Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Veraguas Province
POP 227,00 / ELEV SEA LEVEL TO 3478M / AREA 10,050 SQ KM
Why Go?
Nearly 500 years ago, the Spanish were lured here by the region's natural beauty, with ro-
bust rivers, stunning peaks and the promises of vast gold reserves. Though the gold ran
out and colonies failed, the essence of Columbus' first impression remains.
The Galápagos of Central America, the wildlife-rich Unesco World Heritage Site of Isla
Coiba draws divers, bird-watchers and paradise seekers. Surf village Santa Catalina has
become a destination in its own right. Hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes around the
highland village of Santa Fé offer an off-the-beaten-path retreat.
The isolated Caribbean coast of Veraguas will soon be accessible by the Carretera de
Caribe, a now half-constructed cross-peninsula road bound to change the future of the re-
gion and places on the way, like Santa Fé. In short, this deforested region of ranchers and
subsistence farmers is redefining itself. Tourism may help recast its fragile fortunes.
When to Go
»
Feb-Mar
The best months to hit the world-class surf breaks in Santa Catalina and
along the Veraguas coast.
»
Dec-Feb
Three species of turtle nest on the beaches of Malena in Western Azuero
Península; community volunteers guide these very off-the-beaten-path trips.
»
Dec-Apr
Dry season means the the best weather for the beach, but the May-Nov rainy
season means waterfalls near highland Santa Fé are big - though trails may be muddy. In
October many services are closed.
Best Places to Eat
»
Anachoreo (
Click here
)
»
Chano's Point (
Click here
)
»
La Panaderia (
Click here
)
»
Los Pibes (
Click here
)
