Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
this sleepy retreat bloomed only at festival times. But outsiders are discovering the big
appeal of small-town life and wilderness beaches.
Pedasí has become the focus of an intensive push to develop the southwestern coast-
line, with comparisons ranging from Tuscany to California. The hometown of former
president Mireya Moscoso, Pedasí has a new airport (not yet in service) and promises of
coming immigration and customs offices that could certainly make life easier for resident
expats. But once the condos come, will the appeal still hold?
Pedasí serves as the gateway to the Azuero coastline, and is a convenient base for ex-
ploring Refugios de Vida Silvestre Isla Iguana and Isla de Cañas.
Sights & Activities
The Carretera Nacional passes down the western part of Pedasí, while the beaches start
just a few kilometers to the east. None of the streets in Pedasí are marked with street
signs.
Snorkeling and diving around the nearby islands surrounded by large coral reefs are
major attractions. Sportfishers can land wahoo, tuna, mahimahi, amberjack and Pacific
mackerel. For guided trips (around US$200 for two passengers), ask at Pedasí Sports
Club or Casita Margarita.
Pedasí Sports Club
DIVING
( 995-2894;
www.pedasisportsclub.biz
; Calle Central s/n)
The PADI-certified Pedasí Sports
Club offers two-tank dives (US$95 and up) to Isla Frailes and Isla Iguana. Snorkelers
(US$65) can join dive trips to Iguana. It also offers a river kayak tour (US$65), sportfish-
ing (US$180), turtle-watching (US$65) and horseback riding (US$65). Staff speak Eng-
lish and Spanish.
Festivals & Events
Pedasí holds
patron-saint festivals
on June 29 and November 25, or the nearest
Saturday to them. Although these events are nowhere near as chaotic as some of the
more famous festivals in Azuero, they are nevertheless fun affairs, with long parades and
lots of merriment. On July 16 a small celebration for fishers is held at Playa Arenal, a
beach 3km northwest of town.
