Las Lajas
Las Lajas is in Chiriquí province, Pacific West Panama.
Understand
Las Lajas is, no doubt, one of the better places where you can enjoy the nature of Chiriquì on the Pacific coast. Its magnificent beach is extended for many kilometers from west to east and it’s bordered from palms and luxuriant vegetation inducing also the laziest to long and relaxing walk; It's only 10 minutes from the Panamerican and moreover is one of the rare places in the world where you can admire charming dawns and sensational sunsets in the same beach. You can feel very safe in its waves that are not dangerous and perfects for who wants to learn to surf. During holidays and weekends it attracts a lot of Panamanians that arrive from every part of the country to enjoy its beauty.
Get in
There are several buses running from David straight into town, and some also go to the beach. You can catch them from the David bus terminal, and they should only cost $2-3. Make sure to ask the driver to stop near your accommodation if you don't want to walk.
Get around
There are buses coming from David that you can flag down to get a cheap trip to the beach (around 10km from the town center), but they are not very frequent. If you are staying in town, it would be easier to take a taxi. If you are staying at a guest house or hotel along the beach, it's easy to walk along the beach to get to other restaurants and bars.
See
From the beach you can see other two hidden gems of this province, Isla Silva de Adentro and Isla Silva de Afuera: this last one is really a little white sand beach and black rocks paradise, fully cultivated with jucca, corn, papaya and more. When you sail to these island you could easily sight some dolphins! There is a trip that leaves from Remedios, 10 minutes from Las Lajas. Enquire about a trip from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Bay is other amazing spot. The ocean enters through the mangroves inside the coast for more than 10 km, making a peaceful place with an incredible natural variation. If you want you can “get lost” in its many little coves with only the sound of nature. It’s also perfect for fishing.