Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
lished surf schools, which specializes in courses for beginners ( panamasurfschool.com ) .
Non-surfers should continue a further 20km to hit the best beaches on this stretch of coast.
Playa Santa Clara
Thirty kilometres east of Penonomé, Playa Santa Clara is probably the loveliest beach in the
area, a seemingly endless belt of pale sand lapped by calm waters with pleasantly informal
bars and restaurants - though large concrete developments are beginning to encroach here,
and quad bikes and jet skis roar about the place at weekends.
Farallón
A few kilometres further along the coast from Playa Santa Clara, at the equally impressive
beige swathe of Farallón (slowly being rebranded as Playa Blanca), things are even busier,
and the local fishing village is becoming increasingly hemmed in among greedy resorts, con-
dominium complexes and gated retirement communities. Most accommodation can fix up
some gentle horseriding along the beach or a boat trip with one of the local fishermen.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: THE PACIFIC BEACHES
BY BUS
Buses generally only drop off passengers at the “entrada” (exit) on the Interamericana, from
where a 10min stroll or a sweaty 8km hike - depending on the destination - will get you to
the beach though sometimes taxis are available. The following directions are from Panama
City.
For Punta Chame Take a Chame-bound bus (every 15min, 5.30am-9pm) as far as Bejuco
(70min) and transfer to the hourly(ish) pick-up trucks or taxis (around $20) for the remainder
of the journey.
For Gorgona Take a San Carlos bus (every 30-40min, 6am-8.30pm) alighting at the Gor-
gona exit, 8km further west of the Punta Chame junction; the beach is within walking dis-
tance.
For Coronado take a San Carlos bus - at the Coronado exit minibuses (50¢) and taxis ($4-5)
will shuttle you to the sand. The highly visible El Rey supermarket, which contains an ATM
and is next to a petrol station, marks the turn-off.
For Playa El Palmar and Playa Río Mar Take an Antón bus (every 20min, 5.20am-8pm);
you will probably need to hike the 2km down the road from the Interamericana stop to the
beach.
For Santa Clara To get to Santa Clara, 13km west of Corona, take an Antón bus; taxis are
likely to be hanging round the turn-off from the highway, or you can arrange a pick-up in
advance.
For Farallón (Playa Blanca) To get to Farallón, 3km west of the Santa Clara exit, take an
Antón-bound bus and get off at the turn-off. You can walk the 2km or get a taxi.
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