Los Santos, Panamá

Thanks to a mainly tropical climate and a location in the “arco seco” or dry arc of Panamá, the Los Santos Province has the most sunny days in the country for your vacation. The province, which is located at the center heart of Panamá, is a mix of the traditional, charming, and modern. You can bask under stunning waterfalls or take in unique museums, dine at restaurants where there are no lines or enjoy beach time without large groups or crowds. Among the smaller provinces in Panamá at approximately 2,364 square miles, a visit to Los Santos offers the opportunity to slow down, relax, and feel like part of nature.

Things to Do

The white-sand beaches of Los Santos are picturesque and time at the beach is one of the best things to do in Los Santos. With over 125 miles of unspoiled coastline and dozens of beautiful beaches to be experienced, you do not have to be an early bird to get a parking spot or place your chair. The pristine shores are perfect for long walks or relaxing and listening to the waves.

Within the province, Pedasi boasts beaches such as El Arenal, Los Destiladeros, Punta Mala, and Playa Venao. These beaches are popular among surfers, kiters, birders, and boogie and paddle boarders from all over the world. Playa Venao’s beaches are so internationally renowned that it has even hosted several global surfing competitions throughout the years. You’ll find a variety of accommodations in Los Santos, take your pick of boutique hotels with infinity pools overlooking the waves or bohemian surf hostels where you can eat, sleep, surf, repeat.

For a closer look at the region’s nature, you can snorkel and dive at Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge, or visit Isla Cañas to watch nesting sea turtles returning to their place of birth. Other outdoor activities in Los Santos include tours to watch migrating humpback whales, riding horses on the beach or through countryside hills, and hiking to cascading waterfalls near Cambutal. Sport fishing is also an option and is a major attraction that draws anglers from all around the world.

Beyond the beaches, the approximate 98,000 residents of Los Santos are a melting pot of Panamanians, Europeans, Germans, Italians, South Africans, Americans, Canadians, and Israelis. The province’s capital, Las Tablas, with its rich traditions, has its own unique identity. It is considered the sanctuary of Panamanian culture, and known for the art of making several of the country’s famous garments like the traditional pollera dresses, the montuno, and the cutarra—handmade, leather sandals that local artisans can custom fit to your feet and craft right before your eyes in as little as 30 minutes. Visitors come from all over the world to join the numerous parades and festivals and party with friends, hear music, and enjoy refreshments during Carnival every February or March.

Getting There

From Panama City, Los Santos is about 175 miles away or four hours of easy driving time on well-maintained roads. It is bordered by Herrera and Veraguas Provinces and close to those provinces' main towns.