The Arco Seco: A Still Undiscovered Region of Panama

When planning a trip to Panama, you often hear about Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, or even San Blas. Yet, there’s a region that remains relatively under the radar in travel guides: the Arco Seco.

Located on the Pacific coast, between the provinces of Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Herrera, and Los Santos, the Arco Seco enjoys a generally drier climate than the rest of the country. Even during the rainy season, you’ll often find more sunshine here than in other parts of Panama.

For travelers who love alternating between beaches, nature, hikes, and local discoveries, this region is definitely worth a detour.

A few ideas for visits:

• The beaches of La Ensenada, El Palmar, Punta Barco, and Coronado

• Surfing at El Palmar, one of the most well-known spots on the Pacific coast

• Kitesurfing at Punta Chame, which is highly reputed!

• El Valle de Antón, nestled in an ancient volcanic crater, with its hikes, waterfalls, artisan market, and hot springs

• Various hikes offering stunning panoramas

• The waterfalls in the San Carlos and El Valle areas

• Golf at Vista Mar or Coronado

• Fishing villages where you can still buy freshly caught fish directly from local fishermen

What I particularly love about this region is that it lets you discover a more authentic and peaceful side of Panama while remaining easily accessible from Panama City.

I’ve been living in San Carlos for several years now, and I’m still discovering new places, trails, beaches, and hidden gems.

If anyone is planning a trip to this region and has questions, I’d be happy to share my favorite spots and personal recommendations.

Looking forward to exchanging tips with you!

Joëlle

Thanks for sharing this. It’s exactly the kind of region that’s drawing me more and more—places that are less known, where you can still take the time to observe local life without feeling like you’re following an itinerary already mapped out by thousands of travelers. People often talk about Panama for the canal or the Caribbean islands, but the Arco Seco seems to offer another side of the country—more rural and more authentic. It’s often in these kinds of places that you make the most memorable encounters.

Good evening,

I’m planning a trip to Panama for January/February 2027, combining it with a circuit in Costa Rica as well. I left a message on this forum that went unanswered—I guess not many people travel to Panama. I’m copying my message here, and if you have the time and experience, your advice would be much appreciated. Thanks so much, hope to hear from you soon! //// 1) Late arrival in Panama City 2-3-4-5) Visiting the city—the canal, Gamboa Rainforest, Gatun Lake, Pipeline Road, and Soberanía National Park. 6-7: The idea is to head to the San Blas Islands for 2 nights. 8: Return to Panama City 9-10-11: Renting a car to go to El Valle de Antón for 3 nights. 12-13-14: Heading to the Azuero Peninsula for 3 nights. 15-16-17: We’d love to visit Coiba Island, but it seems tricky to fit into our itinerary. 18-19-20: Boquete and Volcán Barú for 3 nights. 21: Drive to Almirante and head to the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. 22-23: 2 nights there. 24: Return, drop off the car, and cross the border on foot at Sixaola

Hi there,

I spent two months in Panama in 2022, and the trip was really disrupted by major protests and lots of roadblocks. It was hard to get around, so I was improvising the whole time—my experience was pretty unique because of that.

I didn’t make it to San Blas, and the reviews on different forums are pretty mixed.

On the other hand, I *loved* Santa Fe in the countryside/mountains. It’s a bit off the usual tourist trail.

I’d recommend checking out ToutPanama’s website. I know a lot of travelers use them for car rentals and accommodations. I didn’t personally use them since I didn’t rent a car, but you can read through their forum discussions (it might give you some ideas or extra details) and even ask them questions.

Here’s the article they wrote about Santa Fe:

https://www.toutpanamaforum.com/

https://www.toutpanama.com/article/santa-fe-au-panama-pourquoi-lajouter-a-votre-itineraire

Hi Marie, Thanks for getting back to me—I’ll contact them. Christiane