel, windsurfing, and whale watching from May to November. Excellent deep-sea, backwater, and beach fishing are just some of the things you can find to do here.

Many people choose to live in the village so they walk or ride bicycles everywhere to improve their health and save the expenses of a car.

The lifestyle is laidback, with locals and expats frequently mixing to enjoy holidays and special events. Expats and locals both enjoy horseback riding. Horses and riders can frequently be seen in town, on the beach and on surrounding country roads.

Expats often hire villagers for housekeeping, gardening, roofing, plumbing, and electrical and building projects. The relationship between the expats and locals is special to Pedasi. Expats try to get to know their Panama neighbors.

Pedasi also has a variety of great restaurants and a bakery, which are open year-round. Smiley’s Restaurant (expat managed) is a local hangout where the expats gather to socialize, listen to live music, watch sporting events and enjoy the excellent ribs.

There are also plenty of volunteering opportunities in Pedasi, with several volunteer organizations where you can put your skills to work to help the locals. Pedasi Animal Advocates promotes health for animals.

If you want to get a city fix and enjoy shopping, Las Tablas and Chitre are just an hour away.

So, what does a typical lazy day look like here? The day might start with a cup of great Panama coffee and a pastry at a local bakery, followed by a bike ride to the beach and a long walk, siesta with cool breezes in the afternoon, and lively conversation with friends at one of the local hot spot restaurants in the evening.

Real Estate in Pedasi

There are several affordable areas in and around Pedasi. With an increasing number of expats moving to Pedasi, new construction of homes is on the increase.

Most of the village consists of typical Panamanian homes close to the town square and Catholic church. A classic two-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the village starts at around $110,000. There are also a few upscale developments with homes built to North American standards. Two of these communities (Costa Pedasi shown above and La Jolla) are gated with fantastic ocean views, large lots, pristine beaches, and start at about $350,000 and can go to over $1 million. Real estate taxes are a fraction of North American properties and this is a real plus for homeowners.

Many expats outside the village build their own homes because there are large amounts of land for sale by the farmers. Prices decrease and lot sizes increase as you move further from the village.

Cost of Living in Pedasi

Rents in Pedasi during the high season (December through April) can cost more than $750 a month in the village, increasing as you rent closer to the Pacific Ocean. Location and demand determine the rental prices. Securing a rental for a lower price will often require some boots-on-the-ground investigating with the locals. Pedasi does give you the choice of living on a small budget though.

You can live less expensively by purchasing local fresh produce, shrimp, and fish from delivery trucks or eating out at typical Panama fondas (local cuisine). Many of the local restaurants are now delivering. There is also a butcher from Chitre delivering North American quality meats weekly. There are several local entrepreneurs who started baking, cooking, and delivering from their homes.

Having a car and living closer to the beach will increase your costs by approximately 50%.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Couple in Pedasi, Panama:

Things to do in pedasi.

Located on the southern tip of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula, this charming town offers a variety of amenities and fun activities. The Azuero Peninsula enjoys some of the best weather in Panama and provides opportunities to enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities year-round.

Enjoy Some Sun on Your Choice of Beaches

Three beautiful beaches are only a quick 5- to 10-minute drive away, making Pedasi the perfect base for beach exploration. Bring a picnic and plenty of sunscreen and soak up the serenity and sunshine. Don’t be surprised if you have the beach to yourself!

Playa el Arenal, Playa el Toro, and Playa la Garita are all easily accessible by car. The recently paved country roads leading to these three beaches meander through grassy fields and clumps of trees and past brightly painted homes. Keep following the signs, though, and suddenly you will be rewarded with a stunning beach vista.

Playa el Arenal is home to Pedasi’s colorful panga fishing fleet. If you are here in the early morning you will see these local fishing boats pushing off the beach to return later in the day with an abundance of fish.

Have Fun on the Water

©Dan Walkow

The local fishing captains are also found at Playa el Arenal, offering boats for hire. The quick 20-minute boat ride to gorgeous Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge is a fun way to get out on local waters. And the wildlife refuge itself is a truly memorable experience. Home to many types of coral and species of fish, black and green iguanas, quiet, palm-dotted, white-sand beaches, a calm shoreline, and turquoise-blue waters this is an idyllic destination for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Plan to go early and visit for the day.

From May to November it’s common to see huge humpback whales visiting these warm waters. You can watch them play, breed, and even breach, which is when they jump so high their entire bodies come out of the water. Although you can see them from shore, it is best to take a whale watching tour. Have your camera at the ready!

Fishing charter operators take visitors out and provide all the gear and bait. Pedasi does not have a marina, so fishermen launch off the beach in an open, outboard-powered panga designed to operate in the surf and provide a good ride.

Visit the Sunday Market

For a change of pace in this outdoor playground, visit Jungla’s Sunday Market held just off of Pedasi’s quaint village square. Beginning at 9 a.m., enjoy a bite at Jungla’s Food Truck while stocking up on fresh vegetables and fruits, baked goods and desserts, and handicrafts and jewelry.

Explore the Town Square

After Jungla’s Sunday Market, stroll Pedasi’s tidy square and visit some of the other shops featuring local arts and crafts. Also located in the town square is the Mireya Moscoso Museum. Pedasi is the hometown of Panama’s former president, Mireya Elisa Moscoso Rodriguez (1999 to 2004), the first and the only woman to date to hold the presidency of the country. View photos and memories of the Moscoso family as you delve into a slice of Panamanian history. Entrance is free.

Pedasi is very proud of this heritage and there is a large billboard and small park honoring Mireya Moscoso as you enter Pedasi from the north.

Pedasi and Las Tablas are the heart of traditional parades, festivals, and Carnival. Panama celebrates the National Pollera Festival with colorful clothing and small bands performing around the town square. The expats have had the honor of being invited to participate for the last several years.

Enjoy Some Good Food

After a day of sun, sand, sea, and exploration, feed hungry appetites at a variety of Pedasi restaurants, ranging from casual to upscale. With over 20 restaurants offering everything from fresh sushi to traditional Panamanian sancocho, tasty pizzas to perfect pasta, barbecued chicken and ribs to home-baked breads, a feast of culinary options wait. Many restaurants offer English menus and you can be assured of friendly service wherever you go.

Try Some Water Sports in Playa Venao

No visit to Pedasi is complete without a side trip to Playa Venao, Panama’s premier surfing beach. Surfing enthusiasts of all skill levels travel here from around the globe to catch that perfect curl in the warm waters and partake in the active surf culture found in the beach village. Board rentals and surf lessons are offered at most of the hotels, hostels, and surf shops that dot the beach. However, you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy this laidback beach gem. Watch the action from one of the palapa-covered restaurants or bars after a long walk along the expansive beach.

Visit Canas Island Wildlife Refuge

Just 15 minutes from Playa Venao and 45 minutes from Pedasi village lies the ecological jewel, the Canas Island Wildlife Refuge. This is Panama’s most important nesting site for sea turtles along the Pacific coast, with July to November being the busiest nesting and hatching periods. Every year, hundreds of sea turtles come to nest on the beach and lay their eggs here. Take a tour to learn about this tropical island and its local community and witness the magic of Mother Nature at work. Other ecotours include mangrove kayaking and paddle boarding adventures.

Video Tour: Picturesque Pedasi, Panama

by Jim Gault

The small, picturesque fishing village of Pedasi is located on the tip of the Azuero Peninsula in the province of Los Santos on the Pacific Ocean. Just a five-hour drive from Panama City, it is best known for its expansive beaches just outside of town, and is regarded by many Panamanians to be among the nation’s most beautiful. Though Pedasí is conveniently close to Las Tablas and Chitré, it has all the benefits of a rural setting—quiet neighborhoods, gorgeous scenery, and friendly people. With a full-time population of around 2,500, there are estimated to be around 250 American, Canadian, and Israeli expats, amongst other nationalities living here.

People tend to come for the beautiful empty beaches, and to enjoy an improved quality of life with a small-town country feel, embracing expat community, and enough conveniences and amenities to meet their daily needs.

Known as the “Tuna Coast,” Pedasí is a fishing paradise. Here the coastal shelf drops off suddenly to provide deep-water fishing a short distance from shore. Yellow fin tuna, sailfish, wahoo, and dorado are among the regular catches, many of them massive by any standards.

Within an hour’s drive there are 11 different beaches, all clean and easily accessible. The sands vary from deep bronze to the sparkling black of volcanic matter. New businesses are springing up to offer fishing, snorkeling, and diving trips. Sport fishing has become a pastime here, as you are almost always guaranteed a great day's fishing.

Other activities on the beach include surfing and swimming. When you want a change from the beach, you can horseback ride in the quiet rolling hills near town, cross pristine streams, and never see a home or another person. Or you can ride a bike on miles of country roads with rolling hills and little traffic.

Activities in the town square include markets, art shows, and concerts, with Pedasi honoring many Panamanian traditions with festivals and parades. The largest festival of all is Carnival, held just before Ash Wednesday. This entails several days of parades with colorful floats, bands playing live music, and people dancing in the street.

Pedasi has several restaurants that serve tasty and inexpensive dishes. One restaurant plays live rock and roll music on Tuesday and Saturday and always draws a crowd. There are also two bakeries in town to satisfy your sweet tooth, three small grocery stores, and several affordable B&Bs. The Free Spirits is a group of expats that get together regularly and, on a recent night at Smiley’s, gathered for a fun "ugly dress contest."

With a few more hotels, restaurants, developments, and shops, growth is becoming more visible and the close-knit expat community is expanding. In Pedasi, you can be as busy or as relaxed as you want to be.

Five Reasons to Move to Pedasi, Panama

Are you crazy? That was what my family and friends were asking my wife, Abbe, and I when we told them we were leaving Florida and moving to Panama six years ago. The short answer we gave them was that “we wanted an improved quality of life which included reducing stress and making our retirement dollars go further.” Today, we can say that we have achieved that goal and will add three additional reasons for you to join us in Pedasi, Panama.

1. Improved Quality of Life

Pedasi is well known for its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, with beautiful empty beaches, great fishing, and a small-town feel only five hours from Panama City. Our expat friends and Panamanian locals have become our family. The lifestyle and family values of Pedasi remind me of my early years growing up. Stress here is greatly reduced from the busy American suburbs we left. People here enjoy life everyday and are grateful for what they have and appreciate family and friends.

We live one block from the Pacific Ocean and can watch the sun rise every morning, take our dogs for walks on the beach, and just relax watching the waves from our hammocks. We travel often within the country and at least once a year on a long cruise or trip to another continent. If we remained in the U.S., we could not have afforded this lifestyle.

2. Beautiful Empty Beaches

Pedasi has several picturesque, white, sandy, empty Pacific Ocean beaches. We often see turtle tracks on our walks on the beach. The district of Pedasi encompasses more than 50 miles of coastline and has some of the best sport fishing in Latin America. Water activities such as fishing, snorkeling, kiting, surfing, bird watching, swimming, and whale watching (July 1 to October 15) are abundant.

Whale watching can be done from the beaches or a captain will take you and your family on a several-hour tour to be up close and among them. In our community of Costa Pedasi, you can watch out your windows or stand in your backyard to spot whales.

3. Lower Cost of Living

We enjoy a lower cost of living. You can rent or buy in the village and walk to the markets, banks, the village square, restaurants, and churches. We built a house to North American standards by the beach. In Pedasi, there is a wide range of homes and rentals available for expats in the village, beachfront communities, and individual lots. Prices range from around $100,000 to over $1,000,000. The price depends on factors such as proximity to the beach, size, or list of amenities. Extremely low, or no, property taxes add to a lower cost of homeownership, and hurricane insurance is not necessary.

Groceries are 25% cheaper than in North America and there are several small stores in the village and big American-type stores are one hour away. Good-quality fresh meats are cut almost daily and prices are (30%) lower than in the U.S. An excellent butcher also offers Friday delivery. We have a small farmers' market for vegetables and fruits. All are fresh, much cheaper than North America, and are not injected with additives or preservatives.

Handymen and domestic help are inexpensive. Air conditioning cleanings and check-ups are $25 per unit. Cleaning your home averages $35 weekly for four hours. A vet visit for your pets is only $20 to $30. All much less than in North America.

There is a small, modern clinic just outside the village for minor healthcare needs. Larger hospitals and English-speaking doctors are one hour away. Lab tests, x-rays, and MRIs are a fraction of U.S. prices. Most doctors communicate via WhatsApp and usually respond to inquiries within an hour.

4. Embracing, Helpful, and Sharing Community

In Pedasi, there is a very good relationship between the 250+ well-established expat community and the locals. In the past few years, the expat community has been included in many local traditions and festivals. They enjoy the local culture, employ local labor, and have a mutual like and respect for their neighbors. Everyone is very friendly and use social media (WhatsApp, Facebook, and Skype) to stay in touch. Couples or groups of women often go shopping or on trips to other parts of Panama and it is very easy to network and make friends.

COVID restrictions brought out the best in people in Pedasi and proved a few good individuals could inspire others to join them to help those less fortunate. The Mayor paid for boat gas so local fishing captains and expats could fish and donate the catch to the food bank. The Waved Foundation raised funds for food and laundry supplies that volunteers delivered weekly to families. Several expats sponsored families through donations to the Super Pedasi grocery store who then packaged and delivered boxes of essentials.

Expats purchased dry pet food and also paid vets to care for injured and sick dogs and cats when their owners needed financial help. Bohemia restaurant organized Pedasi Humanitario.org. Digital donations were made to the bank account and deliveries were coordinated to help many people in the community.

5. Small Town Feel

In a small town, everyone pretty much knows everyone and you are never just a number or alone. We have enough conveniences and enough to do. Pedasi honors many Panamanian traditions. We celebrate Polleras and Carnival, host parades, festivals, mercatos, bull runs, concerts, movie night, and art shows centered on the town square. Young girls start dressing up in traditional attire and hope to be a Carnival queen one day. During dancing at a cart parade festival, the ex-president—Mireya Moscoso—invited one of the expats to dance with her. This was a great honor.

The Takeaway

Life here is also the same as life everywhere but at a SLOWER pace and we have MORE time to relax, volunteer, shop, eat healthier, and do errands.

Come for a visit and stay for a lifestyle! Pedasi has definitely been right for us. Remember America growing up years ago? Hopefully, now you know why my wife, Abbe, and many of our friends, choose to live here.

Safety in Pedasi, Panama

The dark days of military dictator Manuel Noriega and the U.S. invasion of December 1989 are long gone. However, I sometimes meet visitors who think he may still be in power. He died in 2017.

I would like to provide you with a little information to make your experiences of traveling and living in Pedasi and Panama a bit more stress-free.

Is it Safe to Live in Pedasi, Panama?

I would say it is definitely safe to live in Panama, especially Pedasi. Abbe and I have lived in the small Pacific-coast village of Pedasi for more than five years. Before moving here, we lived in Panama City for almost one year. In the city, we often walked back to our condo after a great meal and were never afraid. One evening, returning home at about 10 p.m., I stepped into a hole in the sidewalk and fell onto Abbe. Quickly, four total strangers came to our assistance, helped us to our feet, and asked if we needed help. We thanked them and never thought to check our wallets or purse. Having said that, in any city, you have to maintain awareness of your surroundings and avoid certain sections, especially after dark.

In Pedasi, when you are walking home in the evening from your favorite restaurant and see a group of teenagers walking towards you on a darkened street, you do not have to be afraid. Just say “buenos noches” (good evening) and they will quickly respond in kind. Here, we pretty much live the life we want to live without any safety concerns. We usually do not lock our car when we shop. A lot of expats in Pedasi drive a pickup truck. Often, we have hardware supplies or food in the back as we shop from store to store and feel perfectly safe.

Just as in any country, some places are “safer” than others and there is always the risk of something happening just about anywhere.

Living in Panama is safer than in many other countries around the world. As a matter of fact, Panama ranks about the same as the United Kingdom and Ireland for safety, even a few countries ahead of the U.S. according to the 2021 Numbeo Crime Index.

In expat-centric areas like Pedasi, petty crime such as theft of unattended items (cellphones, backpacks, fishing equipment) is rare but can occur. I have only heard of one petty theft of a beach bag while the owner went for a dip in the Pacific Ocean. It occurred two years ago on a Sunday of a busy holiday weekend. Occurrences like this are easily avoidable. Keep an eye on your belongings and do not invite attention by flashing fancy jewelry, wads of cash, or keeping expensive items in view inside your parked car at the beach.

Every city in Panama, as elsewhere, has its good and not-so-good areas. Investigate the area in which you will be traveling and talk to expats who live there to help you determine which areas are safest. Villages in the interior (countryside) such as Pedasi are pretty safe.

Three Great Day Trips from Pedasi, Panama

Pedasi is a small fishing village of 300 expats living among 2,000 people about a five-hour drive from Panama City on the Azuero Peninsula. We retired to the Pacific Ocean community of Costa Pedasi to be near beautiful, pristine, and empty beaches. When not walking on the beach, we have several excellent day trips for our guests and us to enjoy.

Here are three of our favorites:

1. Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge

Recommendation: four to five hours total

Isla Iguana is a 140-acre wildlife reserve located three miles off or about a 20-minute boat ride from Playa el Arenal. It is accessed only by boat.

Drive around half a mile from town to Playa El Arenal where the road ends. Park in one of the two sandy parking lots and start walking towards the dozens of boats aligned on the beach. No reservation is necessary.

Within a few steps, several captains offering their services for either a day of sport fishing or a round trip ride to Isla Iguana will approach you. Negotiate your best deal and follow the captain to your boat. The local fishing captains launch their pangas (open 24-foot fiberglass boats maneuverable enough to pick up and drop off passengers) from the beach. Sometimes on the short ride to the island, you may see dolphins or a sea turtle. In whale season (July 1 to October 15), you may also see a whale frolicking nearby.

Isla Iguana’s native animals include hundreds of black and emerald green iguanas, crabs (among them hermit crabs ), boa constrictors, red throated frigates, five species of sea turtles, many coral species, and more than 350 types of tropical fish.

The island was declared a protected area in 1981 and there is a small admission fee the park ranger will collect when you arrive. No alcohol is allowed on the island and there are no restrooms or facilities. So pack your fruit, snacks, water, and snorkeling gear to spend the day. Bring extra sunblock for the very aggressive sun and trash bags to remove what you have brought. Its beaches are white sand, the product of the erosion of the coral skeleton.

The island offers two stunning white-sand beaches with Caribbean turquoise waters. El Cirial is where your captain will drop you; and El Faro is a smaller and more secluded beach. El Cirial has calm waves and is perfect to sun, relax, swim, and snorkel or scuba right from the beach. It is a short five-minute walk between the beaches. El Faro is very small and nestled between two rock formations. There will probably be only one or two other people there. It can get crowded on weekends so best to go middle of the week. Your captain may either stretch out in a hammock and relax for a few hours or will return at an agreed-upon time. After your captain drops you back at El Arenal, walk over to the beach cantina for some cold beverages and some freshly caught fish. A cold cerveza is currently only $1.

2. Playa Venao and Echo Venao

Recommendation: six to eight hours total

About 21 miles (40 minutes) southwest of Pedasi on a newly paved road is the beautiful two-and-a-half-mile wide crescent-shaped beach of Playa Venao. The protected cove offers some of the best surfing in Panama. In 2011, the World Surfing Games were held here. There are many locations for surf and paddle boarding rentals and lessons. Several restaurants ranging from Mediterranean to pizza to fresh fish are available for your dining needs.

Just across the road from Playa Venao is the Echo Venao resort. It offers spa services, restaurants, yoga, horseback riding, and hiking to a waterfall and a beautiful vista of the bay and Pacific Ocean. The easy one-and-a-half mile hike with moderate steepness runs along Las Escobas stream to La Cascada (waterfall). The trees and foliage are plentiful and you are likely to see howler, whiteface, and spider monkeys. The waterfall may be small, but it is peaceful to let the water flow over you or sit and enjoy the relaxing sounds. If you continue walking upstream, you will reach the vista with a bench. This is a perfect look out to the panoramic view of the entire bay of Playa Venao.

3. Ron Abuelo Rum Factory

The factory is located in Pese within the Herrera province, and is about a two-hour drive from Pedasi. Hacienda San Isidro is a major producer of rum, gin, and ‘seco’ from sugarcane. You can start your tour in the quaint town square where you will travel by oxen cart through the sugar cane fields. Or you can begin at the rum factory, as we did. The distillery tour takes you through the process of milling, fermenting, and distillation. You visit the bodegas where the rum ages in hundreds of oak barrels.

The guided tour continues with a tasting of 5-year-old, 7-year-old, 12-year-old, and 30-year-old rums. After the tasting, you will conclude the tour with a traditional Panamanian lunch and an open bar of rum drinks and cocktails. This is a very nice and relaxing day trip. There is always some place and some activity that is fun in or near Pedasi.

Panama Deep Dives

Beachfront Property in Panama

Climate in Panama

Cost of Living in Panama

Economy in Panama

Healthcare in Panama

Investing in Panama

Living in Panama

Moving to Panama

Panama Fast Facts

Real Estate in Boquete

Real Estate in Panama

Real Estate in Panama City

Renting in Panama

Retire in Panama

Rolodex of Panama

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City and Area Guide

All About Living In Pedasi, Panama, As An Expat

• Last Updated: October 16, 2023

As an expat, living in Pedasi, Panama, can be a wonderful experience. The town is located on the Azuero Peninsula, with the Pacific Ocean on three sides, and is known for its beautiful beaches and friendly people. There are plenty of things to do in Pedasi, from going to the beach to exploring the nearby national parks.

If you’re looking for a relaxed place to call home, Pedasi is definitely worth considering. There are several restaurants and bars and a couple of small grocery stores. The towns of Playa Venao and Las Tablas are also nearby, so there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

Retire in Pedasi – the pros and cons

I suppose that retiring in Pedasi has its pros and cons, like any place. Some of the pros and cons are subjective, depending on the person. Because of this, you will notice that sometimes the same things are on the pros and cons list.

1. Perfect climate

The climate is perfect for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. With an average daily high temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, Pedasi is a great place to stay active all year round.

From December to May, there’s hardly any rain in Pedasi. It’s perpetual sunshine and perfect beach weather all the time. By the time the rainy season comes, everyone is looking forward to some showers. The heaviest rainfalls are from September to November.

2. Laid-back atmosphere and remote location

The town is located on the Azuero Peninsula and is about a 4-hour drive from Panama City. It is a small town with a population of about 5,000 people. Life here is slow, relaxing and laid-back. Living here changes how you feel about the world and life in general: there’s less stress and people around are genuinely happy. This naturally brings us to the next pro.

3. Friendly people

People here are very friendly and open. As an expat you will feel welcome. Both locals and expats live as one community here and neighbors look after one another.

4. Affordable cost of living

You will find living in Pedasi is very affordable both in terms of housing and daily expenses.

5. Low crime rate

Pedasi is safe. It’s actually one of the safest places in Panama. As I have mentioned already, the community is very strong here and everyone takes pride in their safe neighborhoods.

6. Lots of activities on offer

There are many things to do in Pedasi, such as surfing, fishing, hiking, and exploring the nearby national parks.

All the cons of living in Pedasi come from the fact that the town is quite remote. Therefore you need to bear in mind the following:

• It’s a small town with fewer amenities
• It’s a 4-hour drive from Panama City
• 2-hour drive to private medical facilities
• 1-hour drive to big-box shopping stores, movie theaters, and high-end dining

Another thing to remember is that the climate may be too hot for some, with 365 days a year of 30-degree Celcius weather.

Lifestyle in Pedasi

Lifestyle for those living in Pedasi is all about enjoying the laid-back pace of life in a beautiful setting. Expats who move here quickly learn to appreciate the slower way of doing things and often find that they have more time for leisure activities and pursuits.

While there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, there is also a strong sense of community in Pedasi. People here are very friendly and welcoming, making it easy to feel at home in this charming town. Many residents enjoy spending time socializing with friends and neighbors.

Real estate and rentals in Pedasi

There are many rentals and real estate options, including apartments, houses, villas, and beachfront homes. There is also a lot of property available for sale in Pedasi, even beachfront, for those looking to build your dream home.

The prices for real estate and rentals vary depending on the location and type of property. A Panamanian-style home near town can rent for as little as $500 a month for those on a budget. A custom 2,500 sq feet home can rent upwards of $2,000 a month on the other end of the spectrum.

Because of the increased popularity of Pedasi, developers have started to take notice and produce housing for all budgets. For example, the new Blue Marlin project currently under construction, halfway between town and the beach, offers 2-bedroom condos starting at just over $100,000. I am sure many of these condos will be bought by investors, creating some good rentals.

To buy a newer 2-bedroom home in Pedasi, you can spend between $150,000 and $250,000

Building your own home is also very popular in Pedasi now because of the availability of land. The town is in a growth phase, and there are still many lots available. Depending on quality and tastes, you can currently build in Panama from as little as $90 sq/ft up to $135 sq/ft.

The cost of living in Pedasi

The cost of living in Pedasi can be very reasonable, depending on how you live. I personally know couples living in the community on budgets of between $1500 and $2000 a month.

Most basic expenses such as food, transportation, and housing cost significantly less than in other areas of Panama like Panama City or Coronado . For example, a meal at a local restaurant can cost $5 – $7, and a ride on the bus or taxi costs under a dollar in town. Rent for a one-bedroom home starts at around $500 per month.

Utilities such as water, gas, cell phone, and internet are very affordable, like under $100 a month total, excluding electricity. Electricity will be relative to how much air conditioning you use so it can be between $25 to $200 a month. Some expats in Pedasi do not even have air conditioning, just ceiling fans, and the breeze they feel is all they need.

Healthcare in Pedasi

Healthcare in rural Panama is a developing field with many new initiatives underway to improve access and quality of care. The public health system is the primary provider of healthcare services in Pedasi, with several private doctor offices also operating in the area.

There is Minsa-Capsi healthcare facility just outside of Pedasi. It’s not a full hospital, but there’s 24-hour urgent care with lab, pharmacy, and ambulance services. It also houses the Centro de Salud (a public clinic).

If you need a doctor, you can either visit the Centro de Salud or drive half an hour to the public hospital in Las Tablas.

There are more extensive facilities available in the city of Los Tablas and Chitre , so in the case of a severe situation, you will typically be stabilized in Pedasi and transferred by ambulance to one of the larger facilities.

As far as more extensive medical labs and dental and eye services, Las Tablas and Chitre have lots to offer. With only 45 minutes to Las Tablas and 1.5 hours to Chitre, it’s not that bad.

If you consider living in Pedasi, make sure you are comfortable with the quality of healthcare available to you.

Shopping facilities in Pedasi

Shopping in Pedasi can be a challenge for expats, as the town doesn’t have any major grocery stores, shopping centers, or malls. However, a few small shops and stores sell basic necessities like food, personal care products, and clothing.

Fruits and vegetables are readily available from local breeders in Pedasi and cost much less than in supermarkets. Since I have lived in Panama for the last ten years, I do not think I have ever bought fruit or vegetables in a supermarket. Local growers have fresher products and better prices.

Lately, I have seen expat groups get together to coordinate buying fish, chicken, and meat from local producers, which is a great way to get fresh products.

So for day-to-day living, you can get by shopping in Pedasi, but many expats take monthly shopping trips to Chitre or even Santiago, where you will find a large shopping mall and a Pricemart (Costco).

Transport and connectivity

Pedasi is located 4 hours from an International airport. There is, however, a shuttle bus that runs daily from Pedasi to Panama City for about $30.

Up until 2022, air transit out of Pedasy was unavailable, but Air Panama, Panama’s national airline, recently started testing two flights a week from Pedasi to Panama City. There is also a private charter company selling seats on the same route.

This quick 30-minute flight to Panama City is a game-changer for some people considering living in Pedasi that need to travel internationally often.

Things to do in Pedasi

Pedasi is known for its surfing, fishing, and diving. However, there are also many other activities to enjoy in Pedasi. Here are just a few of the things that you can do during your stay:

Take a surf lesson

Pedasi is one of the best places in Panama to catch a wave. There are various ways to catch some waves, whether you’re an expert or a newbie surfer.

The waters around Pedasi are teeming with fish. You can head out on a charter boat for a deep-sea fishing adventure or try your hand at catching fish from the shore.

Explore the mangroves

The mangroves around Pedasi are home to an abundance of wildlife. Take a kayak or stand-up paddleboard into the mangroves and keep your eyes peeled for birds, iguanas, and monkeys.

Visit Isla Iguana

Just off the coast of Pedasi lies Isla Iguana, a small island known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Panama.

Expat community in Pedasi

The expat community in Pedasi is a growing and thriving community. Expats from all over the world have made Pedasi their home, and the community is growing every day. It is a close-knit and supportive group.

Expats in Pedasi come from various backgrounds, and each brings their own unique set of skills and talents to the community. Expats share information and support each other through the challenges of living in a new country.

The beaches of Pedasi

The town of Pedasi is a couple of kilometers from the beaches. The waters are calm and swimmable, and the beaches are sandy and white. Playa El Arenal is the largest, and Playa Toro is the closest.

There are several other smaller beaches in the vicinity also. Unlike most commercial beaches, Pedasi is so remote that you can at times walk the beaches for kilometers and not see a soul.

Playa Venao is a beautiful beach located just 30 km from Pedasi. The name Playa Venao literally means “beach of the winds.” The beach is well-known for its strong waves and is popular with surfers worldwide.

Final thoughts on living in Pedasi

If you are looking for a quiet and remote location to live in Panama , Pedasi is a great option. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy in Pedasi. You will find a vibrant and thriving community here that offers its fellow expat members a supportive network in tranquil and beautiful surroundings.

You might find useful:

• Living In Panama – The Essential Guide For Expats
• The Best Places To Live In Panama As An Expat
• Retiring To Panama – The Expat Guide

Rod Larrivee

Rod, an expat from Vancouver, Canada, living in Panama since 2011, is co-owner of Retire in Panama Tours with his business partner Oscar Peña. They offer relocation tours of Panama, with groups of 8 - 12 people. Over seven days, their guests will see all the great places in Panama an expat may want to live in and receive all the information and contacts someone needs to move to Panama. In addition, they offer expat services to assist anyone looking to relocate to Panama. If you need Rod's assistance, click on the link below

Retire In Panama Tours

My friend wants to move there from the USA. She has been treated for a stroke and cancer within the past year. I am worried for her. She said she can live on the beach there for $800 a month and that includes an aid to help her full time ? Is this true?

Hello Nina, thank you for the comment. Unfortunately, that is not true for your friend. A low cost of living for the Pedasi region for a single would be $1200 – $1500 per month, including rent, utilities, food, and some lifestyle. Regarding a live-in, full-time maid and cook, you are looking at $300 – $500, Plus their bedroom/bath and food, and they probably will not speak English. For a full-time health care worker, you are looking double that.

The main problem your friend will have is the ability to get health insurance in Panama, which she would not qualify for with her current condition.

Thank you so much for this information! 🙂 Can you tell me more about the shuttle from Panama City (or PTY airport) to Pedasi? We will be travelling in March.

Hi their, thank for the comment. There is a daily shuttle from Panama City to Playa Venao which stops in Pedasi. You can reach them here: https://venaotours.com/

Considering moving. I would like more information and have questions about living in Pedasi. Thank you

Hello Dianasti, please reach out to us at the contact below, and let us know what Info you are looking for.

https://www.retireinpanamatours.com/contact-us/

I am considering moving to Pedasi in one year.I would like to have someone to meet to have contact about Pedasi.

Hello Gary, thank you for the comment. Please go fill in this form, with some details about yourself, single, married, retired or not, and we can connect you with some expats in Pedasi. Thanks. https://www.retireinpanamatours.com/contact-us/

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Beautiful beaches for recreational fishing

This beautiful and pictures village of Pedasí has naturally places extraordinary tourist longs to find everything in one place. Besides having a great beaches, ideal for recreational fishing, coral reefs and also owns an island with the largest marine life around the pacific coast of Panama. A people who lives and their folklore holds that even the customs of their ancestors.

What to do in Pedasí?

• Know your beaches and coral reefs.
• Enjoy one of the best places for surfing in Panama along the Pacific coast.
• Visit Iguana Island and meet an incredible wildlife refuge.
• Wait at night the arrival of the turtles that come to spawn.

Pedasi is not only a refuge for celebrities who go to escape their busy lives, it is also a wildlife refuge. Isla Iguana is located 7 kilometers from the coast of Pedasi. The island has two beautiful beaches of white sand which would make  you believe that you are in the Caribbean, not the Pacific. 

In 1980, Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge was created to preserve this ecological and tourist destination. 58 hectares make up this habitat that is home to a large number of animals, including Marine Earwigs (Fragata magnificiens) and iguanas that seem to own the island.

Isla Iguana is an excellent site for diving in Panama. A 16-hectare coral reef surrounds the island with 11 species of coral that are about 4,800 years old and about 542 species of fish. It is possible to go scuba diving or snorkelling in the area. You can ask your boatman to take you to Los Hongos a site that is more virgin.

To get to Isla Iguana must take a boat of the fishermen from Arenal Beach. You can make trips that include whale watching (June to October season) or fishing.

Air Panama flies to Pedasi 3 times a week, on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

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SPORT FISHING ADVENTURE TOURS

WORLD CLASS SPORT FISHING

Come and experience some of the most exciting saltwater sport fishing available on the planet with FISH PEDASi.  Situated on the South-East corner of the Azuero Peninsula, the quaint fishing village of Pedasi lies at the heart of Panama's famous 'Tuna Coast'.  This is one of the most prolific fisheries in the Eastern Pacific and you have a serious chance of ticking Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, Amberjack, Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Groupers, Billfish  and many more off your bucket-list. The variety of species here is simply mind-blowing. Whether you want to target them in comfort from our custom-designed boat or try your luck from the shore,  FISH PEDASi has got you covered!

We are now booking for 2025

At FISH PEDASi , we are here to ensure you have a fantastic time and will tailor a trip to suit your needs perfectly. This is one of the best places in the world to come for Big   Roosterfish and Cubera Snapper.  The numbers and sizes our fishery produces are well above average and we are experts in targeting these desirable specimens.  We specialise in Jigging & Popping, Casting Lures, Livebait Fishing, Deadbaiting, Chunking and Offshore Trolling  and can provide everything you need for an unforgettable fishing experience, at a sensible price. We are diehard, fanatical anglers ourselves and will personally guide you on the water when you are here with us. Come join us at  FISH PEDASi  and see what all the fuss is about - you won't regret it! 

Zoltan and Laslo from Hungary smashed the IGFA length record for Roosterfish with this giant of 144 cm in November 2023

Ross Johnson from the UK  smashed the IGFA all-tackle world record for Pacific Cubera with this stunning fish of 83 lbs in May 2023

Fish with confidence...your next bite could be that fish of a lifetime!

Use the buttons above to click on through to YouTube for FISH PEDASi TV and our social media platforms for the latest updates & catch reports!

FISH PEDASi TV

Proudly part of the yozuri captain & guide program.

Best Places to Retire in Panama

Panama is one of the world’s top retirement destinations . In this country, you have three dramatically different retirement lifestyle options to choose among: cosmopolitan cities, beautiful beachfront towns and cooler mountain climes. There are appealing retirement spots for retirees on strict budgets as well as upscale amenities for those whose retirement resources stretch a little further.

Consider these 10 great places to retire in Panama .

• San Francisco, Panama City.
• El Valle de Antón.
• Puerto Armuelles.
• Boca Chica.
• Western Azuero Peninsula.

Chitré is a small town of only 10,000 people, but it holds a reputation as a stronghold of Panamanian folklore and tradition. The town is known for elaborate holiday celebrations, and it’s hard to avoid getting swept up in the excitement.

For expats wanting an authentic cultural experience, Chitré is a great option. The capital of Herrera Province, Chitré is a regional hub with vast shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Chitré is largely undiscovered by tourists, so prices remain low. Even beachfront real estate is a bargain. However, expats need to speak and understand Spanish to at least a basic level to communicate with locals.

San Francisco, Panama City

For some people, nothing but big-city living will do. A top option for those attracted to Panama City is the trendy residential neighborhood of San Francisco.

San Francisco is the place to be for proximity to cafés, shops and nightlife venues. Panama’s best malls and hospitals are a few minutes’ drive away. San Francisco is family-friendly, with low crime rates and one of the biggest parks in the city. An array of appealing housing options, from modern high-rises to spacious stand-alone houses, is available at various price points.

With a high concentration of conveniences and amenities, Panama City is the most expensive place to live in the country. However, Panama City can provide a comparable standard of living to the United States at a far lower price.

David is Panama’s second-largest city with 165,000 people. David has an international airport, outstanding health care facilities, bilingual private schools, car dealerships, malls and extensive shopping options.

Located in Chiriquí Province, David is a fast-growing city, but it’s off the radar of most of the rest of the world. Residents enjoy the combination of quiet, peaceful living, proximity to nature and first-rate amenities. Real estate in David is much more affordable than in Panama City.

Perched among the highlands of Chiriquí Province is Volcán, a laid-back town that is known for its cool climate, impressive scenery and natural appeal.

Volcán features wide vistas of rolling hills kissed by cloud mist and covered in dense, wildlife-rich rainforest. Hikers come from throughout the country to make the trek up Volcán Barú, one of the highest peaks in Panama, and catch glimpses of the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean at the same time.

Volcán has large grocery stores, beautiful hotels and trendy eateries and coffee shops. The community is small, and the lifestyle is simple. This is an excellent retirement option for those who enjoy hiking, gardening and connecting with nature.

El Valle de Antón

El Valle de Antón sits about 75 miles west of Panama City among cloud-capped mountains. It’s a favorite weekend escape from the city known for its flora and fauna, endless outdoor recreation opportunities and slightly cooler climate than the capital.

Hiking is a major attraction, and trails lace the hillside, including along a mountain range that famously looks like a woman’s reclining figure. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy swimming in streams and waterfalls, birdwatching, cycling, horseback riding and gardening in El Valle. For a change of scenery, the beach is less than an hour’s drive away.

El Valle remains a quiet mountain escape, but new amenities are cropping up, including grocery stores, ATMs, restaurants and clinics.

Boquete literally stands above the rest of Panama at an elevation of about 3,900 feet. The area has eternally spring-like weather with an average temperature of around 65 degrees year-round, which is a welcome relief from Panama at sea level.

Boquete has nutrient-rich soil and frequent rain showers, which keep the region lush, green and overflowing with wildflowers and coffee plantations. Boquete has one of the biggest communities of foreign retirees in the world, which makes this a good overseas retirement option for someone who doesn’t speak fluent Spanish or isn’t ready to fully immerse in a foreign culture.

Boquete boasts a lively music and arts scene plus internationally recognized coffee and flower festivals.

The oblong landmass that dangles from Panama’s southern coast is the Azuero Peninsula. Its shores qualify as one of the country’s finest stretches of sand and sea, making the Azuero region a great choice for ocean lovers.

In the peninsula’s southeastern corner is Pedasí, a charming beach town where life is simple and traditional. This coast attracts divers, snorkelers, surfers and fishermen. Panama’s “tuna coast” is home to record-setting yellowfin. Wildlife refuges, national parks and countless beaches are also within easy reach.

As Pedasí’s profile rises, more tourists are making their way here, meaning less privacy but more expat-friendly amenities and services. Life in Pedasí remains authentic, but it is more comfortable and convenient all the time.

Puerto Armuelles

Puerto Armuelles, found at the southernmost tip of western Panama, was an important part of the Chiquita Banana Company's operations for several decades. This history has afforded it higher-quality infrastructure than other small towns in the area.

Homes built for Chiquita employees are bigger than typical Panamanian homes, built to U.S. standards and affordable. The town is well-appointed with grocery stores, ATMs and banks as well as a large hospital with English-speaking doctors.

Puerto boasts soft-sand beaches and a friendly atmosphere, remaining the type of place where children can play outside unsupervised and passersby greet each other on the streets.

Found on Panama’s Pacific Coast about 70 miles east of the border with Costa Rica, Boca Chica is a beach town. In the life-rich waters of Boca Brava Island, just in front of Boca Chica, you can snorkel, scuba dive, fish, kayak, paddleboard and more.

For those who want to live life on the water , there’s no better place. Two free municipal boat ramps make this a boater’s paradise.

The town is tiny, with only about 500 people, but the area is densely populated. Boca Chica stands out for its brightly painted homes that contrast with the backdrop of green jungle.

Western Azuero Peninsula

Along the Azuero Peninsula’s remote western front are arguably the most stunning beaches in Panama.

Along this coast, there are no all-inclusive resorts, high rises or convenience stores. Instead, you find a rocky shoreline and undulating terrain that provides ocean views in all directions. Because of its geographic positioning, this is one of the few places in Panama where you can watch the sunset over the ocean.

An expat community, currently made up of about 300 people, is slowly emerging. The west coast of the Azuero Peninsula is a place for expats to enjoy off-grid, private living among the best of nature.

Copyright 2023 U.S. News & World Report

What we know about Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday after being hit by a cargo ship, with large parts of the bridge falling into the Patapsco River.

At least eight people fell into the water, members of a construction crew working on the bridge at the time, officials said. Two were rescued, one uninjured and one in serious condition, and two bodies were recovered on Wednesday. The remaining four are presumed dead. The workers are believed to be the only victims in the disaster.

Here’s what we know so far.

Baltimore bridge collapse

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship , sending at least eight people from a construction crew into the water. Follow live updates and see photos from the scene .

How it happened: The container ship lost power shortly before hitting the bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said. Video shows the bridge collapse in under 40 seconds.

Victims: Divers recovered the bodies of two construction workers who died , while finding other vehicles trapped and probably containing the other victims, officials said. They were fathers, husbands and hard workers . The entire crew aboard the container ship Dali survived . First responders shut down most traffic on the four-lane bridge after the crew issued an urgent mayday call. It saved lives, Moore said.

Economic impact: The collapse of the bridge, which severed ocean links to the Port of Baltimore, adds a fresh headache to already struggling global supply chains . See how the collapse will disrupt the supply of cars, coal and other goods .

History: The Key Bridge was built in the 1970s and spanned the Patapsco River. Rebuilding the bridge will probably take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, experts said.

• Six presumed dead in bridge collapse were immigrants, soccer fans, family men March 27, 2024 Six presumed dead in bridge collapse were immigrants, soccer fans, family men March 27, 2024
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• Rebuilding Baltimore’s Key Bridge will likely take years, experts say March 27, 2024 Rebuilding Baltimore’s Key Bridge will likely take years, experts say March 27, 2024

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Panama trip offers new perspectives

By Janette Neuwahl Tannen [email protected] 03-27-2024

Until recently, Carmen Chavez had spent just a few days in Panama, but never got the chance to truly understand its history and culture.

Yet during spring break, Chavez, a doctoral student studying environmental science and policy, along with 12 other graduate students studying law or the environmental sciences spent the week in the central American nation learning about its history as a shipping thoroughfare, and its progress in coastal management and ecotourism.

“Panamá is a beautiful place with phenomenal, generous people,” said Chavez, a native Peruvian who is earning her Ph.D. in the University’s Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy . “It’s a country of geographic, biological, and cultural diversity, and it has been so central for global commerce that its people have been stirred constantly with so many different cultures passing through.”

Guided and organized by Daniel Suman, professor of environmental science and policy at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science , and a native Panamanian, the students spent a week learning about the conflict between the nation’s environmental protection policies, as well as the isthmus’ desire to grow economically.

As part of the class, called “Tourism, Conservation, and Development: Fieldwork in Coastal Management,” students visited the Panama Canal locks and spoke with the canal’s director of watershed management, said Suman, who also serves as adjunct professor in the School of Law. They learned about the challenge to provide enough drinking water for Panamanians from Lake Alajuela, which feeds water into the Panama Canal, while also keeping up with the ship traffic through this major trade route. The class also spoke with environmental groups about the deforestation of its mangroves as part of the explosive growth of Panama City.

As a former Spanish colony, the nation has several historical sites in its capital, Panama City, and the class visited a few of them. They learned from archaeologists and restoration architects about the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the San Felipe Old Quarter and “Panamá Viejo,” founded more than 500 years ago by Spanish explorers. The group also stopped by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute , and learned about the nation’s vast tropical forests, rich ecosystems, and efforts to craft sustainable solutions to its socioeconomic and environmental challenges.

The students also spent four nights living inside the forests of Chagres National Park with families in the Quebrada Ancha village, who are trying to attract tourists to the area. Just a few kilometers from the village, students enjoyed hiking part of the Camino Real, an old Spanish colonial road once used for transporting Peruvian gold and silver from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. Isabella Lopez, a master’s candidate from the Rosenstiel School, said she enjoyed traversing the route and seeing a sloth along the way.

“Having the opportunity to go to a different country as part of a class is really cool, and this was an incredible experience that I don’t think too many people get to have,” Lopez said.

Now, students are crafting research projects about their Panama experience, which will integrate interviews with locals and experts conducted during the trip. Chavez is working on a piece about the tension between natural beauty, which most Panamanians feel is their country’s strongest asset, with their struggle to survive economically. This has resulted in some people living in the Chagres River watershed killing native jaguars to save their own cows, and others converting forest to agricultural lands. Meanwhile, some of these people are also trying to build their own tourism businesses, so that they have alternative livelihoods to subsistence farming.

Speaking to Panama residents about these different obstacles was Lopez and Chavez’s favorite part of the trip.

“It was an incredible experience getting to know real people with a long history attached to the natural place where they made their family, and their living,” Chavez said. “That type of connection to the land is often hard to find in American society, so seeing these families so deeply rooted in a place was fascinating and very enriching.”

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