When you want a holiday full of sand and surf but short on fellow travelers and your budget is slim, try Panama. The little town of Las Tablas on the Azuero Peninsula rests in the centre of an agrarian area. Here Spanish culture is evident in the architecture and names, including places like Playa Uverito, a local beach. The people are known for their warmth and the coffee is marvelous.
Here visitors may notice that old-fashioned life continues. See people on horses getting around. Villagers continue to wear their hand-embroidered, colorful clothes. Many are made in the area by local artisans. Perhaps one reason it has not lost its old-fashioned edge is that tourists have yet to discover Panama.
Chitre and Los Santos are towns close to this centre. They show signs of more urban encroachment though also continue to host an old-fashioned contingent. The beautiful Pedasi provides another good place to fly to and book a fishing tour. The cooler, mountainous region of Nuerio is only twenty-five minutes from your location. Explore the lush habitat of monkeys and cool down next to a waterfall.
The sea is focal to Panama tourism. Wind surfing and fishing are just two popular sports. Catch amberjack, grouper, yellow fin tuna and more. Naturalists know Isla Cana for its turtle population and the chance to see some hatching during a well-timed visit. Take a boat trip to Isla Iguana to go snorkeling, diving or bird-watching. Book a nature tour or organize one for yourself.
Carnavals are big cultural events here. Make sure you do not try to book a room during carnival time in Las Tablas. Choose to stay there, experience a carnival in another town (there are lots), or stay elsewhere and visit the one in Las Tablas. Rooms fill up quickly at this time and become more expensive. Cultural attractions also include Museo Herrera for pre-Colombian artifacts plus local cathedrals built in the Spanish style. Take the drive out to the Panama Canal too, knowing you can always return to your rural paradise to sleep and reflect. You might want to rent a car at Chitre or the airport. Another, inexpensive alternative is to travel by taxi.
To reach Panama City requires a few hours of driving if that interests you. If the reason for your travels is the desire for city amenities, Las Tablas has most of what you want. Knowing there is a hospital to address heat stroke or suspicious bug bites may free you from some worry, especially when traveling with kids. Local artisans and shopping centres exist to meet the desire for souvenirs, plus banks for currency exchange. Exchange metropolitan amenities for a relaxed environment.
Finding a hotel is not hard, but they are often small affairs with just a few rooms. This being said, they are also comfortable and inexpensive. Pasada Del Mar provides beachfront bed and breakfast accommodation ten miles from town and just five rooms. Rooms at Hotel La Luna, also on Playa Uverito, provide air conditioning (critical during the hot weather for those unaccustomed) TV, pool and internet. Staff will happily give tourism advice.
City hotels are another option. They situate visitors close to all modern conveniences, including shops with internet access charged per hour. Night life with music and gaming is also available. Do your souvenir shopping, eat local food or check out a place that serves a familiar and comforting dish: pizza.
Here visitors may notice that old-fashioned life continues. See people on horses getting around. Villagers continue to wear their hand-embroidered, colorful clothes. Many are made in the area by local artisans. Perhaps one reason it has not lost its old-fashioned edge is that tourists have yet to discover Panama.
Chitre and Los Santos are towns close to this centre. They show signs of more urban encroachment though also continue to host an old-fashioned contingent. The beautiful Pedasi provides another good place to fly to and book a fishing tour. The cooler, mountainous region of Nuerio is only twenty-five minutes from your location. Explore the lush habitat of monkeys and cool down next to a waterfall.
The sea is focal to Panama tourism. Wind surfing and fishing are just two popular sports. Catch amberjack, grouper, yellow fin tuna and more. Naturalists know Isla Cana for its turtle population and the chance to see some hatching during a well-timed visit. Take a boat trip to Isla Iguana to go snorkeling, diving or bird-watching. Book a nature tour or organize one for yourself.
Carnavals are big cultural events here. Make sure you do not try to book a room during carnival time in Las Tablas. Choose to stay there, experience a carnival in another town (there are lots), or stay elsewhere and visit the one in Las Tablas. Rooms fill up quickly at this time and become more expensive. Cultural attractions also include Museo Herrera for pre-Colombian artifacts plus local cathedrals built in the Spanish style. Take the drive out to the Panama Canal too, knowing you can always return to your rural paradise to sleep and reflect. You might want to rent a car at Chitre or the airport. Another, inexpensive alternative is to travel by taxi.
To reach Panama City requires a few hours of driving if that interests you. If the reason for your travels is the desire for city amenities, Las Tablas has most of what you want. Knowing there is a hospital to address heat stroke or suspicious bug bites may free you from some worry, especially when traveling with kids. Local artisans and shopping centres exist to meet the desire for souvenirs, plus banks for currency exchange. Exchange metropolitan amenities for a relaxed environment.
Finding a hotel is not hard, but they are often small affairs with just a few rooms. This being said, they are also comfortable and inexpensive. Pasada Del Mar provides beachfront bed and breakfast accommodation ten miles from town and just five rooms. Rooms at Hotel La Luna, also on Playa Uverito, provide air conditioning (critical during the hot weather for those unaccustomed) TV, pool and internet. Staff will happily give tourism advice.
City hotels are another option. They situate visitors close to all modern conveniences, including shops with internet access charged per hour. Night life with music and gaming is also available. Do your souvenir shopping, eat local food or check out a place that serves a familiar and comforting dish: pizza.
About the Author:
Las Tablas is an smart choice of a vacation or second home. You can take your pick of the best listings in Panama when you visit the Las Tablas real estate website on the Internet.
