Head of Province: Santiago
Population: 209,076 inhabitants (2000 census)
Surface:
Coastal Area: Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea
Major Islands: Isla Coiba, Cebaco, Isla Jicaron and Isla Gobernadora.

Veraguas is the only province in Panama with coasts on the Pacific and Atlantic. Veraguas also offers wonderful mountainous landscape because it is here where the Cordillera Central (Central Mountain Range) rises even higher towards its peak in the province of Chiriqui.

You can visit the town of San Francisco de la Montaña to visit the well preserved barroque church that dates back to the XVIII century.

Exploring by car

You can travel to Veraguas by car if you head towards Panama city on the Panamerican Highway coming from David, Chiriqui or if coming from Panama, Cocle, or Los Santos once you pass the town of Divisa (about 18kms further) on the direction of Chiriqui going straight on the Panamerican Highway.

By Public Transport - Bus Terminals

There are express and regular buses leaving from the Albrook Terminal to various points in Veraguas, specially Santiago, La Mesa and Soná

Cruises, Boat trips, To the Islands

No cruises. You may be able to arrange boat trips to the local islands, specially if you plan to visit the Coiba Island.

Hotels, Pensions, Bed & Breakfast

Yes there are hotels, specially in Santiago.

Coastal Areas - Beaches

Veraguas has about 58kms of coastal area on the Caribbean Sea and over 350 kms of coast (not including the islands) on the Pacific Ocean.

• Playa Catalina. Popular beach for surfers.
• Playa Damas and Playa Blanca in Coiba Island.

Sports

Surfing and fishing are perhaps the most popular sport activity visitors enjoy in this region.

Villas and Resorts in the Area

Recommended side-trips

Isla Coiba Reserve, the largest island of Veraguas. Coiba was formerly a high security prison facility used by the dictatorial government. It however continued to be a prison colony until (approx.) the year 2000. It has now been converted to a National Park due to its biodiversity. To visit this however you need to contact the ANAM's office in Santiago. Costs usually include $100 for renting a boat (for a day) for the group, $10 entrance fee for the reserve, $10/night, bring your own food and about $2/day to have the cooks of the reserve cook the meal for you. You are lodged in the facilities of the Biologic Research Station.

Coiba has beaches with fine-grained white sands and crystalline waters. It also boasts the largest coral reef in the Pacific coast of the Americas (Bahia Damas, 135 hectares). Here you find, among many other things, exceptionally large concentrations of manta ray, sharks and other large fish. You can also spot whales, dolphins and turtles.

Coiba is about 25 kms. off the coast of Veraguas. Trip by boat takes about 1 hour from several places including Playa Catalina. There is also an airport in case you fly from Panama city but first consult with the ANAM.

Local Events

To be added.

• xx-yyyy Atalaya. Pilgrimage to the Christ of Atalaya
• xx-yyyy Feria de Soná

Related Articles

And some links of interest:

• Isla Coiba Reserve managed by ANAM