~3,000
Town residents (2023 census)
4.5–5h
Drive from Panama City
~45 min
FlyTrip flight from Albrook
25–27°C
Average temperature year-round
Welcome to Pedasí
Pedasí is a small, friendly town at the southeastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula on Panama’s Pacific coast. Founded in 1840 as a fishing village surrounded by small rice and corn farms, it has become a favorite destination for surfers, anglers, retirees and families from around the world, as well as Panamanians on holiday.
It is still an up-and-coming area, with opportunities to get in early on new projects, gated communities, homes and land near famous beaches, or to live in town itself. A thriving community of retirees, families and entrepreneurs now calls it home.
Residents often describe Pedasí as a unique place to live, not just in Panama but anywhere. Many stay for the close-knit community and the friendships they build with other expats and with Panamanian neighbors. It is a quiet town where most residents feel safe, with far fewer fences and barbed wire than in many parts of Panama, although petty crime can happen here as anywhere.
The coast is known as Panama’s “Tuna Coast” for its world-class sport fishing, and the town is the hometown of Mireya Moscoso, Panama’s first female president.
Pedasí’s Main Areas
Pedasí can be divided into four main areas, with smaller communities in between.
Pedasí Town
The heart of the area, with the town square, restaurants, shops, schools and services. Homes and lots in town are within walking distance of daily needs, and the nearest beaches are a few minutes’ drive away.
Los Destiladeros
A coastal area a short drive south of town, known for ocean views, quiet beaches and upscale homes and land.
Playa Venao
A world-class surf beach about 30 km from town that hosted the ISA World Surfing Championships in 2011 and 2012, with hotels, restaurants, condos and a lively international feel.
Pocrí
Quiet rural communities on the road between Las Tablas and Pedasí, with farmland, ranches and small country towns.
Population and Climate
Population
According to Panama’s 2023 national census, the town of Pedasí has about 3,000 residents, up from about 2,400 in 2010. The wider District of Pedasí, which includes Los Asientos, Mariabé, Purio and Oria Arriba, has about 4,900.
These figures count permanent residents only. In the dry season and on holidays the area fills with part-time residents, surfers and visitors, while the town keeps its relaxed, small-town character.
Climate
Pedasí lies in Panama’s “arco seco” (dry arc), one of the driest parts of the country. The dry season runs roughly from January to April, with sunny days and steady breezes. The rest of the year brings greener landscapes and rain showers.
Average temperatures stay around 25 to 27°C (77 to 81°F) all year.
Getting to Pedasí
Pedasí is about 4.5 to 5 hours by car from Panama City, or about 45 minutes by air. See our Pedasí Transportation Guide and Panama Transportation Guide for full details.
By Road
Drive: 4.5 to 5 hours from Panama City, if you avoid leaving during peak traffic.
Bus: take a bus from the Albrook bus terminal to Las Tablas, then change to a local bus or taxi to Pedasí. Local buses run during the day only.
Shuttle: private and shared shuttles run daily from Panama City and Tocumen Airport to Pedasí and Playa Venao. Prices vary, so ask for a current quote.
Private driver or taxi: can be booked for the whole trip from Panama City.
By Air
FlyTrip flies from Albrook Airport (Marcos A. Gelabert) in Panama City to Pedasí in about 45 minutes:
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun: depart Albrook 8:45 AM and 3:00 PM; return from Pedasí 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM
Tue, Thu, Sat: depart Albrook 3:00 PM; return from Pedasí 4:00 PM
Schedule as of October 2026. Check flytrip.com.pa before you book.
Things to Do in Pedasí
For a full list of beaches, see our Pedasí Beach Guide.
Beaches
Several sandy beaches lie a few minutes from town, including Playa El Arenal, Playa El Toro, Playa El Lagarto and Puerto Escondido, with Los Destiladeros and Playa Venao a short drive away.
Surfing and Kitesurfing
Playa Venao is the best-known surf spot in the area, with waves for beginners and experienced surfers. Kitesurfers head to Playa El Arenal during the windy months, from January to April.
Sport Fishing
Pedasí sits on Panama’s Tuna Coast. Sailfish, roosterfish, cubera snapper, grouper and amberjack are caught year-round, and dorado, tuna and wahoo arrive mainly from November to April.
Isla Iguana
A protected wildlife refuge since 1981, about a 20-minute boat ride from Playa El Arenal, with white-sand beaches, a coral reef for snorkeling and a large frigatebird nesting colony.
Whales and Sea Turtles
Humpback whales visit the waters off Pedasí roughly from July to October, and whale-watching tours leave from Playa El Arenal. Sea turtles nest on Isla Iguana and on nearby Isla de Cañas, a well-known nesting site.
Festivals, Food and Town Life
Carnival is the high point of the year, when the town splits into Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo, each with its own queen. The town square hosts night markets, live music and cultural events, and for a small town Pedasí has a lot of restaurants, with a wide variety of cuisine.
Everyday Life and Services
01
Healthcare
Pedasí has a public MINSA-CAPSI health center. Larger hospitals are in Las Tablas, under an hour away, along with the Anita Moreno Regional Hospital in La Villa de Los Santos and private clinics in Chitré. For specialist care, many residents travel to Panama City.
02
Shopping and Services
Day-to-day needs are covered in town, with mini-supermarkets, small shops, restaurants and bank branches. For bigger shopping trips, hardware and appliances, residents drive to Las Tablas or Chitré.
03
Schools
Moving to Panama with children brings extra questions, and schooling is usually the first one. Our Pedasí School Guide covers the local options for families.
04
Internet and Cell Service
Más Móvil has invested the most in internet and cell infrastructure in the Pedasí area, and its network gives strong, reliable coverage. We recommend clients relocating here set up their internet and phone plans with Más Móvil.
Buying Real Estate in Pedasí
Pedasí offers homes in town, houses in gated communities, ocean-view and beachfront land, condos near Playa Venao and larger farms in the countryside.
Before you buy, check whether a property is titled or rights-of-possession (ROP) land. Titled property can be financed and is easier to resell. Our Buyers Guide explains the difference and the buying process, and some sellers also offer owner financing.
As your buyer’s agent, we help you compare areas, check paperwork with your attorney and negotiate on your behalf. Buyers pay no agent commission when they buy with us.
Is Pedasí Right for You?
Why People Love It
A small-town feel with a friendly local and international community
Beaches, surfing, fishing and wildlife within minutes
One of the driest, sunniest climates in Panama
Daily flights and a straightforward drive to Panama City
Plenty of restaurants for a town of its size
Things to Consider
Limited big-box shopping; larger stores are in Las Tablas and Chitré
Major hospitals are a drive away
Fewer services and flight options than Panama City
Busier during the dry season, Carnival and holidays
Some rural roads can be rough in the rainy season
Thinking About Moving to Pedasí?
Our office is right here in Pedasí, and our agents live and work in the area. We can help you explore neighborhoods, arrange viewings and connect you with trusted local attorneys.
Buyers pay no agent commission. Ask us about mortgage and loan options, available with approved credit, or about buying property with cryptocurrency.
Panama Properties
Unit 1 Plaza Pedasí (Super Pedasí Plaza)
Pedasí, Los Santos 7401, Panama
WhatsApp: +507 6169-2453
Email: ken@panama-properties.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pedasí?
Pedasí is a small town at the southeastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula, on Panama’s Pacific coast, about a 4.5 to 5 hour drive from Panama City.
How many people live in Pedasí?
According to Panama’s 2023 census, the town has about 3,000 permanent residents and the wider District of Pedasí about 4,900. The population grows in the dry season and on holidays.
How do I get to Pedasí?
Drive from Panama City in 4.5 to 5 hours, take a bus to Las Tablas and change to a local bus or taxi, use a private or shared shuttle, or fly with FlyTrip from Albrook Airport in about 45 minutes. FlyTrip flies to Pedasí every day; check its website for current times.
What are the main areas around Pedasí?
Pedasí Town, Los Destiladeros, Playa Venao and Pocrí, with smaller communities in between.
When is the best time to visit Pedasí?
The dry season, roughly January to April, brings the sunniest weather and the best kitesurfing. Humpback whales visit from about July to October. Carnival and national holidays are lively but busy, so book early.
Is there healthcare in Pedasí?
Pedasí has a public MINSA-CAPSI health center. Larger hospitals are in Las Tablas, La Villa de Los Santos and Chitré, and many residents travel to Panama City for specialist care.
What is internet and cell service like in Pedasí?
Más Móvil has invested the most in internet and cell service in the Pedasí area, and we recommend it to clients relocating here.
Can foreigners buy property in Pedasí?
Yes. Foreigners can buy titled property in Panama with largely the same rights as Panamanians. Your attorney will check the title and any restrictions before you buy, and buyers pay no agent commission when they buy with us.