THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 254

4m. Though the most consistent conditions are encountered between March and November,
the coastline is surfable all year round.
The beaches around Pedasí
Playa El Toro and Playa La Garita are a walkable 3km or short taxi ride ($4-5) away from
Pedasí; follow the road out of the main square until the fork, heading left to El Toro and right
to La Garita. Three kilometres south of Pedasí at the village of El Limón, a road leads off
7km to the band of chocolate sand and rocks at Playa de los Destiladeros (bear right at the
fork), which offers good surfing as well as fabulous views across the ocean.
ARRIVAL AND ACCOMMODATION: THE BEACHES AROUND PEDASÍ
By taxi A taxi from Pedasí to Playa de los Destiladeros will cost around $8.
Posada de los Destiladeros Playa de los Destiladeros 995 2771, panamabambu.net . Of-
fers value for money with its nine rustic bungalows (for 2-4 people) set in tropical grounds;
sun decks overlooking the beach, a pool and comfortable communal areas ensure total re-
laxation. Can arrange horseriding, snorkelling, fishing trips and island excursions. Breakfast
included. $110
Villa Camilla Playa de los Destiladeros 232 0171, villacamillahotel.com . Perched on
the hilltop a 10min walk from the beach, its terracotta exterior visible from the road, this ex-
clusive and rather formal hotel also houses a gourmet restaurant open to non-guests for dinner
(8am-10pm ; clo sed Wed evening), and offers a range of activities and excursions. Midweek
reductions. $190
Playa Venao and around
Thirty-five kilometres from Pedasí, at the small fishing village of El Ciruelo , are a couple
of small B&Bs where you can laze in a hammock doing very little, canter along the sands or
head out on a fishing trip. A little further along the road the protected Bahía de Achiotines
harbours a mainland coral reef that attracts 150-odd species of fish, making it a pleasant spot
to don mask and snorkel.
The imposing 3km swathe of charcoal-coloured sand that is Playa Venao (or Venado) is
the region's best-known surfing spot, which provides waves suitable for beginners and more
experienced practitioners alike. A glorious arc, its beauty is now being threatened by some
ill-considered hotel developments on the beach itself. A few kilometres out from the bay, the
guano-flecked rocky stacks of Islas Frailes are at times covered in thousands of nesting sooty
terns and other passing sea birds though you'll need a good pair of binoculars to get a decent
view from the boat since landing is impossible.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: PLAYA VENAO AND AROUND
By bus Buses from Las Tablas and Pedasí bound for Cañas pass through El Ciruelo and
Playa Venao after 45min-1hr. Return buses from Cañas, 15min from Playa Venao, leave at