What to do in Pedasi?

Beaches

Beaches are on the top of our what to do in Pedasi list. Playa Arenal can be accessed through the town’s entrance turning on the Terpel station. This beach is mostly used by fishermen who leave their colorful panga boats on the sand. It is also the place to start the tours to Isla Iguana. It is best to swim there in the rainy season, as it gets choppy because of the wind in the summer.

Isla Iguana VIP

Visit Isla Iguana in style with all the comfort you need. This VIP tour includes transfer from Playa Arenal to Isla Iguana in a boat with life jackets and certified captain.

$10.00 – $120.00

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Playa El Toro is a short drive from the Pedasi town square. It is also possible to walk or bike this route. The beach is prettier than Arenal, but it is full of rocks. Low tide provides some swimming holes ideal for small kids. It is not the best beach for swimming. Nearby is Playa El Lagarto which is mostly used for bodyboarding. It is usually not suitable for swimming.

There are three additional beaches entering through El Limon, just past the town of Pedasi. The first one is called Destiladeros, then Puerto Escondido and finally Panamaes. Driving to the end may require four by four drive since the road can get bad especially when it has been raining. Puerto Escondido is the most calm beach.

Bodyboarding and Surfing

Bodyboarding is included in our list of what to do in Pedasi because of Lagart Point in Playa Lagarto. This beach in Pedasi has point breaks and is even home to bodyboarding championships. Most people think about surfing in Playa Venao, however there are also waves in Panamaes which is the last beach in the Destiladero area.

Rivers

There are plenty of river options in the area. The closest to Pedasi town would be the river in Destiladeros that has a dam area going towards Punta Mala. Eco Venao in Playa Venao has a small waterfall and there is another one just past it at the base of the Playa Venao Canopy Zipline in Cañas. Going towards Tonosi there are more options including Ojo de Agua and La Angostura.

Cañas Canopy Zipline

Glide through 3,000 meters in a mountainous landscape in Cañas which offers incredible views of the jungle, coast and Cañas Island. Tour lasts about an hour and a half.

$45.00

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Whales

Searching what to do in Pedasi will surely mention whales. These beautiful creatures come to our coasts from June (easier to see from July) through October. Humpback whales migrate from Chile and Antarctica to our warm waters to give birth and teach their babies how to swim. It is important to do responsible whale watching tours in Panama. A whale watching tour in Pedasi is combined with a visit to Isla Iguana Natural Reserve.

Whale Watching Tour (Pedasi)

See the humpback whales when they come to give birth to their calves in the warm tropical waters that surround the Pacific Coast of Pedasi. This tour is available ONLY from the 15 of July to the 15 of October.

$15.00 – $150.00

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Turtles

It is possible to see turtles on the coast of Azuero. Those looking for what to do in Pedasi can do a turtle tour in Isla Cañas which is one of the two places in Panama that has synchronized mass nesting. The other beach is La Marinera in Tonosi. There are groups that help preserve turtles including Tortugas Pedasi, Save the Turtles, TortuAgro and Foundación Agua y Tierra.

Turtle Night Tour in Isla Cañas

See turtles laying their eggs in one of the most important places in the world! Isla Cañas is one of the 11 places where the Olive Ridley turtle does their arribadas. This tour is available ONLY from the 15 of July to the 15 of December.

$10.00 – $120.00

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Cycling

Cycling is also on our list of what to do in Pedasi. It is quite common to see cyclists on the roads. The town is quite small so it is possible to move around internally on a bicycle. Many tourists rent bicycles (they can be rented in CouCou Crazy) to go to the nearby Toro and Arenal beaches. Pedasi also hosts marathons and has many athletes that like to cycle even the whole peninsula of Azuero.

Yoga

Yoga classes are one of my favorite things on the what to do in Pedasi list since I take them myself. There are several options for teachers who offer private and group classes in their homes, CouCou Crazy or in Andromeda. Classes start from $5. Playa Venao also offers yoga in sites like Villa Marina Lodge, Selina River Venao and Selina Playa Venao, Eco Venao Lodge, and Beach Break Hotel.

Pedasi Town

The actual town of Pedasi is on our list since it is quite charming and is worth exploring. Start from the Pedasi sign in front of the municipality. You can visit the new visitor center which is nearby in the Panama Tourism Authority building.

Go down main street to appreciate the local colonial architecture with tiled roofs and colorful paint. Most houses have front porches and it’s common to see the residents sitting in rocking chairs as you pass by. The town plaza is the heart of Pedasi with its church, square and a museum that pays tribute to Mireya Moscoso, the first female president of Panama.

Where to Eat in Pedasi

Where to eat is what most people want to know regarding what to do in Pedasi. Black Pearl Restaurant in Residencial Pedasi offers Peruvian food and ceviche. Hotel Carey’s Mangle Restaurant offers Panamanian dishes and some international options including Spanish. Right in front is Luna Rosa serving international food. Smileys on the main street is a sports bar that has live music, BBQ and seafood options. Chichemito is an affordable option with roast chicken and BBQ.

La Jungla is a great option for breakfast, coffee and sandwiches. CouCou Crazy has the best coffee in Pedasi and tasty desserts. Terry’s in Destiladeros is a more high end option managed by a French chef.

Festivals

There are plenty of festivals celebrated in Pedasi. Carnivals are on the top of our what to do in Pedasi list. Make sure to book way in advance since every accommodation sells out. Our national holidays in November are also quite popular, expect to see parades down the street. Other festivals include the local patron Santa Catalina and the loose bull festival.

Markets

CouCou Crazy hosts the fresh Friday market every Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. Expect to find prepared food, ice cream, bread, fresh organic veggies, eggs, deserts, cheese, vegan food, clothes, crafts, essential oils, coffee and beer. Sometimes they have live music. Markets are also hosted frequently in the town square or in the basketball court.