Head of Province:  Las Tablas
Population: 83,495 inhabitants (2000 census)
Surface:
Coastal Area: More than 200 kms. on the Pacific Ocean
Major Islands: Isla Iguana (small but important)

Los Santos is the 3rd largest central province of Panama and is located on the Azuero Peninsula. A province that predominantly dedicates itself to agriculture and cattle. It has a lot of colonial history and like many central provinces you will certainly find nice churches on the town square dating back to the colonial and early republican times.

While in Los Santos treat yourself to a hearty breakfast with Queso Prensado (a delicious cheese) and Rosquitas (a crunchy bread shaped like a ring). For lunch and dinner try typical panamanian dishes (Sancocho!). Go to the beach and have some fresh seafood served with "Patacones" (fried plaintain).

Exploring by car

Like Herrera, to go to Los Santos you have to take the left (if coming from Cocle or Panama) or the right (from Veraguas and Chiriqui) at the crossing of Divisa on the Panamerican Highway. From there continue onwards past the town of Chitre (Herrera) and as soon as you cross the bridge over Rio La Villa (river) you are in Los Santos.

By Public Transport - Bus Terminals

You can come to Los Santos from virtually anywhere but I will assume you are coming from Panama in which case you depart from the Albrook Terminal. The ride should cost around $7.00/person and take about 4-5 hours.

You can also fly from the Albrook Airport but you will land in the town of Chitre on the neighbouring province.

Cruises, Boat trips, To the Islands

No cruises or boat rides. However, if you are into Ecotourism you will need to go by boat to Isla Iguana (Iguana Island).

Hotels, Pensions, Bed & Breakfast

Yes

• Hotel La Villa (La Villa) Tel. 996-8201
• Hotel Manolo 994-6372
• Hotel Oria 994-6315
• Hotel Kevin 966-8276
• Residencial Mejorana, Guarare. 994-5794
• Residencial Moscoso, Pedasi. 995-2203
• Residencial Mar y Selva, Pedasi. 995-8003
• Dim's Hostal, Pedasi. 995-2303
• Pension Eida 994-5411
• Pension Mariela 994-6473

Coastal Areas - Beaches

Los Santos over 200 kilometers of coastal area and plenty of beaches popular by the locals.

• El Arenal, Destiladeros, Las Almendras, El Toro, Punta Mala beaches in Pedasi (district)
• Los Uveritos in Las Tablas
• Playa Venado between Pedasi and Tonosi. Popular in the surfer community.

Sports

Surfing and snorkeling are the most popular sports by visitors from the capital and abroad.

Villas and Resorts in the Area

Recommended side-trips

La Villa. The town of La villa is just across the river coming from Chitre. It is the hometown of my father. It is a cozy small town and in particular the town square. There at the kiosko/pharmacy you can try the best "malteada" (a foamy milkshake) on the republic!. Right there at the town square you must visit the Nationality Museum (Museo de La Nacionalidad) set in the former house of Don Nicanor Villalaz an illustrious Panamanian from Los Santos. Here you will see not only a home of early republican times (even from now) and very important documents and artifacts. Do it before it is too late! unfortunately due to the lack of money from the government (and entrance is VERY cheap, some $0.75, it is worth more) they are having trouble to preserve these important documents. I took this picture from the top of the church tower and the tiny figure is my father.

And yes, right there on the town square do not forget to visit this old colonial church (San Atanacio) with its beautiful golden-plated altar, wooden ceilings, etc. If you are religious (even if you are not) attending a church service is nice as well. During Easter (Semana Santa) there is (was?) a play of the cruxifiction of Christ right outside the church.

Guarare and Las Tablas

Isla Iguana is an island 7 kms. off the coast of Pedasi and is now a 56 hectare national park with white sand beaches. It posseses the largest (16 hect.) coral reefs in the Gulf of Panama. You can practice snorkeling and engage in the observation of wildlife. You can cross the island in its narrowest part from El Cirial beach to El Faro beach. To get there you will have to rent a boat that will take you there in about 20 minutes (from the mouth of the Pedasi river). The best way -if not with a tour operator- is to contact the CEFATI office in Pedasi (995-2339)

Tonosi.

Local Events

• Feria de Los Santos, La Villa.
• Carnival in Las Tablas
• Corpus Christi
• 10 Nov. El Grito de La Villa (independence)
• 24 September: The La Mejorana Festival

Related Articles

• Trip to Azuero Peninsula. D. Grimaldo

And some links of interest:

• Los Santos Online (Spanish)