Discover the Riviera Pacifica

The Riviera Pacifica extends along the Pan-American Highway, a 25 mile (40 km) stretch of road dotted with beaches and mountains. On your way out of Panama City, just 50 miles (80 km), on your left, you’ll see a number of beaches where you can enjoy the best plans in the Pacific. And on your right, mountainous areas await that are brimming with trails, waterfalls, and adventures in a cooler climate. Which one sounds best to you?

The Riviera Pacifica offers you a wide range of experiences featuring small, luxurious, all-inclusive accommodations, hostels, rental houses, and camping areas. In addition, you can explore landscapes that will leave you wanting to return again and again.

Coastline

In this coastal region you will find beaches that stretch for miles with a wide range of colors and options for you to enjoy.. Get swept away by the beauty of the deep black sand at Coronado, a very popular beach among locals, with all the amenities, including hotels, convenience stores, and many restaurants. Otherwise, you can enjoy the golden beaches next to the resorts in Bijao, Playa Blanca, and Buenaventura, where you’ll have everything you can possibly need.

For powerful waves, visit Chame, El Palmar, Playa Malibú, and Playa Teta, all of which are perfect for surfing. If you want something different, there’s nothing like the wind of Punta Chame for some kitesurfing. In the Riviera Pacifica, options for fun at sea abound: go boating, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, sport fishing, and horseback riding along the sea.

The Mountains

On the right side of the road you’ll find the mountains and the possibility of visiting picturesque towns or taking memorable hikes. Don't miss out on the Anton Valley and stay in a charming place that’s located in the crater of a volcano! The adventure never ends here: take a dip in the Chorros de las Mozas and Chorro de los Enamorados waterfalls, climb La India Dormida mountain. Or, you can dare to walk along Ruta de la Caldera, four trails that, together, go around the crater of the volcano. You can also visit the butterfly garden, walk, bike and horseback-ride through the town before stopping to try its wide variety of restaurants.

Other incredible experiences of the Riviera Pacifica are visiting the San Carlos lagoon and climbing Cerro Chame, where you can also climb Acid Rock. In addition, you can visit the country's first National Park in Altos de Campana and explore the Panama, La Cruz and Podocarpus trails, excellent routes for hikers and wildlife lovers alike. Nobody gets bored in the Riviera Pacifica!

El Macho Waterfall, EL Valle de Antón, riviera

Getting There

From Panama City, take the Pan-American Highway, and in approximately 1.5 hours, you will start finding turn-offs to various beaches on the left and mountains on the right. Keep in mind that, especially on weekends, it may take you longer due to the traffic of cars traveling inland.

To get there by public transport, go to the Gran Terminal de Transporte de Albrook, where you will find buses that take you closer to the destinations of the Riviera Pacifica. The buses drop you off on the Panamericana Highway, and from there, you will need to take a taxi to your destination. The distance will depend on the destination you are visiting, as some are closer to the highway than others.