Pacific Riviera: Nature and Adventure between the Coast and the Mountains

Located on a strategic stretch of Panama's Pacific coast, the Pacific Riviera boasts a privileged landscape that integrates beautiful beaches, temperate mountainous areas, and a constantly growing tourist offering. Stretching approximately 40 kilometers, this corridor has become a benchmark for domestic and inbound tourism, combining recreational activities, diverse landscapes, and multiple accommodation options. The region offers a combination of relaxation, adventure, and contact with nature in an accessible environment with its own unique identity.

The Coast
The Pacific Riviera's coastal area extends south along the route and is made up of a succession of beaches of varied colors and characteristics. Coronado stands out for its black sand, popular with local residents, and for offering comprehensive services, including lodging, restaurants, and convenience stores. In contrast, Bijao, Playa Blanca, and Buenaventura boast golden sands and are known for their high-end resorts.

The region is also a key spot for water sports. The beaches of Chame, El Palmar, Playa Malibú, and Playa Teta are popular with surfers, while Punta Chame is ideal for kitesurfing. These activities are complemented by boat trips, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, sport fishing, and horseback riding, consolidating a diverse recreational offering on the Pacific coast.

The Mountains
To the north of the Pacific Riviera, mountainous areas unfold, offering a cooler environment and activities in close contact with nature. One of the main attractions of this region is the Antón Valley, a community located in the crater of a dormant volcano. Among its main attractions are the La India Dormida and Ruta de la Caldera trails, as well as the Chorros de las Mozas and Chorro de los Enamorados waterfalls.

The area also boasts points of interest such as the Cajones de Chame, Cerro Chame—popular for its climbing routes like Acid Rock—and Altos de Campana National Park. The latter is home to ecological trails such as the Panama, La Cruz, and Podocarpus trails, ideal for hiking and wildlife observation.

How to Get There:
Access to the Pacific Riviera is primarily from Panama City, taking the Pan-American Highway. It takes an estimated hour and a half to reach the first detours toward the beaches or mountains, although there may be delays on weekends due to increased traffic.

For those who opt for public transportation, buses are available at the Albrook Grand Transportation Terminal, connecting to various points in the region. From the Pan-American Highway, the journey to the final destination may require additional taxi transportation, the distance of which varies depending on the exact location.