Towns, Mountains, Waterfalls and Pacific Beaches
West Panama Province offers beaches on the Pacific Ocean, cool mountain landscapes, waterfalls, rich culinary traditions and charming rural communities, all located less than two hours from Panama City. It is the perfect destination for travelers seeking to combine nature, adventure and local culture in a single trip.
Discover La Arenosa and Gatun Lake
Located in La Chorrera District, La Arenosa is a relaxing community on the shores of Gatun Lake and one of the main western access points to the Panama Canal reservoir. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, kayaking, sport fishing and birdwatching surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.
How to Get There: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Panama City via the Inter-American Highway, following the turnoff to La Arenosa.
Cost: Access is free. Boat tours and other activities have variable rates depending on the operator.
Enjoy Gorgona Beach
Gorgona is one of the closest and most popular beaches near Panama City. Its wide volcanic-sand shoreline is ideal for swimming, surfing, beach walks and enjoying fresh seafood at oceanfront restaurants.
How to Get There: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Panama City via the Inter-American Highway.
Cost: Beach access is free. Chair rentals and other services are available at additional cost.
Visit the Pineapple-Growing Community of La Zanguenga
La Zanguenga, in La Chorrera District, is well known for producing the most delicious pineapple in the world. The fertile farmland produces this high-quality fruit that visitors can purchase directly from local growers, making it an excellent stop for agritourism enthusiasts.
How to Get There: About 1 hour from Panama City via the Inter-American Highway toward La Chorrera.
Cost: Free access. Pineapples are sold directly by local farmers at seasonal prices.
Explore the Chica Mountains
Located in Chame District, Chica is a picturesque mountain village surrounded by cloud forests, rivers, hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. It is an excellent destination for hiking, birdwatching and rural tourism, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains.
How to Get There: About 2 hours from Panama City via the Inter-American Highway, following the road to Chica.
Cost: Access to the town is free. Some private nature reserves and trails charge admission starting at approximately $5.00 per person.
Discover the Santa Clara and Burunga Waterfalls
Located in Arraijan District, these natural waterfalls feature refreshing pools surrounded by tropical vegetation. They are ideal for a family outing and for enjoying nature just a short distance from Panama City.
How to Get There: Between 20 and 40 minutes from Panama City, depending on traffic and the selected access point.
Cost: Access is generally free, although some privately managed areas may charge a small maintenance fee.
Also Enjoy These Experiences:
- Panama Pacifico: Explore this modern mixed-use community featuring restaurants, cafes, shopping areas, recreational spaces and walking trails.
- Try the most famous empanadas: Stop in Capira to enjoy the famous empanadas of Quesos Chela, one of the best-known roadside culinary stops along the Inter-American Highway.
- Taste the Chorrerano Chicheme: Sample this traditional sweet corn beverage made with milk and spices, one of the signature flavors of West Panama and an important part of La Chorrera’s culinary heritage.
