review of pedasi panama-azuero peninsula panama

Pedasi: The Azuero Peninsula’s Hidden Gem

Panama Travel and Investment- Azuero Peninsula

Only a four hour drive southwest from Panama City on first-rate roads sits one of Panama’s hidden gems, the small picturesque village of Pedasi. The well traveled Panama visitor or native alike will tell you that Pedasi is a town distinct from any other in the country. The journey to Pedasi is almost worth the trip itself. A handful of towns along the way mark the trip’s progress and make for good rest and reference points.

The first landmark to note is the beach resort area of Santa Clara. While this location is still relatively untouched compared to developed beaches of other countries, multinational projects here are underway. Yet, as evident only a week ago during holiday times the jagged shoreline contributes to a private beach vibe and there were a mere thirty something beach goers visible. We stopped for lunch at hotel and restaurant Las Veraneras, where seafood is the specialty. For an interesting and tasty meal try patacones filled with shrimp and squid! Enjoy your meal under the thatched pagoda overlooking the ocean. If you want to take a post-lunch siesta, rent one of the smaller thatched pagodas lining the beach, equipped with hammock. The benefit of Santa Clara is that it is only one hour outside of Panama City, but do press on for more exciting sites.

After leaving Santa Clara and continuing onward at first one might think that this highway trip seems desolate. Fear not, for the road will soon take you past the town of Anton where a series of wooden stands hold market for local produce, fruits and sweets. Further along, midway between Panama City and Pedasi is located a Super99, stop here for any groceries, cervezas, beach umbrellas or other missing odds and ends. Super99 is top quality and has most items one could desire.

The last commercial town before Pedasi is Chitre. Here you will find another Super99 along with everyone’s French fry favorite, McDonalds. It seems as though McDonalds has recently jumped aboard the go-green bus and currently offers some low-cal salads and sandwich options. Chitre is a good spot for gassing up and having a bite. Just twenty minutes from Chitre is Las Tablas, the number one spot for Panamanian Mardi Gra or Carnival celebrations. Pre Carnival celebrations take place during New Years and give attendees a taste of the magnificence of February’s upcoming events. One point to notice in Las Tablas is the French influenced architecture, mix this in with Caribbean drum beats and one is transported into a unique setting.
Now you’re on the last stretch, here the terrain becomes more immersed with vegetation. The final forty minutes to Pedasi is reminiscent at times of Swiss countryside and at others the African safari, this unique landscape almost makes one forget about approaching the final destination. And without notice one suddenly arrives at the grand finale, Pedasi. With a population of only 2,000 people and a fairly private location on the tip of the Azuero Peninsula, one would never suspect to arrive at such a fascinating place.

Panama Travel- Hidden Beach Near Pedasi

The Azuero is known for being Panama’s heartland of traditional culture and Pedasi is a reflection this rich history. Unusual for Latin America, the layout of Pedasi is symmetrically built around a town square replete with gazebo and church, green street signs mark the streets. The atmosphere is that of a cultured beach town; the few shops include a local art gallery, dive shop, brick oven pizza joint and a handful of restaurant/bars. Currently, a surf shop and juice bar is under construction and will certainly add to the relaxed environment. Overwhelmingly noticeable are the modest but beautiful houses here painted in vivid blues and greens, earthy reds and yellows, with tiled roofs and front porch seating. In Pedasi life moves slower and everyone is friendly. Perhaps part of Pedasi’s style and charm should be credited to form President Mireya Moscoso who is from Pedasi. It is said that during her term roads and infrastructure benefited greatly.

Yet, just as important as the quality of the town, Pedasi’s location is also pristine. At present there are virtually no tourists, meaning that land is still affordable and one can spend an entire afternoon alone at the beach. Pedasi is also the perfect jump off location for tours in the area. A twenty minute boat ride from Pedasi leads to Isla Iguana renown for its world-class scuba and snorkeling climate. Visitors here can expect to see sea turtles, whales, and more species of fish than one could name. From Pedasi, Playa Venao, Destiladeros and Modrono are all quick car rides to great surf spots. Playa Venao has its own surf camp and this beach, like the others are the perfect spot to catch waves free from crowds.