THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 251

Surfing Shokogi ( 6701 5476, shokogi.com ) gives lessons in surfing, kiteboarding and
SUP, sells gear and rents out equipment.
Naturalist guides Recommended (Spanish-speaking) local independent naturalist guides in-
clude Edison Cedeño ( 6660 9709), Mario Espino ( 6789 7272) and Victor Vera ( 6505
4357, [e-mail] ) ; all do tours to Isla Iguana or can take you birdwatching
elsewhere.
ACCOMMODATION
Casa de Campo Av Central 995 2733, casacampopedasi.com . Exquisitely designed,
locally owned B&B comprising spacious, elegant rooms with tiled floors, plenty of wood and
chic bathrooms, as well as comfortable outdoor areas (including one with TV) to retreat to,
spread out amo ng the landscaped, tree-filled compound. The large swimming pool is another
huge plus. $110
Casita Margarita Av Central 995 2898, pedasihotel.com . The priciest place in Pedasí,
this American-owned five-room boutique B&B offers spotless well-appointed rooms nicely
furnished in wood, with elegant shared living area and hammock-strung balcony. A vast buf-
fet b reakfast is included and trips can be organized. Reductions for five-night stays or longer.
$119
Dim's Hostal Av Central 995 2303, [e-mail] . The attraction here is the
wonderful hammock-filled rancho beneath two vast mango trees at the back of the glori-
fied eight-room tree-house. Cosy and quirky, the rustic en-suite rooms nevertheless offer a/c,
cable TV, hot water and wi-f i. B reakfast is included and the welcoming owner can arrange
excursions for modest sums. $53
Hostal Plaza Pedasí On the main plaza 995 2408, [e-mail] . A
handful of simple, small whitewashed en -suite rooms and a small restaurant on the patio is in
the making - a decent budget option. $40
Residencial Moscoso Av Central 995 2203. Ironically, given that it shares the name of
the ex-president, it's the cheapest budget option in town, with minute rooms with reasonable
beds and a choice of fan, a/c ($10 extra), TV and shared or private bathroom. $18
La Rosa de los Vientos On the road to Playa El Toro 677 80627, bedandbreakfast-
pedasi.com . Delightful, colonial-style architecture set in tropical grounds 1km outside Pedasí
and wi thin walking distance of the beach. Three crisp, bright rooms open out onto a shared
porch. $65
EATING AND DRINKING
Dulcería Yely C Ofelia Reluz, just off the main road 995 2205. Dalila Vera's bakery is
a national institution that has served delicious home-made cakes to locals, Hollywood film
stars and presidents. Specialities include queques (coconut cakes made with local sugar cane