07 Feb Road Trip to Playa Venao
By Allison Weiser Guinn
Having only been to Playa Venao in the Azuero Peninsula of Pedasi once on a “research day trip” five years ago and once for lunch when staying in Cambutal, my husband, friends and I decided to take a “break from retirement” and drive there for a few days of vacation. Playa Venao is hailed as one of the best surfing areas and has been a favorite of Panamanian surfers.
It is set along Panama’s southeast coast, and until a few years ago, there was not much in the area. The beach is a horse-shoe shaped bay that. In low tide, you can walk with ease. It is a two mile stretch. It is possible to hear howler monkeys in the morning since there is still a lot of jungle surrounding this beach.
The drive is about four and a half hours from Coronado, if you pay attention to the varying the speed limit. The last stretch from Pedasi to the beach is full of potholes (which are being repaired now), which can take longer. Other things that might add more time is if you feel the need for a lunch break or to pick up groceries/snacks for your trip.
An adventurous, quick stop is at the Chitre Bus stop (you are reading this right). Here you will find the best fried chicken ever in a little store. The store is located at the back and to the left. Feel free to send me a message for better instructions OR ask anyone there. There is a Super 99 next to the bus stop.
We were fortunate to stay in a friend’s home on the beach at Playa Venao. While there, I noted that there is a popular hotel called El Sitio Hotel and Restaurant. It was a wonderful restaurant with outstanding service and excellent food with the hotel being on the beach. Tipi Hostel appears to be like a “surfing camp” with small cabins on site and a short walk to the beach. Hostel Selina Playa Venao has brightly colored houses. The Lighthouse is a one bedroom, four story with rooftop rental on the beach. There are more places to choose from but these are what I noticed on my walks and when driving to Playa Venao.
Besides dining at El Sitio, there is Restaurante Veramar which sits right on the beach. I did not experience dining here on this trip, but I remember the margaritas being excellent four years ago. We were able to pick up ice cream (thank goodness) and other essentials in the small store on the road once you have entered into Playa Venao. This store has pretty much something for everyone, including fruits, produce, many different kinds of milk. You can even find almond, granola, snacks, grains and beans, along with soap, shampoo, and any other forgotten essentials.
There are a lot of activities to do at Playa Venao. You can swim, surf, read, lounge, paddleboard, kayak, take a surf class, fly a kite, horseback ride, or play paddleball. From June to August, you can see whales breaching in the bay. From September to November, you might find sea turtles in the water or laying their eggs. You can drive within an hour to different beaches, explore the jungle or the mountains, rent a boat for fishing or drive to Isla Iguana or Isla Caña. Or you can do like my group did and make it a lazy three-day vacation from our retirement in Panama.