Veraguas Province

Veraguas Province sits at the heart of Panamá and holds a unique distinction: it's the only province in the country with coastline on both the Pacific and the Caribbean. That alone makes it one of the greenest and most naturally diverse regions in Panamá. Experience tourism in Veraguas like nowhere else.

If you're drawn to the natural world, ecotourism in Veraguas is something you can't miss. You'll get to live in a rural setting and discover an incredible range of biodiversity — from 3 national parks (including one UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site) and a Ramsar-designated wetland, to sea turtle nesting beaches, trails, waterfalls, forests, and open sea. Veraguas deserves a spot on your next trip.

Surfer riding a large wave in front of a lush, tropical island in Santa Catalina, Veraguas, Panama.

Surfing and Kayaking

If surfing is your thing, Santa Catalina is the queen of the sport in Veraguas. It's home to one of the largest point breaks in Central America and has hosted the ISA World Surfing Games. There are waves for every level, with surf schools and equipment rentals available.

If you'd rather paddle through calmer waters, tours depart from Puerto Mutis to explore the mangroves and wetlands of the Gulf of Montijo by boat and kayak.

Tourists exploring a mangrove trail with a local guide in Veraguas Province, Panama.

Nature and Hiking

For those who love exploring nature on foot, the Quebro district has waterfalls, streams, and easy-to-moderate trails for all fitness levels. Walk the six-waterfall trail in Mariato, pick your favorite for a swim in crystal-clear water, and wrap up the day with a picnic in a completely untouched landscape.

If you love mangroves, take a walk along the Alcornoque Trail and, with a local guide, learn about the importance of this ecosystem and the species that call it home.

Newly hatched sea turtle hatchlings crossing the sand at Playa Malena, Veraguas, Panama.

Community Tourism and Conservation

If you're looking for community experiences and want to be part of protecting biodiversity, the communities of Playa Malena and Mata Oscura are must-visits.

In Playa Malena, locals shifted from selling turtle eggs to building a sustainable tourism model. You can stay here and join night patrols, help protect nests, and walk alongside hatchlings on their first journey to the sea.

For agrotourism and a taste of Panamanian rural life, head to Mata Oscura. Learn to use a sugarcane press, process the cane, and even milk cows. If you visit between June and December, you'll be there during sea turtle season — and you can support the environmental organizations working hard to protect endangered turtle species.

On Isla Leones, a group of local women called "Las Aventureras" welcomes you with authentic food rooted in artisanal fishing and the freshest ingredients from the Panamanian Pacific.

Birdwatching

Veraguas Province is also a great spot for birdwatching. The top destination is the Gulf de Montijo, a Ramsar-designated site and one of the best birdwatching points in the region. In its wetlands and mangroves you can spot the osprey, the mangrove black-hawk, and the red-fronted amazon parrot, among many other species.

Find Your Stay

The National Parks of Veraguas

Veraguas is much more than coastline. Here you'll also find trails and waterfalls in the middle of the forest, mountains, and landscapes that are completely green. Beyond Coiba National Park, two more national parks connect both oceans: Cerro Hoya National Park on the Pacific side, and Santa Fe National Park, which takes you all the way to the Caribbean coast.

A diver in a scuba suit, and yellow flippers explores the vibrant underwater world of the ocean at Islas de Afuera, Coiba Island, Golfo de Chiriquí.

Coiba National Park

If you love diving, Coiba is a must: reefs packed with fish, sharks, and turtles. Visit between July and September and you might catch humpback whales swimming alongside their calves. See more

Woman enjoy sunset at Cerro Hoya beach in Los Santos

Cerro Hoya National Park

Take a 2-day hike from sea level up to 1,559 meters, through a tropical forest full of life and more than 225 bird species. Discover waterfalls, lagoons, and landscapes unlike anywhere else.

Waterfall surrounded by exuberant greenery at Santa Fe, Veraguas

Santa Fe National Park

For those looking for something different: traditional local food, real community tourism, and trails above 1,000 meters. Walk through untouched jungle, among hills, hidden waterfalls, and rivers. See more

How to Get There

Santiago de Veraguas, the provincial capital, is about 3.5 hours by car from Panama City.

By Car

Take the Pan-American Highway to Santiago, then decide: turn left to explore the Pacific side, or head right toward Santa Fe and the Caribbean coast.

By Bus

If you're not driving, the Gran Terminal de Buses in Albrook has daily departures to Santiago and other destinations in Veraguas.

By Plane

For the fastest and most comfortable option, charter flights are available from Panama City to Rubén Cantú Airport.

Continue Your Adventure

Tourists kayaking through mangroves on Veraguas’ Pacific Coast, Panama